Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) [Illustration: BEGONIA XANTHINA.] THE FLORIST AND HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. Vol. II.] Philadelphia, July, 1853. [No. 7. BEGONIA XANTHINA. YELLOW-FLOWERED BEGONIA. BegoniaceÃ¦.âMonÅcia-Polandria. CHARAC. GENER.âFlores monoici. MASC. Perigonii tetraphylli foliolis subrotundis, 4 exterioribus majoribus. Stamina plurima; filamentis brevissimis liberis v. basi-connatis, antheris extrorsis bilocularibus, loculis linearibus discretis, connectivi continui obtusi margini adnatis longitudinaliter dehiscentibus. FEM. Perigonii tubo triptero cum ovario connate, limbi superi 4-9-partiti persistentis lobis pluriseriatim imbricatis. Ovarium interum triloculare. Ovula in placentis e loculorum angulo centrali bilamellatis plurima anatropa. Styli 3 bifidi stigmatihus crassis flexuosis v. capitatis. Capsula membranaceo-trialata trilocularis loculicide trivalvis. Semina plurima minima striata. Embryo in axi albuminis carnosi orthotropus. HerbÃ¦ _in Asia et America tropica indigenÃ¦, foliis alternis petiolatis integris v. palmatilobis basi saepecordatis inÃ¦quilateris integerrimis dentatis v. mucronatoserrutis_ stipulis _lateralibus membranaceis deciduis_, cymis _axillaribus pedunculatis dichotomis_ floribus _albis roseis v. rubincundis_. CHARACT. SPECIF.âB. acaulis, rhizomate brevi crasso subtus radicante, foliis amplis oblique cordato-ovatis brevi acuminatis sinuatis denticulatis subtus discoloribus (rubris) petiolis aggregatis crassis folium subaequantibus rubris stipulatis crinitis, setis patentibus interioribus reflexis, scapo petiolis duplo longiore, floribus nutantibus corymbosis flavis, masculis tetrasepalis, sepalis 5 oblongo-cuneatis unico majore rotundato magis concavo, foeminis triplo minoribus hexasepalis, sepalis Ã¦qualibus ovali-rotundatis, fructus alis duabus brevibus unica horizontaliter elongata striata. HOOK. _Begonia xanthina_, HOOK, Bot. Mag. t. 4683. Although many different species of this valuable genus have been discovered up to this time, we have had only those with white or red flowers. B. cinnabarina with its orange red flowers was an approach to what we now figureâthe Begonia xanthina. But even the yellow of this is shaded with the red which prevails in a greater or less degree in the flowers or leaves, and stalks of all the genus. This species, which flowered in July, 1852, in the collection of Mr. Nuttall, at Rainhill, Lincolnshire, was received by him in 1850, from the Bootan Himalayas, having been sent thence by his nephew, Mr. Booth. It may be some time before this beautiful plant is imported into this country; but we know that our enterprizing nurserymen and amateurs will obtain it as soon as it finds its way into the hands of the trade in Europe. HISTORY AND CULTIVATION. Few plants have a greater claim on the American plant grower than the _Begonia_. It has been too much the habit to sigh after, and bewail the want of âChiswick Heaths,â and other things which _do not_ do well in America, to the manifest neglect of many beautiful things which _do_. It is time we had ceased to be the mere copyists of English horticulture. We have so rapidly advanced, that we should aim at an independence that can be achieved; and, as in government so in gardening, take our place as one of the horticultural ânations of the earth.â We have been a âcolony of Chiswick and Edinboro,â âParis and Ghentâ hitherto; we have experienced on every occasion slights and neglects; whatever we do is passed over in silence, and whatever we discover remains unnoticed or is scorned. These are some of our grievances. All our horticultural papers have taken up the subject in turn, and pressed our claims on English journalists; but how have they been met? A private letter on the success of one individual plant has been published in one magazine; and two hybrid Peonys have been named in Belgium in honor of Americans. Perhaps once a year a short extract in the _Revue horticole_ on _Forsythia viridissima_ from the _Horticulturist_; or, a notice in the _Gardenerâs Chronicle_ of how to preserve Tomatoes from _Hoveyâs Magazine_. We must have done with whining and complaining about these things. Let us strike out new courses for ourselves. We may never hope to excel them in Heaths, Pansies, Calceolarias, or many other things, as a general rule, nor is it desirable we should. Let them boast of their excellence; we will raise another standard. The BEGONIA is peculiarly adapted to become such a plant as I have described. Requiring in England a moist and very artificial atmosphere, it does not make any very great progress in popular estimation. Here it thrives with very common care; all doing in a greenhouse 9 months in the year; and many doing well in the open air, if in a somewhat shaded situation. They are for the most part natives of Brazil or Mexico. To cultivate them successfully we must divide them into two classes:âthe _tuberous_ rooted, and the _shrubby_. Each of these will require separate treatment. The following kinds are amongst the best in cultivation, either here, or in English gardens, from whence they can be easily procured. TUBEROUS ROOTED. 1. B. discolor or Evansiana, native of China, with pinkish white flowers, may be had in bloom from May to October. 2. cinnabarina, from Bolivia, deep pink or cinnabar, from June to October. 3. Martiana, from Brazil, deep pinky rose, from July to October. 4. diptera, Cape of Good Hope, whitish, June to August. 5. Barkeri, Mexico, dull white, February to December. These require to be kept rather dry and cool in the winter season. No. 5. may be had in flower all the year, by having several pots, and keeping them dry at different periods. Early in spring the tubers may be potted in 6 in. pots, in a soil composed of well-decayed leaf mould, loam, and sand. They require little water till the leaves appear, when they will take an abundance. They may be forwarded in a little heat, but will do pretty well if allowed to come along with the season. They are easily propagated from their tubers, by cuttings, or by seeds. SHRUBBY OR FIBROUS ROOTED. 