254 
THE LADIES’ FLORAL CABINET. 
Gloxinia Gesnerioides. 
their origin is given by a correspondent to the Garden, 
March, 1879: “ It has frequently occurred that a certain 
family or species, which may not have shown during a 
series of years any great tendency to sport, all at once 
gives us something both novel and beautiful. M. Val- 
lerand, with whom the spotted varieties originated, in¬ 
formed me that for a number of years he assiduously 
crossed the best known varieties, but, although he annu¬ 
ally raised a large number of seedlings, he could not suc¬ 
ceed in obtaining anything better than those already in 
cultivation. Being discouraged at finding his best ef¬ 
forts so poorly rewarded, he had determined to relinquish 
the attempt. His seedlings that season had nearly all 
bloomed, with the usual result. There remained but a 
few weak plants to flower. Curiously enough, on the 
weakened and latest seedling appeared a single flower, 
so distinct and so beautifully marked that M. Vallerand 
declared that he was quite taken by surprise. If I re¬ 
member rightly there was but a single bloom on this 
plant. It may be easily imagined how that plant was 
cherished, the flower carefully fertilized, and precaution 
taken to destroy every other bloom near it. The seed 
was ripened, and from this sprang many other charm¬ 
ing forms.” 
The present race far surpasses anything known in the 
original, both as to form, color and markings, which is an 
extraordinary feature in- the history of this plant. To 
this class there is now added the G. Gesnerioides, which 
is described by Messrs. Carter, of London, who have the 
honor of introducing it, as follows: “ This desirable 
novelty is the result of hybridizing the gloxinia with the 
gesnera, and the peculiar properties of both species are 
fully united, for while carrying the graceful habit and 
beautifully colored foliage of the gesnera, it produces the 
magnificent flowers so identified with the gloxinia, and 
will prove a valuable addition to the decorative section of 
plants. It comes perfectly true from seed.” 
The culture of the gloxinia is most simple. Seeds 
sown in March in well-drained pans, filled with light, 
sandy, fine soil, and kept in a warm greenhouse, will pro¬ 
duce plants that can be put in a frame filled with similar 
soil, and will give an abundance of flowers in July and 
continue in bloom through September. For full cultural in¬ 
structions see page 251 of The Floral Cabinet for 1884. 
DUTCH BULBS. 
A LTHOUGH the garden is, or should be, in the 
height of its splendor, active preparations must be 
made for the coming season. What are popularly known 
as Dutch bulbs now claim our attention, quite as much 
for decoration of the living-room and conservatory as for 
the flower garden. We are annually asked for informa¬ 
tion in regard to the cultivation of the several classes of 
these bulbs, and not unfrequently asked for the cause of 
failure to grow them successfully. The last question 
can usually be answered in one word—delay. The neg¬ 
lect to plant at the proper season occasions more failures 
than all other causes combined. While these bulbs all 
require perfect rest, and can remain for months out of 
ground, it does not follow that they can remain out of 
ground beyond a given time without injury. For the 
best success all Dutch bulbs should be planted by the first 
of October, and if they can be planted early in September 
it will be much the better plan. We propose giving the 
proper method of treatment of each class, commencing 
with the most important, that being the 
Hyacinth. —The most suitable soil for growing hya¬ 
cinths is a rich, light, sandy loam, but they will do well 
in any good garden ground. To grow them to perfection, 
however, special treatment is necessary, 5 nd no plants 
require more care to prevent them from degenerating 
than hyacinths. They are strong feeders, and the soil 
cannot very well be too rich for them if fine blooms are 
required. No fresh or rank manure, however, should be 
used on any account, as it will do more harm than good. 
The best manure is from the cow stable, and it should be 
thoroughly rotted and placed at least a foot below the 
surface of the bed. In heavy soil plenty of sand should 
also be used to keep it open. Hyacinths in the open 
ground do best in beds by themselves, but a few may be 
placed in the miscellaneous border to advantage. In 
making beds for hyacinths the ground should be dug to 
