TENDER ANNUALS. 
25 
TENDER ANNUALS. 
WITH A FIGURE OF PHLOX LEOPOLDIANA. 
In the class of plants denominated tender annuals are included 
some of the most beautiful of our summer flowers, certain of 
them very popular, as the Balsam and Cockscomb ; while others, 
with at least an equal claim, are rather strangely neglected ; we 
regret being obliged to notice this declining attention to a very 
lovely group; but the fact is patent, that within the past few 
years a supineneness has been exhibited towards them that ought 
not to exist. It is matter of further and deeper regret, that mere 
fashion should be permitted to exercise so much influence as to 
completely banish so large a proportion of the vernal ornaments 
of our gardens; but to no other cause can the declining culture 
of these plants be fairly attributed : they are as beautiful as ever, 
and the same occasion for their presence continues, as may be 
evidenced in the unfurnished appearance of many greenhouses 
during the period their regular occupants are enjoying the un¬ 
confined atmosphere of summer. Let us hope the subject will 
receive a reconsideration, and that ere long we may be relieved 
from the beggarly barrenness of empty shelves in plant-houses 
at a time when every other part of the garden is redolent of life 
and beauty. We would even go so far as to offer a hint to the 
influential Societies established for the promotion of horticulture, 
to consider if this portion of the great vegetable family does not 
deserve their protection, and whether it cannot be made to con¬ 
tribute to the general attraction of their meetings ; the prestige 
of such an adoption would at once place them in a position to 
recover their wonted and deserved importance. 
As objects of cultural skill they may be regarded as infallible 
tests, for exactly as the care bestowed on them is of the right 
sort and unceasingly given, so will they flourish; it is true their 
existence being of limited duration, a degree of skill secondary 
to that required for more persistent subjects will suffice, or 
rather the amount of patient perseverance is less, though while 
they are in hand there must be no lack of attention, or it is 
immediately evident; and therefore we think them deserving 
m. 3 
