THE FLORIST. 
323 
place in that flower within these last few years. If Hollyhocks were 
exhibited at some of the Metropolitan shows next year, and prizes 
offered, it would be the means of bringing out the best flowers, and 
of ascertaining their comparative merits. I am glad it is suggested 
by some growers, and also by private gentlemen, to raise a fund for 
that purpose. I shall be most willing to contribute towards it as 
far as I am able ; and being of opinion that they ought to be shewn 
in two ways, I beg to offer 20s. for spikes, and 20s. for stands of 
single blooms. J. Clarke, Esq., of this town, will also give 20s. 
for spikes, the money in both cases to be placed in the hands of Mr. 
Neville, or any other party whom the subscribers may think proper 
to name. 
Without depreciating other florist’s flowers (for indeed I love 
them all), I think that the Hollyhock is entitled to a share of our 
attention, being one of the oldest friends our gardens possess, and 
more especially now that it has become so much improved in shape, 
colour, and habit, that we hardly recognise the old plant in the fine 
hybrids that have been produced. 
Many have inquired of me whether my best varieties did not 
come from foreign seed ? To this I unhesitatingly answer, No. 
Neither Mr. Baron nor myself ever had any foreign seed; they are 
all true English sorts. I have seen thousands raised from foreign 
seed, but never in my life have I seen more than one or two which 
I considered worthy to rank with first-rate flowers. I procured one 
sort from Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, which he told me he had 
raised from German seed. I call it Aurantia; it is novel in its 
colour, and good in form. 
One word as to the cultivation of Hollyhocks. To perpetuate 
any variety, it must be propagated either by cuttings in the spring, 
or by divisions of the root in autumn. There is no dependence on 
seed, as the most double varieties will often produce single and 
semidouble flowers. Some sorts have a peculiar propensity to sport 
into opposite characters ; for instance, Black Prince will always pro¬ 
duce some of a creamy white, as well as black; and this I am quite 
certain from the same plant, and I believe from the same seed-pod 
Reds, again, will produce yellows, and yellows reds, as well as 
various tints and shades. One thing may be depended upon, and 
that is, that plants raised from cuttings or from divided roots will 
always prove constant. People often say, “ I have had good double 
Hollyhocks, but now they have all become single.” The fact is, 
they never have been good, or they would not have changed. I 
have cultivated Hollyhocks for more than twenty years, and I have 
never found good flowers to deteriorate by age. 
As to planting, that may be done any time from September to 
April; but September and October is the best time to ensure a good 
bloom the following year, as the plants require to be well established 
before they will flower in perfection. Generally they blossom much 
finer the second year after transplanting than the first. They will 
grow in almost any soil, but they prefer a deep rich sandy loam, 
well manured the year previous to planting. By varying the mode 