1. B. nitida, native of Jamaica, with pinkish white flowers, and large, thick, shining leaves. May be had in bloom all the year, and made into handsome specimens. 2. B. spathulata, another West Indian, with a very erect habit of growth. The leaves are folded in like spoons, and the small white flowers appear at the ends of the young growth. It flowers from August to December, and is but an average kind. 3. B. odorata, a Brazilian kind allied to the last, but has a fine foliage, resembling nitida, the flowers came out like the last from August to December, are much larger and sweet scented. 4. B. hirtella, a Brazilian species, with a rather starved looking habit of growth, but an abundance of small, pinky white flowers, appearing from June to December. 5. B. ulmifolia, a South American, with elm like leaves, but of no great beauty of flower. Only desirable to form a collection. 6. B. argyrostigma, a Brazilian species, with curiously spotted leaves, which is its chief attraction. The flowers appear from June to December. It is a very strong growerâoccupies much room. 7. B. hydrocotylifolia, a Brazilian pretty species. It is herbaceous, or has its leaves from a rhizoma creeping on the surface. Its pink flowers, borne on scapes about a foot high, appear from February to May. 8. B. parvifolia, a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It has very small leaves, grows about 2 feet high, and is always in flower. A white flowering and desirable kind. 9. B. albo-coccinea, a West Indian. Its oblique leaves are almost round, are very large and thick, and of a deep red beneath. The flowers appear from February to May; white on the inside, and scarlet on the back. The best of the rhizoma producing kinds. 10. B. nomonyma, a Brazilian species, in the way of B. manicata, with small white flowers, continuing from July to November. 11. B. castaneÃ¦folia. The specimens that I have seen growing are so like B. ulmifolia, that I have either not seen the true species or they are both the same. 12. B. Fischeri, a rather scarce Brazilian species, but one of the most desirable, approaching B. incarnata. In the spring months it is covered with its numerous pink or white flowers. 13. B. incarnata, a South American, that should be No. 1 in all collections. Its pink flowers may be had nearly all the year. 14. B. coccinea, another first rate Brazilian. A strong grower, covered with spikes of scarlet flowers from April to July. 15. B. manicata, from Brazil. A fine species when well grown, though the individual flowers are indifferent. The leaves are distinguished by a production resembling the claws of a mole on their under surface. Flowers in winter and spring. 16. B. fuchsoides, a well known species from New Grenada, with fuchsia like foliage, and scarlet flowers, appearing from June to September, a strong grower and fine kind. The species of this division are readily propagated from cuttings of the half ripened wood, put in sand, and plunged in a slight bottom heat. They are liable to damp off if kept too close. Indeed if they are in a situation somewhat shaded they will do better without the usual accompaniment of a bell glass. They will grow well in a soil of sandy loam and leaf mould. They should never be grown in very large pots; or, in the language of gardeners, should be always under potted. When growing fast they take a good supply of moisture; love a moist atmosphere and frequent applications of the syringe, and may be placed in the full light. If a moist atmosphere cannot be maintained, they will do better in a shaded part of the green house. The chief thing to guard against, is their damping off; small, well drained pots are the securities. When they are not growing they will live and do better with very little water. They are easily raised from seed, sown on the surface of the soil in pans, and placed in a warm shaded place, with the only attention of never being allowed to get dry. Some fine varieties, I believe, have been lately raised by hybridizing in Europe. It opens a fine field. I think the remark of the Calendar writer in the last No. worthy of repetition; that the Horticultural Society would do well to encourage the growth of the Begonia by a premium. A PHILADELPHIA GARDENER. THE AURICULA. Dear Sir: Allow me to draw the attention of your readers to that much neglected but truly desirable class of flowers the Auricula. There appears to be a general idea prevailing amongst many persons that considerable difficulty is experienced in cultivating this lovely gem in our climate. This notion is certainly erroneous, and the object of the following remark is to show how this may be accomplished. The Auricula, (Primula auricula,) is one of the very numerous species of Primrose, and no mean species either. Linnaeus claims this genus for Pentandria monogynia, and it forms the type of the natural order PrimulaceÃ¦. Our present subject is indigenous to the alpine districts of the European continent, Syria, and occasionally is found in the same situations in Britain, though rare. Its name Auricula has been applied from the supposed resemblance of the form of the leaves, to the ear of an animal, and hence the vulgar cognomen âBearâs Ears,â a name somewhat revolting to the taste of some of our delicate and sensitive belles, but quite in character with the quaint and uncouth, yet intelligent and enthusiastic class of individuals, with whom it originated. In a wild state, the colours are yellow, purple, and variegated, and I am inclined to think, in opposition to the acknowledgement of some botanist, that two or three which are considered as distinct species, are nothing more than varieties of this, if so we may include white also. Handsome as the different varieties of this flower appear naturally, the claim to beauty has been so much enhanced, by