In our last volume we figured a variegated form of Fuchsia, 
sent out by the Messrs. Carter, of Holborn, but quite different 
from the one now figured, and in that the bloom was quite 
worthless, whereas in Pillar of Gold not only is the variegation 
beautiful (the bright crimson midribs and the sulphur-marking 
on the leaves giving it a very bright appearance), but the flower 
is really a very tolerable one, the petals reflexing well, and the 
colour bright. We may also add, that as plants are now so 
much in requisition for dinner-table decoration, it is a most suit¬ 
able one for that purpose, the play of light on the various co¬ 
lours producing just the effect which is required. 
Pillar of Gold is the property of that well-known firm, the 
Messrs. Smith, of Dulwich, and will be let out by them in the 
spring; and we feel sure that with the present taste for varie¬ 
gated plants, many persons will desire to possess one so easy of 
cultivation, and useful as it is. 
We have been favoured by the Messrs. Smith with the fol¬ 
lowing notes:— 
The original of this variety was raised among a batch of other seedlings in 
1862, most of which were thrown away; it suffered rough treatment, and was 
only preserved on account of its very free blooming habit, and the dark-green 
foliage being edged with creamy-white; at the close of the season the plant 
was put away among others under the slate platform of a greenhouse for the 
winter, where it underwent a bleaching change to pure white. In February 
a new cultivator, just entering on his duties, espied on the odd-looking plant 
a fresh shoot quite yellow, without a particle of green; he at once took the 
plant into his especial care, and encouraged the growth of this new develop¬ 
ment. When sufficiently large enough, the shoot was detached, and successfully 
struck—this was about the 10th of March; after potting off and exposure to 
more light, the beautiful red veins gradually appeared as the season advanced, 
and the plant became vigorous ; the light and dark shades of green also became 
additions to its already interesting appearance. 
The double object of increasing the stock and growing on a few plants for 
exhibition, were in the latter case but partially successful, in consequence of 
the leading shoots of three of the finest plants being accidentally broken ; 
these were stopped over again, to force on another leader in lieu of the broken 
ones, but the hot season and its free-flowering habit defeated our object, it 
would not grow to any extent at so late a period: however, it taught us a 
lesson in regard to its treatment; it will require a warm greenhouse, liberal 
pot-room, and rich soil. Fuchsias invariably dislike a draught, which is also 
the case with this variety. 
The soil should be rich, light, fibrous loam two-thirds, leaf-mould or rotten 
manure, well decomposed , with a small portion of white sand, one-third. 
To produce a specimen, it will be advisable to encourage the growth steadily 
during the winter and early spring months, as its free-blooming habit pre¬ 
vents quick growth in the summer season. 
