In August last, during a visit to a floral establishment, my attention was called to a group of Cannas, lately imported from Europe by scientific florists, who produced this admirable collection by crossing them with the best varieties in existence. They are from eighteen inches to four feet in height, with variously colored green and brown shaded foliage, and of different and distinct forms of leaves, according to variety. The flowers are actually charming, larger than Gladiolas, producing up to twenty on a stalk, and leaving the C. Ehmani - deservedly esteemed by all lovers of flowers - somewhat in the dark. The flowers of the new Cannas are in various shades of red, from deep pink to dark red. One of them, the C. cardinalis, is similar in color to the Lobelia cardinalis, and is one of the most exquisite among these lovely sisters. There are also pure yellow ones, and yellow with scarlet pencil marks and designs on the petals, like an iris or orchid, and every variety is differently and most interestingly marked.

I sent for varieties advertised, and they are now growing and blooming to my great delight in my flower garden.

Among catalogues sent to me from Europe I also found a collection of Cannas with some different names and very highly prized. I sent for them also, and they are now in full bloom, and are magnificent. In the same catalogues I found a plant named Spiraea venusta, which, if genuine, can hardly be praised enough. I saw this excellent specimen of a hardy character only once, about fifty years ago, and was fairly charmed to behold its precious flowers; its appearance made a deep impression on me which a half-century could not efface from my memory. I often made inquiries about it and talked about it with learned florists, but found only one who was acquainted with it and of the same opinion as myself. Now, after so long a search, I have this beautiful plant growing in my garden, and hope to see its wonderful blooms in my autumnal days yet. It was, when it came, a very feeble, dried-up root, just as if all life had abandoned it; but by taking the best of care of it and nursing it up like a baby, it began to show sprouts. Now it is a healthy plant, and has really the appearance of the article so long sought for, though without any signs of bloom yet.

So I shall have, in all probability, to add another year to the half-century before I have the pleasure to behold its lovely flowers, providing that neither myself nor the Spiraea is counted to the departed from this beautiful world. However, if it gets into bloom in my days, and is the genuine Spiraea venusta, I will make it known for the benefit of all lovers of flowers.

I could not forbear from making the above remarks concerning an old and admired friend of my early years, and will now resume the description of the new Cannas, which are beyond all doubt one of the most attractive novelties and choicest ornaments for our modern flower gardens. Their tropical appearance and magnificent flowers are making a grand show. Their culture is very simple. The roots can be kept from year to year in a cellar free from frost, or under a bench in a greenhouse. When the roots are divided early in spring, planted in pots and transplanted up to the time for planting out-of-doors, they will commence to flower the latter part of June, and keep blooming until frost. I do not hesitate to say that they are very welcome additions to our modern pleasure grounds, and gladly give them a most distinct space. And if they keep on developing as they have done of late, I will safely prophesy them a glorious future.

Kingston, N. Y.

[We believe Spiraea venusta is a garden name for S. lobata. It is, as Mr. Burgevin notes, one of the most beautiful of border herbaceous plants. Its popular name of Queen of the Prairies shows that people generally have appreciated its beauty. - Ed. G. M].