Plate 399. 
NEW BEDDING VIOLAS. 
• 
Bedding Violas have become popular subjects for use in the flower garden, and 
especially in the north of England and in Scotland, where they appear to be well suited 
to the cool and moist character of the climate. Last summer, when wet weather prevailed 
to such a degree as to completely destroy the effectiveness of many bedding-plants, the 
Violas flourished and bloomed with great freedom, and won for themselves a high place 
as bedding-plants. They are not so much grown in the south of England as in the north, 
owing to the drier and hotter climate, but when they are successfully cultivated, they are 
always admired for their obvious excellent qualities. 
The five varieties now figured are from the collection of Messrs. Downie and Laird, 
Westcoates Nursery, Edinburgh. They are of varying shades of blue, violet, and mauve, 
and have distinct white margins, which are in pleasing contrast to the mauve tints. The 
flowers are of good shape, with well-rounded, stout petals, the habit of growth in the 
case of each variety dwarf, free-branching, and floriferous. They are well worthy the 
attention of all who have to provide appropriate subjects for the flower garden throughout 
the year. 
Plate 400. 
SCOLOPENDRIUM VULGARE KELWAYI. 
The genus Scolopendrium includes but few species. The British representative (S. 
vulgare) has produced an immense number of varieties, some of which are grotesque, 
others extremely handsome, and nearly all are valuable additions to the out-door fernery. 
A very large number of these varieties have been named, and, among these, is the subject 
of our illustration. It was introduced a few years ago by Messrs. Kelway and Son, 
Nurserymen, Langport, who hold the stock of it; and when exhibited at one of the 
meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, was named and described by Mr. Thomas 
Moore, of Chelsea, and awarded a Eirst-class Certificate of Merit. 
The subject of our illustration is particularly well adapted for cultivation in pots, 
because of its dwarf, compact, and singularly handsome growth. The fronds are much 
crisped and curled, and this characteristic is so evenly distributed on the surface of the 
plant as to impart to it a pleasing outline. 
If planted out of doors this variety should have a foremost position on the rockery, 
the situation should be cool and shady, and it needs to be planted in a rich loam. It 
will bear any temperature, from the severest winter frosts to the temperature of a stove, 
in which it thrives remarkably well. It is a plant readily propagated, either by division 
or by seed. 
