170 
THE FLORIST. 
j 
the Regent’s Park exhibition, and attracted the notice of 
the Queen. It was awarded a medal. It has shewn no 
disposition to alter the character it appeared in as a seed¬ 
ling. I need hardly say that, as florists’ flowers, they possess 
no kind of merit; they are, in fact, singular deformities— 
their value consisting in their oddity, which is indisputable. 
Without pretending to any scientific knowledge on the sub¬ 
ject, I may express a belief, that they derive their origin from 
the practice of raising seedlings from the same parentage. 
All breeders of animals and birds are well acquainted with 
the fact, that such a system will ensure the production of de¬ 
formity. It is with the human race as with these flowers; 
where families have long intermarried, the offspring of the 
highest intellect, or greatest beauty, has often proved idiotic 
or deformed. We are unwilling to leave this subject to con¬ 
jecture, and are about to try some experiments at Worton 
Cottage, to confirm our opinions or otherwise. 
Before this communication is closed, the patience of the 
reader is requested whilst I state on paper what I have fre¬ 
quently to do personally, that I have no critical acquaintance 
with any other florists’ flower than the Pelargonium. It may 
be asked, “ Then why undertake the superintendence of The 
Florist?'^ Let me explain. The work was never intended 
to be other than a channel for information; it is an omnium 
gatherum —a table d'hote, to which all may contribute, and of 
which all may partake. When the covers are removed, the 
guests must not expect every dish to suit their palates, or be 
so rude as to reflect on him who has overlooked the arrange¬ 
ment of the meal, and sits at the head of the table to see 
good order preserved. ’Tis true the guests have to pay, and 
we cannot expect them to dine with us if they can get a 
better and cheaper meal elsewhere. But if they find us agree¬ 
able company, and the conversation instructive or entertaining, 
let them invite others, for we have room and to spare. Let 
them also add to our bill of fare. Many thanks we owe for 
assistance and contributions; and, amongst others, to Mr. 
Story, who requests me to send out his seedling Pelargonium, 
Mont Blanc, Nos. 1 and 2, and to apply the proceeds to the 
funds of The Florist, Another warm friend of floriculture has 
offered us ten pounds for the same purpose; and thus we are 
encouraged. For myself, I have to return thanks for plants 
and seeds from various quarters; and it is my most ungracious 
task to request those who may kindly intend to do the same 
to write me first; for I find my capacity to cultivate unequal 
to their liberality in bestowing. I respectfully take leave for 
another six months; and wisliing every success to our work, am 
The Superintendent. 
