246 
THE LADIES’ MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 
having been known to be nine inches in diameter, and these are of a 
beautiful pale bluish colour. 
Epidendrum nutans. No. 226. A very fragrant species, introduced 
in 1793. 
Syphocamphylus revolutus. No. 227. A stove plant, introduced in 
1839. The flowers are of a reddish purple, and much less beautiful than 
those of S. bicolor „ 
The Botanic Garden for July contains— 
Tigridia conchiflora. No. 793. An old and well-known plant, much 
less beautiful than its congener, T. pavonia. 
Monarda Russelliana. No. 794. A very handsome species, with 
cream-coloured flowers, tinted with pink. 
Anemone montana. No. 795. A very beautiful purple Anemone, 
with star-like flowers, a native of Switzerland. 
Scabiosa Webbiana. No. 796. A white-flowered Scabiosa, from Mount 
Ida, introduced in 1818. 
RETROSPECTIVE CRITICISMS. 
CULTIVATION OF THE BALSAM. 
In an article on the cultivation of Balsams (p. 147), it is stated, that 
44 the seeds should be used as fresh as possible,” as they will not keep good 
more than a year. The using of fresh seeds is indispensable, where the 
individuals find any difficulty in rearing their plants ; as fresh seeds shoot 
more vigorously, and the plants will be more robust: the flowers, however, 
will be more generally single, and the colours less broken, than when old 
seed is used. Those who wish to grow Balsams in perfection never jise 
seeds of less than three years old, and are likewise very particular in saving 
their seeds from the most double and distinctly marked flowers, which to 
be good should consist of three colours as distinctly marked as a good 
Carnation. There are, it is true, many good self-coloured Balsams de¬ 
serving also of cultivation. The grand secret in growing Balsams is never to 
allow the plants at any stage of their growth to get what is termed 44 drawn 
up; ” as if they once get drawn up, they never afterwards can be made hand¬ 
some plants. To prevent this they must have plenty of air, and progressive 
shifting from the time the seed comes up until the plants show for 
blooming. 
