270 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ December, 
three centuries ago, but which still holds its own ; and which, whether wo 
regard the forms with single or double blossoms, purple, blue, rose, or white, 
of which it gives a rich harvest, stands unrivalled for its beauty. 
As occurs in other species of Bell-flower, 0. persicifolia to wit, the blossoms 
of the Canterbury Bell are sometimes seen to be doubled or duplicated in a very 
peculiar manner. The ordinary single form bears flowers of the shape of a 
broad cleanly-modelled and open bell, and the usual double forms are made up by 
the crowding into the interior of this bell of certain petaloid out-growths of the 
floral whorl, producing a flower on the model of that of a double Petunia. The 
variety we are now describing, and which, thanks to Messrs. Waite and Co., we 
are able to figure, takes quite a different development. In habit the plant 
resembles the well-known old blue or white Canterbury Bell, “but the corolla 
is much larger, and the calyx in addition is enlarged to nearly 4 in. in diameter,, 
presenting the form of a saucer, and changed from its ordinary green colour to 
the same hue as that of the corolla.” The broad bell-shaped corolla of the single 
flower is perfectly formed, but instead of the usual small leafy calyx, this organ 
becomes much enlarged, and takes on a petaloid character ; and it is this which 
forms the peculiarity of the flower, and adds so much both to its interest and 
to its beauty. 
We look upon this variety, of which we saw flowering plants last summer, 
as a real acquisition amongst hardy biennials. The fact that it comes true 
from seeds will place it within easy reach of all; and we, therefore, unhesitatingly 
commend it to the notice of lovers of hardy flowers. The culture is precisely 
like that of the common Canterbury Bell.—T. M. 
REST: AS IT CONCERNS FRUIT-TREES. 
« HAT diurnal as well as annual or periodical rest is essential to vegetable 
life is, perhaps, indisputable ; but that the peculiar requirements of the 
f various plants and trees under cultivation, are sufficiently studied and 
attended to in this respect is, I think, questionable. Nature’s only method 
of securing diurnal repose to plants, appears to be that of subjecting them to a 
considerable reduction of the temperature at night, and unless we imitate her 
example in this respect in our artificial climates, partial or total failure will in¬ 
evitably result. It is, however, respecting annual or periodical rest, more especially 
in connection with fruit-trees, that I wish to make a few remarks. The occu¬ 
pants of our stoves and greenhouses receive a fair amount of attention in this 
respect, but no one will, I think, venture to make the same assertion with regard 
to our fruit-trees, which, if possible, require it the most. 
Dr. Lindley says, u Rest is effected in one of two ways, either by a very 
considerable lowering of temperature, or by a degree of dryness under which 
vegetation cannot be sustained.” The former appears to be the means used by 
nature for the purpose in the temperate and northern latitudes ; and the latter, 
sometimes combined with the former, in the hot and tropical ones. Do we in 
