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bed of Geraniums, we frequently find such kinds as the Tom Thumb, or other scarlet, alone. Tso 
relief, no edging. Here we have a mass, rich indeed almost to satiety ; still there is no elegance in 
their collective form, or contour , as the French have it. These are all flat-headed things; and as to 
individual figure, they would be despicable without flowers. Now, if some of the taller carmine kinds, 
such as Mr. Beaton’s Cherry Cheek, were introduced among them, and an edging or distinct band of 
some other plant placed around them, such, I say, woald be the sort of relief I would propose. 
The edging, as far as colour was concerned, might be either a pale scarlet, a white, or an orange. 
Zauschneria, White Verbena, or the Chryseis compacta might do, pegged down, and not suffered 
either to touch the exterior, or to infringe on the other portion of the bed. 
Speaking of bad forms leads me to offer a few remarks on the ill effects produced by clumsy, flat¬ 
headed, and ponderous-looking plants in general, especially in the mixed beds or borders. Proportion, 
it will be admitted, is a point not to be entirely lost sight of. But how often have we found a huge 
Prnony, Budbeekia, Puhnonaria, Funckia, Hemerocallis, Helianthus, or coarse Solidago, pressing 
down their weaker neighbours, and destroying all idea of proportion and high dress; they, moreover, 
so exhaust the soil for a considerable distance, that no choice plant can thrive near them; and the 
consequence is, they stand as greedy monopolists, not seeming to have any proper relation to the rest 
of the bed. 
Such things as these are much fitter to form a transition scene, or an episode, in somewhat exten¬ 
sive grounds, for indeed they are totally unfit for the modern parterre, yet of eminent service elsewhere, 
from their bold expression. It not unfrequently happens, that a connecting link is necessary in our 
larger places, between the parterre or dress gardens, and the ordinary pleasure grounds; or in other 
words, between the choice flowers and the shrubs. Here, then, may all these robust and gigantic 
herbs find a place, principally in the fore-ground; whilst bold masses of Hollyhocks, Dahlias, &c., 
might be placed behind. And here such gigantic things as the Frytlirohena conspieua, the Bocconia, 
or rather Macleaya cordata, thei Heracleum giganteum, the Ferula tingitana, the Bicinus communis, 
or Caster-oil Tree, &c., &c., these, with huge clusters of our larger Phloxes, Delphiniums, Veratrums, 
Funckias, Budbeckias, Papavers, Helianthemums, Aconitums, Sun-flowers, Pfeonies, &c., &c., would 
find a fitting situation. Thus might the dressy portion of the flower-garden be relieved, without 
losing or discarding these noble herbs, which are capable of imparting an amount of dignity and 
expression to pleasure grounds unpossessed by any other plants. 
I do think, therefore, that those entrusted with the laying out of pleasure grounds, should make a 
point of specially reserving a site for such things; and thus, at any time, a plant considered too coarse 
for the dressy parterre, might be at once transferred to such a situation. To this hour, in the 
majority of country places, it stands a problem, what to do with the grosser herbaceous tribes, many 
of them too good to be totally rejected. 
THE GARDENERS’ AND NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER. 
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FLOWEB GABDEN—IN-DOOB DEPABT- 
MENT. 
Conservatory .—The time has now arrived when 
greenhouse plants must no longer he trusted to the 
tender mercies of our fickle climate, and if not already 
done, no time must he lost in getting them into then- 
winter quarters. Before, however, they are taken in, 
attend to previous directions, and see that the plants, 
pots, and stages are perfectly clean ; as nothing tends so 
much to the propagation of insects and filth as dirty 
and imperfectly ventilated houses. In arranging the j 
house, take care not to crowd the plants, as it will be j 
better to throw a few inferior specimens away than to 
run the risk of injuring one good one. A few nicely 
grown specimens are very preferable to a forest of in¬ 
different plants, and are calculated to impart more real 
pleasure to an intelligent observer. Some of the more 
forward of the Camellias will now begin to expand, 
(we have had plants in bloom for the last three weeks) 
and some of the late Orange trees will he throwing a 
second bloom ; place these in prominent places so that 
they may he properly seen. Distribute the flowering 
_ 
plants tastefully about the house, and take care to keep 
it scrupulously clean. Ventilate very freely both 
night and day, so as to prevent the plants being drawn, 
should the weather continue mild; and water when 
necessary. 
Orangery .—As the growth of the plants will he 
completed, attention must be paid to maturing the wood, 
and also the fruit. Syringe the plants lightly about 
twice a-week, and guard cautiously against insects. 
Where the young fruit is too thick, some of it must he 
removed. 
Forcing House .—A few plants, as noticed below in 
the plant stove, may he introduced into this house, and 
the plants of Salvia splendens, prepared for winter 
blooming, may also be gently forwarded here. Towards 
the end of the month some of the first potted bulbs, as 
Tulips, Hyacinths, and Double Homan Narcissus, may 
he introduced for the first crop. A. 
Orchid House .—Let there be no lack of attention to 
former directions, and now discontinue shading; but 
should you have very strong sunshine be more liberal 
in giving air. Discontinue the use of the syringe to a 
