THE LADIES’ MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 
223 
There is so much to admire in Mrs. Lawrence’s grounds, and so much 
to describe there, that it would take more time than I can now spare to 
give a proper account of them, particularising all their beauties ; but one 
part I must mention—I allude to the orchideous house, in which, in 
addition to the usual orchidaceous plants, are gigantic specimens of papyrus 
(recalling those dreams of ancient Egypt, that once haunted my imagina¬ 
tion), widely-spreading ferns, a splendid specimen of Nepenthes distillciria , 
and, in short, such a collection of those plants which only exist in shade, 
heat, and moisture, as is rarely seen. It was not, however, only with 
the beauty of the plants that I was so much delighted : it was the 
admirable arrangement of the house itself, and the effect produced by the 
deep shade thrown upon it by the gigantic leaves of the tropical plants, 
while the ear was soothed by the murmuring sound of dropping water. 
The contrast afforded by this house to the scene presented by the adjoin¬ 
ing flower-garden, bright with scarlet Verbenas , Salvia patens. Fuchsia 
fulgens , and all the vivid colours of modern flowers, was very striking. 
THE HORTICULTURAL FETE. 
Tliis was very inferior to the last, as neither the company nor the 
flowers were so brilliant as usual. The orchideous plants were, however, 
exceedingly fine, and one of them, Dendrobium, fimbriatum , sent by 
Messrs. Rollison of Tooting, was perhaps unique. It was grown in a 
kind of basket suspended from the roof, and racemes of its large bright 
orange flowers hung down all round. A specimen of Aerides odoratum had 
several spikes of flowers hanging down, and the Cattleyas were magnifi¬ 
cent. The day was cold and very disagreeable, and the company crowded 
into the tents to keep themselves warm, so that it was very difficult to 
see the flowers. 
FLORAL CALENDAR. 
JULY. 
The season for budding roses extends from July to September : and as 
it is an operation admirably suited to ladies, from its requiring skill rather 
than strength, I shall here give some directions for performing it. The 
first thing necessary is to procure a proper knife; that is, one with the 
haft made thin at the end for the purpose of raising the bark after the 
incision is made : the knives usually sold for budding are sharply pointed, 
but if one can be procured with a round point it will be found easier to 
manage. Some bast matting must then be pulled into ribbons, or strands 
