210 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
near Brussels; but being received by the Horticultural Society of London from 
the raiser without a name, it became known in the collection of that establish¬ 
ment as Autumn Colmar, from a fancied resemblance of the flavour to that of 
the old Colmar. 
(7o be continued.') II. 
RAISING HOLLYHOCKS FROM SEEDS. 
It may not be generally known that Hollyhock seed, sown early, in heat, will 
flower profusely the same year. In the beginning of last February I had six 
boxes of Hollyhock seed sown, and placed in an early Peach-house, near the 
light. The seed was saved from some of the best varieties out, and plenty of 
young plants appeared. After being large enough they were potted-off singly 
into little pots, and kept growing till the beginning of May, when they were 
planted out. They are now from 2 to 3 feet in height, and promise to be in full 
flower in September. Few flowers reproduce seedlings so true to the parent plant 
as the Hollyhock ; and good kinds can always be depended upon when raised from 
plants of good properties. It is well known that old plants do not stand the 
winter well in some wet soils, and that a deal of trouble is required to keep up a 
stock from cuttings ; and they require wintering in frames to keep them from 
damping-off. By raising a fresh stock every year from seeds, this difficulty is 
obviated. Of course, good seedlings must be marked to be propagated by cuttings 
in the usual way. I find healthy young seedling plants produce the largest 
flowers, if thinned out to one or two flowers, for show purposes. They require 
all the side shoots, or laterals, taken off as they appear; and if grown in good 
rich soil, trenched two spades deep, and well watered in dry weather, very double 
flowers will be the result, and of a large size. Old-established plants, however, 
generally produce the best and closest spikes for showing. Where quantities of 
Hollyhocks are required for clumping in the autumn, I can strongly recommend 
raising them from seeds, early in spring, every year, to make up for the defi¬ 
ciencies in severe winters. 
Welbeclc. William Tillery. 
THE WHITE PETUNIA. 
With a little improvement in the way of dwarfing, the old Petunia nyctagini- 
flora would not have an equal in the field amongst Whites. The most effective 
white bed I have seen this season is a large bed of Petunia nyctaginiflora; and I 
understand that a white kind called “ Queen of Whites ” is a decided improve¬ 
ment on the old kinds, if so, it will be most valuable as a white bedder. A 
hardy-constitutioned Petunia of good and decided colours, with a compact habit, 
is a plant much needed for bedding. I hope the Petunia will go on in the 
march of improvement, and keep pace with other popular bedding stuff. In certain 
localities the Petunia is still an indispensable bedding plant. 
Wrotliam Parle, Barnet. John Edlington. 
VERBENA VELVET CUSHION. 
Your correspondent, “ D. W.,” in his “List of Novelties” in the Florist 
and Pomologist for August, thus speaks of Velvet Cushion—“ And Velvet 
Cushion will do well for very small beds, but only useful in the south and 
sheltered districts in the north.” As the raiser of that Verbena, I believe I am 
able to contradict that statement. I have little doubt that it will prove to be one 
of the greatest novelties that has been sent out for many years. Last year Mr. 
