I do not think the Pentstemon is quite so popular as are some other flowers of the florist class, - at least, in looking round gardens, it is not so conspicuous as it well might be. The fact that this flower is liable to be destroyed in ordinarily severe winters may account for its absence from so many gardens; for although the dibbling in of a sufficient number of cuttings in autumn to keep up stock may appear a simple enough affair on paper, it may become in reality one of the proverbial straws which break the camel's back, and, naturally, this particular straw is not put on. Of course, nurserymen have always plenty of young plants with which to supply customers; but here again the inevitable steps in, and Pentstemons are omitted from the list of cultivated flowers. However, there are sure to be some of Flora's wooers suing for favours with regard to this particular flower, and to such these cultural notes may prove somewhat acceptable. The florist's Pentstemon has been brought to a high state of perfection within the last decade - continental as well as home cultivators contributing to bring about this result - so that the number of really fine kinds is somewhat perplexing in selecting sorts for a collection.

I have not found the newer sorts, as a rule, more worthy of cultivation than kinds of older date, and, accordingly, would recommend these latter to be drawn on in forming a collection, adding, of course, kinds of apparently superior merit as occasion may present. A few select varieties pay better in all respects than a large collection of sorts, many of which could be usefully relegated to obscurity. Now as to the various prominent points in a cultural aspect. The Pentstemon is a free root-producer, and requires a deeply-cultivated and well-enriched soil in which to succeed satisfactorily. When planted, I would recommend a spadeful and a half of rich compost to be placed underneath every plant; this serves as a certain producer of quick and uninterrupted growth from the first - a main factor in the ultimate securing of good spikes of fine bells. The month of April is quite early enough to plant. When started freely into growth, the whole of the "breaks," with the exception of the main spike and, at most, four side shoots, should be rubbed off.

The central spike will of course take the lead, and be much the finest and earliest, but under favourable conditions the side spikes will be comparatively good - more so if the main spike is not allowed to carry seed, but removed as soon as it gets past its best. Providing a stake for each spike at an early stage of growth is very important, as one of the sharp passing gales generally experienced at the time these will be well grown may destroy the harvest of the season's labour. When cut for exhibition or competing the spikes should be placed with the cut ends in water without any delay, as the flowers and foliage droop past remedying if this precaution is not taken. At local horticultural shows the Pentstemon is commonly shown in wretched plight, merely through want of taking the above simple precaution. Though not hardy enough to stand out of doors through moderately severe winters without being killed, the protection of a cold pit is sufficient to secure safety. September is the month the supply of cuttings for the ensuing season should be taken. Short growths, if healthy, make the best cuttings. These are inserted in boxes in a loamy soil, placed in a cold pit or frame, and kept close until roots are produced.

During winter and spring, when the weather is not frosty nor windy nor rainy, the light should be kept off the plants. During frosty weather extra protection should be given them: and if a continuance of frost should cause them to be frozen, the protecting material should not be removed until the plants are thawed. Plants may be lifted and potted in autumn, to furnish cuttings in February, which strike freely in a common dung propagating frame.

R. P. Brotherston.