with the same kind of mould to the thickness of one-eighth of an inch, more or less, according to the size of the seeds, as some are larger than others. The pots so sown should be then placed upon the platform in the seed-house, or upon a floor (if in frames) of finelysifted coal-ashes, and after being gently watered with a very fine rose watering-pot, be shaded from the sun. This shading must be continued constantly on during sun-shine, until the plants be from halfan-inch to an inch high; afterwards it must be gradually removed to harden them by degrees, to fit them for potting off into separate pots. Some cultivators place bell or hand-glasses over the seed-pots when sown, and when such can be spared, they may be with some propriety used. For five or six weeks, the surface of the mould must never be allowed to become dry, but be daily examined, at the end of which time, the seeds may be expected to have vegetated. When such is the case, the bell or hand-glasses should be gradually removed, first by being lifted up about a quarter-of-an-inch, and in increasing this air, until entirely removed. Some seeds of course do not vegetate so soon as others, therefore the pots should be still carefully attended to; but if after three months, or little more, all hope of their vegetating may be given up. Plants, so originated, will be about the middle or end of September in a fit state to plant out into thumb or thimble pots, as they are called, and which are the smallest sizes that are made.

Heaths which ripen their seeds in this country, should be sown as soon as they are ripe, provided this does not occur after the first of September; such as ripen afterwards (and several do so) had better be kept packed up in paper till the following April, when they may be sown as above directed. Plants originated at this time will be sufficiently strong by autumn to pot off; and it is even better then to pot off such as are very small, than allow them to stand in the seedpots all winter. It is perhaps not easily accounted for, but plants stand the winter better when potted off in autumn in single pots, than if they were to remain in the seed or cutting-pots all winter; and the same rule holds good in regard to potting off cuttings propagated at any period of the year when quite young, that is, immediately after they have commenced making roots. This is not perhaps generally known, at least it is not always acted upon, as many persons, from an idea that the plants will become strong and better rooted, defer too long the process of potting off, and, in consequence, lose both time

and many of their plants. It may, perhaps, not be quite out of place here to observe, that such seedlings or cuttings as have originated in the fine white sand of cultivators, should have their roots completely cleared of it before they are potted in their natural mould; for although most plants emit roots in that sand, it becomes injurious to many of them after they quit their cutting or seed state.

We may here however remark, that this family are less annoyed by insects than most other exotic plants, still they are not entirely exempt; for that destroying insect, the green fly of gardeners, sometimes attacks the heath, and as it is found impatient of the usual remedy, tobacco smoke, the best cultivators dip the plant, or parts infected, in a decoction of tobacco liquor. Mildew sometimes attacks the heath; but this, like the cause of its appearance in all other cases, must be owing to damp or stagnation of air. To remedy this evil, has not always been found an easy task; indeed, we recollect, about two years ago, to have seen nearly the whole collection of this family in the nursery of a cultivator, who is allowed to be one of the best in the neighbourhood of London, nearly destroyed by it. Free ventilation and a dry atmosphere seem the basis of a certain cure, and the application of flour of sulphur dusted on the plants, or put on them in form of paste, may be considered as effectual in removing the evil.

(To be continued.)

ARTICLE IV.

THE METROPOLITAN FLORAL EXHIBITIONS.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY, May 20.

Ar this, the first exhibition for the season, the magnificent display of plants and numerous attendance of visitors, amply testified that their already great popularity is increasing; and we only regret limited space, as usual, prevents so full a report being given as we could wish.

1.-STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS.

In collections of 30.-In this class two collections were shown, one by Messrs. Frazer, of Leabridge, and the other by Mr. Barnes, gardener to G. W. Norman, Esq., of Bromley. The group from the former comprised the most magnificent specimens of first-rate cultivation. We will name particularly Boronia serrulata, a splendid bush, 3 feet by 4; Eutaxia pungens, about the same size; a wellgrown Bossiæa disticha plumosa, producing multitudes of dull yellow and brown

flowers; a very fine Gardenia radicans, covering the pot with healthy foliage, and ornamented with upwards of 50 of its sweet-smelling blossoms; Azalea indica ledifolia, 6 feet in height, and 4 feet in diameter; Chorozema spectabile in good condition, and C. Henchmannii equally fine; also superb plants of Epacris grandiflora, Pimelia linifolia, and Aphelexis humilis. Mr. Barnes had, as usual, some remarkable plants, particularly Rondeletia speciosa, about 3 feet high, and nearly as much in diameter; Gompholobium tenellam, Dillwynia splendens, Phonocoma prolifere, Erica Thunbergia, and Pimelia Hendersonii. We likewise noticed good plants of Cyrtoceras reflexas, and Acrophyllum

venosum.