the perseverance and enthusiasm of the floristâs fostering care, for the last three hundred years, that at length, it has assumed a perfect symmetry of outline and marking, which renders it truly a gem. Were it only for the peculiarly rich odor of the flowers, it deserves a place in every garden, but when we combine this with the evergreen and neat habit of the plant, and the exquisite beauty of the flower, it seems strange as the cultivation is so easy, that it is not more generally seen, even what is grown are mostly varieties of no pretension to perfection, but simply a step or two removed from the natural state. The Auricula is divided by florists into four classes, viz, green edged, gray edged, white edged, and selfs, the edged classes being mostly esteemed as exhibition flowers, although the selfs are tolerated and encouraged. There are also, several double varieties, but these are not considered equally valuable, yet they are well worthy of attention. The following criteria constitute what is considered to be the main points of excellence in a prize Auricula. The stem should be strong, erect, and high enough to raise the truss of flowers above the foliage. The individual footstalk, sufficiently strong to support the flower, and of a proportional length to the number of pips, so that they may not crowd each other, and which should not be less than seven in number, that the truss may be close and compact, and form somewhat a half globe. The tube containing the anthers, the eye, and the exterior circle, ought to be well proportioned, which will be the case if the diameter of the tube be one part, the eye three, and the whole pip six or seven. If edged the margin should be about equal with the next inner circle. The edges ought to be smooth, having no serrature, so as to appear starry, and the limb or upper surface, flat and even. The nearer the outline approaches to a perfect circle the better, although the very best flowers do not quite come up to this point as yet. Whatever the colours, they should be clear, bold, and distinct, and divided in a perfect circle, or the dark markings form a circle next the eye, and extend out towards the outer rim on each lobe, so as to form so many half circles. In the selfs the colours ought to be uniform, bright and solid, or shaded off towards the outer margin distinctly and clear. Around the cultivation of natureâs greatest beauties there is generally a halo of mystery thrown. When any thing of this kind becomes recognized as a general favorite, speculative ideas, and vague theories have each a portion of precedence, and as some of these peculiarities happen to succeed, they are lauded, made public, and the tyro catches up the most ridiculous notions. Our present subject has not entirely escaped from this general contagion, for if we refer to some old and long established growers of the Auricula, we find that one thinks that the rotted down roots of the Willow, is the only matrix in which it will approach perfection; others again suppose, that nothing is so suitable as rushes decomposed into mould, and a portion of the same material cut short in a fresh state, and strewed over the drainage; while some will not believe in any fertilizer, but blood, mixed up with maiden earth, and laid together for a season. Now all these materials are well enough in their place for other things besides the Auricula, but to say that they are absolutely necessary, and that nothing else will produce the same quality, partakes of a superstitious and retrograde movement, and belongs to the old school. The fact is, all that is required, is a tolerably rich and cool base, for if too poor the plant will be weak and the flowers correspondingly so, and if too rich the trusses are apt to become monstrosities, having irregular shaped flowers, and too crowded to form a handsome bunch, with confused colours, and undefined markings. In these remarks, I would not wish to detract from the honor due to the old floral veterans, to whose zeal we owe a debt of gratitude, whose exertions have produced many of the very best flowers, and without which we should have been minus of many classes of the greatest beauty. Still we must move ahead we live in an age of progress, and if we cannot accomplish greater individual perfection, we can certainly attain to the same by more simple means. To grow the Auricula, plant in a tolerably rich soil, a suitable compost may be formed, by mixing two thirds fresh loam from a pasture, and one third cow dung, well rotted, and laid in a heap a few months before being used. Fresh dung injures the colours, and causes the plant to grow too rank and deficient in substance, when thin and papery flowers are the consequence. The Auricula may be grown in pots, or planted out into frames, or the open ground. If it is desirable to have a show of this flower in the greenhouse or parlour window; about the middle of August, prepare a quantity of six inch pots, place in the bottom of each, about an inch of broken crocks, or what is better the same depth of lumps of charcoal, over this put a layer of moss or fibry turf, to prevent the soil from falling down amongst the drainage, next fill in a portion of the above mentioned compost, and place into the centre of each pot a good and strong single crown. Before planting examine the roots and cut away any decayed portions, spread them out carefully, and fill up to the rim with soil, press it a little tight about the crown, and give the pot a smart rap or two upon the potting bench, which will settle all and leave a little space for future watering, do not plant too deep, but let the collar of the plant be somewhat elevated, which will prevent damping off, after potting give a good watering, but do not repeat this afterwards further, than to keep the plant in health, for the Auricula is impatient of too much moisture, and most particularly so while at rest in the winter. In order to avoid continued saturation, the