Ex LlBRIS The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation http://www.archive.org/details/paxtonsmagazineo03paxt PAXTON'S MAGAZINE OF BOTANY, REGISTER OF FLOWERING PLANTS. ' Flowers of all hue." VOLUME THE THIRD. LONDON : PUBLISHED BY W. S. ORR & CO., PATERNOSTER ROW. MDCCCXXXVII. LONDON : BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS. TO HER GRACE THE DUCHESS OF NORTHUMBERLAND, TOs Wrtf Folume OP THE MAGAZINE OF BOTANY IS, WITH PROFOUND RESPECT, AND BY HER GRACE'S KIND PERMISSION, MOST HUMBLY DEDICATED, IN TESTIMONY OK THE UNBOUNDED PATRONAGE GIVEN TO BOTANY AND GARDENING, FOR A LONG SERIES OF YEARS, BY THE NOBLE HOUSE OF PERCY : BY HER GRACE'S MOST OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT, JOSEPH PAXTON. 840 <g ADVERTISEMENT. A taste for Botany and Gardening has made rapid strides during the past year ; the extensive circulation of botanical works written in a popular form having, no doubt, very much assisted in giving a stimulus to this delightful pursuit. The steady increase in the circulation of the Magazine of Botany, is a gratifying assurance that the work has been conducted to the general satisfaction of the Public, The plants most in esteem now by the scientific Botanist are unquestionably Celestial Orchidece ; but these plants, we are quite aware, are in general cultivation with but few of our Subscribers ; we have, therefore, figured only a very few, though perhaps we possess the advantage of doing so to as great, or perhaps greater extent, than any other Botanical Periodical : the object of this work has been to give figures of such plants only as are worthy of general and extended cultivation, and not of those whose chief recommendation is that they are new and curious. Vlll ADVERTISEMENT. To ensure the earliest information respecting new and valuable plants, and the best way of managing both new and old in the vicinity of London, we have employed an experienced Florist, whose sole occupation is to go from Nursery to Nursery, and to private gardens, to collect every useful fact, which will be embodied monthly in the Magazine. This is an advantage which no other Botanical or Horticultural Work can lay claim to ; and in this, and in every other way which may occur to us, we shall constantly endeavour to render the Magazine more and more useful and valuable. Chatsworth, December 20, 1836. LATIN INDEX THE COLOURED FIGURES OF PLANTS. ACACIA vestita, 145 Aristolochia trilobata, 2 Azalea Rawsonii, 123 Begonia platanifolia, 125 Calceolaria corymbosa, var. Talisman, 27 Camellia reticulata, 101 Chironia trinervis, 149 Clerodendrum speciosissimum, 217, 271 Collinsia bicolor, 195 Cypripedium calceolus, 247 Dendrobium moniliforme, 77 Dichorizandra thyrsiflora, 127 Dryandra longifolia, 171 Erythrina Crista-galli, 175 Eschscholtzia crocea, 49 Eutaxia pungens, 245 Gardoquia Hookeri, 243 Heliconia Brasiliensis, 193 Hibiscus splendens, 147 Hovea Celsi, 241 Ipomaea Horsfallise, 50 — rubro-coerulea, 99 Ismene Amancaes, 267 Ixora grandiflora, 75 Kennedia splendens, 2(i Leptosiphon androsaceus, 219 — densiflorus, 220 Mimulus cardinalis, 197 Musa Cavendishii, 51 Nemophila insignis, 151 Nerium thyrsiflorum, 73 Oncidium divaricatum, 4 Pentstemon Murrayanus, 265 Phacelia vinifolia, 121 Poinciana pulcherrima, 3 Rliodanthe Manglesii, 173 Rhododendron chamrecistus, 169 Sarracenia purpurea, 221 Solanum crispum, 1 Thunbergia, var. alba, 28 Witsenia corymbosa, 269 Yucca aloifolia, 25 Zygopetalum Mackai, 97 ENGLISH INDEX THE COLOURED FIGURES OF PLANTS. ACACIA, Cunningham's, 145 Azalea, Captain Rawson's, 123 Begonia, platanus -leaved, 125 Birtbwort, three-lobed, 2 Calceolaria, Talisman, or Slipper-wort, 27 Camellia, Captain Row's, 101 Carolina Gardoquia, 243 Cels's Hovea, 241 Chironia, three-nerved, 149 Clerodendrurn, beautiful scarlet, 217, 271 Collinsia, two-coloured, 195 Common ladies' slipper, 247 Coral-tree Cockscomb, 175 Dichorizandra, thyrse-flowered, 127 Dryandra, long-leaved, 171 Eschscholtzia, saffron-coloured, 49 Flower-fence, very pretty, 3 Heliconia, Brazilian, 193 Hibiscus, splendid, 147 Ipomsea, Mrs. Horsfall's, 50 — bluish red, 99 Ixora, great-flowered scarlet, 75 Kennedia, splendid crimson, 26 Leptosiphon, androsace-like, 219 — thick -flowered, 220 Mimulus, scarlet-flowered, 1 97 Narcissus-flowered Ismene, 267 Necklace-like Dendrobium, 77 Nemophila, showy, 151 Nightshade, curled, 1 Oleander, dense-flowered, 73 Oncidium, cushion-lipped, 4 Phacelia, vine-leaved, 121 Plantain, the Cavendish, 51 Pungent-leaved Eutaxia, 245 Rhodanthe, Captain Mangles', 173 Rhododendron, ground-cistus, 169 Scarlet Pentstemon, 265 Side-saddle flower, purple, 221 Thunbergia, white-flowered, 28 Witsenia, corymbose-flowered, 269 Yucca, aloe-leaved, 25 Zygopetalum, Mr. Mackay's, 97 WOOD-CUT ILLUSTRATIONS VOLUME THE THIRD. MACHINES, INSTRUMENTS, AND UTEN- SILS, GARDEN STRUCTURES, &C. Cast Iron Flower Stand, designed to form a pillar of Roses, 30 Cast Iron Garden Chair, 257 Implements, 204 Ornamental Basket, 134 Plan of a new Hot-water Boiler, 103 Plan of a Rosery for Scotch Roses, 139 Wooden Flower Stands, 31 Wooden rustic ornamental vases, 258 PLANTS. Aristolochia trilobata, 5 Collinsia bicolor, 195 Digitalis purpurea, 43 Dioscorea alata, 200 Fucus vesiculosus, 42 Heliconia Brasiliensis, 194 I Mimulus cardinalis, 198 Mucuna pruriens, 20 Musa Cavendishii, 52 M. paradisiaca, 56 M. sapientum, 58 M. rosacea, 60 M. coccinea, 62 Papaver soniniferum, 11 Sweet Potato, 199 Tamarindus Indica, 111 Trees in exposed and sheltered situations, 107 Yam, or Dioscorea sativa, 200 DIAGRAMS. Black-heart Cherry Tree, 231 Cellular wall, 158 Dissections of a flower of Mimulus car- dinalis, 197 Pa via lutea, 231 jf.W \m,th,dUU SOLANUM CRISPUM. (CURLEP NIGHTSHADE.) CLASS. ORDER. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. SOLANE^E. Generic Character. — Calyx five-parted, persistent. Corolla wheel-shaped, five-lobed, plaited. Berry of two cells. Seeds many. Specific Character. — Plant a shrub, growing to upwards of twenty feet high. Stem smooth, very branching; branches, when young, bright yellow-green; when older, light brown. Leaves ovate and obcordate, waved, curled more or less, according to the situation in which the plant grows, and vigour of growth ; in our specimen very little curled, rich green on the upper side, paler beneath. Flowers corymbose, very showy. Calyx green, five-cleft, acuminate. Corolla five-lobed, lobes obcordate, blunt, waved, and slightly curled. Stamens five. Anthers orange-yellow. Berry two-celled. The rich purple-blue flowers of this plant are produced in corymbs, and if the plant is trained against a wall makes as fine a show as the Glycine Sinensis, and continues in bloom a long time. It is a native of Chiloe, where it was found growing by Mr. Anderson, who introduced it to this country in 1824. It was also discovered by Ruiz and Pavon. The plant grows freely in any common garden soil, and is nearly hardy, merely requiring a slight shelter in very severe weather. It is increased by cuttings which strike readily planted in light soil under a hand-glass. For our drawing we are indebted to Mr. Lowe of Clapton, in whose nursery it may be seen growing to perfection, and of whom it may be purchased. It may also be obtained at other nurseries round London, and many in the country, as Messrs. Fisher and Holmes, Sheffield, &c, at a moderate cost. The generic name is derived from solari, to console and comfort ; and the specific name crispum, from the slight curling of the leaves and flowers. vol. in. — NO. xxv, ARISTOLOCHIA TRILOBATA. (three-lobed eirth-wort.) CLASS. OKDFR. GYNANDRIA. HEXANDRIA. NATURAL ORDER. ARISTOLOCHIA. Generic Character. — Calyx none. Corolla monopetalous, tubular, bellying at the base. Germen angular. Capsule sis-celled and six-valved. Seeds many. Specific Character. — Plant a twining shrub, growing from six to ten feet high. Stem smooth, slender, twining, yellow-green, slightly tinged with purple. Leaves cordate, three-lobed, smooth, dark- green on the upper surface, paler beneath, lobes obtuse . Floivers on thick twining peduncles. Corolla cylindrical, at the base formed like a bag ; extremity broken, lip cordate, cuspidate, extending to the length of six inches or more, dark brown, tinged with yellow, base green. Synonyms. — Aristolochia trifida — Lam. Encyclop. 2. 249. This species is a native of South America, where it grows in damp woods, and whence it was introduced in 1775. It is a stove climber of no mean appearance, growing freely, with little trouble, in a mixture of sandy heath mould and rich loam. The plant from which our drawing was made flowered in the nursery of Messrs. Young of Epsom, and continued in bloom for a long time, for although the flowers are very fugitive there is a constant succession all the latter end of the summer. Some of the species emit a very disagreeable odour, and indeed the scent of the whole is rather unpleasant. Yet, from the singular forms and colours of the flowers, almost all the kinds deserve a place in every hot-house, and perhaps none has greater claims than the present subject. The plant strikes readily from half-ripened cuttings, planted in sand under a bell-glass, and plunged in a little heat. The whole of the genus were formerly very popular for medicinal purposes, whence the name Aristolochia, or Birth- wort ; indeed, the A. serpentaria (figure) is still used, and the roots, which are the parts used, may be purchased of the chemists. Snake Root {Aristolochia serpentaria) ; a, the flower ; b, section of the same, showing the situation of the stamen and pistils, c ; d, the stamen attached to the pistils, e. The A. trilobata may be obtained at almost any of the London and country nurseries for a trifling sum. ■£? ItOt^CCt A'?~LtsCO-~t1-ro/cLr / / / / / /// // POINCIANA PULCHERRIMA. (very pretty flower-fence.) class. order. DECANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. LEGUMINOS.E. Generic Character. — Calyx five- parted. Petals five, clawed, and notched. Stamens long, all fertile. Pod compressed, two-valved, about four inches long. Specific Character. — A shrub, eight to ten feet high. Branches round, green, spotted with whitish spots, and prickly. Leaves alternate, bipinnate, six or eight inches long, spreading. Leafits about nine pairs, oblong, elliptical, rounded, smooth, bluish-green, paler beneath. Flowers large, orange- red, in a terminal corymbose raceme. Flower-stalks an inch long, cylindrical, pale green at the base, becoming red upwards. Calyx in five ovate-oblong, thin, membranaceous, orange-red segments. Petals five, spatulate, much larger than the calyx, bright orange-red, beautifully waved, notched, and veined. Stamens ten, separate. Filaments two inches or more long, filiform, bright crimson. Anthers dark red, attached by the middle. Style shorter than the stamens ; thick at the base, and tapering upwards ; same colour as the filaments. This splendid ornament to our stoves is a native of both the Indies ; where it is said to be planted in hedges, whence the name of Jlower-fence. It was introduced so long since as 1690 or 91, but is still a scarce plant in collections. It requires a very strong heat to make it flower in perfection, and should there- fore be placed in a hot and damp part of the stove. It does not grow very tall, but forms a very ornamental shrub ; the delicate, blue, pinnated leaves, and, when in flower, the splendour of the blossoms, render it a striking and very desirable plant. Tbe plant grows freely in a mixture of sandy heath mould and rich loam ; and is readily increased by cuttings, which strike freely in sand under a bell-glass in heat. The plant also bears seeds, which may be sown in any light soil. The generic name was given by Tournefort, in honour of M. de Poinci, a great patron of botany. The plant may be purchased at a moderate cost of almost any of the nursery- men in town and country. ONCIDIUM DIVARICATUM. (CUSHION-LIPPED ONCIDIUM.) CLASS. ORDER. GYNANDRIA. MONANDRIA. NATURAL ORDER. ORCHIDEiE. Generic Character — Lip expanded, lobed, having little knobs, or excrescences at the base. Petals spreading. Column winged. Pollen-masses two, and two-lobed behind. Specific Character. — Epiphyte. Bulbs in clusters, fiat, two-edged, one-leaved. Leaves thick, yellowish green, nearly oval, terminating in a small blunt point. Scape from one to upwards of two feet long, erect about half way up, afterwards drooping, many flowered, slender, straggling. Flowers- yellow and red, very beautiful. Petals five, bright yellow, coloured deeply at the base with orange- red. Lip large, flat, three-lobed, notched, yellow, spotted with dark crimson. Column the same colour as the lip, winged. This beautiful plant is a native of Brazil, and was sent to the London Horti- cultural Society, through the kindness of A. J. Heatherly, Esq., where it flowered for the first time in 1826. It thrives in the stove, either in pots of turfy peat, or wood covered with moss* but the first is the best way of growing- it to perfection. The same system should be followed in potting as recommended for Stanhopeas, page 141, viz., to pile up the pieces of turfy peat six inches above the rim of the pot. To prevent this pile falling down, small pegs are run through each square piece of peat which constitute the walls ; and, when nicely finished, the appearance is very neat. The plant from which our drawing was made flowered in our stove at Chats- worth, in May, 1835, and continued in bloom for a long time. The generic name is derived from Ogkidion, a tubercle, and is given from the peculiar excrescences observable at the base of the lip of all Oncidice ; the specific name, from the loose straggling raceme of flowers. The plant may be purchased at Messrs. Loddige's, Knight's, Lowe's, Young's, and many other nurserymen in the neighbourhood of London, at a moderate cost. f.frSmim dr/ /•/..: '.y-n<?y.