In collections of 20.-Here there were five competitors; the first prize was won by Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss Trail, in whose collection we noticed a splendid plant of a variety of Chorizama cordata, trained to a globular trellis; Gompholobium polymorphum, trained to a large shield, beautifully in bloom; Pimelia decussata, large and fine, together with some fine Azaleas, Ericas, and other plants. Messrs. Lucomb, Pince, and Co., of Exeter, received the second prize. We remarked that lovely stove climber, Dipladenia crassinoda, the comparatively new Epacris miniata, presenting a good display of its brilliant flowers; Cattleya Forbesii, with eleven flowering spikes; a large Gompholobium barbigerum, covered with large yellow blossoms; a pyramidal Eriostemon buxifolium, near 5 feet high; and also excellent specimens of Azalea leucomegista, and variegata; with Acrophyllum venosum, Epacris grandiflora, Erica intermedia, and others. The third prize was awarded to Mr. Pamplin, of Walthamstow, and to Mr. Catleugh, of Chelsea the fourth.

In collections of 10.-There were seven exhibitors of these. Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., of Cheam, produced the best; we remarked Chorizema varium, var. Chandlerii, Gompholobium splendens, and fine specimens of Pimelia Hendersonii; Aphelexis humilis; Ixora coccinea; Leschenaultia formosa; and Erica Beaumontia. The next group in point of merit was from Mr. Ayres, gardener to J. Cook, Esq., of Blackheath; in it we saw Polygala oppositifolia, 2 feet in height, and 3 feet in diameter, quite a mass of blussom; Aphelexis splendens, very fine; and A. spectabilis grandiflora, the best of the genus, together with a charming Azalea lateritia, and an exceedingly healthy Crowea saligna.-Mr. May, gardener to E. Goodheart, Esq., of Bromley, was third, and sent Hovea Celsi, a rather bare plant, but finely in bloom; a wellflowered Azalea lateritia, trained to a face; a large Erica hybrida; Aphelexis purpurea grandiflora; and Polygala acuminata. A fourth prize was given to Mr. Kyle, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq., Leyton, who showed some excellent plants, particularly Podolobium trilobatum, and Stephanotus floribundus. In the groups from other growers, which our space forbids us to particularize, we observed the white-flowered variety of Swainsonia galegifolia; a large Indigofera australis; Mahernia incisa, nearly 5 feet high; and a large Kennedia longiracemosa, trained over a wire trellis; quite a mass of lilac flowers.

In collections of 6.-Mr. Clarke, gardener to W. Block, Esq., of Muswell Hill, obtained the first prize in this class. His plants were, Ixora coccinea; Chorizema varia; Boronia serrulata; Erica perspicua nana; Aphelexis humilis, and Leschenaultzia formosa. The second prize was given to Mr. Kaye, gardener to R. D. Colvin, Esq., of Norwood, for Azalea variegata; Pimelia decussata; Epiphyllum Jenkinsonii; Selago Gillesii; Erica M'Nabiana; and Euphorbia splendens. Other prizes were awarded, but the collections did not comprise anything very remarkable.

ORCHIDACEOUS PLANTS.

The exhibitors in this class were few. Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, received the first prize, and Mr. Plant, gardener to J. H. Schroder, Esq., the second, in the class of fifteen species.

In the group from the former, we noticed the beautiful Phaius bicolor; Dendrobium chrysanthemum; the curious Myanthus cerneus; the red-flowered

Broughtonia sanguinea; Cirrhæa fuscolutea, with two pendent racemes of green flowers, more curious than beautiful; the Mexican Trichopilia tortilis ; Calanthe veratrifolia, and some others. The group from Mr. Plant contained, among others, the well-known Brassia maculata; the rare and delicate white-flowered Phalaenopsis amabilis; and a good Myanthus cernuus.

In collections of 10.-Mr. Green obtained the first prize; and the next group in point of merit came from Mr. Hunt. The latter contained a fine plant of the Indian Phaius Wallichii. Mr. Don, gardener to F. G. Cox, Esq., of Stockwell, received a third prize; we noticed a fine plant of Brassia Lanceana, with dense drooping racemes of buff blossoms, of no great beauty; Stanhopea eburnea; Cyrtochilum maculatum; and Cymbidium lancifolium, var. Gibsonii. In addition to these there was a collection from Mr. Rae, gardener to J. T. Blandy, Esq., of Reading, and which was considered the best collection; but on account of nonconformity with the Society's rules, was disqualified; among other things it comprised a small plant of the very handsome Dendrobium Devonianum; a good Cattleya Skinneri, with six spikes of purple blossoms; the best variety of Oncidium ampliatum ; and Vanda Roxburghi, with pale brown-veined petals and violet lip.

CAPE HEATHS.

A considerable number of these were produced, embracing many very excellent specimens; there was nothing, however, very new amongst them.