pots should be placed in a position where the water can pass away freely, and likewise shaded from the sunâs rays; if plunged in a bed of sand or porous ashes, so much the better, and if worms should get into the pots, give it a soaking when dry with lime water, using the clear liquid; here they may remain till the approach of severe weather, when the pots ought to be washed and the plants carefully looked over (all decayed leaves should be removed clean away,) when they may be taken into the greenhouse and placed near the glass, freely exposed to the air and light; water carefully and rather sparingly at first, afterwards gradually increase it, (but at no time unduly,) as they advance towards blooming; do not give much artificial heat, or the flowers will be rendered weak or abortive; a Camellia or Geranium house is quite hot enough, in which a temperature of 45 at night ought to be kept. Where there is not the luxury of a greenhouse, the same object may be accomplished by a common garden frame, (in fact a much better display to my taste) and with much less trouble and expense considering the great number of plants that may grown. In this case, during the latter part of August, or early in September, place one or more frames, according to the number of plants, in a situation freely exposed to the sun, and upon a well drained bottom, dig up the base so that the water may pass freely through, and fill in with about eight inches of the before mentioned compost, divide the plants into single crowns, the same as recommended for pots, and plant about six inches apart; if dry weather give a good watering, and keep off the glass till frosty weather sets in, when the sashes may be put on, and air admitted freely through the day. In case of rain the lights may be tilted up at the back, which will keep the plants dry and prevent any danger from rot. Open early in the morning, and keep all at rest till towards the middle of January, when the lights may be closed somewhat earlier in the evening, and the sunâs heat allowed more freely: cover with straw mats or other material, to keep out the frost, and line round the sides with rough litter or clean straw for the same purpose. When the flower trusses commence to push, water may be more freely given, but not overhead, unless in case of a genial showers, which seldom occurs at this time, and after the pips begin to expand, do not let even the rain in upon them, as much of the fine powdery substance, which constitutes a great portion of their beauty, would be thereby washed off, but apply water more freely between the rows, admit air sufficient, but avoid beating winds. By following these directions, and having a good stock of plants, the lover of flowers may be rewarded through the months of March and April, without the aid of a greenhouse, with one of the loveliest sights, and most enchanting scents in Floraâs kingdom. So far we have spoken of the little favorite as a nursling and treasured up pet, but like many other of Godâs blessings, it is not so very mindful of manâs fostering care. There are many of our city yards in which there is a shaded and sheltered spot, in all such there is ample accommodation for this plant; use a fertile and well drained soil, screened from the burning orb of summer, and the thawing gleams of winter, and we can be recompensed by a sight of its beauty, and refreshed by its delicious odor, without any other protection, although of course if protected and taken care of under glass, we have greater perfection, and shall be no losers for our extra trouble. After blooming is fairly over, choose a piece of ground sheltered from the midday sun, if moist but yet drained, so much the better, plant out in rows a foot apart, and six inches in the row, place a little deeper than before, which will cause them to push out side roots. If dry give a good watering when planted and an occasional repetition, in case of drought through the summer; no further care is required, unless Red Spider, or Aphides should attack, when a good syringing with soap-suds, will speedily eradicate them. The following list, containing twelve of the best in each class, is from the authority of Mr. John Slater, one of the âLancashire Heroes,â and a sure guide, a man whose enthusiasm knows no bounds, and whose honesty is equal to his perseverance. GREEN EDGED. Littonâs Imperator, Leedâs Colonel Taylor, Boothâs Freedom, Pollittâs Highland Laddie, Ashtonâs Prince of Wales, Pollittâs Standard of England, Yatesâ Morris Green Hero, Oliverâs Lovely Ann, Barlowâs King, Howardâs Nelson, Mooreâs Jubilee, Pageâs Champion. GREY EDGED. Cheethamâs Lancashire Hero, Sykeâs Complete, Kenyonâs Ringleader, Grimesâ Privateer, Fletcherâs Ne Plus Ultra, Fletcherâs Mary Ann, Waterhouseâs Conqueror of Europe, Riderâs Waterloo, Kentâs Queen Victoria, Taylorâs Plough Boy, Beestonâs Fair Flora, Ashworthâs Newton Hero. WHITE EDGED. Taylorâs Favorite, Leeâs Venus, Ashworthâs Regular, Taylorâs Incomparable, Taylorâs Glory, Woodâs Delight, Catharina, Popplewellâs Conqueror, Kenyonâs Lord Chancellor, Hepworthâs True Briton, Cheethamâs Countess of Wilton, Pottâs Regulator. SELFS. Netherwoodâs Othello, Kayâs Jupiter, Bleggâs Blue Bonnet, Berryâs Lord Primate, Berryâs Lord Lee, Grimesâ Floraâs Flag, Redmayneâs Metropolitan, Scholeâs Ned Lud, Whittakerâs True Blue, Bradshawâs Tidy, Barkerâs Nonsuch, Gortonâs Stadtholder. Yours Most Respectfully, WILLIAM CHORLTON, _New Brighton, Staten Island_. June 27, 1853. GARDENS OF PAEONIA MOUTAN IN CHINA. BY R. FORTUNE. These gardens are situated near the village of Fa-who, about 5 or 6 miles west from Shanghae, in the midst of a vast country of cotton plantations. On the way I met a large number of _coolies_ each carry two baskets of Moutan-paeonies in full flower; they went to sell them in market. Arrived at the gardens I found there a number of these plants in flower and of a remarkable beauty. The purple and lilac species especially attracted