.38 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
When we speak of the “ cultivation” of flowers, the term must 
not be confounded with the cultivation of plants,—not even of the 
plants which produce the flowers ; for the cultivation of plants is 
merely the cultivation of individuals belonging to varieties which 
already exist; whereas the proper object of the cultivator of 
flowers is, the obtaining of new varieties ; and this is done by 
hybridization, or cross impregnation between different varieties of 
the same species. Upon another occasion we shall offer some 
remarks on the rationale of this process, the means of performing 
it, and the probable results ; and so, in the mean time, we shall 
only say that it is easily done by any one who possesses varieties 
of a species which perfects seeds in this country ; and that, if the 
practice of it were general, new and beautiful varieties of all 
species of flowers might be greatly multiplied, by the pleasurable 
amusement of a very few leisure hours. But we may seem to be 
forgetting Mr. Groom, though, as he has been eminently successful 
in this operation, it is difficult to think of him, without at the 
same time thinking of it. 
Upon entering Mr. Groom’s grounds, the first thing that strikes 
one, is the tact with w T hich they are laid out, so that the attention 
of the visitor may be allowed to concentrate itself upon the flowers. 
There are a few plants in the apartment towards the street, which 
tell the eyes of the initiated that there must be something worth 
viewing within; but there, and especially in the grounds them¬ 
selves, there is nothing to attract the vulgar gaze. The bijouterie 
of artificial ornament may be all very well in mixed gardens, where 
idlers go to lounge ; but in the grounds of a genuine floriculturist 
it would be wofully out of place. Mr. Groom appears to under¬ 
stand this well, and he acts upon it; and therefore, beautiful as 
his flowers are, not a jot of the effect of their beauty is lost by 
anything else that can distract the attention. 
One of the flowers which Mr. G. cultivates with the greatest 
assiduity and success, is the tulip, and every season rewards his 
skill and industry with new beauties of first-rate excellence. In 
the season of bloom, his collection is a great optical treat. The 
choicest ones, which have come to full size and perfection, are 
arranged in an ample bed, duly shaded from the sun and the 
weather. The younger ones are in smaller beds ; and among 
them there are equally choice varieties, though not so large in the 
cups as the full-grown nobles of the collection. Besides these, a 
