THE LADIES’ FLORAL CABINET. 
25 
not sustain a Horticultural Society is evident, and much to 
be regretted, for the lessons taught there have been inval¬ 
uable. We think it would well pay the growers of plants 
to keep this, or some other society, alive for the dissemi¬ 
nation of their plants. Certainly they do not think so, 
because, as a class, they do not exhibit. The very men 
who could derive the greatest benefits that result from an 
educated taste for flowers and plants are the men that do 
not even attend the exhibitions unless they think there will 
be an opportunity for them to learn something that will 
benefit their trade. The moment a florist imagines he has 
secured some prize from the floral kingdom, not possessed 
by another, he will rush headlong with it to the Horticul¬ 
tural Society and demand special recognition, large pre¬ 
miums, and a certificate of merit for possibly an unworthy 
specimen, and failing to secure all the coveted awards, he 
sulks away, saying, “ What is the use of such a society, 
anyway ? ” and the general question seems to be, What is 
a Horticultural Society that a Florist should be mindful of 
it without it is to use it ? And what are a society’s uses, 
other than to give a ten-dollar premium for a ten-cent 
plant? We do not hesitate to say that the air is redolent 
with this sentiment in the New York Horticultural Society’s 
rooms. There are, however, some worthy exceptions; a 
few of the members, both in the professional and amateur 
classes, rarely fail to exhibit some objects of interest, and 
we are pleased to say that there are those in the profes¬ 
sional class who make the greatest sacrifices in their 
endeavors to keep alive an interest in the society and are 
the ones that are reaping the greatest pecuniary gains. 
The Chrysanthemum was again the prominent flower on 
exhibition, and the display was highly creditable—in fact, 
many of the flowers were in better condition than were 
those at the “ Chrysanthemum Show.” In the professional 
class Messrs. Hallock & Thorpe and Peter Henderson, 
Esq., were the principal exhibitors, and they respectively 
carried away the principal premiums. William K. Harris, 
Esq., of Philadelphia, made a special exhibit of new vari¬ 
eties just imported from Japan ; some of the flowers were 
nearly six inches in diameter, perfect in form and of the 
most pleasing combination of colors; and the seifs were 
remarkable for their purity and depth. In the amateur 
class William Barr, Esq., took the lead, and was followed 
by George Lucas and J. R. Pitcher, Esqs., with very 
choice collections. 
The show of Roses, though small, was remarkably fine ; 
better specimens of Niphetos, Duke of Connaught, Perle 
des Jardin, and Mme. Cusin we do not remember of see¬ 
ing. John Henderson, Esq., of Flushing, N. Y., was the 
largest exhibitor, and secured most of the first premiums 
in the twenty-two classes. 
The special premiums of $30 and $20, offered by Peter 
Henderson, Esq., for the best twelve blooms of the Sunset 
Rose, brought out a number of good exhibits. By far the 
best exhibit was that of William K. Harris, Esq., of Phila¬ 
delphia, who secured the first premium, although John 
Henderson’s twelve were remarkably fine, which gave him 
a well-earned second premium. 
Peter Henderson & Co. offered special premiums of $15 
and $10 for the best four roots of “White Plume Celery.” 
There were two entries, and both were a disgrace and a 
damage to a Celery that is considered to be a decided 
acquisition, and one that must become generally cultivated. 
Why such specimens were exhibited, when our markets 
have been filled for the past two months with those which 
were far better, we cannot understand. 
* 
* * 
Geranium-like Begonia, B. geranifolia. —The leaves 
of this Begonia resemble those of the Zonal Pelargonium ; 
this distinctive feature of the plant giving rise to the speci¬ 
fic name. They are light green, and clothed on both sides 
with short downy hairs. It is very floriferous, the pure 
white flowers standing up well above the foliage. The 
floriferous character of the plant, combined with its bright 
and cheerful appearance, fits it for a place in every stove- 
house. 
* 
* * 
Sweet-scented Pitcairnia, P. odorata. —It is rather 
surprising that we do not see more of this plant, consider¬ 
ing its beauty. The flowers are of a creamy white color, 
tubular, with recurved petals and prominent anthers and 
stigma. They are deliciously fragrant, and borne in great 
profusion on a long, thin, straggling flower-stem, about 
two and a half feet in length. It should be more popular, 
for few flowers can compete with it for distinct and choice 
appearance. 
* 
* * 
Trailing Fig-wort, Mesembryanthemumfilicaule. —This 
is quite distinct from other members of this genus, and 
forms a pretty plant for hanging in baskets in a cool green¬ 
house. The leaves are small and fleshy. The chief beauty 
of the plant is centred in the round flowers, which have 
narrow pale pink petals, slightly recurved at the edges. 
Amateurs, and those who have not the means to grow the 
more heat-loving flowers, should cultivate a few Mesem- 
bryanthemums, for they are very distinct in appearance, 
and the several species differ widely in the shape, color and 
size of the flowers. 
* 
* * 
Bulbous Fig-wort, Mesembryanthemum bulbosum .—■ 
Unlike the foregoing, this is a stiff, compact-growing 
species, with small fleshy leaves, surmounted by a ring of 
bristles. These bristles give a singular appearance to the 
plant, imparting to it a quaintness which some persons 
would delight in. The flowers are of a very rich deep 
purplish color. It can also be grown in a cool greenhouse, 
and has a cheerful appearance at this dull season of the 
year. 
* 
* * 
Tiger-toothed Fig-wort, Mesembryanthemum tigri- 
num .—This is a very interesting plant, and makes a pretty 
subject for the cool-house. Its curious gray glaucous 
color is one of its distinctive features, and it obtains its 
specific name from the leaves resembling a tiger’s mouth. 
The deep-toothed margins of its thick, fleshy leaves, the 
long teeth all curving inward, and the edges of the leaves 
being so placed that the opposing rows of teeth appear 
ready to clasp on any objects presented to them, have a 
very striking effect. 
* 
* * 
Showy /Eschynanthus, JE. speciosum .—A remarkably 
showy plant for the stove, and makes a fairly good climb- 
