The tree never received any pruning during the time it was in Mr. Gunn's possession. Under better treatment, doubtless, the fruit would be larger in size and better in quality. Mr. Gunn named the variety in honor of John C. Critten four miles from Shelbyville, on a farm formerly Mr. Gunn has himself kept the fruit until June. owned by Mr. Gunn, but now the property of Mr. W. Belloo. Tree rather a slow grower; the fruit about the same size as that of the Prior's Red; sweet, fit for use throughout the whole winter, and has been known to keep until September of the year following its ripening; den. -Farmer's Home Journal. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. SOUCHET'S NEW GLADIOLI-Monsieur Souchet, of Fontainebleau, who is unusually successful in the cultivation of Gladioli, has again raised some new kinds, remarkable for their size and perfection of form, as well as for new colors. Among them, the following will be found desirable additions to any collection, viz.: Addison.-Spike large; flowers very large and of a deep amaranth, striped with white. A lovely plant of middle height. Benvenuto.-Spike long and striking; flowers very large, much open, of a pink or pale orange color, very brilliant and transparent, spotted with white. Plant of a middle height. Elvire.-Spike long and fine; flowers large and pure white, edged with carmine. Plant middle height. Eva.-Spike ample; flowers large, ground color white tinted and shaded with rose and pale lilac. A fine flower. Plant of middle height. Figaro.-Flowers large and open, rose or reddish-orange, tinted with a deeper shade, and having large spots of pure white. A grand plant. Le Phare.-Spike very long; flowers large, brilliant bright red and very open. Plant medium height. Lulli.-Spike good; flowers large and perfect; bright cherry slightly tinted with orange; ground color clear, the inferior division striped with carmine. Plant of middle size. Macaulay-Spike long and splendid; flowers large, deep crimson slightly tinted with violet and spotted with deep carmine; centre clear and transparent Plant of middle height. Margarita.-Spike very long; flowers large with a white ground, tinted with carmine. A strong growing and beautiful variety. Octavie.-Spike long; flowers large, of a pretty pale pink, slightly edged with red, and lined and spotted with pure white; centre very clear. LOBELIA CARTER'S COBALT-BLUE. - We saw this flowering last year; and nothing is handsomer than the dwarf compact form-more like a mass than a flowering plant, only that it is crowned by the dense mass of light blue flowers. Mr. Shirley Hibberd says of it in the Gardener's Magazine of January 6th, 1872: "There was one piece of a new bedding Lobelia which surpassed every thing of its class on the greund, a better thing even than Blue King, but in that way; the color a clear pure blue, the growth :ompact; in fact the whole thing perfect, as if ti sa mould and colored by a master of parterre planting, who knows exactly what is A sis borealis alba, is a charming plant, originally wanted. I was desired to name this, and proposed it should be called Carter's Cobalt-Blue, and under this designation it will probably be offered to a discriminating public; the stock is to be made from seed, and the variety is to be distributed in seed." The distinguishing character of this plant is that it has no white in the eye of the blossom, nor any purple on the calyx; so that the brilliant blue has the entire possession of the field of color. Acer rufinerve, a strong growing kind, which retains its foliage until Christmas, and in very mild districts would be really evergreen.-W. DEAN, in Gardener's Chronicle. CAMELLIA PRINCESS ALEXANDRA.-A very beautiful addition to the regal group of Camellia japonica. In growth this variety is free and robust, in verdure a rich deep lustrous green, in bloom above average size; near to perfection in its circular outline, uniform and evenly imbriNEW ORNAMENTAL TREES.-Messrs. Stan- cate in its structure and build: petals thick and dish have in their collection the new Japanese leathery in substance, the outer ray of petals Larch, Larix leptolepis, which resembles the nearly round (rose-like), graduating in size and common Larch in habit, but is of more robust outline to the full centre. In color a delicate growth and larger foliage; this tree will be a rosy-blush, suffused with a rich carmine tint, great acquisition. Their new Conifer, Thujop- delicately traced with ramose veins, leaving an outer margin of blush white on each petal, the outer ones being occasionally marked with broad crimson bars. The union and varied contrast of rich roseate tints blending with an outer zone or margin of silvery white, forms an exquisite feature in this beautiful flower. So says an English writer. DELPHINIUM BELLADONNA.-Although by no means new, it is undoubtedly one of the choicest of border flowers. Unfortunately with me it is somewhat delicate in constitution, yet it flowers abundantly; still, it does not increase much in size from year to year, and as it is perfectly barren there is no method of propagating it save by division. The flowers are of a lovely sky blue, a color so rare amongst plants that it renders it at once conspicuous and effective. Journal of Horticulture. VIOLA CORNUTA we noticed a few years ago. It grows about six inches high. The flowers are borne all well up above the foliage, and forms a compact mass of rich, deep violet colored flowers. Its hardy constitution and profuse blooming qualities renders it one of the most beautiful of Spring and Summer bedding and border plants. There is now a variety resembling the above in all the characters and habits, excepting color, which is pure white. We see it is advertised by a Rochester firm. - appeared, and I have no doubt that I shall be able, time and opportunities permitting, to bear out Dr. Denny's remarks, and obtain by crossbreeding the result sought, or at all events an approximation thereto, although I have been anticipated in this respect, to some extent, by Nature, who it appears on this occasion, as she frequently does, has favored our Continental neighbors. I hope to send you shortly some remarks on Dr. Denny's paper on hybridization. -THOMAS LAXTON. [Of the flowers sent, Jewel is much the best. It is rich and clear in color, and remarkably full and well formed. No. 30 is a little more openeyed, while Aurora is semi-double, and the brightest of all. E. J. Lowe does not appear to open well, and in consequence, looks pinched up. We look upon Jewel as a real and decided acquisition.