As the time for commencing the propagation of the cineraria for Specimen Plants for the ensuing winter and spring months, is just at hand, I beg to offer a few remarks with reference to growing them; bearing in mind that I write not for the practical florist, but only for the humblest capacities. I shall therefore, in the plainest manner endeavor to give a few practical hints on the management of plants for specimens.

The Cineraria, - one of the most useful as well as the most beautiful of winter and spring flowering plants, - when seen under good cultivation is one of the many floral objects that possess great attractions to the eye. Its early period of blooming, its many varieties, combined with its compact habit of growth, render it desirable for the decoration of the green-house, conservatory, or the lady's boudoir, during the early spring months.

Apart from all this, when well grown specimens are exhibited at our spring Horticultural exhibitions, what a crowd of fair visitors gather around and admire them, and justly so. Looking back some twenty years amongst the then best varieties of the day they were few in number, and very inferior in quality, compared with the beautiful varieties of the present day, For example, let the King Watcrhosiana, Brewerii, etc, be placed by the side of such elegant varieties as Baroness Rothschild, Regalia, Prince of Wales, Mrs, Column, etc, and the improved character of the cineraria will be finely illustrated. Well grown specimens of the improved varieties from six to eight feet in circumference, (many are grown much more) and from 12 to 30 inches high in full bloom, arc noble objects which none can appreciate without witnessing.