<r/i^.<s>n aCe^-a^c^a^ct MORE REMARKS ON THE CULTIVATION OF VIOLA TRICOLOR *. The ardour evinced in the growth of pansies, has induced us to offer a few- remarks upon their culture, as practised by persons who grow them to perfection ; it is not to be wondered, that they now occupy so conspicuous a station in every good garden, but that such a gem to the flower garden, almost throughout the year,'should have been neglected so long ; but such is the (we may say) enthusiasm now shown for them, that a periodical has commenced, published' monthly, devoted entirely to Heartsease ; that is, describing the choicest named kinds now in culti- vation (we have not seen the work, but reviewers have spoken favourably of it). Pansies or Jlos tricolor are recommended for the flower garden, and to be grown in pots, in the oldest works on gardening we have perused ; but the kinds grown a very few years since in gardens, were not better than those occasionally found now growing under the plants of a shrubbery or in corn fields ; indeed we remember when the seeds of Viola tricolor were seldom or ever sown in the majority of gardens, or, if they were, a spot where little else would grow was the site chosen ; but the pleasure of seeing the then little neat flowers was very different from the emotions felt when viewing a bed of the now existing kinds, blazing in endless variety, dazzling the eye with their countless beauties, and delighting the senses with their grateful fragrance. Who can contemplate a bed of Heartsease, where in every individual something fresh and apparently more beautiful than the last observed, arrests the attention, without feeling what their name would imply, and forgetting for the time the troubles inherent to mankind ? Amateurs and gardeners who cultivate Heartsease for competition at flower shows, take considerable pains with them, such as giving them plenty of room, very rich soil &cv but in gardens where general effect only is required we would recommend beds sown with seeds from selected kinds, by which means a beautiful effect is obtained with little trouble, without the formality of rows so much to be avoided when masses are wished for ; if the weather is favourable, they will flower in about six weeks from the time of sowing, with the anticipation every day of seeing something more new and beautiful than heretofore : we only suggest this to persons not in the habit of growing named kinds for competition, but merely for effect as a group, at the same time nothing is more simple than having masses of proved good kinds, as cuttings will strike almost at any season when they can be obtained by planting them under a northern aspect ; the cuttings chosen should not be the strongest shoots, but the moderate sized ones which have not flowered ; the season to propagate those intended for the principal flowering is the first week in July, the cuttings struck at this time will flower in autumn, and get strong plants * See Vol. 1. page 115. MORE REMARKS ON THE CULTIVATION OF VIOLA TRICOLOR. by spring, when if intended for masses they should be planted about six inches square, but if to show each individual plant separately one foot in the rows and eight inches apart will not be found at all too much ; cuttings struck early in the spring would be better if planted under an eastern or western aspect, where they would strike readily, succeed the others, and flower in profusion throughout the summer ; seedlings and cuttings will come into flower about the same time ; it is generally a rule with growers to sow their seeds as soon as ripe, by which means as little time as possible is lost in proving their success. They will grow nearly in any soil or situation, but a good free loam is to be preferred, and where a bed is prepared expressly for them it should be composed of the following : three fourths good mellow loam, and one fourth dung, if the loam be not of a friable texture a quantity of clear sand should be added, the dung used should not be too much exhausted, or what is generally called perfectly rotted, but rather well prepared dung, still retaining its heating principles ; the advantage derived will be, that the bed will be kept open, and long continuance of dry weather (as experienced last season) will not have the same penetrating effects ; this will be found of considerable importance when the soil becomes hard and baked during dry weather. As one of the characters of Violaceae is the corolla usually withering in a short time, and as scarce any are more liable to do so than Viola tricolor, those who wish to have fine flowers and preserve them as long as possible, choose a situ- ation for their bed where their plants may be partially shaded during the hottest part of the day, when this cannot be obtained, through trees or other natural causes, artificial shading should be resorted to in very hot weather ; the beds should be kept low, indeed under any circumstances they should scarcely be raised above the level of the paths. There is a method of growing Heartsease in pots, so as to have a very neat and novel effect, although we have seldom seen it adopted ; it is training the plant to a single stem, until it has attained the height of one foot, or eighteen inches, which it will readily do, and then pinch off the extreme points, it will then throw out side branches with flowers in profusion, which when placed among small green-house plants or otherwise have a strikingly pleasing appearance. The criterion of a good flower is, that its petals be broad, and lying upon each other quite flat, so that the flower may appear nearly circular, this is of the utmost importance in exhibition, although there are many beautiful kinds which are not so ; it is a general practice amongst amateurs in Heartsease to bring their flowers to exhibition each covered with a small piece of glass or silver coin, which not only prevents them curling, but imparts to them that flatness in appearance so much prized and sought after ; the lower petal of the corolla should be nearly as broad as the upper ones, and nearly round. The colours should be clear and brilliant, the eye small and finely pencilled, but should it have these qualities without broad flat petals, let whatever be the splendour of its hues, it is discarded as unworthy of a name, and would disqualify a stand of an hundred kinds of show flowers; the goodly ?hape of the flowers seems to be the object sought, in preference to purity or brilli- OF THE GENUS THUNBERGIA. 7 ancy of colour, novelties or grotesque mixtures in colour being the ruling passions in these times of varying tastes. The varieties are generally called according to the caprice of the individual who raises them from seeds, either descriptive of their colours (which is preferable when it can be done concisely) or some favourite or poetical name. In conclusion we may add the oftener young plants are raised the better, as upon young healthy plants such a difference takes place in the size and colour of the flowers, as oftentimes not to be taken for the same thing ; there might be a succes- sion every month, put in from the beginning of May to July, the latest seeds produced in the autumn should be sown in March, when the young plants would receive slight protection in inclement weather. OF THE GENUS THUNBERGIA, MORE PARTICULARLY OF THE CULTURE OF THUNBERGIA ALATA. This is a family which, in the Linnsean system, belongs to the fourteenth class, Didynamia, and to the second order Angiospermia ; that is, the stamens are four in number, two of them being longer than the two others ; and the seeds are enclosed in a capsule, or dry seed-vessel, which opens by means of valves. The flowers of most of the plants of this class are irregular, gaping (ringent), or have- closed lips, somewhat like those of a fish (jpersonatae). But Thunbergia exhibits very slight marks of these characters : its flowers are nearly regular, the border flat and expanded, and cut into nearly equal divisions. The characters of the genus, whereby it is botanically described, are a calyx, said to be double, but this is incorrect ; the two-leaved external integuments are an involucrum, which encloses the flower, opens to let that expand, and remains per- manent, if the seed-vessel form and ripen ; but is deciduous if it prove abortive. The real calyx is a very small organ, cut into ten or twelve minute teeth, close seated under the capsule. Corolla campanulate, or bell-shaped ; though but slightly so. Capsule beaked, two-celled, containing two or three seeds. In the natural system, Thunbergia is found in the order Acanthacece, which has Acanthus as its type. The leading characters of this order are the following-: — The joints of the stem are swollen, the capsules are elastic and fly open ; the seeds are attached by little hooked processes. We do not interfere with the authorities which have placed this family in Acanthacece ; but we think that its situation ought to be reconsidered ; for to us it appears that the relationship between Thunbergia and its congeners is somewhat remote. 