the sight: among others a very pretty kind apparently distinct, with finely cut leaves and flowers of a velvety purple, like the Tuscany rose of our gardens. The Chinese call it Moutan Peony (black) and I believe it to be the same as that called _atro-sanguinea_ by Dr. Lindley, in the journal of the Horticultural Society of London. Another species called âtseâ or purple, had double flowers of a remarkable size; it is probably this variety which they say has a thousand petals, and did not exist but in the garden of the emperor. The third kind is called âlanâ (blue;) it is a lilac variety; its flowers are of the color of Wistaria Sinensis. There are besides other kinds of purple differently shaded, very distinct from the preceding and equally beautiful. The double whites are also numerous and very remarkable. The largest among them has been called _P. globosa_ by Dr. Lindley, but there are 4 or 5 others which approach very near to this. Some have a light shade of lilac, which gives tone to their color. The best is that called âwangâ (yellow) by the Chinese; this variety, of a straw color, is very beautiful, but notwithstanding inferior to some others. The red peonies (Hong) are equally numerous. What is strange, is, that the kinds common at Canton and in England, are very rare here. These gardens contain about a half-dozen of new varieties of red peonies; among others, that called âVan-yang-hongâ by the Chinese, is the most beautiful plant which I have ever seen. Its flowers are of a bright and pure red, entirely different from all the others perfectly double; each of them is about ten inches in diameter. In all I counted nearly thirty distinct varieties in these gardens. The greater part of these beautiful varieties of Paeonia Moutan are unknown at Canton. This may seem strange in a country where flowers are so generally sought for; but the Chinese are in everything such conservatives that a slight acquaintance with their customs will suffice to explain this apparent anomaly. The gardens of Canton derive their supplies of P. Moutan from a district situated more in the west than Shanghae. From time immemorial the same gardens have furnished these flowers; they arrive always by the same road, and at the same time of the year. It seems that Shanghae until the end of the last war, has never been in communication with Canton, at least in what concerns flowers, consequently these beautiful varieties of Peony could not obtain a route towards the south and thence to Europe. The establishments where they cultivate exclusively the Paeonia Moutan are numerous, but very small. They have the appearance of our cottage gardens, and are cared for in the same way, that is, by all the members of the family: the women take as much part in it as the men: they are very avaricious and love money extremely. When they have been consulted, I always had to pay dearer for the acquisitions of plants which I made. The soil of these gardens is rich and well-manured; this latter circumstance renders it less compact than the soil where they cultivate cotton. The propagation and management of the Paeonia Moutan seems to have been perfectly understood by the Chinese at Shanghae, much better than with us. Our horticulturists complain without ceasing of the difficulty of multiplying this beautiful plant, and this makes the price remain high. Here is the method which the Chinese pursue, and which our growers may try. At the commencement of October, they collect in the sheds and out-houses a great quantity of the roots of a certain herbaceous Peony, roots which must serve for subjects of Paeonia Moutan. The bundle of tubercles which forms the root of a herbaceous peony is divided, and each little root, in shape of a finger, becomes a subject upon which they graft the P. Moutan. Having placed a great number of these tubercles upon the potting table, they bring the grafts of the plants which they wish to multiply. Each graft is but an inch and a half to two inches long; it is the extremity of a shoot made during the summer just finished. The under part of it is cut into a wedge and inserted on the top of the finger shaped tubercle of which we spoke. The graft is covered by a ligature or by clay and the operation is complete. A great number of grafts being thus made, they are carried to the garden and planted in rows distant about a foot and a half; the same space is left between plants in the same row. In planting, the head of the graft only remains above the soil; the part where the graft unites with the tubercle is always buried. Kaempfer says that the Chinese multiply the Moutan Peony by bud-grafting; this is an error, this process is never practiced by them, they do not even understand it. The author has been led into the error by the smallness of the bud which they use, this having but one eye at its end. Each autumn sees thousands of plants grafted in this way. The little empty space which may be seen in the rows proves the goodness of the method; in fact a graft rarely fails to grow. At the end of about fifteen days the union of the root and the graft is complete: in the following spring the plants are beautiful and vigorous. They generally flower the first spring or at the latest in the second; it is then that they are taken up and carried to be sold in the market in the way I have described. The plant which has but one stalk and one flower has more value in the eyes of the cultivator at Shanghae than a stronger one; it is sold more easily, produces a very large flower, and presents no difficulty neither for lifting nor for transportation. Thanks to this circumstance I could always procure strong plants more advantageously than small ones. In the gardens of the mandarins can often be met Peonies of a considerable size. Near Shanghae there is one which annually produces 3 to 400 flowers. The proprietor takes as much care of it as could the most enthusiastic amateur of his tulips. During its flowering, it was protected from the burning rays of the sun by a tent of canvass; in front was a seat where the visitor enjoyed in full the sight of these magnificent flowers. Every day, for several hours, the old man installed himself there, and while pipes and bowls of tea succeeded each other he looked lovingly upon his favorite âMoutan wha.