ROCKERIES, GROTTOES, AND CAVERNS. 
135 
In the year 1837, ^ riew impulse was given to the cultivation of Fuchsias by 
the introduction of F. fulgens ; and the subsequent addition of F. corymhiflora 
opens a still wider field for the exertions of the hybridist. The beautiful breeds that 
have resulted from cross impregnation between the former of these and the species 
which bear their blossoms singly in the axils of the leaves, have nearly all taken 
the character of the old kinds as far as regards the disposition of the inflorescence ; 
but its size, and colour, and the appearance of the leaves, are certainly great improve- 
ments. If the doctrine of a celebrated living botanist, that there are no bi-generic 
mules, be correct, the facility with which the habits of F. fulgens have united with 
old-established species, completely confutes its claim to constitute a new genus ; 
and we may mention that the anomalous forms it sometimes takes are palpably 
accidental. 
With F. fulgens^ a method of culture rather novel in this genus has come into 
vogue. Both the species and the hybrids generated by its agency can be forced so 
as to bloom nearly the whole winter ; and F. corymhiflora is exactly of the same 
nature. Thus, the lover of forced flowers may have Fuchsias in bloom from 
Christmas to the beginning of the summer, as well as from that time till late in the 
autumn ; a warm greenhouse or a temperate stove being all that is requisite in the 
former instance. 
F. fulgens^ and most probably F. corymhiflora^ need pruning in rather a different 
manner to the species before mentioned. After the first year their woody stem 
must be cut down about six inches or a foot above the soil, and the shoots that 
then issue from it must be thinned, leaving only so many as it is thought will be 
strong enough to bear flowers ; for, since the blossoms appear in terminal branches, 
and only on the larger shoots, it is impolitic to sufi*er the lesser ones to remain and 
exhaust those bearing flowers. In after years, the branches can be shortened, as 
already directed for the other kinds ; but the younger ones emitted by them should 
still be relieved of the weakest while in a progressive state. 
Those who force F. fulgens^ corymhiflora^ Standishii^ or hybrids of similar 
origin to the last, should bear in mind that it essentially weakens the plants, and 
that it is not advisable to subject their only or best specimens to artificial heat. 
ROCKERIES, GROTTOES, AND CAVERNS. 
In a country of which the most characteristic feature is flatness, monotony, and 
tameness, considerable relief is often obtained by introducing objects in themselves 
wildly natural, or rudely picturesque. And the effect is rather heightened than 
othervvise by the remote contrast they afford to the surrounding scenery, and the 
manner in which they carry the imagination to districts where such peculiarities 
preponderate. 
