FLORICULTURAL REMARKS. 
129 
tion ; but still, it is unworthy of the nation to be behind almost 
every other in this respect. Considering that the purpose is a 
public one, the sum required to put and keep the establishment on 
the most respectable footing would be a mere bagatelle—not more 
than 4000k or 5000k in the year. Many objects which conduce 
neither to glory nor gain, and the want of which would be no dis¬ 
grace or loss, cost far more than this, only they are taken up by 
parties who are in real earnest in their attempts to accomplish 
them. There is no political or purely self-interested party to 
advocate the cause of the Kew Gardens ; but it is the duty of all 
lovers of flowers—and who is not ?—to keep this subject before 
the public until it acquires that interest which can carry any point 
without any opposition. There is nearly a whole vacation to 
elapse before Parliament shall again assemble ; and during that 
time some plan ought to be organized. We do not presume to 
say what this plan should be ; but we shall let slip no reasonable 
opportunity of giving publicity to a subject which is of such vital 
interest to the floral art, and to all who practise it or wish it well. 
FLORICULTURAL REMARKS. 
New or rare flowers, whether species, varieties, or sub-varieties, 
are sure to attract notice and command attention. They keep 
possession of public estimation until they are in everybody’s hand ; 
and then, whatever may be their merits as sweet or ornamental 
objects, they are put aside and neglected. It is their novelty 
which seems to give them value when first introduced ; but as 
soon as they become familiar to every eye their charm is over. 
But it would appear that, in this matter we have not been 
guided by pure taste : many real beauties have been discarded for 
the purpose or whim of admitting others of much less merit. 
Some florists seem to be aware that w^e have discarded, or rather 
neglected, many species of plants which, had they received as 
much attention and culture as has been bestowed on others, would 
have presented a much finer appearance than they now do. 
I am led to make these reflections from seeing the other day a 
collection of carnation poppies. These annuals have been long 
inmates of our flower borders ; and the seed of the best have been 
VOL. i. no. vi. 
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