-EDS. Gardener's Chronicle.] LISIANTHUS PRINCEPS.-It has been called a greenhouse plant, but there is little doubt it will be found to thrive best in an intermediate house. This superb Gentianaceous plant was considered by the late Dr. Lindley to be "one of the best plants in existence." It is a compact branching shrub, growing about two feet in height; the leaves are opposite, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate and dark green on the upper side, paler below; the blooms are produced in graceful drooping racemes of from three to five; the flowers are tubular, the calyx being about half an inch long, and the corolla about six inches in length, and upwards of an inch wide; the color of the tube is rich scarlet, melting into golden yellow at each end. It is found growing at elevations of from 10,000 to 11,000 feet above the level of the sea, in the province of Pamplona, in New Grenada, but it is a rare plant even in its native country. MR. LAXTON'S DOUBLE DWARF PELARGONIUMS — I have forwarded a small box containing blooms of my new seedling double dwarf Zonal Pelargoniums, Jewel (First-class Certificate, Royal Horticultural Society), E. J. Lowe, No. 30, and semi-double Aurora. The flowers of the two former are almost mimics of various Roses, and if mounted with small rose foliage and buds in a miniature stand, would almost pass for Liliputians amongst the queen of flowers. E. J. Lowe, from the white exterior of the petals, has a striking effect in the truss, and Aurora is a very free blooming, bright colored variety of the Tom Thumb race, to which all the varieties belong, having none of the blood of the old coarse growing Inquinans, or Gloire de Nancy type in them. I have also been cross-breed-beautifully marked foliage to be found in plants ing for variety in color, and have obtained some striking novelties in dark purplish tints; and although I have not yet succeeded in getting a pure white-one of the objects I have been aiming at, several blush and light pinks have NEW FORMS OF ORNAMENTAL BEET.-Mr. John Clark, gardener to Mr. Mitchell Jones, of Edinburgh, furnished a surprise for the habiteus of South Kensington, on the 15th inst, by sending up a box of his new forms of ornamental Beet, and which in the stage of growth as exhibited, presented some of the richest and most outside the stove, and which elicited from Mr. J. Bateman the declaration that even the Orchids would have to look to their colors, otherwise they would lose the honors of the day. Mr. Clark's box of Beet comprised twenty-one plants, all growing in 48 sized pots, and all about nine inches in height, the habit in most cases being good, and some of them as dwarf and compact as could be desired. The diversity of coloring was great, no two plants being exactly alike, and comprising shades of silvery white, buff, orange, red, scarlet, vermillion, claret, maroon. crimson and purple. Some of the leaves had veins of one color and the edges of another. It is a peculiarity of these forms of Beet, that whilst all the taproots are of the ordinary color, the small rootlets are of the same color as the foliage. They were highly commended for greenhouse and conservatory decoration in the winter, and for that reason was awarded a Firstclass Certificate, but if they produce these brilliant colors in the open ground they would be invaluable for bedding.-Gardener's Record. Berberis DarwinII.-(1 to 2 feet). This is the most beautiful of the tribe. It is quite evergreen, and covered in spring with deep orange-colored flowers of a large size. It is well adapted for a large bed or ornamental fence, or as individual plants. toothed like boliviensis. The flowers are of the size and form of Begonia Veitchii, and resemble it also in color, but are of a rather darker shade. This is the hardiest hybrid we have yet raised. It succeeds well in a greenhouse, and can be wintered in a cold frame; indeed, it has lived during a mild winter out-of-doors with us. It was awarded a First-class Certificate at the Exhibition of the Royal Botanic Society, June 14, 1871.- Vietch's Catalogue. A NEW POINSETTIA.-When in the nursery of Messrs. Veitch & Sons, at Chelsea, a short time since, I had an opportunity of seeing a variety of our old friend Poinsettia pulcherrima, which will undoubtedly quite take the place of the old form, both for market work and home decoration. It differs from the latter in having much broader bracts, packed so closely together round the flowers as to form a double series, instead of being set at right angles like the sails of a windmill. The color is also much richer, and the bracts are fully developed quite fifteen days earlier than those of plants of the normal type grown under precisely the same conditions. To say more in its praise is not necessary; those who are interested in having poinsettias in full bloom earlier than is now possible to have them, and of a finer quality, without increased efforts, will act wisely in looking after the variety which will, in all probability, be distributed by Messrs. Veitch as Poinsettia pulcherrima major.-GEO. GORDON, in Gardener's Magazine. HARDY FERNS.