1S71. ] 
THE ANTIRRHINUM.—GARDEN GOSSIP. 
283 
did not intend to go rambling on in this way to fill up your valuable space, but 
I thought these hints might be useful to some one under similar circumstances. 
—Jasper Standstill. 
THE ANTIRRHINUM AS AN AUTUMN-FLOWERING 
PLANT. 
OR a good, useful, autumn-flowering plant, commend to me the Antirrhinum. 
Not long since I saw a long line of some of the pretty striped varieties, and 
it was a perfect mass of particoloured hues. Antirrhinums , if not exactly 
continuous in bloom during the summer, may be said to have two bloom¬ 
ing-seasons. The first is when the leading spike and its branchlets burst into 
flower; and the second, later in the season, when the side shoots come up. 
Then it is that they seem to put on their gayest garb—just in the midst of the 
autumn months, when by reason of cool days and moist nights, the colours 
become particularly distinct and beautiful. 
Whether raised from seeds or from cuttings, the flowering plants should be 
strong early in the season. The stronger they are, the earlier will they be likely 
to throw up their first spikes of bloom. As soon as they have done flowering 
the spikes should be cut away, to encourage the growth of the side branches. 
These come up in great profusion if the plants are growing in soil capable of 
sustaining them, and as they grow of uniform height, the mass of flower they 
yield has a symmetrical appearance. Not readily scathed by autumn frosts, 
they flower until the van of winter appears on the scene. I know of nothing so 
acceptable during the autumn season of the year to gardeners who have to supply 
quantities of cut flowers, as these homely Antirrhinums , when out-door flowers 
are becoming scarce.—Quo. 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
@ HE Council of the 7 loyal Horticultural Society has decided to hold its 
Provincial Show for 1872 at Birmingham, in the Lower Grounds, Aston, 
a locality which seems to be in every way well suited for the object in 
view. Already an extensive and influential local Committee has been 
formed. The arrangements should include, besides the Show proper, all necessary provision 
for securing the social comfort, the intellectual profit, and the mutual good-fellowship of 
gardeners of all grades who may be attracted to the show. 
- <£)n the subject of Growing and Colouring Bronze and Tricolor 
Pelargoniums , Mr. Laing, of Stanstead Park Nursery, lias been good enough to 
send the following particulars, in reply to the inquiry of a correspondent:— 
“ Supposing the plants to bo now in a healthy condition, keep them in a warm, well-ventilated 
greenhouse, as near the glass as possible, and water as required. If they are well-rooted, pot 
them about the first week in February into pots two sizes larger, in a compost of two-thirds 
good turfy loam, one-third peat, adding a little silver sand, also if the loam is not rich a little 
sifted rotten manure. Water sparingly at first, but when well rooted twice a day if necessary. 
They should be well drained, and then have plenty of water, but no liquid manure. Always 
keep them near the glass, and give plenty of air at all times, but not so as to chill them. If 
