1872. ] 
SHOW PELARGONIUMS. 
97 
SHOW PELARGONIUMS. 
WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 
'E have to thank Mr. Turner, of Slough, for the opportunity of figuring the 
two fine varieties of Show Pelargoniums which Mr. Macfarlane has so 
f well depicted in the accompanying plate. They were shown on 
various occasions during the past summer, and were everywhere highly 
spoken of: both, moreover, when exhibited, winning first-class certificates. 
Fig. 1 , Pompey, is an exceedingly rich, high-coloured flower; and fig. 2, 
Achievement, is remarkable for the softness and distinctness of its rosy tint. 
We add some very apposite remarks relating to these exceedingly beautiful 
flowers, with which we have been favoured by Mr. Ball, of the Slough 
Nursery :— 
u These noble flowers do not, from some unaccountable and totally undeserved 
reason, seem to hold the high position at our Exhibitions which they did a few 
years back. This is much to be regretted, as when properly grown, they are 
second to none as exhibition plants. In addition to their attractiveness and variety, 
they so well repay the care bestowed upon them ; and there are but few who 
have not, at some period or other, been delighted with the beauty of well-grown 
specimens—so perfect in shape, and so gorgeous in colour. Indeed such deserving 
favourites must not be allowed to sink in public estimation without an energetic 
effort on the part of all true lovers of Floriculture to prevent it; for whether we 
consider their comparatively easy culture, their brilliancy and diversity of colour, 
their symmetry of form, or their purity, we can but arrive at one conclusion, that 
the show Pelargonium could not be replaced by any other flower which would 
yield the same effect. If any subject has been brought near to perfection, it is the 
Pelargonium ; for there is scarcely another florists’ flower that will bear such a 
minute critical examination in regard to its points of excellence without some 
defect being found ; indeed it seems almost impossible that the existing varieties 
can be improved on. It must be very gratifying to the raisers of novelties— 
Mr. Hoyle and Mr. Foster among the show varieties, and Mr. Turner among the 
fancies—to see the high excellence which has been attained, principally through 
their exertions. In the hope that we may once more see the Pelargonium 
occupying a prominent position at our exhibitions, I append a list of some of 
the best varieties in each class, such as from their dissimilarity, good form, and 
brightness of hue will be found acquisitions in any collection.” 
Show Varieties. 
Achievement (Foster).—A pleasing, large, light variety of great merit; lilac-rose flower- 
petals, maroon spot on top, large -white centre; very dissimilar. 
Ccesar (Foster).—Rich crimson; fine bright lower petals, painted, top petals dark 
maroon, with narrow fiery crimson edge. 
Pompey (Foster).—A very large flower, of rich colour and fine form ; orange lower 
petals, maroon top, with orange margin ; large white eye. 
JRosicrucicin (Hoyle).—New shade of colour; rosy purple, maroon spot on top petals, 
shaded with purple ; fine form. 
3rd series.— v. 
F 
