The common Hydrangea hortensis is perfectly hardy in the south of England, the Isle of Man, and other parts of the British dominions; but it is as a pot-plant that we would here allude to its excellence. Doubtless some of our readers may have seen the beautiful little plants of this species now being brought into Covent Garden Market by the London market-growers. These plants are propagated from cuttings in the autumn and spring, and flower in from twelve to fifteen months, bearing from one to four magnificent clusters of rosy flowers. Some of the largest, or autumn-struck plants, vary from 18 inches to 2 feet across, and are literally one mass of bloom, and invaluable either for window-plants or conservatory decoration. I visited a small market-garden at South Acton the other day, and saw a long span-roofed greenhouse quite full of this beautiful plant, while hundreds had already found their way to Covent Garden before my visit. In the turf-pits outside, 4000 cuttings had been potted off ready for next year's supply, and this in one small establishment only - a fact quite sufficient to show the high estimation in which this plant is held around London. Old plants furnish quantities of fine cuttings, which strike freely in a moderate temperature, after which they are at once potted off in good fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and sand, and placed close together in any empty space at command.

The leading growth is pinched out at the second or third joint, so as to obtain strong bushy plants as dwarf as possible. As the pots become filled with roots, they are again potted on into 48's, and the larger ones into 32's, and in these they produce their flowers. During summer they are liberally supplied with water, a little manure-water being occasionally added to strengthen their growth. They are kept as near to the glass as possible while growing, and fully exposed to the sun, by which means the plants are kept dwarf and bushy. The aim of the market-grower is to get these plants into the market as early as possible, since a much better price is thus obtained. Those now in the metropolitan market sell wholesale at from 24s. to 30s. per dozen, and are eagerly bought up at the price. The market-grower has, in fact, but little difficulty in disposing of his flowering plants or cut-flowers, provided they are good in quality and early, these being the two great essentials necessary in order to succeed.

Every one who has to keep up a succession of flowering plants in either greenhouse or conservatory, will find yearling plants of the common Hydrangea invaluable for the purpose at this particular season, and for the next month or six weeks. We often see the Hydrangea with poor greenish blossoms; but if grown close to the glass in a low span-roof house or pit, fully exposed to sun and air, the flowers finish off beautifully, and are of the brightest rosy hue imaginable. When growing, the plants require but little room, and when in full flower are very effective when grouped along with Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Ferns, and other decorative plants.

F. W. B.