â It was certainly a noble plant, well worthy of the admiration of the old amateur, to whom I wish the pleasure of sitting a long time yet under his tent, to enjoy so beautiful a sight. _Translated from the Flore des Serres._ CHINESE PRIMROSE. Winter flowering plants are not too plentiful, at least such as will bloom in the cool temperature of a greenhouse; we have many fine winter flowering exotics, but they either require a hothouse temperature to bloom freely, or are more difficult to manage during summer; we are indebted to the Celestials for many of our most valuable winter flowers, Azaleas, Camellias and among others that beautiful little gem the Chinese primrose. They are all of hardy and robust habit, and are thus within the reach of all, so far as cultivation is concerned, a recommendation of much importance to those amateurs who cannot devote much time to their collection. It has often occurred to me when visiting amateursâ greenhouses, that they would derive much more pleasure from their labors were they more select in the choice of their plants, choosing those only of known hardy and free blooming qualities, instead of aiming at a varied assortment, often expensive, and rarely satisfactory. I was more deeply impressed with this fact during a visit to an enthusiastic amateur last winter. On entering his greenhouse I was struck with the gay and cheerful appearance it presented, and it was only when about leaving that I observed the only plants in flower were a few Camellias, two or three Cinnerarias, and a quantity of Primulas of various colors, but these were so well arranged and set off with a profusion of healthy foliage, and the Primroses showing such fine rounded trusses, that I am confident not one person in ten would have noticed this simplicity of its production. Although this plant is very hardy, I am aware that many amateurs are not so successful with it as they would wish. This, I presume, arises principally from its liability to decay if kept too damp at root, either from using pots of a large size, or supplying water too freely. Four and six inch pots will be found of ample size, not that a plant will not grow in a pot three feet in diameter as well as it would in one inches. The only difference would be that, in the former, the plant would probably require water once a month and the latter daily. To keep up a succession of flowers for four or five months, seed should be put in at intervals of five or six weeks, from June to September, soil of a sandy nature should be prepared, and the seeds very slightly covered. The front shelf in the greenhouse will be a suitable place for them while growing, they should be encouraged by transplanting into a shallow box as soon as the first true leaf makes its appearance. If thinly planted (not closer than three inches) they can remain until sufficiently strong to be placed at once into flowering pots. These must be well drained by placing a handful of broken material in each pot. If attention is paid to this, there will be little fear of damp, if ordinary care is given in watering. Two small stakes should be inserted one each side of the plant, crossing other at top, no tying will be necessary, this will prevent them from toppling over and breaking off at the neck where they are very weak. A few of the latest sowing should be set apart for seedling. A little care and attention should be given to their selection, choosing those with large, well colored fringed flowers. Sometimes they incline to be semi-double; these should have the preference. About the middle of May they should be set out in the sun, watered regularly, and if they receive an occasional application of manure water the value of the seed will be enhanced. Under these conditions an abundance of seed will be secured. It is not worth trouble to preserve old plants; young ones flowering with much more vigour; any particularly fine variety, however, may be turned out of the pot after it has done blooming, some of the old soil removed and replaced in fresh compost. The double varieties are much superior to the single ones. They are increased by dividing the plant into cuttings. To propagate them requires a cool dry situation, partially shaded, paying great attention in watering, they must be kept rather dry until they begin to show symptoms of growth; otherwise they are certain to decay. It is probably on this account that they are not so extensively cultivated as they deserve to be. DELTA. ON THE DOUBLE CHINESE PRIMROSE. To the Editor of the Florist, Sir: As you invite communications from practical gardeners, I offer a few remarks on the above; as I think it a much rarer plant than it ought to beâfew plants excel it in simple beauty, and by proper management it may be had in bloom every month in the year. Being double, it can only be propagated by cuttings, which may be taken off at any time, and readily struck in sand under a bell glass. In about three weeks they are sufficiently rooted to pot into single pots. I find them to thrive best in a compost of rough leaf mould and sandy loam, in well drained pots. I repot them as often as they become well rooted; and pinch off every flower stalk that appears till the plant is six months old at least. I then let it flower on, and as each flower truss shows symptoms of withering, pluck it out. By this course it will continue to flower a whole year. They frequently die out from exhaustion at this time, and the only way I find to prevent this, is to divide the plant into off-sets, and so start with them as with new plants. They always do well with me by this treatment. The double white is the commonest and most easy to be procured; but I have observed in a report of the Pennsylvania Society, that the purple exists also in your neighborhood. If you think the above worthy of insertion in the Florist, I should be happy to send you some others when I have leisure. Yours, &c., HORTUS. NOTES ON ROSE CULTURE, BY A LOVER OF ROSES. (Continued.) HYBRID PERPETUAL OR REMONTANT ROSES.