Considering all the qualities that unite to constitute a good geranium, one of the best, as well as most popular of this portion of the country is the Queen of the West. It is an old variety, but time has only established its merit, and in Western catalogues it holds a place as one of the best of bedding geraniums. Its rival is the Madame Rompen, but both varieties are distinct in color and habit, both have the great desideratum of being remarkably abundant bloomers, and in both varieties the individual flowers or florets are rather small and irregular in form, which, however, is only to be expected in these great bloomers. The Queen is of strong, robust, tall habit, while the Madame Rompen is dwarf, so that while both are justly prized, each has its individual merits and adaptations.

Mr. Rompen, of Louisville, claims to be the originator of Madame Rompen, while the Queen was raised by Mr. S. S. Jackson, at Cincinnati O., in 1869. It is the best, and with the exception of Gen. Sheridan, is the only survivor of a set of seven varieties, which Mr. J. says, are the "choice of fourteen hundred hybridized seedlings which excited the admiration of all who have seen them the past two years;" and in form, color and habit, they were pronounced the "finest yet introduced," by a number of prominent florists, who were among those who saw them. I am pleased to note this, for one of the first things I want to know on seeing a good fruit or flower is, who is its originator; and these facts concerning the Queen I had not known till a few weeks ago; and besides, as it is an honor to contribute something to the genuine literature of a nation, so it is an honor to him who has added one gem, or one new charm, to the treasures of the garden.

Mr. Jackson still resides in a beautiful home near Cincinnati. The snow of years has settled on his head, and he is one of Cincinnati's most respected citizens. While honored there, the geranium he has given the lovers of flowers, has spread his honor throughout the West; and long after he has passed away, there will be a flower - the Queen of the West - still blooming to his memory. New Albany, Ind., Sept. 6th, 1886.