2 THE FLORIST AND 
gable explorer, in 1849, to the nurseries of Messrs. Standish and Noble. It 
is found in the north of China ; and, although it has flowered for the first 
time in the greenhouse, (in December, 1853,) it is scarcely a doubt but that 
it will prove hardy in our climate. The relationship manifested is with our 
graceful Gentiana Pneumonanthe, and still more with the G. septemfida, 
(figured in the Flore des Serres, vol. viii. tab. 765.) But, however, observes 
Sir William Hooker, it is easily distinguished from this latter by its more 
elevated shape, its more vigorous growth, its more distant leaves, its larger 
flowers, and, above all, by the folds interposed between the lobes of its 
corolla, which folds are simply three-toothed, instead of being cut into 
numerous fringes. Let us hope that the beauty of this new comer shall 
call the attention of amateurs to the whole genus, and direct towards the 
difficult but not impossible cultivation of these lovely plants, such intelli- 
gent efforts as shall be crowned with success. 
J. E. Planch ON, 
in ^^ Flore des Serres." 
A PLEA FOR FERNS AND MOSSES. 
"Ferns and their allies" have long been a favorite class of plants with 
us. True, you will say they are destitute of conspicuous flowers ; but, then, 
their exceedingly graceful habit, and delicate green colored foliage, amply 
compensate for this apparent loss ; for it is not a real one, many of the 
fern tribe having fructifications of, to say nothing else, great curiosity. 
What a grand effect has a complete collection of these interesting plants, 
from the most gigantic Tree Fern of New Holland, to the most puny Lyco- 
pod! Like all other natural families of plants, to be done to perfection, 
they require a house to themselves, or nearly so, say a span-roofed house, 
with a glass division, the one for tropical, the other for temperate speci- 
mens. To be seen to the best advantage, a mass of artifical rock work in 
the place of a stage, with here a little pool of water, there a sparkling jet 
or fountain, with the drooping ferns and Lycopods hanging over the edges. 
Amongst this rock should be inserted promiscuously, and without seeming 
intention, large distorted, gnarly, half-decayed, tree stumps : into the cavi- 
ties of these, a host of the most lovely would find an appropriate home. 
The Elks-Horn Fern [Acrostichum alcicorne) would here look beautifully, 
clasping the old stump, and sending up its singularly shaped fronds. The 
beautiful Hare's-foot Fern, {Bavalia canariensis,) would extend its Hare's- 
foot-like creeping Rhizoma, and form a striking contrast, besides number- 
5 8 5 9. 
