The philosophic Bacon remarks: "God Almighty first planted a garden, and indeed it is the purest of human pleasures. It is the greatest refreshment to the spirits of man, without which buildings and palaces are but gross handyworks".

The logical, and well-chosen language of so profound a thinker, cannot fail to carry conviction to the mind capable of comprehending the sage. And many of his wise maxims are obviously as applicable to us, in our time, as they must have been to the men of his generation. Admitting that our ancestors were in some respects, less refined than ourselves, yet there were notable instances of a cultivated taste exhibited among individuals, in times past, which if more closely imitated, or adopted, would be no disparagement to us now. And as regards the pure and genuine pleasures of horticulture, in whatever age it was fostered, we may reasonably suppose, it proved equally as gratifying to those who could appreciate the ancient calling, in the days of yore, as it is enjoyable to us in the nineteenth century. That they did the best they could with what they had, and felt as proud of their meagre collections of fruit and flowers, as was possible under the circumstances, is clearly evident, from what we are able to learn about them.

But of the lovely flowers I am about to discuss, our forefathers knew nothing of before 1793, as the first representative, Gesnera acaulis, from Jamaica, was not to be seen under cultivation previous to that period; consequently, they did not miss them, as we should, were it possible they should from hence disappear. And a well-known author, in expressing her gratitude for the many good things our Creator bestows, says: "Of all the beautiful soul-stirring gifts God has created, surely nothing can excel that of flowers. They come like God's own words to tell us of hopes and peace, and happiness, to draw our thoughts and desires to 'the Better Land.' "And, with such happy assurances as these, it seems but natural we should love them as we ought. "So mote it be".

It is generally admitted by all recognized judges of floral beauty, that the interesting members which compose the charming family of flowering plants, embraced in the natural order, Gesneracea, are eminently worthy of all possible admiration. Justly entitled as are the whole of this good-looking group to our highest encomiums, my pleasant task shall be to briefly describe their winsome ways, as I remember them. And in so doing, I propose to leave the beaten paths, along which wiser, though possibly not happier ones, have previously passed over, and which usually led to the greenhouse, hot-house or conservatory, where such dainty and beautiful things are mostly found.

That within glass structures for many years, they have often made glad the heart of man, and never failed to give him a cheerful countenance when yielding to their charms, is a fact, nobody can deny. But for the present, I propose, if the gentle readers will venture to follow, to lead them out into the pleasure garden, among the trees and shrubs, " where harmless robin dwells with gentle thrush," where the grass is smooth and green, and from which spring the gay parterres, and there show what excellent uses they may be put to in decorating the grounds during the summer season.

If some suitable, picturesque part of the lawn is chosen, where they can be nicely bedded out in cosy spots, not much exposed to the sun, both Achimenes, Tydeas, Gesneras and Gloxinias will there bloom profusely, and thus make one of the grandest shows imaginable.

Of the first-named genera, A. Eclipse, A. longi-flora, A. longiflora alba, A. Williamsii, A. Pink Perfection, A. rosea elegans, A. Parsonii, A. Am-broise Verschaffelt, A. Gorgeana discolor, A. Aurora; any, or all of the ten selected kinds, will prove exceedingly effective when blooming.

Of the same kindred are the brilliant and free-flowering Tydaeas, whose striking resemblance of features, makes manifest the fact that they are near kith and kin to the former, and, like them, are extremely attractive. They are as conspicuous in the beds, as they are remarkable for the wonderful profusion of handsome flowers they produce and carry through the season. In fact, they never cease from blooming, after they once begin, until unpropitious weather finally stops them.

And ten excellent kinds will be found as follows : T. venosa, T. Alexandre, T. Bellona, T. tricolor, T. Minerva, T. Ophir, T. Cynthia, T. Adonis, T. Zenophon and T. Etna.

In close relationship to the two genera mentioned, are the rich, velvety foliaged Gesneras. This truly magnificent group is fully equal in flori-ferous beauty to any branch of the family under notice. A selection of ten choice varieties is herewith given, viz.: G. Duvalii, G. refulgens, G. oblongata, G. densiflora, G. Exoniensis, G. Don-kelaari, G. violacea, G. macrantha, G. nigrescens, G. Cooperii. In connection with these are several novelties of hybrid Gesneras, crosses between Achimenes and Gesnera, and which are said to be, if possible, more beautiful than the parents from which they sprung, admirably combining as they do the pretty features of their illustrious progenitors.

Passing other interesting curios which claim kindred with this highly ornamental race, such for instance as the splendid semi-double Gesnera, or the pretty little Eucadonias, through whose veins course and commingle the life sap of Tydaea and Gloxinea; and the very attractive progeny resulting from such a distinguished alliance is considered extremely elegant.

There seems to be a natural affinity, in this same natural order, for one genus to hybridize with other susceptible ones, and when thus united are apt to produce novel forms of progeny; the latest of which is described in the August number of Monthly for 1885. It is there stated that "a hybrid between Gesnera Donkelaari and one of the common greenhouse Gloxineas has recently appeared, and is to be known as Gloxinea ges-neroides".