DELPHINIUMS. 
39 
pelled to move the layers during the early autumn, but always with 
disappointing results. 
Sowing seed is a very simple and interesting method of raising 
stock. Sown in a cold frame immediately the seed is ripe, the plants 
will flower well the following summer. Care must be taken of the 
seedlings during the winter months, and on no account must they be 
coddled. They should be kept moderately dry, with plenty of air, 
and on favourable occasions remove the lights and do all that is 
possible, so as not to encourage early growth. Transplant into their 
permanent positions early in March, providing the weather is 
favourable. 
Great care should be taken in selecting the varieties for seed, 
choosing only those of clear, distinct colours, robust habit, and 
symmetrical well-set spikes. 
Quite a number of the distinct types will come remarkably true 
from seed. Delphinium ' Rev. E. Lascelles' is capable of producing a 
very high percentage of large circular flowers, with its characteristic 
spreading centre. ' King of Delphiniums ' has produced a very 
encouraging percentage true to type. ' Geneva,' one of the most 
popular light-blue bedding varieties, has produced in my garden quite 
50 per cent, absolutely true to type and colour. Of course the seed- 
lings are a little more vigorous, but after they have had one or two 
years' propagating it is impossible to distinguish them from true 
' Geneva.' 
I trust these few remarks will not lead you to assume that the 
general collection of hybrids can be raised true from seeds. 
During the last twenty years I have specialized in this family, and 
I have records of over 500 named varieties that have been grown in 
my Winchmore Hill and Enfield gardens for trial purposes. These 
were secured from reliable sources both at home and abroad, and at 
least 400 of this collection have been found wanting in some respect. 
The majority of the flower-loving public desire in Delphiniums 
vigorous constitution, clear self colours, and symmetrical well-set 
spikes. The following twelve varieties are, in my opinion, the finest 
yet introduced, and in arriving at this judgment I have been 
somewhat led by an analysis of my order sheets. 
Introduced about twenty-five years ago, ' King of Delphiniums ' 
is still one of the most popular. I have for some years past been 
making large shipments of twelve to fifteen thousand plants of this 
popular variety for overseas trade. 
' Statuaire Rude,' gigantic spikes, immense flowers of a delightful 
shade of heliotrope blue. 
'Table Ronde,' immense circular flowers, delightful shade of 
reddish plum. 
' Henri Moissan,' immense flowers, rich purplish blue. 
' Cory,' a Continental variety of great merit, exquisite shade of 
forget-me-not blue. 
' Nellie,' another variety of Continental origin, enormous spikes, 
