THE 
FLORIST’S JOURN A L 
January, 1843. 
THE MARTYNIA FRAGRANS. 
WITH AN ENGRAVING. 
In every collection not strictly confined to florist’s flowers, 
the importance of annuals is paramount. No matter what may 
be the extent or variety found in other and more permanent 
plants, annuals are still indispensable : they are wanted either 
for intermixture to afford contrast, or for grouping by them¬ 
selves ; a flower garden cannot be considered furnished without 
a considerable portion of it being filled with them ; and to the 
grower of limited means or space they offer his best, and, in some 
cases, almost only, chance of embellishment. And again, when 
our greenhouses are emptied of their contents for the summer sea¬ 
son, what is there to ornament the interiors for the time the usual 
occupants are refreshing and regaining their vigour, or perfecting 
their several growths, but annuals ?—the finest plant struc¬ 
ture at such a time would convey no feeling but that of discon- 
solation, and no idea but vacuity if not decorated with this 
short-lived but exceedingly beautiful portion of the vegetable 
kingdom ; and for this purpose our present illustration is pecu¬ 
liarly suited, certainly beyond comparison with any importation 
since the introduction of the Balsam and Cockscomb. An 
abundant and brilliant bloom, on a vigorous plant, possessing 
fine ample foliage, is produced with comparatively far less 
trouble than is required to grow either the one or the other of 
the above-mentioned plants ; it requires but the simplest part 
of the treatment usual for half-hardy annuals. 
VOL. IV. NO. I. 
i 