8 OF THE GENUS THUXBERGIA. When the Encyclopaedia of Plants was published in 1829, two species only were in its catalogue, viz : — Thunbergia fragrans, with sweet-scented white flowers ; native of the East Indies ; introduced in 1796, and figured in the Bot. Mag. plate 1881 ; a climber, four feet high, with heart-shaped, pointed leaves. grandiflora, great blue-flowering Th.; from the East Indies in 1820; a very fine high climber, somewhat shy of flower. Bot. Mag. No. 2366. Subsequently the following have been added to the List. Thunbergia cordata, heart-leaved ; from Trinidad in 1820 ; flowers white. Capensis, Cape Thunbergia; the only green-house species; yellow flowers, in May and to September. alata, winged-leaved Th. ; from East Indies in 1823 ; Bot. Cab. 1045. See also Mag. of Botany, Vol. II. page 2. angulata, angular ; from Madagascar ; yellow. Bot. Cab. 1044. coccinea, scarlet; dingy red flowers in September ; from Nepal in 1823. Hawtayneana ; idem 1826; red. Among these the choice will fall upon fragrans, grandiflora, and alata; but the two first are seldom seen. The last is a general favourite, and is easily raised and cultivated, one objection, and one only, seriously attaching to it, this is found in its great liability to be permanently affected with red spider (acarus). We know of no remedy for this pest, unless it be in plunging and immersing an entire plant in a vessel of water for many hours. Sulphur and sulphur washes are proved to be ineffectual, though hot-water syringed repeatedly upon the leaves, may do some good. Thunbergia alata is propagated by seeds and cuttings, also by layers at a joint if recpiired ; the first method is superior, but few persons can procure them. With the best treatment, and in the most favourable situations, the plants appear to pro- duce no seeds till the summer be nearly over ; but, about the middle of August, and thence through September, many capsules form ; and these ripen in October. The seed-vessels are almost globular, with a marked and strongly developed beak : the calyx is fixed closed under the bottom of the capsule, and is hidden by the then permanent, two-leaved involucrum. The seeds are very curious, they are punctured or reticulated over the surface, and of a hemispherical figure, not very unlike the half of an orange. They are brown when ripe, and ought to be retained in the capsule till the end of January, when they may be sown in a pot of earth, composed of equal parts of soft loam from decayed couch-grass, black leaf-mould, and pure pit sand. The soil should be rendered moderately moist, and be pressed pretty firm into the pot over a drainage of half an inch of dry moss. Having laid the seeds evenly on the surface, an inch or more apart, cover them with the soil to the depth of one-third, or half an inch ; then either plunge the pot in a leaf-bed of the stove or pine-pit, or place it in a feeder pan filled with wetted moss, standing on a shelf not far remote from the flue ; keep the moss moist, and do not suffer the soil to become dry. Our seeds were sown last January (12th), and the seed-lobes appeared bearing the testa or covering integument on them by the 16th of February. They IMPORTANCE OF EARLY PLANTING THIS SPRING. 9 yielded plants of the first character, which soon came into bloom : the soil for potting-, in their future culture, may be, decayed turfy loam rubbed up fine, one half; black heath mould and silver sand, each one quarter. Pure black peat also will suit them, and induce great richness of verdure. One circumstance in the culture ought to be noticed, as adding much to the value of this charming plant. If young seedling plants be carefully stopped while in sixty or forty-eight size pots, so as to prevent their twining, and be thus made to form a branchy or stocky growth, they may be bedded out in parterre, not earlier than the first week in June ; and will with care form one of the most beau- tiful objects that any mass of flowers is capable of presenting. The rich verdure of the leaves, which in favourable soil assumes somewhat of the figure of a broad arrow-head, contrasts with the innumerable pure buff-coloured blooms that peep from among them ; to which the open intensely purple-tinted eye of the flower affords the finest relief imaginable. There is nothing gorgeous in this display, the whole is softly delicate and chaste : we know of nothing that can compare with it. Seed forms well on these external plants if the autumn be warm and sunny ; and every capsule, as it acquires the pale brown' tint of maturity, either on the exposed plants or those under glass, ought to be carefully preserved, either to be sown or distributed among friends, as we know that many persons lose all their stock in the winter, and are thankful to be re-supplied. Nothing adds more to the charms of horticulture than that amenity or kindly fellow-feeling, which inculcates the importance of a liberal participation of one another's superfluities. We may add, in conclusion, that cuttings of one or two upper joints of young shoots taken off under the leaves, produce roots freely throughout the summer, in ivater ; and the plants thus produced, placed in small pots of vegetable soil with sand, strike off freely, if retained close under glass for a few days. IMPORTANCE OF EARLY PLANTING THIS SPRING. We earnestly recommend all those who may have planting to do this spring to proceed with it immediately, if not in a forward state now : we should advise that no undertaking- be commenced that cannot be completed by the first week in March at farthest. In consequence of the heat and continued dryness of last summer, vegetation ceased to perform its annual functions much earlier than the usual season. In some parts of the country deciduous trees shed their leaves as much as two months before the proper time, it follows as a necessary result that vegetation will be stimulated into action easier and much earlier after so irregular a season as last. On the continent, where the winters are dry in comparison to VOL, III. — NO. XXV. C 10 IMPORTANCE OF EARLY PLANTING THIS SPRING. ours, the effects of an arid summer is not so visible on plants the succeeding spring. The great humidity we are subject to, the constant change of temperature, together with the thermometer being for days as high as fifty-five and sixty degrees, induces an early developement of the vegetable functions and particularly so in plants, the energies of which were prematurely stopped the preceding season. In an extensive tour which we made in December through a great part of the south and west of England an early disposition of growth was most conspicuous. In some very shel- tered situations buds had made a movement for expansion. We need hardly inform our readers that this premature disposition to grow is anything but favourable to the plant ; on the contrary, it will be the means of increasing the injury done last summer by the too sudden termination of growth. From a pretty long experience of all kinds of planting, we are convinced that all trees and shrubs should be transplanted when they are in a dormant state ; indeed, a little common sense and reasoning would convince the greatest novice in these matters ; and that to move a plant after it has commenced growing is a sure means of destroying part of its vital functions, and weakening its future efforts in a much greater degree than when the plant is in a state of rest ; transplanting before the wood is ripe in autumn is as injurious as transplanting late in the spring. About three years since, we had occasion to remove some young apricot trees very early in the autumn ; the work was performed as carefully as possible, reserving nearly all the fibres, every attention was paid to watering, but with all this attention the upper parts of the shoots began to shrivel in about a fortnight ; and when the trees pushed forth the following spring they grew very weakly, and continued through the season in a very precarious state. I think the removal took place about the 20th of September. Now it is quite evident that these trees were injured by being removed before the leaves had shown a disposition to fall on being transplanted, there was no supply to support the continued exhaustion which is continually per- formed by the leaves. We have therefore found it an excellent practice to take off all leaves from trees when they are removed late in the autumn. We do not re- commend a plant to be moved at all until it is in a dormant state, but sometimes it is obliged to be done in extensive alterations. It is very easy to know when a deciduous plant is ready for removal, by holding the shoot and drawing the hand gently upwards, if the plant is in a state fit for removal, the leaves will readily separate from the shoot. In some small plants of birch, hornbeam, &c, the leaves turn of a copper colour, but do not separate from the plants ; when leaves are thus changed in colour they may with equal propriety be removed, as they have ceased to circulate the juices of the plant. Every tree or shrub that it is to be planted this spring should be taken up by the first week in the present month, and if it is not convenient to plant them immediately they may be preserved in some cool shady situation, which will retard the advancing sap considerably. We should always recommend plants to be put in their permanent situation as soon after they are taken up as possible ; when they have not to be removed far, as much earth as can be conveniently got up with the plants will be of great advantage. 11 CULTURE OF THE GENUS PAPAVER. All the species of this genus are showy plants, many of them very splendid in the size and colour of the flowers, but the blossoms are very fugitive. On the whole they are great ornaments to the flower-borders, and deserve to be cultivated in every garden. They are of three kinds, annual, biennial, and perennial ; being all very hardy, they are easy of culture, and require very little attention. fC\rr^s Amongst the annual species and varieties several are natives of Britain, as P. Rhceas, which is common in corn- fields, some of the varieties of which are great ornaments onour borders, and P. somnlferum (figure) from which the sub- stance called opium is extracted. The flowers of this species are white with a faint blush, but there are many varieties, some of bright scarlet, others purple, and others striped and variegated. White Poppy (Papaver somniferwn) ; a, the seed organ, showing the stamens attached to the receptacle ; b, the fruit. The seeds are known by the name of maw seeds, because of the use made of them by bird fanciers. "P. somniferum is originally a native of the warmer parts of Asia, but is some- times found apparently wild in Britain." " Many attempts have been made in this country to obtain opium from its cap- sules, and Mr. Ball obtained a premium from the Society of Arts for specimens of British opium, in no respect inferior to the best eastern opium." " Mr. Young, a respectable surgeon in Edinburgh, has also obtained it of excellent quality and in considerable quantity." " It was very early cultivated in Greece, perhaps, at first, solely for the sake of its seed, which was used for food. It is extensively cultivated in most of the states of Europe in the present age, not only on account of the opium for which it is reared in Turkey, Persia, and India, but also on account of the capsules, and of the oil obtained from the seeds.*' * 12 CULTURE OF THE PAPAVER. " All the parts of the poppy abound in a narcotic milky juice, which is partially extracted, together with a considerable quantity of mucilage by decoction. The liquor strongly pressed out, suffered to settle, clarified with white of eggs, and evaporated to a due consistence, yields about one-fifth or one-sixth of the weight of the heads of extract which possesses tbe virtues of opium in a very inferior degree ; but the milky juice of the poppy in its more perfect state, which is the case in warm climates only, is extracted by incisions made in the capsules, and inspis- sated to form the true opium of commerce. " The plants during their growth are carefully watered and manured, the watering being more profuse as the period of flowering approaches, and until the capsules are half grown, when it is discontinued and the collection of the opium commences. " At sunset, longitudinal incisions are made upon each half-ripe capsule, passing below Tipwards and not penetrating to the internal cavity. The night dews favour the exudation of the juice, which is collected in the morning by women and children, who scrape it off the wounds with a small iron scoop, and deposit the whole in an earthen pot, where it is worked by wooden spatules in the sunshine, until it attains a considerable degree of thickness. It is then formed by the hand into cakes, which are laid in earthen basins to be further exsiccated, when it is covered over with poppy or tobacco leaves *." All the annual species and varieties may be sown in the open borders about the end of March, which is very preferable to sowing them in other situations and after- wards transplanting them ; as from the nature of their roots they will not bear to be removed without injury. See Vol. I. page 18. The biennial kinds, as P.floribunda and its varieties, may be treated like other hardy biennials (vol. I. page 66), except that it is better to sow the seed on the border where the plants are to flower. The perennial kinds of diminutive growth, as P. crocea, nudicaule, and its varieties, rubro-aurantiacum microcaripum, Pirenaicum and its varieties, require to be planted in very dry situations in the borders, or, which is better, on rock work, or in pots, for which from their pretty dwarf growth they are well cal- culated. If some precaution of this kind is not used, they are very likely to damp off in dull wet weather in winter. The more robust perennial species, as P. orientalis bracteatum, require nothing1 further than the treatment of herbaceous perennials in general. See Vol. II. p. 199. All the three kinds produce seeds, by which they may be readily propagated, but the perennial species are increased by dividing the roots. Sow the seeds of the perennials at the same season as the annuals are sown, and after they have become of a sufficient size, remove them, with good balls, into the situations where they are to flower. It is always best to preserve the seeds of poppies in the heads, because being very small they are liable to become so dried as to lose their vitality; but if they are allowed to remain in the heads they will grow after being kept several years. * Don's Syst. Gard. and Bot. ]32. 