62 
COMPANION TO THE FLORAL MAGAZINE. 
are fully expanded, and two others are about to open; it is also remarkable 
for the great length of time in which the individual flower continues in 
bloom; so that altogether it is a most valuable plant, and as this is its 
season of flowering, it will come in admirably to fill up the gaps made 
by the earlier summer-flowering plants. 
The variety which we have in flower is that named by the Floral 
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society superba, and is more 
brilliant in colouring than that figured by us in our second volume. It 
is hardly possible however, we think, to determine which is the original 
species and which the variety. 
REVIEW. 
The Indoor Gardener. By Miss Maling. Longman and Co. 
The universal love of gardening amongst us is borne witness to in many 
ways, this little book being amongst the number. It not only shows that 
indoor gardening is a possibility, but that it may, with care and manage¬ 
ment, be made very effective. A considerable portion of its contents 
have appeared, from time to time, in the f Gardeners’ Chronicle,’ and have 
afforded much information to those whose limited means, confined situa¬ 
tion, or delicate health compel them to be indoor gardeners. In this 
little book the most ample directions are given on all points connected 
with the subject, the authoress wisely preferring “risking too great minute¬ 
ness and explicitness of detail to leaving the points unnoticed, trying to 
make evident at what to aim as well as to indicate the readiest means of 
attaining them.” The information is given, too, in a kindly and genial 
manner that is sure to recommend the book. We do not, of course, ex¬ 
pect to find scientific writing, for it would be out of place; but we do find 
good common sense and plain English, and that is no small desideratum 
nowadays. We strongly advise all who are interested to peruse it. We 
have ourselves one of the little flower-casements mentioned in the book, 
and, although we only keep flowers in pots in it, it is ever a pleasing object, 
and adds greatly to the appearance of a room, while, at the same time, it 
preserves them from the dust, gas, and heat of the room itself. 
RANUNCULUS. 
In offering a few lines in reference to this florists’ flower, I may state 
that, from letters received and from the shows I have attended, there 
appears to be somewhat a revived interest felt in this most beautiful open- 
air production. The success experienced this season has been varied. 
The prospect seemed full of promise until the 1st of May, but in many 
