PELAROCVN I U M the name of a greenhouse plant, not unfrequently confounded with the geranium. There is a large number of genuine species of this genus, chiefly inhabiting the Cape of Good Mope; and as thew° intermix very readily, a prodigious number of spurious species, as well as acknowledged varieties, have found their way into the writings of systematic botanists. While however science has been embarrassed by this facility of crossbreeding, the gardens have been enriched by crowds of the moat beautiful objects, in which the features of their savage progenitors can no longer be recognised ; and it is pro bable that of an the flowers which have been acted upon by the hand of nun, the pelargonium is that in which the !vault has been most striking. Tho tuberous-rooted sorts are the most valued for the bril liance of their flowers, and they are propagated either by division of the roots, or by cuttings from the plant. Propagation by seed is resorted to chiefly to obtain varieties, in which the form of the flower, the substance of the petals, and the colour, aro the objects aimed at.
March is a good thee for sowing, which should be done in small pot.% in a light rich mould mixed with river sand ; and in the division by roots the same method may be followed. With cuttings, from the end of February to the end of August, any time will serve, but in the earlier months the pots should have moderate bottom heat ; and in the later, and warmer months, they should be well shaded. The cuttings should bo made immediately under a bud, they should be placed near the edge of the pot, gently watered, and guarded against (tamping off. By care and attention to a few simple points of practice, these plants may be cultivated and multiplied by any one who has a greenhouse, and hence they have become universal favourites. Those points are the following, namely : 1, water, 2, warmth, 3, a gentle bottom heat, 4, abundance of air, 5, as much light as the leaves will bear, and 6, a rich soil during the season of growth ; and a cool atsaios plum, leas water, abundance of light, and close pruning afterwards.