In the collections of 15 species.-Mr. May, gardener to E, Goodheart, Esq., Beckenham, received the first prize. The most striking kinds were, Thunbergia; Ventricosa alba; Sprengelli, and grandinosa.

In collections of 12 species. For nurserymen; the first prize was awarded to Messrs. Fairbairn, who produced, among others, jasminoides, a fine ventricosa alba, and metulæflora, having numerous heads of flowers, the violet tinge of whose reflexed petals contrast well with the red waxy-looking tubes. The next group was contributed by Messrs. Fraser. It contained a lovely propendens ventricosa breviflora, clad to the pot with foliage and flowers, and a pretty daphnoides.-Messrs. Rollisson sent denticulata moschata, loaded with small white and yellow flowers. Several others were shown. The first prize for a collection of six, open to private growers only, was obtained by Mr. Green, with Cavendishii, three feet by three; suaveolens and Hartnelli, about the same size; intermedia and ventricosa coccinea minor, each about two feet by three; and glauca (?) two feet by two. Mr. Maylon, Blackheath, received the second prize for mirabilis, hybrida, ventricosa coccinea, and coccinea minor, vestita alba, and vestita coccinea, all neatly grown.

AZALEAS.

For eight plants, Mr. Fraser obtained the first prize, with triumphans, Gledstanesii, fulgens, variegata, and exquisata, each about two feet by two; and larger bushes of speciosissima, phoenicea, and smensia. Collections of four varieties were shown by Mr. Barnes, Mr. Green, and J. Alnutt, Esq., who respectively obtained the first, second, and third prizes. Mr. Barnes had lateritia, Herbertii, variegata, and macrantha purpurea. Mr. Green had sinensis, Rawsonii, Smithii coccinea, and alba. Mr. Alnutt's plants were-variegata, alba, phoenicea, and fulgens.

SPECIMEN PLANTS.

A number of prizes was awarded to these, the highest being given to Mr. Clark, of Muswell Hill, for a finely bloomed Pimelia spectabilis, nearly three feet high, by as much across. A second prize was awarded to Mr. Green for a well-bloomed plant of Ixora coccinea,

and a third prize was given to Mr. Verdon, gardener to Earl Cornwallis, Linton Park, for Cattleya labiata. Several other prizes were also awarded.

NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

In this class there was nothing very striking; of those which were in bloom, and deemed by the judges deserving an award, was a rutaceous plant exhibited by Messrs. Lucombe and Pince, named Erythrochiton Braziliense, having large white flowers, half enveloped within a brown calyx. Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, received a prize for Theophrasta Jussiæi, a plant brought from Spain some years ago, but probably not very generally known. Messrs, Lucombe and Co. also received a prize for a species of Gompholobium, with light crimson red flowers, in the way of G. Youngii. There were also exhibited by Mr. Dods, gardener to Sir G. Warrenden, Clifden, Lyperia pinnatifida (figured in our present number), and Franciscea acuminata (Pohliana) by Mr. Wood, of Poole, a species of Orchidaceæ, in the way of Cyrtochilum filipes; by Mr. Henchman, of Edmonton, Kennedia glabrata minor; and by Mr, Barnes, Chorizema ericoides, and Gompholobium Hugellii; the latter plant was also shown by Messrs. Lucombe and Co. Of new or rare plants not in bloom, but remarkable for the beauty of their foliage, Mr. Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, obtained a prize with Pavetta Borbonica, a noble looking plant, with beautifully spotted leaves, having deep red midribs. Messrs. Lucombe and Co. received the next prize with Sarracenia Drummondi. These gentlemen also sent the curious little Cephalotus follicularis; and Mr. E. Beck, florist, Isleworth, showed Anatochilus setaceus,

II. FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

PELARGONIUMS.

In collections of 12 new varieties. In this class, amongst private growers, Mr. Cock, of Chiswick, and Mr. Staines, of Paddington, were the only competitors. The former was awarded the first prize for some splendid specimens of Erectum, Emma, Hector, Mustee, Marc Antony, Milo, Rosy Circle, Rosetta, Sir Robert Peel, Sultana, Shield of Achilles, and Cora. Mr. Staines had the second prize with Adonis, Ackbar, Aurora, Duke of Wellington, Duke of Cornwall, Erectum, Marchioness of Lothian, Nestor, Sir Robert Peel, Sunbeam, Sylph, and Rosalie. In the nurserymen's class, the first award was given to Mr. E. Beck for Aurora, Arabella, Bellona, Desdemona, Favourite, Hebe's Lip, Hindoo, Isabella, Mustee, Resplendent, Rosy Circle, and Zenobia. Mr. Catlengh was second with Duke of Sutherland, Free Briton, Grand Monarch, Hebe, Luna, Madeline, Milo, Magog, Mary, Orion, Rosetta, and Symmetry. Mr. Gaines showed some very