âThis division of the Rose was introduced to us about 15 or 16 years ago and according to the opinions of good judges it originated between the perpetual Rose Du Roi and the Bourbon Rose; they have been till very recently nearly all of a crimson or dark red color. Florists and Rose-growers generally esteem these the finest of all Roses, to which I would coincide, provided, they were constant monthly bloomers, which they are not, giving only two or perhaps faintly a third bloom with a meagre flower in the autumnal months. They richly deserve special attention for their fine bold flowers, rich foliage, and luxuriant shoots when on their own roots; or if budded they make very admired standard Rose trees. But oh! what nicety of eye, how critical the judgment to detect the difference of one half of them. For my own pleasure and gratification I would not give a groschen for Â¾ths of them; but we are so led off our guard by âhave you got so and so,â we blush to own up, and buy nearly all, good, bad, and indifferent; but pray who would grow Doctor Marx, Dr. Margolin, Madam Laffay, and nearly 50 others; all red, rosy red, dark red, light crimson, and such transpositions, meaning nearly the same in color and character? So be it. I will not detail before your thousands of readers such equivocal terms, but give off hand and full in my eye, a score that will please the most fastidious. Auguste Mie, clear waxy rose, cupped petals. Baronne Hallez, dark purple crimson, fine form. Baronne Prevost, rose color, very large. Caroline de Sansal, large, rosy blush, pink centre, of remarkably strong growth. Duchesse de Montpensier, pale satiny rose, very fragrant. Giant of the Battle, nearly bright scarlet. Is this not the rose of the group? Everyone of your readers that wishes a rose bush that is perfectly hardy, bright in color, and constant in bloom may chose this subject. Julie de Krudner, a new rose, nearly white, very double, and agreeably fragrant. La Reine. I hesitate about this though a most superb flower; it has a paucity of bloom not altogether to my fancy; the color too is undecided being a rosy lilac, but extremely large and luxuriant in growth. Lion des Combats, reddish crimson, shaded with scarlet, large, full, and fragrant. Louise Le Clerc, delicate blush, perfect form, very profuse and fragrant. Madam Laffay, purplish lilac, inclining to crimson, very full regular flower, plant of strong growth. Madam Rives, quite a new variety, of a pale flesh or silvery blush color, of great substance, very distinct and perfectly formed. Marquis Boccella, pale blush, dwarf habit, a constant bloomer, very distinct. Pius 9th, crimson purple, very large, full and perfect, a profuse bloomer of strong growth. Patenotte, pale rose, very exquisite form, fragrant and profuse, quite a new variety. Queen Victoria, (Paulâs) blush white, shaded with pink or peach blossom color, large, very full, and distinct from any other variety, quite new, very desirable. Robin Hood, bright carmine, beautifully globular, and a rampant grower. William Griffith, satiny rose, distinct color, a large bold petaled flower, quite new, and will rank amongst the best. William Jesse, a favorite variety of a rosy crimson color, edged with lilac, very large, full, and constant. Yolande dâArragon, pale rose, producing its flowers in clusters the whole season, a strong grower. Sydonie, a newer variety, is very like this, and I am doubtful if it is any improvement upon it, unless to a very critical observer. I have not seen a clear good white as yet in this group. Florists and catalogues tell us of Blanche Vibertâwhite it is, but a sickly looking flower and plant, at the best. Blanche Portemer has nothing more attractive about it. A good white such as the old Madam Hardy is much wanted, it would be a treasure. There are over 100 of these Hybrid Perpetual varieties cultivated, one half of them are nearly facsimiles of each other. They all require more stimulation in their culture than any other roses; if a strong luxuriant growth is not produced a very meagre show will follow; dark rich green foliage and strong shoots will produce a corresponding bloomâbut yellow foliage and weak growth produces similar sickly blooms, deficient in color, size, and fragrance. Also, observe that taking off one half of the buds in May and June, is beneficial to a continuance of bloom during the season; in dry weather they should be liberally supplied with rich water or soap suds, or if the ground has been abundantly manured, water of any description will suit; observing that one copious supply once a week is better than a small portion every day. NOISETTE ROSES are those clustering sorts that bloom from early in the season till destroyed by frost; their flowers are generally small, though there are now some of them nearly as large as any others, but the size takes from their profusion. The growth of the family is of all grades, from 1 foot to 20 feet in a season; unfortunately for us, however, the finer kinds are rather tender, being nearly or entirely killed in our severe winters. Those tender kinds of greatest splendor are Lamarque, Cloth of Gold, Solfatare, La Victorieuse. These are hybridised with the Tea Rose, making them more tender; but for milder climates than Philadelphia the splendor of them equals any description. A friend writes me from Texas, that Cloth of Gold reaches the 3d story, and is in bloom 9 months of the year, and its odor equal to the magnolia. In pruning Noisette Roses, thin out the old wood, and shorten the wood of the previous season. The young wood should always be