Speaking of the satisfactory results, in a floricultural sense, I can well imagine how the unique offspring of two such renowned beauties, as the pretty cousins' Donkelaari so successfully joined together, "must all the world delight," in some measure or degree, with their superlative charms. When the "Illustrious Stranger" arrives on this side of the sea, like the rest of its handsome predecessors, I can vouch for its being warmly welcomed among us. And after making a favorable debut under glass I doubt not but what it will eventually be found flourishing side by side together with its much admired congeners in beds and borders about the lawn.

To succeed in producing the superb display I am attempting to picture - out in the garden - requires more patient attention, probably, than horticultural skill, and is thus simply brought about: To begin with, procure from any reliable nurseryman or florist who deals in such delightful things: either the plants already grown, when time to plant out, or the dormant roots of the species mentioned, or of other kinds if they can not be had, early in April, when they may be started to grow. Plant them in well drained pots or pans, in a compost of thoroughly decayed leaf mould, light sandy loam, and good peat, of about equal parts. Put about six or seven roots into a 5-inch pot, and as many as are required to furnish the beds, and cover with soil about half an inch deep, water, and set them on a mild hot-bed, where, if kept warm and moist, they will soon begin to grow. When the plants are an inch or so high remove them to where they will have more light and air. And while thus encouraging them to grow they will soon get strong and hardy enough to plant out in the prepared beds or borders from about the middle to the end of May.

The Gloxineas may be started into growth early in March, with a single root placed in the centre of each pot, and, according to the size of the root or tuber, must the pot be in which it is placed to grow, big or little, as the case may be. If placed in a gentle heat under glass they will make nice stocky plants in time to put out with the other things; when of course they must be cleanly and carefully removed from the pots and properly arranged in the beds. And the same kind of soil recommended to start them in, with the addition of one part of old rotten cow-dung well incorporated together, will suit their somewhat fastidious tastes, and make them grow vigorous and beautiful.

Supposing the plain hints or instructions herewith given are thus far carried out, choose some mild day for the operation of transplanting, and as the contents of each pot is deftly turned out into its proper place, put under the leaves of each plant a thin layer of nice green wood moss, or sphagnum, from the swamps, which will not only serve as a mulching for them during the hot summer months, but will also keep their handsome hirsute foliage and flowers clean when watering or raining.

The cosy and comfortable appearance the fresh, mossy green counterpanes give to the beds, over which they are smoothly spread, is both neat and becoming. To visit them in the morning, and see them in all the fullness of their exquisite beauty, ere Sol dissolves the bright diamonds and pearls, which glitter and sparkle on their handsome foliage and superb flowers, is indeed a pleasing sight, well worth rising early from bed to view; especially while the pretty feathered little choristers are sweetly chanting their matins to Aurora. And were these marvelously beautiful flower gems only capable of physical enjoyment, while so lovingly cared for, they would seem to be the happiest of all things flowery in this our pleasant sublunary world.

Besides the plan suggested, there are other pretty styles of tastefully making up beds of Gesnera, and Gloxinea in particular, as follows: Having made a round, oval, or oblong bed, of such a size as can be well filled with plants, commence with, for a centre piece, a nice specimen plant of Adiantum cuneatum, or A. concinnum latum, and surround it with a row of Gloxineas, neatly mossed beneath their leaves; the moss to be laid on under each succeeding row until the planting is completed. Then follow a mixed circle of ferns and blue lobelias, Lobelia erinus speciosa, or the Crystal Palace variety, every second or third plant to be alternated with an Adiantum. Another circle of Gloxineas is next in order, to be followed by one composed of ferns and lobelias, as previously described, in as many consecutive circular rows until the bed is filled to the last circle, or marginal zone. In it the ferns are to be omitted for an entire belt of dwarf lobelias, and the compact habit of L. pumila grandi-flora is a desirable kind for the purpose.

It is advisable to plunge the ferns in their pots, so that they may be occasionally lifted to break off the roots which grow through the holes in the bottom should any of them grow too rank. They may thus be kept to the height required.

A handsome flower-basket bed may be readily formed by bending a rustic handle or bow across from side to side, and planting some suitable climbing plants to be trained over it. Mahernias, Sollyas, Maurandias, Manettias, Eccremocarpus, Myrsphyllum, Ipomoea quamoclit, Solanum jas-minoides, Tropaeolum tricolorum, T. Jarratii, or T. peregrinum; any of which will make an appropriate draping for the basket handle. Thalictrum adiantoides, Linum grandiflora coccinea, Sweet Alyssum, A. Benthami-compacta, or A. Little Giant, Anagallis grandiflora, Mimulus moschatus, or Oxalis rosea, make excellent substitutes for ferns and lobelias, and will give a pleasing variety of small growing plants, which present a most agreeable contrast to the larger leaved Gloxineas. Entertaining as the writer does the greatest admiration possible for all the favorites herein mentioned, the lovely sisterhood of Gloxineas, notwithstanding the acknowledged charms of their flowery kindred, bears the palm of beauty. And to invidiously single out their names, when all, without exception, in their various types of loveliness, merit equal praise, would seem unkind in me.

Yet, however that may be, the sight of them always reminds me of the vanished past, and in their comely faces I seem to catch fleeting glimpses of my youthful days " when we were first acquent." Mount Holly, N. J.