uch
varieties as _Sieboldi_, _Watereri_, and J. H. Veitch, all flower freely
when quite small, an important point when considering plants needed for
flowering under glass. Where larger plants are required the double form
of the Wild Cherry (_P. Avium_) is very beautiful. The Almonds flower
early naturally, and under glass, of course, earlier still; the variety
_purpurea_ is one of the best, while a distinct species, _P. (Amygdalus)
davidiana_ and its variety _alba_, are also suitable for growing under
glass. The Peaches (_Persica_) form a delightful group, all available
for flowering under glass; indeed, they respond readily to gentle
forcing, hence may be had in bloom by March. There are several
varieties, the flowers ranging in colour from white, through pink, to
crimson, and double as well as single. One of the finest forms is
_magnifica_, a Japanese variety, semi-double, and brilliant carmine
crimson in colour. The purple-leaved Peach is very charming.

Of the true Plums, special mention must be made of the dark-leaved
variety of the Cherry Plum, known as _Prunus Pissardi_, of the pretty
little _P. japonica alba plena_, and _japonica rosea plena_, more
generally known in gardens as _P. sinensis_, which has slender shoots,
wreathed for the greater part of their length with double rosette-like
flowers, and the charming pink semi-double _P. triloba_. All these forms
of Prunus will, if they have been regularly transplanted, lift well in
the autumn and flower without a check. They are also quite satisfactory
if kept altogether in pots when spurred back after flowering and
encouraged to make free and well-ripened growth during the summer
months, when they should be plunged out of doors in a sunny spot.

PYRUS.--The very beautiful _P. floribunda_ is quite happy under this
treatment, and _P._ or _Cydonia japonica_ (the Japanese Quince) that
flowers early in the year is pretty under glass, especially the distinct
_P. Maulei_, which is of dense and compact growth, and bears salmon-red
flowers in profusion. Grow the Pyruses in a similar way to the Prunuses.

RAPHIOLEPIS JAPONICA (_R. ovata_).--An evergreen of sturdy growth, and
about 3 feet high, with terminal spikes of pure white hawthorn-like
flowers. It is decidedly uncommon and ornamental when in bloom. Out of
doors its season is June, but, of course, is earlier under glass.

RHODODENDRON.--These are the most gorgeous of shrubs, and largely used
for flowering in pots or