FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 
45 
and an ample degree of tlie beauty for which some of them are so deservedly famed. 
Nor are the flowers of that fugitive character so common to plants of this descrip- 
tion, but continue to expand in succession for a considerable time. As it blossoms 
during the winter months, no collection of stove plants should be without it. We 
observed it flowering most beautifully last month in the nursery of Messrs. RoUison, 
Tooting. 
Oncidium lunatum. Tlie curious crescent-like form of the labellum of the 
flowers of this plant, has suggested its specific name. It is a small species, of 
dwarf habits, and slightly resembling 0. triquetrum. The flowers are very 
numerous, and exceedingly pretty, being of a dull white ground, and liberally 
streaked with brownish purple. It is an excellent species for growing on pieces of 
wood, suspended from the roof of the house ; as, in such a position, it could receive 
the necessary care with regard to the administration of water, and its blossoms 
would be more favourably exhibited. Specimens of it are flowering in the 
orchidaceous house of Messrs. Loddiges at the present time. 
Oncidium cavendishii. A noble species, imported from Mexico, and inferior 
to 0. Lanceanum in the colours and fragrance of its flowers alone. It has short, 
thick, fleshy leaves, which are quite destitute of spots, and large yellow flowers 
mottled with brown. These latter are produced in strong, dwarf spikes, after the 
manner of the species above mentioned, from which it differs in general appearance 
by the shortness and rigidness of its foliage, and the absence from it of any other 
colour than green. In the nursery of Messrs. Loddiges it is now blooming profusely. 
PECULIARITIES IN THE CULTURE OF RARE OR ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 
Fuchsia fi^tlgens. — As in the literary world, so also in the scientific, and con- 
sequently in the floricultural, each season records one or more particular novelties, 
which may or may not contain real excellence, but which the patrons of the pursuit 
are always anxious to bring within their personal knowledge, to possess, and, if 
possible, to improve. Judging from the eagerness with which Fuchsia fidgens has 
been cultivated, the numerous prizes which have been awarded for it at horticul- 
tural exhibitions, and the distinguished and engrossing attention it has received in 
gardening works, we presume we are correct in asserting, that this fine species has 
held no mean rank among such floral lions or attractions of J 838. 
Much as we contemn the practice of involving any subject in mysterious 
uncertainty, particularly when in itself extremely simple, it will be admitted that 
something has yet to be learned respecting the cultivation of this plant. It may 
be, indeed is, perfectly true, that nothing can be more easy than its summer treat- 
ment ; but, what are the best methods of preserving it through the winter, and of 
inducing it to grow, or accelerating its growth, or rendering it strong and healthy 
in the spring, is far from being satisfactorily determined. The following hints, 