13 CULTURE OF THE HYDRANGEA HORTENSIS. Having frequently observed during- our tours, very large plants of Hydrangea hortensis, with very small heads of flowers, perhaps to the amount of fifteen or twenty clusters, and very often of a dingy white colour ; we offer to our readers a very superior method of growing this gay plant for the house or flower garden, whereby it may be seen in perfection nearly the whole year. No plant which we know will retain its beauty longer, and suffer less injury from being kept in a room. Persons who have plants in rooms most generally injure them with too much water, in which respect the Hydrangea is very accommodating, it requiring a good supply; the largest heads of flowers we have ever seen grown have been pro- duced in the method about to be described. In April or early in May, choose cuttings of the strongest shoots, about four or five joints ; trim off the leaves from that part of the stem only about to be im- mersed in the soil ; prepare then a wide mouthed pot, nearly half filled with pot- sherds, the remaining portion with light sandy loam ; let the cuttings be planted in this, not too close together, and place them in a frame where there is a lukewarm bottom heat ; in about a fortnight they will be rooted sufficiently to pot off, which should be done immediately, using the smallest pots the roots can be con- veniently got into without breaking, which will be some small and some large sixties, and again placed in the frame, and hardened to the open air by degrees. When all danger of frost is past, they may be taken out of the frame, and placed under a west aspect wall, where they should have abundance of water ; about the latter end of June they will require repotting into pots a size larger, and then placing them under a southern aspect, to ripen their wood and buds. Much of the future success of the plants depend on this, for if the wood is not well ripened, however fine the plants may be, the flowers will be small in comparison. Should the season prove a wet one, they should be taken earlier into pits or the green-house, and kept pretty dry, which will materially assist them in maturing their buds ; a succession of cuttings should be put in a month later, and treated in a similar manner ; they should be placed in their winter quarters about the time of taking in green-house plants, and placed where they may have full exposure during' the day and protection at night, here they may remain until wanted to force. In January or when the vinery is commenced with, or indeed any house where they will receive a moist temperature, the thermometer ranging from 60° to 65° Fahren- heit, the vinery is a very suitable place, as such waterings as are given to the vines is the very thing, of all others, that the Hydrangea delights in ; just as they start growing they will require another shift, and nothing more is necessary except frequent waterings over the head and at the root. The soil used is a rich light loam without any mixture whatever. 14 NOTES ON THE TREVIRANA COCCINEA. With regard to colour, we may make a few observations, but so various and numerous have been tbe causes assigned for turning- the colour of the flowers blue, that it is very difficult to state the cause, when so many different recipes are given as all producing the same effect. Mr. Haythorn, late gardener to Lord Middleton, recommends plenty of room, or planting them out in the borders to turn their colour ; but we can only say those we have had in the border a length of time have never yet shown a symptom of blue. Others have recommended powdered alum mixed with the soil, in proportions of six ounces to a bushel of soil ; this we have never tried, but have seen blue flowers which were stated to have been procured by these means. Very many have recom- mended bog earth, and certain it is that earth of this description obtained from a part of Wimbledon common turns the flowers blue. Sweet recommends planting out in peat borders, and states the longer they remain, the deeper blue will be the colour of the flowers. Iron filings have also been strongly recommended as certain to change their colour. A floi'ist residing at Hammersmith was famed several years for growing blue Hydrangeas, which he accounted for in the following manner: he had a large quantity of soil brought in for general purposes, and happening to use it for his Hydrangeas, to his great surprise they became blue, which brought him a better price than the pink ones, consequently he reserved the whole of the soil solely for Hydrangeas, for which purpose it lasted several years ; but there is an end to all things, the heap of soil wasted to nothing, which was his secret, and the following year as he had no more blue Hydrangeas his fame for them went also. We can only state our having seen beautiful blue flowers in loam, as well as peat, and should say the presence of some mineral existing in the soil is the main cause ; most probably oxide of iron in an unusual degree. The second season the plant should be cut down, and three shoots only left to grow. The plants must receive similar treatment to that recommended for the young- ones, and the consequence will be that heads will be obtained nearly or quite as large as they produce the first season ; three heads will generally be found sufficient. NOTES ON THE TREVIRANA COCCINEA AND MIMULUS CARDINALIS. Trevirana coccinea. Cyrilla pulchella of some, and Achimenes coccinea of Persoon, is an elegant little plant well known under the first two names, and belongs to a tribe of plants, many of which, as Mlmulus, Chelone, Collinsia, &c, present to us some of the greatest attractions of the flower-garden. But our object now is to treat on the cultivation of the first- named plant, of NOTES ON THE TREVIRANA COCCINEA. 15 which none of its tribe are more beautiful or desirable, as its splendid pyramids of scarlet flowers in September and October, when the greenhouse, as well as the parterre, begins to assume a sombre tint, cannot be too highly prized ; and as we have seen some persons flower it beautifully and others very indifferently, which is evidence every one does not practise the best method, ours being extremely fine this season, and as we have pursued a method with them somewhat different to that detailed in our first volume, we offer it to our readers with confidence. In the spring, about the middle of February, its imbricated roots will begin to vegetate, at this time turn them out of the pots and separate the roots, taking care not to bruise or break them, which requires caution, as the soil sometimes becomes hard by being kept dry since the preceding autumn. The strongest roots being care- fully released from the old soil, should be potted into large sixty pots with the following compost ; one half rich loam, the other half heath-mould and well-rotted cow-dung in equal quantities, with the addition of as much clear sand as will make the whole a light open soil (which will require sand equal to about one-fourth of the whole) ; and then placed where they would receive abundance of light, and a moist atmosphere, where the thermometer ranges from 65° to 75° of Fahren- heit. Whether this be a vinery, stove, or dung-bed, they should be syringed over every morning after the plant has formed perfect leaves, which will generally be found a sufficient watering during the early part of the season. We would recommend in this case, as in every other, never to use cold water. Water for syringing in high temperatures should always be heated to from 80° to 90°, by being placed upon the flues, or other means ; indeed, we find that water heated to 120° of Fahrenheit will not injure the most tender foliage, but will check the ravages of insects in a very material degree. As the plants fill their pots with roots they should be shifted successively to forty-eights, thirty-twos, and lastly into their flowering pots, which, if the plants have thriven, will be twenty-fours ; at this time the plants should be eighteen inches high, and forming a perfect pyramid. By striking the end shoots in August, singly in small sixty-sized pots, neat little plants covered with bloom may be obtained, which when placed among the small plants of the stove or green-house have an exceedingly neat appearance ; indeed we are not certain but that by striking still later some of the youngest shoots, a succession might not be kept up during great part of the winter months ; it will however be worth trying, and should we live another season it shall have a fair trial and the results be stated. Mimultjs cardinalis is a beautiful scarlet species, lately introduced by the Horticultural Society of London, through the late-lamented naturalist Mr. D. Douglas, from America ; we inform those not in possession of this new plant, that they may obtain it shortly, as it is a robust grower, strikes freely from cuttings, and produces seeds in abundance. The Horticultural Society are distributing it to their members, which with what we have stated regarding its habits, renders it certain that this distinct and elegant species will soon become as common in our flower gardens as the other kinds. It is not more desirable for its own beauty, than for 16 NEW AND RARE PLANTS. the splendid hybrids which may be anticipated from the mixture of a scarlet with the present vivid colours of the same genus. It has been proved that plants of the same genus will not produce mules unless closely allied ; for instance, the gooseberry and currant, the pear and apple, have never been found to mix with each other, although repeatedly fertilised by persons for experiment ; notwithstanding, we do not despair seeing a hybrid Mimuius of a shrubby habit, eclipsing all the others for beauty, raised between M. cardinalis and 31. glutinosas, which would not be going farther than what has been done with Calceolarias. Nothing can be more interesting than seeing new plants springing up, differing widely from their parents, and surpassing them for beauty, as much as the Mirmtlvs Smithii does its parents. Tliunbergia alata alba, which is white with a still deeper coloured eye than alata ; Rhododen- drons also, and many other genera, have their mules, which for the beauty of their flowers, hardiness, and elegance of growth, surpass both parents in their combined merits. NEW AND RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS AND FLORISTS' MAGAZINE FOR NOVEMBER. Botanical Register. Edited by Dr. Lindley, each number containing eight figures ; coloured 4*., plain 3s., and corresponding letter-press. Botanical Magazine. Edited by Dr. Hooker, each number containing eight plates ; coloured 3s. 6d., plain 3s., and corresponding letter-press. British Flower Garden. Edited by Mr. David Don. Containing four plates ; coloured 3s., plain 2s. 3d., with corresponding letter-press. Florists' Magazine. By F. W. Smith. Containing four monthly plates, highly-coloured ; several plates with two figures ; large size, 4s., small 2s 6d., and corresponding letter-press. Of the above figures, we have only selected such as are new or very rare ; and amongst these only such as deserve to be extensively cultivated. For descriptions and figures reference must be made to the works themselves. CLASS I.