94 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ April, 
so dry, in fact, as to be capable of absorbing some of the water given to the ball, 
without a merging of parts, and subsequent settling down smooth and clay-like 
on the surface. At this stage a thoroughly good watering is given, such as will 
insure to every part a complete soaking. The first week’s practice following the 
potting, may represent the whole subsequent practice. No more water should be 
given whilst the ball or the soil forming it holds any of the free water lately 
given ; but the moment it is surmised—and the fact is to be ascertained by 
practice, and by tapping the sides of the pot with the experienced knuckle—that 
the soil has parted with the water, and assumed its former porosity, latent 
moisture alone remaining, then water may be administered abundantly without 
fear of the results. A dry surface-soil is a certain sign that water is not present 
in the soil below; but it is not well to depend wholly on this sign, as plants very 
frequently commence suffering before the symptoms exhibit themselves. I may 
add, in conclusion, rather let a plant become somewhat too dry, than get too wet, 
with a stagnant soured soil. The former may induce it to take up with greater zest 
the proffered nutriment. The latter is the precursor of certain decrepitude.— 
William Earley, Valentines , Ilford. 
NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS. 
HE March shows are always among the pleasantest of the year, for they 
bring together a wealth of spring flowers, and these comprise some of the 
most charming which the annual procession of the season produces. The 
Royal Horticultural Society’s Show on the 1st of March, if a little deficient 
in novelties, had several features of much interest, especially in the matter of 
Orchids and Camellias. A First-Class Certificate was awarded to Mr. Turner 
for Variegated Zonal Pelargonium, Mr. Rutter , one of a batch of new kinds which 
came into Mr. Turner’s hands a few years ago. It was of a good habit of growth 
and well coloured, but very near in point of character to some of the older kinds. 
Out of some 50 or 60 assumed new varieties of Golden Variegated Zonal Pelar¬ 
goniums now in cultivation, are there a dozen really distinct in character? From Mr. 
Stevens, Trentham Gardens, came a group of seedling forms of Azalea amcena , 
showing some diversity of colour, and all of which, like the parent, will be found 
very useful for forcing. One, called rubra , had quite a lively hue of colour ; and 
a pale lilac variety, named pulchella , was equally distinct. A charming variety 
of the hardy Primrose, named Primula (vulgaris) auriculaejlora , with maroon- 
crimson flowers, and bold clear yellow centre, like an Alpine Auricula, came 
from Mr. R. Dean, Ealing ; it has proved to be one of the most precocious of the 
improved varieties of Primrose, and is very useful for early spring blooming in the 
open ground. A Hybrid Perpetual Rose , named Princess Louise , came from Mr. 
W. Knight, Hailsham: the flowers were pink, with carmine centres, but it was 
not shown in good condition. 
On March the 15th, the Society’s Hyacinth Show took place, and though 
