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ON THE TREATMENT OF ANNUALS. 
The term Annuals, as applied to a class of plants, consisting of a great number 
of genera and species very varied in point of resemblance to each other, differing 
materially in the extent to which one species as compared with another is employed, 
and the way in which they are employed, but in a very inconsiderable degree 
conveys an idea of their value and importance, when examined as to the extent in 
which they assist in keeping up an effectual display of flowers, whether in the 
instances of those which may be deemed not unworthy of a place in the stove and 
greenhouse, or in the situations in which they are more usually found, — the beds 
and borders of the flower-garden and shrubbery. 
Undoubtedly, in no case generally considered, does the substantial effect 
produced by plants in flower depend for its existence or continuance upon annual 
plants ; neither is it advisable, or under any circumstances requisite that it should. 
But in maintaining constant variety, and creating continual contrast, either by colour 
or profusion of flowers, and dimensions and style of growth of plants, can annuals be 
dispensed with. 
Nor do gardening pursuits, or the enjoyment derivable from following them, in 
numerous instances exist so independently of growing plants annually reared from 
seed, as on a cursory glance might be imagined. Cases are not few in number in 
which, in connection with the commoner herbaceous plants only, the beauty of the 
open garden in the summer season entirely depends upon annuals. Likewise in the 
greenhouse, from that structure bemg almost wholly required in the winter for the 
preservation of half-hardy plants, none else can be accommodated, except it may be 
a few of the most common description, such as will bear almost any kind of 
treatment. In addition to these, perhaps some others, which are especially 
regarded, probably the recent novelties of the popular tribes, &c. But the whole 
alluded to are not, collectively, sufficient to maintain a respectable appearance in the 
greenhouse, in the absence of those which are placed in it for protection. Hence 
in the summer season, annual plants, Balsams, Cockscombs, and numerous others, 
are resorted to. 
Another reason why annuals are employed in many instances where they could 
probably be dispensed with, is, because in raising plants from seed, and in giving 
them the necessary tendence, watching their delicate developments as they are 
progressively unfolded and exhibited to our admiring gaze, from their earliest origin 
till they arrive at perfect maturity, there is something so powerfully interesting, and 
in a great degree gratifying. We have been thus lengthy in our introduction to 
a subject, which to a common observer may seem of trifling importance, the more 
effectually to attract attention to a consideration of its consequence. 
Notwithstanding the treatment required for plants of annual duration is very 