— PLANTS WITH TWO COTYLEDONS (DICOTYLEDONEvE). crowfoot tribe (ranunculace^e). Delphinium cheilanthum multiplex. Double large-lipped Larkspur. A hardy perennial, with dark purple flowers ; the flowers are double, and equal in NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 17 size to those of the double variety of grandiflorum, and of a still richer colour. A mixture of peat and loam will be found to suit it best, and it is increased by parting the roots. Dons Brit. Fl. Gard., 309. ESCALLONIA TRIBE (ESCALLONE^). Escallonia pulverulenta. This hardy evergreen shrub is common about Conception and Valparaiso in Chile, and was introduced in 1831, from seeds col- lected in that country by Mr. Gumming. We know nothing of the constitution of the present species, but we presume it will be found to be quite as hardy as the other species from the same country. The flowers are white, disposed in a terminal spike. Don in Brit. Fl. Gard., 310. PEA TRIBE (lEGUMINOSjE). Poinciana Gilliesii. Dr. Gillies's Flower-fence. An erect, slender, branched tree, rising to the height of 8 or 10 feet, bearing large yellow flowers in terminal corymbs. It is abundant on banks of rivers, and in irrigated grounds about Mendosa in South America, where it was discovered by Dr. Gillies. The plant from which the figure was made, flowered in the choice collection of Mr. Knight, King's Road, Chelsea, in the end of July, where the tree has stood for several years placed near the wall of a stove. We have seldom had to record so interesting a production as the present, and one so eminently deserving the attention of the cul- tivator. Don in Brit. Fl. Gard., 3H. THE WATERLEAF TRIBE (HYDROPHYLLE^). Eutoca viscida. Clammy Eutoca. A new hardy annual, found in California by Mr. Douglas, and raised by the Horticultural Society, in whose garden it flowered this summer. It is perfectly hardy, and will grow in any common soil. The blue of the flowers is remarkably deep and brilliant, so that the plant has a handsome appearance, but its leaves are rather coarse and weedy. We know, however, of no plant better adapted for bouquets : for it will go on growing and flowering in water for two or three weeks after being gathered. Bind, in Bot. Reg., 1808. THE ROSE TRIBE (ROSACEA). Cratcegus Douglasii. The Douglas Thorn. A native of North West America, where it was collected by Mr. Douglas. A hardy tree of small size flowering in May. Bind, in Dot. Beg., 1810. Madam Hardy Rose. This is a lovely white damask, growing beautifully, and producing a profusion of flowers of a fine warm white, remarkably double and well formed. Smith's Florists' Magazine, 37. Village Maid Rose. This is one of the most novel roses which we possess, and well deserves to be generally cultivated. Its beautifully striped leaves form a most pleasing contrast with almost every other rose, whether white or red; and, though the individual blossoms soon droop, the succession is so abundant and so VOL III. NO. XXV. D 18 NEW AND RARE PLANTS. rapid, that the tree retains its loveliness to a comparatively late period of the season, Few roses are better adapted for budding- on standards, and none can be a more delightful ornament. Smith's Florists Mag., 37. MINT TRIBE (laBIATJe). Gardoquia Gilliesii. The Gillies' Gardoquia. A neat little half shrubby herbaceous plant, growing not more than six or eight inches high, flowering from June to September in the open border, and readily multiplied by cuttings which root freely in peat and sand. It requires a little protection in winter. It appears to be a common Chilian plant, for it occurs in almost every collection that has yet reached England from the neighbourhood of Valparaiso. Lincl. in Sot. Reg., 1812. PRIMROSE TRIBE (PRIMULACE^). Primula Sibirica integerrima. Entire-leaved Siberian Primrose. This plant is a native of marshes among the Altai mountains, about the middle of the range, and was received at the Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, in 1832, from Mr. Goldie of Ayr, when several specimens flowered in the cold frame and greenhouse, in March and April, 1835. The plant is dwarf, and the flowers are reddish lilac. Hooker in Bot. Mag., 3447. Primula Auricula, var. Achilles. Achilles Auricula. This kind is quite new, and may be justly regarded as a first-rate flower. It was raised about seven years ago, by Mr. Marsh of Bath, late of Dulwich Common. He has besides this several other new and superior varieties : and for this one he has obtained the first prize awarded by a select society of amateurs. The properties of the flower are very fine. The mouth of the tube is remarkably neat : the contrast between the ground colour and the brilliant green edge is unrivalled, and the paste is perfectly firm. The manner in which the flower forms its tress is good ; the foliage is large ; and the stem of a firm texture. The plant breeds freely by offsets, and is very constant to its character. Mr. Marsh has now a sufficient stock to be able to dispose of a few plants, at about one guinea each. ' Smith's Florists' Mag-, 43. CHICKWEED TRIBE (cARYOPHYLLEtE). Dianthus Caryophyllus, var. Emmeline. Emmeline Picotee. This is a neat and beautiful flower, producing a great number of delicate white blossoms, nar- rowly bordered with bright bluish purple. The petals are broad and firm, and not in the least serrated in the edge. The plant grows to the height of three feet, and furnishes a liberal supply of grass. Smith's Florists' Mag., 41. Dianthus Caryophyllus, var. Frederica. Princess Frederica Picotee. This is one of the choice varieties of the yellow picotee, of good form, and with the petals very regular and perfect in their margins. The ground colour is a very brilliant yellow, the spots or stripes of a dark reddish brown, and bizarred with a darker colour, almost black. Smith's Flor. Mag., 41. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 19 CLASS II.— PLANTS WITH ONE COTYLEDON (MONOCOTYLEDONEjE). ORCHIS TRIBE (ORCHIDEiE). VANDEiE. Vanda teres. Taper-leaved Vanda. This superb epiphyte was originally discovered upon trees in Sylhet by Dr. Wallich, and it has more recently been met with by Mr. William Griffith, abundantly, near Medown in ,the Burmese Empire, also growing on trees in the woods. Nothing can exceed the flowers of this plant in delicacy of texture, or softness of colour, the deep purple of the petals softens away to the margin, and seems to melt, as it were, into the purer white of the sepals, while the rich crimson and the yellow of the lip render the brilliancy of the other parts still more conspicuous. Lind. in JBot. Meg., 1809. Maxillaria crist ata. Crested Maxillaria. This remarkably beautiful epiphyte flowered in the stove of Mr. Knight of the King's Road Nursery, with whom it flowered in the stove in July last. It is a native of Trinidad, growing on old decayed branches of trees near The Mud Lake. The striping, banding, and painting of the delicate white flowers with rich crimson produces a very rich and striking effect. Lind. in JBot. Reg., 1811. pine apple tribe (bromeliace^:). Dyckia rariflora. Few-flowered Dyckia. This plant is a native of Brazil, and was sent to the Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, from Berlin. It is very handsome, and flowered for the first time in the stove at Edinburgh in June, 1835. The flowers are bright orange. Hooker in Sot. Mag., 3449. LILY TRIBE (lILIACE^E). Tulipa Gesneriana, var. Marcellus. Marcellus Tulip. This variety is one of the choicest bizarres, and it is now in pretty general request among amateurs. The breeder was raised from seed by the late Mr. Clark, of Croydon, and was broken by him about the same time that Mr. Lawrence of Hampton broke the celebrated Polyphemus. The flower is large and well formed. The ground colour, a clear and bright yellow ; the feathering, of a rich and glossy brown ; and the flame, of the same brown, but very much deeper in the tone. Smith's Flor. Mag., 33. ASPHODEL TRIBE (ASPHODELE^). Daubenya aurea. Golden Daubenya. A green-house bulb, native of the Cape of Good Hope, whence it was obtained by Messrs. Young of Epsom, under the name of Massonia lutea. It flowers in June, and is very pretty, as well as sin- gular, so long as its blossoms remain expanded, which is about three weeks. After- wards its placid green leaves have little to attract attention. Lind. in JBot. Reg., 1813. 20 CULTURE OF THE GENUS MUCUNA. CULTURE OF THE GENUS MUCUNA, OR COW-ITCH. All the species of this genus ave tender climbing- stove plants ; there are, how- ever, but a few that may be considered worthy of cultivating- in a choice collection. The kinds most deserving of notice are, M. altissima, which will grow forty or fifty feet high, and bears a profusion of crimson-purple flowers ; M. imbricata, which is more dwarf, seldom exceeding in height twelve feet, and produces flowers of a similar colour to the altissima ; M. urens. with buff flowers ; and M. pruriens, with crimson flowers, both of which grow from ten to twelve feet high. The M. pruriens (figure) is a well- known plant, and remarkable for the use made of the short hairs which cover the seed-pods, which if touched will penetrate the skin and cause a most intolerable itch- ing, hence the common name, Coio-itch. This peculiarity in the hairs is taken ad- vantage of for medicinal purposes. Cowhage (Dolichos pruriens) ; a, the flower; b, the ten stamens and pistils which lie folded up in the keel-like petals of the flower. The stamens are divided into two bodies, of which, nine form the lower, c, and one, the upper, d; e, the pistil. The soil best suited for the growth of these plants is, a mixture of equal parts of sandy heath mould and light rich loam. They are propagated without difficulty by half-ripened cuttings, which should be planted in pure sand, and the pots plunged in a brisk bottom heat and be covered with a glass, any time during the spring months. In two or three weeks they will have struck roots, and may be potted off into small pots, and treated like other young plants of a similar habit. They may also be propagated by seeds, which are produced freely in long pods. The seeds should be sown in the spring, at the time of sowing tender annuals, and be placed in the same situations. CULTURE OF AMARYLLIDEJE. 21 CULTURE OF AMARYLLIDE.E. {Extracted from " Mantel? s Floriculture.") The Amaryllidese are a beautiful and interesting tribe of plants, and add greatly to the attractions of the stove and green-house during the winter and spring months. Although the varieties of the Amaryllis are very numerous, the hybrids are in many instances preferred, as they often surpass the originals in beauty, and are found to flower more freely. Mr. William Nichol of Newick Park, succeeded in obtaining beautiful hybrids from the following varieties, by transferring the pollen of Amaryllis rutila to A naryllis Johnsoni. Amaryllis fulgida to Ama yllis vittata. — crocata — vittata. — miniata — Johnsoni. — Johnsoni — miniata. — vittata — equestris. — equestris — vittata. — Johnsoni — reticulata — reticulata — Johnsoni. — reticulata — vittata. — Solandraeflora. — John&oni. — vittata — Johnsoni. — Johnsoni — reginse. ■ — Johnsoni — equestris. ■ — miniata — reginse. — fulgida — Johnsoni. — splendens — Johnsoni. — psittacina — reticulata The seed should be collected as soon as ripe, sown in pots, and placed in a hot- bed. When the young plants have produced two leaves, they should be potted singly into the smallest sized pots, taking care not to put them too deep, but to leave the young bulbs on a level with the surface of the mould. They should be watered, and kept shaded in the hotbed frame for a few days, and as soon as the bulbs recede from the surface, they should be repotted into large 60-s, and occa- sionally shifted during the summer, until the plants are well rooted in 24 sized pots. By this treatment many of the young plants will flower the following spring. The established plants treat in the following manner : — as soon as they begin to show flower, stir the surface of the mould, and give as much water as will pene- trate to the bottom of the pots ; then place them in the stove, and water them occasionally as the plants may require. In a few days the flower-stems advance considerably in height, the leaves shortly after make their appearance, and in a few weeks the plants are in flower. When the flowers begin to fade, the flower-stems should not be cut off, but be allowed to die down, for if cut while in a green state it will cause the coats of the bulbs to decay. After the leaves have attained their growth, which may be known by their dropping down to the sides of the pots, and by the tips of the leaves beginning to turn yellow, the plants should be repotted, taking care to disturb the roots as little as possible. 