THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET. 
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tlie largest, and that whoever grows these Roses that 
are now coming into favor, will be more than satisfied 
with them. 
The variety which we illustrate (Mignonette), was re¬ 
cently described by the Gardeners' Magazine, Loudon, 
as a desirable novelty exceedingly suitable for pot cul¬ 
ture, and says : “ A more beautiful object than the 
specimen figured with its neat leafage and lively pink 
flowers would be difficult to find, even in the great 
world of Roses. It is naturally a very moderate grower, 
and is profusely floriferous. The young suckers rise 
direct from the root crowned with clusters of buds, and 
they naturally suggest the name by which their flowery 
family is now recognized.” It further says of this class 
of Roses, which were first sent out from Japan by 
Robert Fortune in 18015, that “It is agreeable to see the 
Polyantha Roses advancing in public estimation, for 
while they are altogether unlike the show Roses that 
very nearly monopolize the admiration of rosarians, 
they are true garden Roses, and far removed in charac¬ 
ter from the wilding of the hedge-row. The section is 
a small one, but it comprises a number of beautiful 
single and double varieties that are free in growth and 
wonderfully free in flowering. Hitherto they have ob¬ 
tained from writers so little attention that, after a 
careful search, we have found but one distinct notice of 
them, and that occurs in the fifth edition of ‘ Hibberd’s 
Amateurs’ Rose Book’ (p. 234), the author having, 
through the aid of his friend, M. Sisley, of Lyons, grown 
a collection of Polyantha varieties from about the year 
1870. The raising of seedlings has amused many of the 
continental cultivators, but has been but little practised 
in this country. But we may expect that the growing 
popularity of the two pretty novelties, Pdquerette, 
which has white flowers, and Mignonette, the flowers of 
which are pink, will result in additions to the list of 
others as good in quality, but differing in color and 
style. The single kinds seed freely, and the seedlings 
flower at an early age, and the least attractive of them 
that the florist may be disposed to throw out will be 
found worthy of a place in the wild garden. 
On our heavy clay land the Polyantha Roses proved 
rather tender, but on a somewhat light dry soil they are 
perfectly hardy, and in growth and general character 
they may be likened to the smaller kinds of Noisettes 
such as Fellenberg and Ophirie. Probably, such as 
these crossed with the single Polyantlias would give 
some sweet little treasures.” 
BULBS FOR FALL PLANTING. 
The four classes of bulbs on which we must depend 
or the principal effect out of doors are the Hyacinth, 
Tulip, Snowdrop and Crocus, and for general collections 
we may mention Scillas, Narcissus, and Crown Im¬ 
perials. Where required to be used in large quantities, 
these may be had in distinct and striking colors, and of 
good quality at very cheap rates. It is important for 
people iu moderate circumstances, who really wish to 
do their best with their gardens, to know that a show 
of spring flowers does not require so great an outlay as 
is generally supposed. For many years we have been 
in the habit of growing bulbs, with varied degrees of 
success. We have planted Hyacinths that sold at retail 
at two dollars each ; beside them we have had growing 
those that were sold at one dollar per dozen, and we 
must say that none but the professional bulb-grower 
would notice the difference. In the growing of bulbs, 
as in all pleasures, there are many persons who make 
the growing of some one branch of the family a hobby. 
This is very commendable, for it stimulates the produc¬ 
tion of new varieties, for which is paid a very high price 
until the novelty is worn off, then the price of the bulb 
is so reduced as to come within the reach of those who 
grow flowers for their individual pleasure, without the 
slightest desire for the “ latest novelty.” It is a mistake 
in the selection of Hyacinths for the open border, to 
choose the largest; it is much better to get what is 
called second-sized bulbs, not simply because they are 
cheaper, but because they are better—better because 
they will not break up into small bulbs for two or three 
years, while the larger dnes divide into many parts the 
second year, and each part gives but small, if any spike 
of flowers. For general effect, we should advise plant¬ 
ing what are usually termed “Bedding Hyacinths,” 
which simply means small-sized bulbs of the standard 
varieties, such as have been in cultivation for the las 
hundred years, and within that period but little, if any, 
real improvement has been made in this popular flower, 
either as regards size, form or color, notwithstanding 
there has annually been brought out a score or more 
new varieties, “ novelties,” novel only in name. 
We notice as little change in the character of other 
bulbs, such as Tulip, Crocus, Narcissus, etc., as in tlie 
Hyacinth. In each class what was good fifty years ago 
is yet considered good, and is as highly esteemed. 
Mixed Tulips are now very cheap, and are effective for 
garden decoration, or for growing in the house. Where 
large quantities are wanted for massing, it is better to 
buy named varieties, in order to secure harmony of 
color in their arrangement in the beds or border. In 
good heavy soils. Tulips do not degenerate, as do Hya¬ 
cinths ; on the contrary, there is a rapid and steady in¬ 
crease in the number of bulbs, consequently in the 
number of flowers. Crocuses and Narcissus are also 
constant, and do not require much attention for many 
years after planting. Crocuses planted in the grass on 
the lawn make a cheerful appearance in spring, with¬ 
out in the least injuring the grass, or marring its beauty. 
As with all other plants, a suitable soil for bulbs i, 
supposed a necessity, and for fear they have not got it 
many are deterred from planting bulbs, that would 
otherwise plant extensively. To such let us say, that a 
soil that would produce good garden vegetables will 
produce flowers equally well; and that the necessity of 
special soils for special purposes is sadly overrated. 
The soil best adapted for the successful cultivation of 
bulbs is one of a light sandy nature, moderately deep, 
and well enriched with well-rotted manure from the 
cow-stable, resting on a well-drained subsoil; such, in 
fact, as every well-managed garden offers. The class 
