REMARKS ON THE PELARGONIUM. 
205 
said and written. There are antagonist opinions ; but without attempting to deny 
in toto the utility of sulphur, it is highly probable that far too much has been stated 
in its favour. Bruised laurel leaves, if inclosed with an individual plant, may be an 
active remedy. It was once tried with a Thunbergia , inclosed, and then appeared 
to act powerfully in dislodging the Acarus ; but general proof is wanting. 
Further remarks must be postponed. 
-• 
REMARKS ON THE PELARGONIUM. 
Of all the very splendid productions which appear at the great metropolitan 
Exhibitions, perhaps there is none that attracts greater— certainly nothing that 
elicits more universal admiration, than the Pelargonium. It is a matter of perfect 
wonder to the generality of observers how it can be brought to a state of almost 
absolute perfection ; and they conclude, we have no doubt, that the result they wit- 
ness is the effect of some peculiar treatment — is due to some mysterious agency, 
into the secret of whose nature and worth few only are initiated. Be this as it may, 
one of our own objects in this paper is to remove such a notion where it exists, by 
directing attention to that part of the management of Pelargoniums on which such 
i'perfection is principally dependant. Into any detailed method of their management 
we do not meditate entering, that having been done in a former volume ; our present 
remarks will be confined to a few points hitherto little regarded, as far as a broad 
consideration of them is concerned. 
Our admiration of the Pelargonium , as it appears under the circumstances already 
mentioned, is not confined, or scarcely directed to the effect created by a collection as 
a whole ; their merits as individuals, principally with respect to the regularity they 
exhibit, the uniformness with which their branches are disposed, and handsome 
trusses of bloom produced, is the criterion by which we are guided in forming an 
estimate of their perfection. But it is the cause of this perfection — the means by 
which the end is attained — with which we wish to deal. What then is it ? In 
addition to the propriety of not suffering the Pelargonium to lack the application of any 
of those auxiliaries, every gardener knows, or ought to know, is necessary to the health, 
growth, and well-being of all plants, such as good fresh soil, pure air in sufficient 
abundance, &c., as helps to produce w T hat is sought to be attained, and the avoidance 
of uncongenial influences, whether arising from accidental or natural causes, which 
tend to prevent what we aim at ; we have no hesitation in pronouncing training , in 
connection with what we shall presently refer to, to be the instrumentality through 
whose effect is accomplished what every one cannot fail to admire. It is quite certain 
the operation wholly conduces to produce the form of the plant, and that, without 
any demur, it will be admitted is a corner-stone in the production of its beauty. But it 
does more. 