22 PROPAGATION OF PLANTS BY CUTTINGS. After being- potted, place them in a hotbed frame, and supply them with water sufficient to settle the mould, shading- them with a mat till another set of leaves begin to be developed. They will now form embryo buds for the following season. The plants being- established, should be gradually exposed to the sun and air, and as soon as the leaves have attained their full growth water should be more sparingly applied. When the leaves have died down to the bulbs, the plants should be removed into a cool vinery or green-house, and if the bulbs feel firm, which may be easily known by pressing them with the finger and thumb, the watering may be gradually discon- tinued, and the plants be suffered to remain till they begin to show their flower-buds, when the surface of the mould must be stirred as before directed, and the same treatment pursued. The A. curvifolia, A. corusca, A. (Nerine) Sarniensis, or Guernsey Lily, require the same treatment as the other varieties, and will, if properly managed, flower every year. There are several varieties of the Amaryllis that do not root so freely as others, but if these are allowed to remain in the pots, and be carefully watered and judici- ously treated, they will invariably flower in perfection. In the management of Amaryllidese, and bulbs in general, it is of great impor- tance that they be not overwatered, that the offsets be carefully detached, and that in planting the pots be sufficiently drained. The following compost may be advantageously employed, both for seedling and established plants:— three parts light turfy loam, two parts white sharp sand, and one part turfy-peat. PROPAGATION OF CERTAIN PLANTS BY CUTTINGS, AS RECOMMENDED BY MR. JOHN MACHRAY, OF ERROL., AND READ BEFORE THE CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, FEBRUARY, 1826. There are many plants that, from their hard texture or peculiar organisation, are very difficult to propagate by cuttings ; but there are comparatively few that have not been found, under proper management, to produce those appendages which are requisite to promote the growth and prolong the existence of the species. Nature, indeed, employs other means of propagation, but her handmaid Art has proved successful in propagating many useful and ornamental vegetables, the seeds of which cannot be easily obtained in a climate where they are not indigenous, by layering, by cuttings, and by grafting. The approach which Nature may have made to propagate the species. by any of these methods is very limited. The process of layering is the most obviously natural, next to the universal law of " every tree yielding fruit in which is the seed thereof after his kind." The mode of grafting. by which varieties are propagated, may bave first been adopted from the appearance OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 23 of cross branches uniting, after long continued and severe pressure against each other ; but the origin of striking by cuttings is not so easily accounted for. The compost for striking the cuttings of the Aster argophyllus, Pyrus Japonica, Aucuba Japonica, the striped-leaved Bramble, and the broad and narrow-leaved Myrtles, should always be of an open nature, and at the same time contain as much nutritive matter as is requisite to communicate sufficient vigour to the young plants when rooted ; let it be composed of one-half light brown loam, one-fourth vegetable soil, and one-fourth river sand, well mixed and put through a sieve. The best time for planting them is from the middle of August till the middle of September, when the shoots have acquired sufficient firmness. Plant the cuttings on a south border under hand-glasses, about six inches from the wall, and so situated as to be partially sheltered from the afternoon sun, but fully exposed to that of the morning- After marking the place for the glass, take out the natural border earth to the depth of eight inches, and that space fill with the above compost, treading it gently down, then put in the cuttings, prepared in the common way, with a small dibble. The cuttings should be of a last summer's growth, and be made from four to six inches long, and be placed from one and half to two inches apart from each other, according to the strength and size of the cuttings. After they are made firm give them a good watering, close them down with the hand-glass, and shade from the heat of the sun in September and October, but keep off the mats during the winter months, and put them on again in March. Continue to shade occasionally till August following, and give gentle waterings from the beginning of May. By the end of June the cuttings will have struck root, and by the end of July they will have acquired from six inches to a foot long of young wood. During this period they will require more frequent watering and shading throughout the day. Admit no air from the time they are planted until the end of the following July, except what is unavoidable during the time of watering. About the 12th of August they may be potted ; and it will strengthen the plants to have a little air admitted every day, by little and little, for about a fortnight before potting. — Mem. Cal. Hort. Soc. OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. Azalea. — The greenhouse kinds will now commence flowering and continue till May. When they are in flower, a good supply of water is requisite to enable the plants to support them : inattention to this will cause the flowers speedily to fall. See Vol. I. pages 129, 126, and 127 ; Vol. II. pages 145 and 121. Annuals (Tender) about the middle of this month may be sown in a mixture of light rich loam and leaf-mould or peat, taking care to cover the seeds very lightly ; 24 OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. to excite germination they should he plunged in a moderately heating hot bed, and carefully watered with a fine rose or syringe. Brunsvigia. — Toward the latter end of this month examine the bulbs and repot them, in light turfy loam mixed with equal parts of peat and sand, let it be well chopped and mixed together, but not sifted. See Vol. I. pages 163 and 164. Caladium bicolor, which have been kept dry during the winter, should now be excited by giving a moderate supply of water. Cleome. — About the end of the month, the annual species should be sown in large feeders, filled with light rich soil, and placed in a warm frame or pit. See Vol. I. page 122. Dahlias, when propagation is intended to be carried to a great extent, a few of the roots should be plunged in a tar bed, or frame, where they will soon begin to grow. Seeds may also be sown in feeders in very light open soil, and placed in a hot bed till up. See Vol. I. page 104. It is astonishing to what an extent the cultivation of Dahlias is now carried, a list to the extent of three hundred new kinds is offered for next season. Amongst a variety of new ones, which we saw last autumn, were several excellent flowers raised by Mr. Forsyth, of Antaby, near Hull. Gloriosa superba that were potted last month, as directed Vol. I. page 97, should now be attended to, and towards the end of the month will require repotting. Kalmia latieolia and glauca brought into a forcing-house with a moderate heat will soon come into flower. Lily of the Valley. — This interesting little plant will flower freely if taken into the greenhouse early in the month. Placed in a warm situation it will presently flower. As soon as the flowers appear, remove it into an airy part of the house. So treated it will continue in flower for a length of time. Mignonette sown last autumn, and preserved through the winter in a cold frame, should now be very carefully attended to as regards the application of water, air, &c. Pinks. — Some of the common kinds, if not already placed in heat, should be so immediately, and if carefully watered will soon have a pretty appearance. Rhododendrons. — If desired to flower early, some of the common kinds should be brought into a moderate heat. Syringing every morning is advisable in order to excite the growth of the shoots. Rose trees in pots now brought into the forcing house, (a peach house or vinery, will do if the heat do not exceed sixty degrees), they should be syringed over now and then in order to excite the buds to push; if so treated, they will flower about the middle of April. See Vol. I. page 23. Trevirana coccinea should now be attended to as directed vol. I. page 169. Tulip beds. Choose a fine day for examining the bulbs, and any that are found cankering, (which will be known by the sickly appearance of the leaves,) the affected part should be taken off, and the wound exposed to the sun will soon heal. !iht //s/svvt Cc/^-tSo^^Z- ■ 25 YUCCA ALOIFOLIA. (aloe-leaved yucca.) class. okdeu. HEXANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. LlhlACEJE. Generic Character Corolla bell-shaped, six-parted, spreading. Ovarium, three-sided. Capsule, three or more celled, with a small hole at the end of each. Specific Character. — Evergreen, from three to four feet high. Leaves lanceolate, smooth, spreading, terminating with a very fine point. Flowers produced, in small clusters, forming a loose spike from one foot and a half to two feet high, of a whitish green colour, marked with a streak of purple down the centre of the outside of each petal. This plant is a native of South America, and has been known in this country for many years. We are obliged to our esteemed friend, Mr. Campbell, for the opportunity of figuring- this species : also for many other beautiful specimens he has kindly communicated to us, and under whose management it flowered profusely about August last, in the Manchester Botanic Garden. The plant when in full bloom stood from nine to ten feet high ; the spike of flowers measuring four feet. It is nearly hardy, but prefers the protection of the green-house or conservatory, where, when in flower, (in which state it is only seen to perfection,) it has a most magnificent appearance. The copious display of delicate flowers set in panicles round a column four feet high, contrasted with the deep green leaves at their base, form a pyramid of beauty and attractiveness. The soil in which it thrives best, is rich loam, to which with advantage may be added a little pulverised peat, and if mixed carefully with the former, which must not be sifted, will enable the rootlets to perform their office without having to encounter those obstacles often met with by the loam getting too stiff, as it is sometimes liable to do ; in this case the roots receive injury. They require but little water, and that only in the growing season, when the soil is found to be very dry. The method of increasing them is by suckers from the roots. Many of the yuccas may be planted out in the flower-garden, or on the lawn, such as the Y. gloriosa, Jilamentosa, &c. ; in either place they will be objects of great ornament. But, for this purpose, a dry situation should be chosen, and in places where this cannot naturally be found, the preferable way is to elevate them on a hillock of suitable compost a little above the surrounding surface, covering the whole with good turf, and if neatly done it will be found to answer, and have a pretty effect. The generic name is taken from its being called by the inhabitants of San Domingo, Yuca. The specific name is taken from the resemblance of the leaves to those of the aloe, hence aloifolia. Adam's needle is the English name of the yuccas, taken from the leaves terminating with a sharp point ; those of the yucca Jilamentosa have the fibres detached in separate filaments : from this it