54 
BEDDING PLANTS. 
The soil at the final shifting is a matter of much consequence. 
The staple should be sound, rich loam, with sufficient leaf-mould 
to keep it porous. Any earth containing oxide of iron, or the 
introduction of alum with it, will have the effect of changing the 
colour of the flowers to blue. Liquid manure must be given to 
the plants just as the flowers appear, and, if they are kept near 
to the glass without being subject to a higher temperature than 
55°, every cutting of the strength described will form a short 
plant, surmounted with a splendid head of flowers. 
Hobtulanus. 
LIST OF BEDDING PLANTS. 
The system of grouping plants in masses of a single colour, 
in separate beds of the flower-garden, appears to be increasing in 
estimation, and we are much pleased to see the public taste 
extending in this direction, for the superiority of such an arrange¬ 
ment over the chance-medley mixture of colours and plants which 
used to prevail is so very great in every respect, that we are led 
to wonder how the latter could have been tolerated so long. 
Some forethought and a thorough knowledge of the subjects to 
be employed, together with a judicious selection of such as com¬ 
bine the required habits along with the most desirable tints, is 
necessary to a successful development of this method of ornament¬ 
ing the parterre. Generally speaking, the flower-garden is of 
such limited extent, as to preclude the admission of the more 
robust-growing plants, and being a spot dedicated expressly to 
neatness and beauty, any appearance of disorder or decay is not 
to be endured; it becomes then necessary to admit only such 
plants as are distinguished for their compact growth, long con¬ 
tinued free habit of flowering, and that possess the requisite 
shades of colouring ; the first two characteristics are essential to 
bedding plants in every position, the third will of course vary 
with every location. In compiling the following list, we have 
been directed by a desire to unite all these requisites as far as 
the nature of the subject will allow, and, with the aid of the 
attached descriptions, trust to furnish ample.materials from which 
a selection suitable for all sorts of gardens may be readily made; 
