Several years ago I related in the Gardeners' Magazine the history of the Canna. Since then it has been more cultivated in private gardens, but not, in my opinion, as much as it deserves. Several very fine varieties have been raised in our neighborhood; and, what is worth noticing, by artificial fecundation the size of the plants has been very much reduced and the quantity and size of the flowers increased.

The old and tall varieties are still very worthy of attention as ornamental plants for the open border, but the new dwarf ones which measure about 3 to 4 feet in height are very fine as pot plants for indoor decoration, as they contrast with all other sorts. All those dwarfs have been raised by Crozy, of Lyon, who, since the introduction of the species from Brazil, in 1846, addicted himself to their improvement.

The culture of those dwarf Cannas is very easy. To succeed, stout parts of the tubers bearing agood eye must be selected and potted about February. They can be potted later, if required, as long as the tubers are at rest. They must be put in the smallest possible pots; put on slight bottom heat in a pit, or a two-spanned-roof house, that they may receive much light, and be aired when the weather permits and frost is not apprehended.

As soon as the pots are filled with roots they must be re potted in a larger size, without disturbing the roots, and so on successively until they show their flower spikes, when they can be removed indoors or under a veranda. They can also be used for table decoration, as the leaves contrast handsomely with those of other plants.

The following are the best and most distinct to my knowledge : Amiral Courbet, yellow, striped carmine; Betthe Suze, large, light yellow shaded, light crimson; Capricieux, reddish-purple, edged yellow; Commandant Riviere, light yellow spotted, light red; Edouard Morren, light yellow, shaded dark rose; Madame Just, light red, edged yellowish; Olbius, bright red; Tonkin, bright yellow, centres potted crimson; Victor Gaulin, bright red, shaded darker, which attains about 3 feet high when in bloom. All these Cannas require good watering, and when in a growing state with liquid manure. Monplaisir, Lyon, Jan. 1886.

[In most parts of the United States they thrive so admirably in the open air in summer that they are seldom used as pot plants; but these dwarfs should make fine pot plants. - Ed. G. M].