has been called Eve's thread. VOL. III. — NO. XXVI. K 26 KENNEDIA SPLENDENS. (SPLENDID CRIMSON KENNEDIA.) CLASS. ORDER. DIADELPHIA* DECANDRIA. NATURAL ORDER. LEGUMINOSiE. Generic Character. — Calyx two-lipped, upper one two-toothed, lower three-toothed. Corolla butter- fly shaped (papilionaceous). Vexillum bent backwards, (reflexed), wings pressed close to the keel. Keel remote. Legumi oblong, compressed. Specific Character Plant an evergreen twiner, with a smooth stem. Leaves in threes (ternate), leaflets oblong lanceolate, obtuse, smooth, of a dull green colour. Racemes axillary, terminal ; flowers in threes, footstalks short and rough. Calyx a light brown colour, villous. Corolla a rich bright crimson. This beautiful plant has been considered to be a new Glycine, and some doubt exists whether it might not safely be referred to that genera ; but only having the drawing to inspect, we have beenunable to effect that strict investigation so requisite to arrive at certainty in anomalous cases. Whether it be a new glycine, or, as we have considered it, a species of Kennedia, it is evidently distinct from any of the preceding ones ; and from its neat character, the size and brilliancy of its flowers, combined with the length of the raceme on which they are produced, sufficiently recommend it to a place in all good collections. Our drawing was taken at Messrs. Youngs' nursery, of Epsom, about October last, and we believe it was the first time of its flowering in this country. We are not certain of its native country, but Messrs. Young think it came from the Brazils, among other articles. Its twining habit at once recommend it for the greenhouse or conservatory, or for training to a trellis in a warm situation on the south wall. The soil suited for young' plants is two parts of good rich loam, to one of peat, the whole mixed with a little clean sand. Cuttings of the ripened wood will strike tolerably free if planted in pots filled with white sand, and placed in a tan pit or frame, where there is a little bottom heat. Messrs. Young have been successful in propagating a few plants, and with the exception of two or three they have disposed of, it is at present very scarce, and can only be purchased at the above nursery at about five guineas a plant. TTSmim.dtlttic. tyzW^saifZ- ^-/^cen^er c. ", J**-c ct- ^A&ct*: <,;,?/'/ " 2$ THUNBERGIA ALATA, van ALBA. (WHITE-FLOWERED WINGED THUNBERGIA.) CLASS. ORDER. DIDYNAMIA. ANGIOSPERMIA. NATURAL ORDER. ACAXTHACE-E. Generic Character. — Calyx double, outer one consisting of two heart-shaped leaflets, each having tbree nerves, inner one smaller and toothed. Corolla consisting of one petal, somewhat bell-shaped, ■with a limb divided into five equal lobes. Specific Character. — A twining shrub. Stem slender, covered thickly with soft white hairs. Leaves heart-shaped, sagittate, opposite, pubescent, five-nerved. Flowers solitary, springing from the axils of the leaves. Calyx double, yellow green. Corolla orange yellow or buff; inside of the tube dark purple, giving a striking appearance to the eye. Var Alba. — Habit very like the alata, but with broader leaves, and larger flowers, its beautiful delicate white corolla, and the conspicuous dark spot in the centre. This beautiful and interesting" plant has so striking- a resemblance to Thunbergia alata, in every important particular, except the colour of the corolla, that we are lead to consider it merely a variety of that species. It is unquestionably a most desirable plant, being- so well adapted for training- up the rafters of the stove, or other convenient places, where its loveliness can be clearly seen. It grows freely, and produces its blossoms in great abundance, and no doubt will be found to propagate with great ease. For further particulars see Vol. II. page 2, where T. alata is treated of. We are obliged to Mrs. Lawrence, of Ealing, for our drawing, in whose collection the plant flowered beautifully in the early part of last summer. The generic name is given in honour of Charles Peter Thunberg, M. D., Pro- fessor of Botany in the University of Upsal. >^A^i^>z/^'ta:,c^^-^ca-^L- as/<5-a^ 29 CULTURE OF THE HELIOTROPIUM PERUVIANUM. To propagate this fragrant exotic with success, cuttings must he taken from the parent about the latter end of February, or beginning of March, and planted in pots of rich garden soil, and plunged in a strong hotbed or bark-pit, removing all decayed leaves, &c, as they appear, or they will affect the whole. In two or three weeks, when the cuttings have grown, they must be removed to an airy part of the hot- house for a few days, to harden previous to potting. If a succession of flowering plants through the autumn and winter months are wanted, more cuttings should be put in during May and June. If they are intended to be kept in pots, provide some good soil, composed of one part good maiden loam, one of good rotten dung, half the quantity of sandy peat, and a little prepared leaf or vegetable mould ; the whole must be well chopped, and incorporated together, but not sifted ; pot off the cuttings in forty-eight sized pots, allowing as much soil to adhere to their roots as possible ; cover these balls of roots about a quarter of an inch deep, pinch off the extreme ends of the plants to cause them to grow bushy, and after giving them a watering, place them in a shadv part of the stove till they have taken root, then remove them into a more exposed situation, and give them plenty of air and water. Due attention must always be paid to potting them as often as the roots appear to mat, or the plants will soon assume a sickly hue. When in bloom, remove them to the greenhouse or con- servatory, where they will continue to flower the greatest part of the year. When they have done flowering, set them in a cool part of the greenhouse, until the following February, when they should be cut down, their balls reduced, and repotted in the compost. When potted, they should be placed in a hotbed to produce healthy shoots for propagation, after which the old stools may either be turned into the flower-borders or thrown away, as young plants raised every year are to be much preferred for flowering in pots. But if the Heliotropes are grown purposely for the flower-garden, cuttings put in during the month of September, potted off into small pots, kept in a close frame and well protected from cold nights, by means of mats or long litter, until the following spring, is considered the best method. Harden them by gradual exposure to the open air, so that by the middle of May they will bear to be planted out in beds, composed of a good mellow rich earth. Should cold nights happen after the plants are turned out (which is sometimes the case), they must be defended by means of hoops and mats, or canvass ; if thus protected, they will grow and flower freely in favourable seasons, until the chilly nights of autumn give a check to their vigour : they should then be taken up with their balls entire, and potted in good sized pots. If placed in the stove, and shaded for a few days, they will continue to flower down to Christmas, when a few cuttings may be taken from them for early propagation, and the old plants thrown away. 30 A NEW FLOWER STAND, DESIGNED TO FORM A PILLAR OF ROSES. Training roses upon stands of varied descriptions, so as to form pillars from eight to sixteen feet high, is one of the prettiest floral fancies of the present day ; and what in reality can be more lovely to look upon than a column after this description of blooming roses ? For tbis purpose, we have not met with any better calculated than tbe one represented in tbe accompanying figure, being in every respect well adapted for tbe flower-garden, the ornamental shape of the centre support rendering it at all times an agreeable object. It was designed and sent us, some time ago, by ZNJr. Saul of Lancaster, who communicated tbe flower-stand figured in Vol. II. page 89 ; and from the great demand for the latter, Mr. S. has been induced to have it remodelled, improving it in some respects, so as to render it interesting and desirable for the drawing room, &c. The central pillar of tbe annexed figure, with the brackets, are made of cast iron. The letter A, shows the centre pillar sunk a sufficient depth into a large stone or block of wood, so as to hold it fast ; of the two stone is preferable, as being more durable, and better calculated to secure it against rough winds, &c, C C C C C C, refer to the brackets which fasten the uprights B B B ; through these uprights pass rods of iron for the purpose of tying the branches to. The whole should be painted three times over with paint of a blackish blue colour, which will secure it against rain, and prevent corrosion at the joints for many years. One advantage resulting from a stand of this description, consists in being enabled to make use of plants whose flowers vary in colour, such as red, white, and blush; the change in colour thus produced makes the whole extremely pleasing and full of interest. If a proper selection of kinds be made, a con- tinual display of bloom may be kept up during many of the summer months. At the bottom of the pillar D, may be placed a few large rough stones, which will have the appearance of rock work, and much add to the picturesque beauty of the whole ; also prevent the soil becoming dry about the roots, thus assisting them to grow with more freedom. A NEW FLOWER-STAND. There are other stands of a more simple structure, made of well-seasoned oak or larchwoodj as represented in the accompany- ing' figures, that answer for training plants to very well. (Fig. 2.) consists of three stout upright stakes roughly planed, standing at right angles, with cross hars made of the same material, either nailed on the outside, or let into a mortice to hold them fast ; to these bars the branches of the plants so trained are to be tied. ^ ~ Pig. 2. (Fig. 3.) represents one similar in structure but less uniform in appearance, the only difference consists in the bars crossing each other in the middle ; by this means there is an advantage in training the young- shoots, for by the crossing of the bars this may be done more neatly, and with greater regularity. Stands of this description cost very little, and if made of dried wood, well painted, will last for four or five years. The height of them should be regulated by the habit of the plants intended to be trained, if for Clematises or Passifloras about eight or ten feet will be sufficient, as the first object in training them will be to have every internal part quite hidden, so as to render the whole one complete mass of flowers and foliage ; if carried higher they will be apt to become naked at the bottom which will give them an unsightly appearance. But if Eccremo- carpuses or Lathi/rises.,be desired for training, a stand of six or seven feet high will be found sufficient. As many of the plants that look well, trained after this manner, are rather tender, it will be advisable to choose as warm a situation as the flower-garden will afford. A select list of ornamental creepers is given in Vol. II. pages 33 and 34, arranged so as to show the time of flowering, colour of the flowers, height they usually grow, and their general habits. 