-To grow hardy Ferns in perfection a humid atmosphere is necessary, and when they are making fresh growth the house which holds them should be shut up in the afternoon, and the plants syringed through a rose. Under such circumstances the young fronds develop themselves as if by magic, and are a source of much enjoyment to those who take an interest in this class of plants. Ferns from warm latitudes, as a matter of course, require a higher temperature-55° in winter is a good medium for them, and from 65° to 70° in summer is essential as a night temperature. Nearly all the species luxuriate in a compost of equal parts turfy loam and tough fibry peat, with the addi tion of a fair proportion of silver sand and a few lumps of charcoal. It is of vital importance that the drainage be perfect, as the Fern, though a moisture loving plant, dislikes stagnant water about the roots. The potsherds used must be clean, and placed with the convex side downwards, the largest pieces at the bottom, the smallest at the top, and over this some fibry material must be placed to prevent the mould used in potting from mixing with the drainage. In potting press the compost in firmly, but not so much so as is done with fruit trees or hardwooded greenhouse plants. Overpotting should also be avoided, as indeed, this is frequently the cause of failures. The fresh compost gets sod 1 den with water before the roots can ramify into the mass, and mischief ensues. Then with regard to propagation. Some of the species are very easily increased by division, and it is thus that most of the Adiantums and Pterises are reproduced. Take, as an example, that most useful of all the Maiden-hairs, Adiantum cuneatum. We are continually using its delicately cut fronds for hand, button-hole, and other bouquets, and well grown plants of it are always ready for dinner table and general in-door decoration. You may take a large plant, and with a knife or small trowel divide it into a dozen pieces, which if put into small pots, and placed in a close moist atmosphere and a stove temperature, will each make a nice plant in a few weeks. Some species grow with a single stem, and therefore cannot be divided. Of these the Lomaria gibba is one, and a very desirable species. It is very freely propagated from spores; about sowing which, there is no need to trouble, as, if they are allowed to ripen, the young plants will be plentiful enough. However, should a large quantity be required, it is as well to sow them. Seed-pans or ordinary flower-pots should be used for this purpose. Drain them well, and fill up with the compost already recommended, but with the addition of a third part of pounded bricks. The spores when matured should be placed on the surface, and after being watered with a fine rose, covered with a square of glass to maintain a moist atmosphere. Journal of Horticulture. SPECULATING IN NEW ROSES.-My motto in respect to roses is, "Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good!" This, it will be said, is good advice to the rosarian of limited means, and is intended for him. Propagate and buy in the good roses, now abundantly proved, lists of which are periodically placed before the readers of the Gardener's Magazine, written by men of undoubted talent, judgment and honesty. The writers of articles on roses and other flowers in the Magazine, be it known, have nothing to gain but the gratitude and good will of their brother rosariaus and florists generally. It is to the great humbug our neighbors, the French nurserymen, are imposing upon us that I wish to direct attention; it is now an ascertained fact that not more than about one new rose in ten remains in the English catalogue more than three or four years. There are two classes of rosarians; the first are the gentlemen of great private means, who can easily afford to ride hobby-horses, and buy in all the new roses as soon as they are to be procured. They select those which they think best, and are led on, year after year, by glowing descriptions given by the French raisers, and not by the English nurserymen, who cannot possibly describe a rose unseen. In July the great rose exhibitions are held at Kensington and the Crystal Palace, and are anxiously attended by amateurs, who note down all the varieties which take their fancy. The poor amateur is often deceived with his eyes wide open. The rose that has taken his fancy perhaps, turns out a weak grower, most delicate in habit, and not at all suited to his soil or situation. But his mind is made up; he must have it in his collection; it was really so very beautiful at Kensington. He never once thinks that that particular rose has been grown by a most skilful cultivator, who has spared no pains to bring it to its present state of perfection. If it were not for that natural longing for change, advance and improvement, we should hate toil, and treat work and exertion as a curse; but kind Nature has made improvement in flowers, the rose particularly, as well as other things, both the law and necessity of our existence, and has so made us that the inspiration, the command, and the spur are all within. The second class of rosarians have the same feelings and desires as those of the first class, but are limited in their means, and must be content to ride third class. They get to their journey's end slower than by the "express." They have the advantage of buying roses that have been proved good; they have seen them with their own eyes, and they procure them at a much cheaper rate than their richer brethren, who purchase things unseen. Another great advantage awaits them-the road has been cleared and the rubbish swept away. The rich rosarians must be encouraged by high prizes being given to them, and nurserymen also, for introducing new roses of merit, else they would cease to import them, and bring them before the public.— Gardener's Magazine. NYMPHEA ODORATA.-In Nymphæ odorata we have a perfect miniature of the N. alba. Its flowers are white, about the size of a florin, and highly fragrant, and they usually appear about July or August. When cultivated in the open |