THE FLORIST. 
- ♦ - 
THE CALCEOLARIA. 
Our present Illustration is supplied from a drawing made last 
season by Mr. Holden, from flowers obtained at the close of 
an exhibition. We happen to have notes of those raised by 
Messrs. Holmes and Kinghorn, and also drawings of the for¬ 
mer gentleman’s. We state thus much for the information 
of those who may be inclined to purchase any of the sorts 
figured; for it may reasonably be presumed, that if the varie¬ 
ties mentioned are correct, the others are the same. Some 
seasons back. Calceolarias formed an important feature of our 
large metropolitan exhibitions; but of late years they have 
lost their prominent place, and consequently declined in public 
interest. Yet, what a beautiful plant it is in all stages of its 
growth ; not when at rest^ for theUi we must acknowledge, it 
has no charms, but is a perfect specimen of uninviting dis¬ 
habille. But how it answers to the invitation of the coming 
spring, rises from its wintry slumber, dons its garment of 
beautiful tender green foliage, and by and by puts forth, in 
the utmost profusion, its lovely blossoms! What a pity to 
let fashion rule their colouring! Where are our handsome 
seifs and blotches ? why discard them entirely for the spotted 
varieties ? Who can forget the beauties of the “ Lady of the 
Lake,” “ Miss Antrobus,” “ Madonna,” and others of their 
character? We are not here speaking'of them as remem¬ 
bered for their form; it is their colours we want to see again 
in as large and fine flowers as we now possess in the spotted 
varieties. We shall feel greatly interested in receiving seed¬ 
lings of this character, and will not fail to give them promi¬ 
nent notice in our pages. Papers in the present Number will 
supply the necessary instructions for the cultivation of both 
stock-plants and seedlings. Let us add, that a light wooden 
framework, covered with oiled calico, is an excellent mode of 
NO. III. 
E 
