TUE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
353 
DE. DENNY’S GERANIUMS. 
( JFUh Coloured Plate of Geranium Imogen.) 
f|HEN Dr. Denny, of Stoke Newington, first began to raise 
seedling geraniums — about ten years since — his prin- 
cipal object was to determine, by systematic experiments 
ii and observations, the nature of the process by which 
new varieties of flowers are produced, and especially 
the relative influence of the respective parents on the oflspring. He 
could not have selected a more suitable plant for his operations, the 
zonate pelargonium, or “ geranium ” of the flower garden, being one 
of the most valuable plants in cultivation, and presenting in its 
variations the most opposite and diverse characters. If we place 
side by side a selection of single and double flowering, gold, silver, 
and bronze-leaved geraniums, we shall see so many distinct characters 
that it would pass belief that they are all forms of one species, unless 
we had evidence to establish the fact. As for the fact, indeed, it is 
notorious, but it is none the less surprising and wonderful. When 
Dr. Denny entered upon his agreeable labours, the raising of tri- 
colours was a popular passion. The superbly variegated leaves of 
these plants are less sought after now, but in common with all other 
sections of the zonal family, a certain degree of favour they will 
ever enjoy ; for the geraniums are the most useful of the many 
tender plants that are cherished in our gardens. 
It is impossible now to present anything like an analysis of the 
results obtained by the scientific method of our esteemed friend 
and neighbour. Some account of registered crossings, and of the 
plants produced,was giveninthe “Gardener’s Magazine,”of August 24, 
1867, and to that, for the present, we must refer readers who propose 
to study the subject. It may be well, however, to remark that one 
broad and useful conclusion arrived at (and, as we believe, sulfi- 
ciently established) is, that the pollen parent, or say the father 
plant, exercises the greatest influence on the character of the off- 
spring. The old rule of the florists is, therefore, considerably modi- 
fied, Wt we would not cast their rule — which required a well-formed 
flower for the mother — to the winds, for in this systematic geranium 
crossing, the seed plant, or mother plant, has always communicated 
somew'hat of its characteristics to the seedlings. How pinks and 
whites have been bred from scarlets, and how doubles and tricolors 
have originated, is now in great part explained in a way to satisfy 
scientific men, and our friend has contributed more tliau any other 
worker to this desirable and most valuable end. AVhatever interest 
we, as gardeners, may take in the subject, we cannot but admire the 
magnificent named varieties that have been selected by Dr. Denn)'^ 
from his thousands of seedling plants, and it is the more agreeable 
to make note of them, because amongst them are several that so 
nearly approach true blue in colour, that we are compelled to believe 
and hope that in due time the Blue Geranium will surely come. 
Two years ago Mr. William Paul sent out a set of Dr. Denny’s 
December, 
23 
