BOTANICAL INBEX. 
71 
from this standard color they seem to shade oft by insensible gradations to both 
extremes, i. e., very dark on the one hand, and very light, or white on the other. 
The standard color of the Scilla is blue, but when grown in very rich, loamy soil, a 
more intense or deeper blue is often obtained, while many species are naturally a 
very light blue, and at least nine species are pure white. Many of the true species 
are now offered by dealers in three or four colors, which are usually constant and 
quite distinct, while a few tire a dirty white, or purplish rose color, and only indefi- 
nitely approach the desired color. 
In conclusion, we might say they are among the cheapest bulbs offered, many 
good kinds selling for only 40 cents per dozen, or $2.50 per one hundred, while some 
of the better ones are worth 50 cents each, or $4.00 per dozen. 
THREE CHOICE BLUE SALVIAS. 
|EW plants tire more worthy a choice place in the flower-garden, than the Sal- 
via, or as they are popularly known, the Sages. They are of all colors and 
shades, from white to black ; but blue is the predominant color, and as blue 
flowers are not very common in the nurserymen’s list, we will say a few 
words in behalf of three varieties of blue Salvias we have growing. 
First, and best of all, is Salvia patens • of a deep azure blue, large and 
bushy growth, corolla large and ample. It is very difficult to propagate from cut- 
tings, and seeds are a long time in producing flowering plants, hence it is they are 
always an expensive plant. The roots may be taken up in Autumn and stored over 
Winter like a Dahlia, but it must never be allowed to dry or shrivel up; if they do, 
they will never start again. They should be planted in a large box of earth and 
kept quite moist, but not wet enough for the earth to sour. They should, also, be 
kept just as cool as possible without freezing, to prevent the plant from starting 
into growth. The English gardeners have left them out in the ground for tiie past 
few years and with a light protection they remain uninjured. The young, tender 
shoots must, however, be watched in Spring and protected from the lightest frost, 
which seems to permanently injure them. They flourish in any common garden 
soil, and if planted early, by pegging down the first shoots a dense thicket of flow- 
ering stocks can be obtained. By starting them early they will come into bloom by 
July, while by pinching out the end of the growing branches at intervals during 
Summer, their . blooming season may be delayed till nearly Winter, and if they are 
carefully removed to the house or conservatory and grown in a temperature vary- 
ing only a little from 45° to 50°, they may be had in bloom at Christmas. 
Salvia Cacafolia is much easier to propagate, consequently, much cheaper. The 
flower is of a lighter blue color, corolla much smaller, still much more inflated than 
Salvia Splendens. The plant is of a dwarf or creeping growth and if encouraged 
by layering, will produce quite a mat of plants. They usually bloom later than 
patens ; i. e., commence about the time patens has partly become exhausted. 
Salvia Splendens Hoveyi is a new variety or sport, raised by C. M. Hovey, of 
Boston, Mass., from the old Salvia Splendens, and still retains the character of Splen- 
dens in its habit of growth and long, tube-shaped corolla. It is a vigorous, rank 
grower, with foliage of a dark, metallic luster. The flowers are not a true blue, but 
with a dark, purplish shade. 
It might be well to say these three Salvias are all of Mexican origin — (calling 
Salvia Splendens the parent of Salvia Splendens Hoveyi, a Mexican variety, which it 
is). There are over one hundred and fifty species of Salvias known, and nearly one- 
quarter are natives of Mexico. Perhaps many other forms of blue Salvia are 
worth cultivating, but we have never seen them. Salvia Hoveyi like its parent, S. 
Splendens, is very free to grow from cuttings, and of Course, will soon be reasona- 
bly cheap. 
SOOT WATER FOR POT ROSES. 
It may be well to again allude to the necessity for the frequent use of this. 
Worms have a particular liking for the soil in the pots where rich manures are 
used, on tli is account there are no plants that suffer more than Roses. The fact of 
their bearing strong stimulants admits of the soot water being applied somewhat 
stronger than would be safe to use for many plants. Before giving, it is well to let 
the plants get as dry as possible without the foliage being injured ; then give them 
a thorough soaking, the effect of which is -that generally in a few minutes, the 
worms, especially the large red ones make their appearance above the surface 
when they can be removed. — The Garden, ( London , Eng.) 
