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CULTURE OF PELARGONIUMS. 
Pelargonia, more generally known by the name of Geraniums, from which, 
however, they are widely different, may be classed into three distinct natural 
groups. There are, first, those with herbaceous stems, including a few annuals, 
biennials, and perennials, which section is scarcely known in this country. A 
second, and more extensive division has similar stems, but tuberous roots ; and of 
this a small portion is cultivated in large collections. The remainder, comprising 
by far the greater number, consists of low evergreen shrubs, the offspring of which 
occupy a very distinguished position in British gardens. It is to these latter the 
succeeding observations are entirely directed. 
Having promised, some months since, to recur to this subject, and finding 
several subscribers anxious to receive our sentiments and advice hereon, we shall 
compress into the least possible compass a comprehensive statement of our own 
opinions and experience, with a like compendious outline of the routine usually 
followed in those metropolitan establishments, where the most signal success is now 
commonly experienced. For the sake of facilitating reference, we may arrange our 
individual directions under three heads, and afterwards add a slight sketch of the 
London growers' practice. 
Summer treatment. —Merely premising that we intend in this period to embrace 
the months from April to October, inclusive, we will suppose all our readers, who 
cultivate this tribe, to have either a greenhouse or frame in which to preserve them. 
In whatever structure they are kept, it is important that they be grown apart from 
other plants, and, where practicable, in a place appropriated wholly to that 
purpose. Their succulent nature, excessive partiality for light, and the peculiar 
temperature they require at certain seasons, all enjoin the provision of a detached 
department, wherein every needful assistance can be duly and timeously given, 
without interfering with any of those distinct and very dissimilar assemblages of 
plants, with which they are too often associated. 
For every desirable object, whether of health or luxuriance, the production of 
flowers, economy of labour or heat, convenience, or appearance, frames are incon- 
testably the fittest receptacles for Pelargonia. Each of these particulars might be 
separately urged ; but it is hoped their simple enumeration will carry conviction 
to all whom we address. Every one is aware that these plants are rather unsightly 
than otherwise in winter ; that they are only or chiefly ornamental while the 
flowers are expanded ; that they cannot be too near the glass in some stages, or in 
too confined an atmosphere at others ; and to secure their seclusion or proper 
management at all these epochs, they must be kept in a frame ; removing them to 
a greenhouse, or other show apartment only while their blossoms are in progress 
or unclosed. 
VOL. VII. NO. LXXIV. F 
