Plate 355. 



NEW VARIETIES OF CYCLAMEN PERSICUM. 



In order to illustrate the great improvement made in the Cyclamen persicum during 

 the last few years, we have the pleasure of introducing a group of five new varieties from 

 the extensive collection of Mr. H. B. Smith, Ealing Dean Nursery, Ealing, W. To three 

 of these the Royal Horticultural Society this season awarded First-class Certificates of Merit — 

 viz., Queen of the Belgians (fig. 2), pure white throughout ; a variety as remarkable for 

 the excellent shape and stoutness of the petals as for their snowy purity of colour ; this is 

 the finest white Cyclamen yet raised. Picturatum (fig. 4), one of the fine large-flowered 

 types, white suffused with pink, and having a rich claret-purple base, very fine smooth 

 petals and superb appearance. Crimson King (fig. 5), is the richest and deepest-coloured 

 Cyclamen we have yet seen ; and it may be best described as of a rich deep purplish rose 

 hue, with a deep claret base ; it is characterised also by fine form and substance. The others, 

 Duke of Connaught (fig. 1 ), and Mont Blanc (fig. 3), are also new and fine varieties, and 

 worthy companions of the certificated flowers. A group of flowers of various colours is, 

 perhaps, to be preferred as an attractive picture to one representing a plant, but the latter 

 sometimes becomes a necessity. 



Plate 356. 

 NEW HYACINTHS. 



The two beautiful new Hyacinths, now figured, are from the fine collection of Messrs. James 

 Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, who this season bloomed a very 

 large number of new varieties, obtained from every available source opened to them. They 

 are both single varieties, remarkable for the novel shades of colour they possess, and 

 for their handsome and symmetrical proportions. King of the Reds (fig. 1) is classed with 

 the single reds, and when at its best is of a deep bright lake in colour, with a distinct white 

 centre to the bells, an exceedingly bright-coloured and striking flower, distancing all other 

 varieties in the single red class for its depth of colour. It is a fine accession to the 

 Exhibition Hyacinths. This variety recently received a First-class Certificate of Merit from 

 the Royal Horticultural Society. Duke of Connaught (fig. 2) is included in what is termed 

 the mauve or purple class. It is of a rich, deep-shaded purple colour, much deeper than 

 any other variety in this class, with a peculiar gloss on the spike, which imparts to it a very 

 attractive appearance. Spike large, close, and symmetrical. When this fine variety comes 

 to be distributed, it will find much favour among growers for its rich colour, .and its distinct 

 shade and massive proportions. 



