152 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



planted out many of the new seedling varieties, both doubles and 

 singles, with very effective results. 



Whether the plants are grown under glass or out of doors, a 

 judicious application of liquid manure is of great benefit when the 

 soil is becoming exhausted. In the olden time the excrement of 

 animals formed the staple material for this purpose, and the 

 results were very satisfactory, but almost any of the chemical 

 manures which are so abundant at the present day are equally 

 effective if properly applied. The beginner should bear in mind 

 in using these artificial compounds that it is far better to err on 

 the side of moderation. It is easy to give the plants a second 

 dressing if required, whereas a single too strong dose has been 

 known to destroy every plant in the house. 



I have not thought it necessary to give selections of the best 

 varieties, as these are well known to all who make the culture of 

 the Fuchsia a speciality ; but as regards the beauty of a plant, it 

 is the way in which it is grown that tends very materially to 

 enhance its deportment, if I may so express it. I commenced my 

 gardening career in the year 1832. Hence nearly all the varieties 

 and sub-varieties of Fuchsias raised from the species first intro- 

 duced have been produced in my time, and I am not slow to affirm 

 that, couldmanyof the now defunct forms be restored and grown as 

 we now grow our special and choice favourites, they would show 

 many points of merit and be of considerable interest. When 

 taking a retrospective view of the past, I am astounded at the 

 great work that has been done by those worthy gardeners and 

 florists, many of whom I personally knew, but who have long 

 since passed away. 



