130 
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
attempt to substitute the more correct word Pelargonium for 
Geranium among the general run of gardeners is not an 
encouragement to proceed far in this direction. But sup¬ 
pose Weigela were a name of only quite recent applica¬ 
tion, and one not generally known in gardens, or applied to a plant 
not yet in trade lists, then most decidedly the more correct 
botanical name should be employed. 
In a public botanical garden the botanical name should be the 
one preferred, but the garden name should be given also, as a 
synonym, on the tally. The gardener or the amateur would then 
see at a glance both the correct and the provisional name, and 
gradually the more correct appellation would be adopted and the 
less correct one would fade out of usage. But that this would be a 
very slow process is proved, as has just been said, by the still fre¬ 
quent employment of “ Geranium ” where Pelargonium is meant. 
In the herbarium, as a matter of course, the botanical usage 
would be strictly followed. In the proposed “ Hortus Europseus ” 
both names correct and conventional should be used, precedence 
being given to the former. The case of the gardening journals 
presents a difficulty as considerations of time and space would often 
prevent both names from being used. To employ the scientific 
nomenclature alone would be to use names not known to 
the majority of their readers. On the other hand, if the journalists 
confined themselves simply to garden nomenclature, they would be 
open to the reproach of failing in one of their most important 
duties—the dissemination of correct information. It would seem 
clear, then, that the proper course to follow, wherever space or other 
circumstances permit, would be to cite both names thus : Diervilla 
( Weigela) rosea. 
"Where, as often happens, a provisional or a garden name has but a 
short existence, or does not become established, then, of course, the 
sooner it is burked the better. The correct name should be adopted 
as soon as possible, and the temporary appellation be no more 
heard of in any shape or form. Unfortunately this consummation 
devoutly to be wished is only likely to be realised in a very 
small proportion of cases. Eor the other much more numerous 
instances we see no better general rule to be adopted than the one 
we have laid down, but we shall be glad to receive the opinions of 
the Committee on the subject. 
It may be well to add that these remarks apply exclusively 
to species or reputed species. Natural varieties, seedlings, and 
