22 
the flokist and pomologist. 
[February, 
flecked with salmony rose, very floriferous ; 
a fixed sport from Docteur Arnal. 
Panachee Langeoise (Rimaucourt) : a 
Hybrid Perpetual, the flowers of which are 
large, full, cherry-red, strongly veined with 
deep carmine, and marbled with rose; a 
variety well worthy of cultivation ; a fixed 
sport from Jules Margottin. 
Teioiiphe d’Amiens (Mille-Mullet): a 
Hybrid Perpetual, with large, very bright 
rosy-carmine red flowers, regularly veined 
with bright red; it is a very desirable variety 
to cultivate; and originated from General 
Jacqueminot, as a sport which was subsequently 
fixed. 
PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI. 
B ERE is one of the oldest as well as 
one of the very best vegetables for 
winter and early spring use. There 
is nothing equal to it in point of 
quality at the present time; its fine flavour 
and tender marrowy texture renders it agree¬ 
able to the most fastidious palate. Some 
persons object to it on account of its purplish 
colour, but this is mere caprice or fancy. It 
is the hardiest of all Broccolis, indeed almost 
the hardiest of all the Brassica tribe. There 
is rarely a season in which it is injured at all. 
It will grow anywhere—in the poorest of soils, 
or under the shade of fruit-trees, and does 
not require planting until the end of July, as 
it makes its growth late in autumn. It comes 
into use about Christmas, and continues in 
use until March. We have had a constant 
supply here for the past six weeks.—A. F. 
Baeeon, Chiswick. 
LATHYRUS AZUREUS. 
I F this beautiful annual Pea were only 
fragrant, like the Sweet Pea, it would 
\ be found much oftener in gardens. The 
‘ wonder is, notwithstanding its defect of 
want of fragrance, it is not now oftener seen. I 
think gardeners of all classes can scarcely be 
aware that a simple annual of such a lovely 
blue colour really exists, or else it would be 
much more grown. It is so easily managed. 
The treatment given to the Sweet Peas suits 
it well, and plants throw up many very pretty 
blossoms, that make a charming button-hole. 
The hue of blue is that we denominate azure, 
and I know of no hardy flower that can ap¬ 
proach it for its peculiar hue of colour. 
A few years ago I was at a suburban flower 
show, when a gentleman came into one of the 
tents, wearing in his coat some blossoms of 
this lovely Pea. They excited considerable 
attention, and he said he had raised it from 
seed received from a friend, who had them 
direct from Abyssinia. Strange to say, no one 
appeared to know it. I at once said it was 
Lathyrus azureus, but my opinion was dis¬ 
credited, and it was not until I had obtained 
some seeds, grew plants and flowered them, 
that my statement w T as received. I have often 
wondered this Pea has not been re-introduced 
as a novelty ; but perhaps that honour is in 
store for it at no distant date.—R. Dean. 
The plant referred to is the old 
Lathyrus sativus, seldom seen in modern 
gardens, and very little known to modern 
gardeners.—E d. 
NOTES ON THE AURICULA 
AND POLYANTHUS. 
W ITH the advent of the month of February 
fanciers of these beautiful spring flowers 
must be on the alert, to watch the pro¬ 
gress of their plants from day to day, 
and to give them the necessary attention. The 
Auriculas require to be thus seen to very 
early in the month. Indeed, in such an early 
season as the present, they should be surface- 
dressed before the first day of the month ; at 
least no delay should take place after that. 
A portion of the surface soil in the pots should 
be removed, say to the depth of an inch, less 
or more, and this should be replaced with 
good sandy loam, and some rotten manure, 
about three parts of the former to one of the 
latter. After this has been done, the plants 
will require very much more attention than 
they have received hitherto. At night, when 
there is danger of frost, mats must be placed 
over the glass, as it will do the trusses harm 
to be exposed to a temperature below the 
freezing point. The plants must not be 
allowed to suffer for want of water at the 
roots, as this will be likely to check the 
development of the flower-buds. 
The seedling pots or pans will also require 
attention, as now the young plants will be 
