THE COCKSCOMB, ITS PROPERTIES AND CULTIVATION. 
529 
THE COCKSCOMB, ITS PROPERTIES AND CULTIVATION. 
BY G. GLENNY, F.H.S. 
We have never yet said a word about the 
properties of the Cockscomb ; but we have 
omitted all annuals on the ground that they 
cannot be perpetuated with any certainty; 
because, although much may be done towards 
saving seeds true to the general character of 
the parent, — as may be seen in the crops of 
many vegetables, the sort of which is to be 
depended on pretty well, — there is nothing 
like the identity that is preserved by propa- 
gation from the plant itself, such identity as 
we require in Florist's flowers. Nevertheless, 
we have given a set of general properties 
for annuals as plants, and now we shall pro- 
ceed to give a few individually, particularly 
such as the Balsam, Cockscomb, and a few 
other subjects that are really grown as spe- 
cimens. We are quite aware that we shall be 
taken to task for laying down a rule that will 
not be easily followed, but we can only go 
back to our old argument, — we establish 
a standard that cannot be reached, but those 
who come nearest to it will be the most suc- 
cessful. The name Cockscomb almost suggests 
the form ; but we pay no attention to names. 
The heartsease suggested a heart-shaped top, 
and we were blamed for insisting that this 
characteristic should be destroyed ; but if 
50. 
the shape of the wild flower suggested the 
name, it is no reason why the cultivated 
varieties should preserve the wild character. 
Our notions are, that the flower should be 
made as beautiful as we can fancy it, and 
whatever form is the best for beauty, if it 
could be obtained, is the form we say should 
be the standard. 
PROPERTIES OF THE COCKSCOMB. 
The surface of the cockscomb is the only 
handsome part of the plant ; consequently, 
quantity of surface is a point. The side of 
the flower is the most ugly part of the plant ; 
consequently, the less of that there is in 
sight, the better it is. The stem of the plant 
is the next ugly part, and therefore the less 
of that there is the better. This suggests to 
our mind the property of the plant altogether, 
therefore : — 
The flower-head should be round in the 
outline ; the surface should be rising so as to 
form half a globe. 
The foliage should come up close to the 
flower, to hide all but the surface. 
The stem should be short, and the leaves 
close together, reaching to the pot, so that no 
part of the stem should be seen, and project 
M il 
