Plate 455. 



SALVIA PITCHERI. 



A short time since we figured one of the pretty novelties in Salvias introduced by 

 Mr. H. Cannell, Nurseryman, Swanley, last year. On this occasion we give a repre- 

 sentation of another form of a not less valuable character. 



S. Pitcheri is a beautiful herbaceous Salvia of profuse growth, attaining a height of 

 from two to three feet, and branching freely. The colour of the flowers is of a pleasing 

 azure-blue, and the main spike and side spikes are alike laden with flowers. It is a most 

 desirable plant to cultivate, and flowers freely all through the autumn. 



These Salvias are propagated by means of cuttings taken in April, May, and June, 

 which should be struck in the same way as Verbenas, and grown on into size. Plants in 

 five-inch or seven-inch pots will, if supplied with liquid manure twice a week, produce 

 plants three feet through, and not more than that in height, if the points are taken out of 

 the longest shoots once or twice during the month of August. The usually good soil 

 employed for soft-wooded plants will suit these Salvias well. 



Plate 456. 



DAHLIA WILLIAM DODDS. 



This fine Self Dahlia is one of the new varieties raised and shown by Messrs. 

 Keynes and Co., Nurserymen, Salisbury, in the autumn of 1880. It is a flower of large 

 size and rare symmetry, perfect in petal and outline, of great depth and substance, and high, 

 close centre ; and, as the culture of Dahlias for exhibition purposes is much pursued, it is 

 one of those varieties that will take high rank on the exhibition table. The colour of the 

 flower is pale purple, with a distinct shading of crimson, and in its best form is peculiarly 

 bright and effective. 



As it does not appear among the new varieties for 1881 now in course of distribution 

 by Messrs. Keynes and Co., we infer that it is to be held over for another year. It some- 

 times happens in the case of new varieties that there are not sufficient roots to yield the 

 required supply of plants, and another year's culture is given them in order to secure 

 increase. We notice that a large number of new Dahlias are being offered this season, 

 showing that the interest in the flower has hj no means declined to the extent some have 

 supposed. 



