The past season has been from beginning to end unsatisfactory in every sense, those flowers which have thriven under the continued attentions of Jupiter Pluvius having been very few indeed. Of these, East Lothian Stocks have been particularly fine with us. Koniga, Cerastium, Polemonium variegatum, and Golden Feather pyrethrum, about complete the number. Violas and Pansies have been failures, with the one exception of "Duchess of Sutherland" - one of Messrs Downie & Laird's introductions - which we find one of the very finest kinds; it is clear light-blue in colour, robust in health, and continuous in its flowering. No better kind has passed through our hands since "Alpha" and "Sovereign" were introduced; and it will take its place beside these as a standard sort. Verbenas have been equally bad, or even worse than Violas, with the exception of V. venosa: these have been without flowers, and pretty well without having made any growth. Calceolarias: the few grown have done pretty well; but the ravages the disease makes amongst these causes one to be very chary in using them to any extent. Geraniums have been comparatively innocent of flower, and have caused a sad blank in the arrangements. Lobelias have grown pretty freely.

Those who have not got the following sorts would to well to do so: L. magnifica, a kind which ought to be well known by this time; L. Brighton, a clear blue, dwarf and spreading in habit, a grand kind; L. defiance, magenta, in habit perfection, and well worth looking after. These three sorts can be recommended as certain to please. Of Alternantheras, the only sorts which have grown are magnifica and amabilis, both very "much of a muchness." Iresine Lindeni has not grown much, and not coloured. Four Grasses worthy of being extensively grown are the upright-growing variety of Dactylis glomerata variegata; Festuca glauca, a bluish grass, and very attractive; Phalaris arundinacea, the old kind known as "the Gardener's Garter;" and the exceedingly pretty Isolepis gracilis - for a dividing-line betwixt dwarf and rougher growing plants this cannot be excelled. A line of this, planted with Ageratum "Her Majesty" alternately, has attracted attention through its chaste appearance. Dwarf Chrysanthemum Asters have proved very useful this autumn.

These are now very rich in colour in some varieties, and have stood the weather a long time.

Prompt attention must now be given to get stock in good condition to pass the winter. If Geraniums, Verbenas, and other plants, which do best propagated as early as possible in the autumn, are now well rooted, they ought to be kept as cool as possible, and left out of doors, or, at least, uncovered by glass as late as possible. If, on the other hand, they are not rooted satisfactorily, they should be one and all placed in a growing temperature at once - from 55° to 60° will do, with ventilation. In such a medium they will soon be rooted, but it will be necessary to keep them gently on the move throughout the winter, where heat has to be resorted to in order to get them established. All kinds of bedding plants not previously put in to strike, should be got in without delay, in order to get somewhat established before the winter is on us. Calceolarias can be left till the end of the month; but Violas should be left no later. Gladioli should be lifted and ripened in vineries, as there is not the slightest likelihood of their doing so out of doors this season. The soil clinging to the roots should be left, as it keeps the bulbs from getting shrivelled.

Dahlias should be watched and lifted before being hurt by frost: these have been absolutely without effect this season.

Where spring-flowering plants and bulbs occupy the places of the autumn-flowering plants, it is advisable to get these planted as soon as beds begin to look shabby. The middle of October, generally, is quite as late as this should be deferred. Tulips, Hyacinths, Crocuses, Narcissus, etc, can all be planted at same time, leaving them of course till all the plants are into their places. As a rule, these bulbous flowering-plants should be dotted amongst dwarf-flowering or foliage plants, more especially where the beds are open to inspection throughout the winter. In any case it is best to carpet the ground with green Sedums or mossy Saxifrages. It is, however, a matter to be considered whether it pays to keep a display of spring flowering and autumn-flowering plants in the same beds: very commonly both are failures, and, at the best, one of the seasons' display is apt to be neglected. There is far too much required in these go-ahead times; and as long as two and two make four it will continue to be an impossibility to obtain more from Nature than she will give.

Phloxes should now be broken up and planted in deeply-trenched rich ground, Carnations finished potting up, Rose cuttings put in to strike on a warm border, and everything prepared for the coming winter. R. P. Brotherston.