2G 
THE FLORIST. 
tom petals, which, obliterating the deep indentations in the outline, 
have encroached upon the visible portion of the top petals. The 
side petals should meet at some distance above the eye, that the 
marking may be perfect; the effect of this will be apparent by com¬ 
paring 1 and 2 with 3. 
The next point to notice is the centre or eye, which should be 
radiated or solid, see 1 and 2. If the former, the lines or rays should 
never run through to the margin, as in No. 3; if the latter, the 
Colour should terminate abruptly. 
A most desirable point is, that the ground-colour should be entire; 
whether white, lemon, or deep yellow, it should be the same in all 
the petals. Many of the yellow-ground flowers have a tendency to 
be of a deeper shade in the bottom petal; this is a fatal defect in 
show varieties. The colours should be distinct, whether bright or 
deep, well defined and not joining the ground-colour by a watery 
or indistinct edge. In No. 3 it will be seen that the oblong shape 
of the ground-colour is very objectionable, as it gives the flower a 
long appearance, although the outline is perfect. It is better that 
the ground-colour should follow the outline, as in No. 2. No. 3 is 
also given to shew the common appearance a flower has when the 
inside of the margin is uneven: in this point flowers are greatly 
improved. 
Selfs of any shade should be dense and rich, with a bold dark eye; 
and the moi'e glossy the surface the better. By comparing Othello 
or Hall’s Rainbow with Diamond, this will be evident. Richness of 
surface is, of course, essential to all of them : we abound in good 
dark Selfs; but are very deficient of whites and yellows. We may 
also mention, that great improvements have been made in yellow- 
ground flowers compared with white-ground varieties. 
Seedlings without substance, if they possess the other requisite 
qualities, should be discarded. Size is indispensable in show-flowers. 
To the Editor of the Florist. 
Sir, —Allow me to express the gratification afforded me by the 
appearance of the Florist. I have always contended that there was 
“ ample room and verge enough,” yea, a very necessity for such a 
w'ork. Wakeling attempted something of the kind a few years ago ; 
