seed, and by layering; if by seed, in the same manner as recommended for the herbaceous. As this variety is more tender than the other, it will require more care. The shrubby may also be increased by cuttings, and by grafting into the other root.

The following directions are copied from Maund's Botanic Garden, part vi, page 241:-"In February, select any of the stems of the Pæonia Moutan, or all may be used; and, at the distance of half an inch from the centre of each bud, both above and below it, cut entirely round the stem a small ring of the bark, rather more than the sixteenth of an inch wide, in the manner of common ringing, as practised on fruit trees; thus every bud will occupy an inch of the stem, when the direct construction of its bark is obstructed, both above and below, by the rings which have been cut out of it. The stems thus prepared, are then to be laid, horizontally, about three inches beneath the soil, leaving only the leading bud at the end of each branch above the surface. In six months every bud will have made vigorous shoots, and in general will have two radical fibres at its base. In August remove the soil from above the layers, and, having raised the newly made shoots, carefully separate each young root from the main layer, by passing a small knife from one ring to the other, cutting out about one third part of the old stem. The young plants should be immediately potted, to remain till they are required for planting out in their final situation. After thus gathering the first crop of young plants, the old layers should be again covered with good soil, and left as before; and in the following summer, a second and greater crop

of plants will be produced than the first season; and, what is more remarkable, they will issue from various parts of the stem, where no trace of a bud was previously indicated."

This variety should be kept in a pit in this country, during the winter, and when the flower buds are ready to expand should be brought into the green-house, or parlor, to perfect them, which makes a magnificent show. After their flowering season is over, they may be placed out of doors for the remainder of the sea

son.

The best varieties of this species are the Moutan Banksii, a pink color, very large and double, and beautiful in appearance; and the M. papaveracea, poppy flowered. The flowers of the latter are single, white, with a purple centre, and very magnificent, although single. The other varieties are fine, but the above are considered the best by florists.

PETUNIA.

"Some, more aspiring, catch the neighbor shrub

With clasping tendrils, and insert his branch,
Else unadorned, with many a gay festoon,

And fragrant chaplet; recompensing well

The strength they borrow with the grace they lend."

This is a beautiful flowering plant, biennial in duration, and branching; leaves elliptical, smooth edge, of a light and

delicate green. It may be considered one of our choicest exotics, of late introduction, flowering from May until the frost kills them in the fall. From its habit of branching it will cover the space of twenty feet. It is a native of Buenos Ayres, from which place the seed was sent by Mr. Tweedie fifteen years ago. It will grow in any common garden soil, and the more exposed to the sun, the more freely will it flower. It is therefore well adapted for planting out in the open ground, and is well suited for the flower pot, or trained to a trellis of any shape. The propensity of this plant for branching so much, and flowering at the same time, gives it a commanding appearance and makes it desirable for the parlor window.

There are several varieties, and when planted in a bed or border, they will easily cross, and seed freely. The seeds are small, but easily saved, if required, and will sow themselves and come up early in the spring, when they can be transplanted. The Petunia is easily propagated by seed, or by cuttings taken at any season, and when planted it needs no further trouble than clearing out the weeds. Its easy culture and fine appearance will always recommend it to public favor. The roots of choice varieties should be taken up in the fall, the branches partially trimmed off, and parted; they will keep through the winter, if guarded against frost, and will flower better the second season. All biennials will not flower the first season; this plant is an exception, though generally cultivated as an annual. English florists have been very successful in hybridizing this variety, and have produced some of the most splendid flowers imaginable. It is to be regretted that but few will reach this country, as the plants do not pack well.

The

POLYANTHUS.

(PRIMULA.)

"Fair plant! as plentiful as fair!
Before thou meet'st the eye,

Thy fragrance fills the summer air,
And tells that thou art nigh."

This beautiful herbaceous evergreen is a perennial, highly ornamental, nearly equal to the Auricula. It flowers from March to May. The leaves are ovate and toothed, throwing up a stem about six inches high, bearing a beautiful truss, and emitting a delightful fragrance; it is every way grateful for its delicacy. It is considered by some. botanists to belong to the Primrose family. A Mr. Herbert has endeavored to prove this, in the London Horticul tural Transactions, Vol. iv, page 19. He states that from the natal seed of the Cowslip, he raised a Primrose, a Cowslip, an Oxlip, a Polyanthus, a Hose-in-hose Cowslip, and a Primrose bearing its own flowers on á Polyanthus stalk. From this circumstance he is induced to believe that all are of the same family. This doctrine may have suited other times, when flowers were not so well understood as at present. There is no doubt that Mr. Herbert was sincere in his belief; but his seed may have got mixed by accident, or some of his flowers may have become impregnated, thus producing the difference in varieties. I have tried the experiment; gathering the seed myself, but the result was always the same as the original plant. There is no florist at this day that will advance such an hypothesis;