The Fuchsia. The 3Iyrtle. 
These graceful flowers have a curious history. They are natives of South 
America, and were first brought to England nearly a hundred 3'ears ago. Mr 
Lee, a well-known English florist, introduced them to the public in 1774. A 
customer purchasing plants of him said: "I saw, in a window at Wapping, a 
prettier flower than all your greenhouses can produce. The flowers hung like 
tassels from the drooping branches; their color was of the richest crimson, and 
in the centre were folded leaves of the brightest Tyrian purple dye." 
Mr. Lee enquired the exact locality where this rare novelty was to be seen, 
and hastened to behold it. At a glance he knew its worth. Entering the house 
ho told its mistress that he would pay any price that she chose to ask for her 
plant. No, she could not sell it; it had been brought by her sailor boy from 
over the sea, and for his sake she cherished it. 
Mr. Lee must have it; so he emptied his pockets of their contents of gold, sil- 
ver, and copper, amounting in all to over eight guineas. Placing them on her 
table, he said : 
"All this money is yours, and the plant mine. I'll give you one of the first 
cuttings I raise ; and when your boy returns the plant will be quite as handsome 
as this one." 
Money always has a potent force, and the woman reluctantly consented, and 
Mr. Lee hastened away with his treasure. He cut it into joints, these he forced 
in hot beds, and the smallest branch took root. Every effort was employed to 
increase his stock, and in two months he had three hundred plants growing 
finely. 
As soon as the first plant bloomed the pot was exhibited in his show window. 
A lady of rank was the first visitor; she was delighted with the loveliness and 
grace of the flower, and must have the plant, for which she gladly paid one 
guinea. That night the Duchess entertained friends, and her rare plant was 
much admired. The following day Mr. Lee had many visitors, but only two 
plants were in bloom. 
Others were engaged, however, and before the summer closed he had made three 
hundred guineas from the Fuchsia. Since that time one cannot estimate the 
amount of money that has been expended upon these plants, nor the time and 
patience that has been given to their culture ; but the results are seen in the 
hundreds of varieties now oflered for sale, and they increase yearly in size and 
beauty of coloring, and popular favor. The variety from wh'ch they originated 