allowed to have its full growth, as it is most frequently terminated with a cluster of flowers; the sorts without encroaching upon their beauties might be curtailed to one full dozen, which would comprise as follows: Aimie Vibert, pure white, very compact, a dwarf grower. Cloth of Gold, a very luxuriant grower, requiring dry rich soil; flowers quite large, frequently 5 inches in diameter, opening a bright lemon yellow, and fading to a pale straw color; should be protected by covering in winter. Desprez or Jaune Desprez, flowers buff color shaded with pink, in profuse clusters, very fragrant, plant vigorous. Fellenberg, color pink, red, or crimson as the season may be; a constant bloomerâdoes very well for a piazza or pillar, quite hardy. Lafayette, this old fine pink rose must not be neglected; there are few or none to equal it in color and profusion; a moderate grower, flowers prettily cupped and quite profuse. Odorata, pure white, very sweet, an abundant bloomer and perfectly hardy; stood the winter of â51, without any protection; of moderate growth. Ophirie, color orange, orange and pink, pale yellow or bright yellow, all according to the weather and season; blooms abundantly, especially in the autumnal months, flowers very double, plant hardy and growing freely; quite distinct, foliage of a pleasing lively green. Philippart, dark pink, must be well established before its character is fully ascertained; blooms in large clusters; exceedingly hardy and of strong growth. Pourpre de Tyre, not easily to decide whether this variety is a Bourbon or Noisette; but florists place it where I now do. The flowers of medium size, dark red or crimson color; plant of moderate growth. Triomphe de la Duchere, one of the very best Noisette roses, flowers abundant, large, full, of a rosy pink color and fragrant; plant strong, but not rampant. Vittelina, pure white, fine form, buds shaded with pink, very double, medium size, growth moderate, very desirable. Lamarque, flowers very large, white with a sulphur yellow centre, plant of strong growth, requires a dry sheltered situation with a rich soil, and to be protected during the severe weather about Philadelphia. I have omitted many others nearly equal to the above, such as Solfatare, Du Luxemberg, Phaloe, Boulogne, _Augusta_, &c. Of the latter I may say that I have not yet conversed with a judge or no judge of roses, in this vicinity, who pronounces it equal or nearly equal to the published description of it. I paid a V. for my plant, and consider it fully paid. If I was now to make out a list to send to my Florist, I would say Cloth of Gold, Ophirie, Augusta, &c. [_To be continued._] THE STRAWBERRY CONTROVERSY. The communication of Mr. Meehan to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, seems to have excited the opposition of all those persons, and we believe they are the majority, who have settled the question to their own satisfaction, that the Strawberry is either pistillate or staminate, and unchangeably so. Mr. Meehan has produced his plants (of Hoveyâs Seedling), with staminate flowers. The Strawberry cultivators pronounce them (in the teeth of Mr. Mâs assertion that they are runners from pistillate plants,) to be not Hoveyâs, but another variety. Some others talk of the absurdity of plants being fruitful without fertilization, which, whether absurd or not, Mr. M. does not claim for his plants; we have seen nothing yet on that side in the way of argument, it is all assertion;âThe Cinn. Hort. Society, formally pronounced it impossible, and with them there is no appeal from their âipse dixit.â In the last number of the Farm. Journal, we have a letter, which we suppose is from the eminent botanist of that region, which we copy, as suggesting many reasons why Mr. Meehan may be right. The statement of MR. MEEHAN, in the April number of the Farm Journal, alleging that he has observed the sexual characters of the Strawberry flowers to be variously modified by culture, or different methods of treatmentâhas elicited some strong asseverations of _opinion_, in contradiction to that allegation of _fact_. One writer unhesitatingly declares the alleged change to be â_utterly impossible_:â and I understand that in the Queen City of the West, they have had a _public gathering_, to deliberate on the subject, which resulted in a _Pronunciamento_ adverse to MR. MEEHANâS statement,âhis facts and observations being _rejected_ by a clear majority of the voters present! The matter being thus _settled_, by preamble and resolution after the manner of political difficulties at a war-meeting, it may seem to be out of order, now, to offer any remarks on the controverted topic. Nevertheless, as this is reputed to be a Free Country, I should like to be indulged with the privilege of submitting a few suggestions,âif not in arrest of judgement, at least as a plea in mitigation of the sentence, against my friend MEEHAN. It is the remark of a vigorous and sagacious modern writer, that âno scientific question was ever yet settled dogmatically, nor ever will;â and I think the same may be especially predicated of questions of fact, in Natural History. I may here observe, that I was favored with the opportunity of examining one of MR. MEEHANâS specimens,âin which there were certainly two scapes from the same rootâone bearing a cyme of _pistillate_ flowers (with minute rudiments of abortive stamens,) and the other a cyme of _perfect_, or hermaphrodite flowers: and whether the specimen was the progeny of a pistillate, a staminate, or a hermaphrodite plant, I should think the inference plausible, that the flowers on at least _one_ of these two cymes, must have been a modification, or altered product, of the parent plant. It is this kind of change, in the character of the flowers, which I understand MR. MEEHAN to announce, as having
{'title': 'The Florist and Horticultural Journal, Vol. II. No. 7, July, 1853 by Various', 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}