32 CULTURE OF THE GENUS VERBENA; PRINCIPALLY THE VERBENA MELTNDRES. The V. melindres is one of the most splendid and lively ornaments we possess, contributing- more to beautify our flower-garden than any other plant introduced into this country. " It may truly be called the gem of the flower-garden." The graceful habit of its growth, the surpassing brilliancy of its flowers, combined with the ease with which it is preserved and cultivated, sufficiently tend to prove its worth ; so bright and dazzling are the flowers when the sun shines, that it is often with pain that we approach near to look upon them. In short, its merits cannot be too highly appreciated by those who love to admire the richness of nature, when given to augment our pleasures and enrich our dwellings ; nor can we, as practical men, too assiduously apply ourselves to its cultivation, in order that it may be improved and disseminated, and the plant brought to as high a state of perfection as human skill can find means to reach. A short time ago, when only a few solitary plants existed in this country, the situation they then enjoyed was one the most select and favourable, generally occupying a place where its grandeur could be readily and advantageously seen. So rare and valuable was it considered, that every attention was given to encourage its growth, and to increase the number of plants. Experiments were tried, and soon it was found, that to propagate it was attended with little difficulty. At length the plants became numerous, consequently the worth and beauty of our flower-garden increased. And to render this the more perfect, we find whole beds filled with it, and in summer, when in full bloom, nothing can surpass the richness it imparts, and the animating effect it gives to all around. For the particulars of this mode of culture, see Vol. I. page 173. There is another method not generally practised, which we shall now detail, not that it will enhance its genuine beauty, but exhibit it with more advantage, particularly as it affords the opportunity of moving it from one place to another, as the taste or will of the possessor may dicfate, and this without injury to the plant or impairing the beauty of its blossoms. About the month of August or September, when the plants in the beds have grown strong, and the branches have commenced to emit young roots at the joints, a selection of the strongest and best rooted ones is made, taking care to secure a ball of earth to each ; they are then potted, using good rich compost made of rich loam and well rotted clung, into thirty-two sized pots, after this a little water is given to each, in order to settle the soil about the roots, they are then moved to a favourable part of the greenhouse, and in a short time they will have recovered any tardiness that might have been occasioned by shifting; after this they may be moved to any part of the house, or to a cold dry frame or pit, but here they must be watered very sparingly, and air admitted freely when the weather is fine, leaving them exposed at no time when the atmosphere is unusually damp. In this state they will stand the whole of the winter without sustaining any loss. In the spring as CULTURE OF THE GENUS VERBENA. 33 early as is consistent they should be excited to grow, and will shortly require fresh potting-, which should be done as soon as the roots have penetrated through the soil to the sides of the pot; at this shifting, twenty-four sized pots should be used, and the plants placed where they can enjoy an abundance of light and air ; this cannot be better effected than by placing them near the front of the greenhouse. At this stage water should be given, so as just to keep the soil moist. In about a month or six weeks after this they will need an additional supply of pot room, which should be given without delay. The shoots now will be found to have increased in strength and number, and if frequently shifted, increasing the size of the pot at each shift, until they finally reach to number one, in which they may be allowed to flower, the progress made will be surprising. During their growth, which will continue without intermission, some of the flower-buds which have made their appearance should be pinched off, for, if allowed to remain on, will rob them of a portion of their strength and consequently their growth will be retarded. After they have received their last shift, no more buds should be plucked, for, if any more be destroyed, the ultimate beauty of the plant will be impaired. But whether the branches, which at this stage will have grown three or four feet long, are to be trained to a trellis, or allowed to hang over the sides of the pots, must be determined by the taste of the possessor. We have them upon both systems at Chatsworth, and find both to answer admirably, the branches of many growing the length of four or five feet, entirely covering the pot over which they hang, or hiding the trellis to which they are trained ; and when elevated in a conspicuous part of the greenhouse, or placed in a warm part of the flower-garden, the effect they give is truly grand, a continual display of loveliness being maintained until the frost sets in. And to try to what pitch of excellence this plant can be brought, we propose plunging a plant or plants into a good rich border, and training them to a trellis on the hot wall, with other beautiful and valuable plants. The result we shall treat of in its place. Verbena aubletia, or rose Vervain, is also a beautiful plant, well adapted to flower- garden purposes. Its pretty lacinate leaves, and solitary corymbs of purple flowers, entitle it to extensive cultivation. It is a perennial plant, requiring the protection of the greenhouse during winter, yet, if well covered with leaves or straw mats, it endures the intensity of the winter. Cuttings of the young shoots will take freely if put in sand and placed under a bell glass ; this should be done about the month of August. It may also be increased by layers, which should be pinned down as the growth of the shoot advances; good loam and sandy peat suit this best. Verbena paniculata is not so handsome as the other species. It is a hardy perennial, and does well with the treatment required for V. aubletia. Its flowers are blue, and produced on an erect stem. Verbena venosa, or strong-nerved Vervain, is another beautiful plant of this genus, and planted in the flower-garden it flowers prolificly ; either single, or a number grouped together, they have a very pleasing effect. Its flowers are of a rich purple colour, produced on a kind of forked spike. It is propagated freely by cuttings planted in common rich soil, but the most ready way is by dividing the roots, which is easily done, as it throws up many suckers. It requires the protection during the winter, VOL. III. — NO. XXVI. F 34 REVIEWS. either of the greenhouse or a cold dry frame or pit, in which place it should be cautiously watered. The V. pulchella, or sweet-scented Vervain, is a plant of much beauty, and is well adapted for planting- in beds in the flower-garden ; its flowers are pretty, and emit an agreeable fragrance when growing in the open air or in the greenhouse ; in either place it will thrive well, but of the two it is more calculated for the flower- garden, as, when grouped together, the effect they give is much better than when standing singly in pots. This also is easily propagated either by layers or by cuttings of the ripened wood, which should be planted in sand, and placed under a bell glass ; any rich soil will do for this purpose. Verbena rugosa, or wrinkled-leaved Vervain, is a hardy plant, and particularly showy, making a grand display of beauty when planted in beds in the flower-garden, for which it will be found well adapted. It thrives well in light rich soil, and may readily be increased by cuttings. The species spoken of above are all valuable plants, and should be in every well-arranged flower-garden. REVIEWS. ]. THE COMPANION TO THE BOTANICAL MAGAZINE. "The proprietor of the Botanical Magazine has long been desirous to combine with that work a supplementary portion, destined to include various information relating to botany and botanical travellers ; to be edited by the talented Dr. Hooker, author of the above, to be continued in monthly numbers, each number to contain two sheets of closely printed letter press, and two partially coloured plates ; separate 1*. 6d., or stitched with the magazine Is., thus making in the whole, including a coloured number of the magazine, 4s. 6d. From the editor's extensive correspondence, and frequent intercourse with scientific botanists and travellers of almost every part of the world, a constant supply of novel and entertaining inform- ation will be insured, which will be found extremely useful to the botanist, and interesting to the general reader." This work we can safely recommend as one of interest and extensive utility ; but to enable our readers to judge of its merits we make the following extract, from the sixth number, upon the uses and properties of the coca. " The coca, {Erythroxylon coca of Lamarck,) is a shrub of six or eight feet high, and to the eyes of an individual unpractised in botany, presents the general appearance of a straight-growing black-thorn bush ; its numerous small white flowers, and the pleasing green of its leaves, occasioning this similarity. A large plantation of coca, while in this state, is an agreeable object, though less beautiful than a well kept coffee ground. The frequent stripping of the foliage of REVIEWS. 35 coca soon reduces it to naked brushwood, and it is but slowly that it regains its verdant garb. These leaves, which are gathered and dried with great care, form the object of a brisk trade, and the use of them is as ancient as our first knowledge of Peruvian history; for the rude primitive people received the coca from the Cadmus of the lofty mountains of Titicaca, and wherever the incas afterwards pene- trated, they distributed it as a boon among the conquered nations. To the present, day, we see the Indian, stretched out unsociably in the shade, alternately putting some coca-leaves and some finely powdered chalk into his mouth. Silently, as unwilling to be disturbed by conversation, he whiles away a good half hour in the enjoyment of this occupation, slowly swallowing the saliva, and renewing the masticated leaves by fresh ones ; and, while thus engaged, not all the haste and impatience of the traveller, nor even the approach of a heavy storm, can rouse the Indian from this state of intolerable apathy. The servant would instantly quit any white master who attempted to restrain him in this respect, and would sooner bear to be deprived of necessary food, than to employ in any other manner the period allotted to the enjoyment of his coca. Only in quiet retirement, too, is the pleasure unalloyed, it is lost by riding or walking : so that if the traveller would keep his companion in good humour, whether proceeding by boat or by mules, he must four times a day, consent to these tantalising pauses, a sacrifice which even the farmers of this country are compelled to make to the infatuation of their workmen. It has never answered to debar a coquero (thus is the most intimate companion termed in Peru) from the enjoyment of this vice, for every one declares he would sooner forego the most necessary things, and the appetite for it increases with age, bringing with it many evil consequences. Strangers are amazed at beholding such an in- fatuated passion for a leaf, which, whether fresh or dry, is only distinguished by a slight scent ; possesses no balsamic properties, and when taken in small quantities has merely a grassy, or at most, a bitterish taste; the difficulty, however, vanishes when the observation of its effect upon others, or one's own personal experience, convinces us that, the coca, by its property of stimulating the nervous system, pos- sesses a power much akin to that of opium. Rude nations have ever sought for artificial excitements, and the lower a people stand in the scale of intellectual ability, so much the more attractive to them is that means of exhilaration which removes for a time the consciousness of a dreary waste within. The American Indians, and especially those of the Peruvian Andes, though surrounded by civilisa- tion, are enthralled by a melancholy suspicion of their own deficiencies and inability to improve themselves, whence arises their passion for artificial stimula, whether supplied by the coca or by the immoderate use of ardent spirits. Under the effect of the former, the habitual dejection of the Peruvian leaves him, and his indolent imagination brings images to his mind, which would never occur to him in his usual condition. If less violent in its first effects than opium, the coca is, perhaps, more dangerous from their longer continuance. A series of observations can alone convince the novice of this fact, as without it, the long train of ills which attack the Peruvian would never be traced to their real source. The sight of an inveterate 36 REVIEWS. coquero suggests the desired explanation ; useless for every active pursuit in life, and the slave of his passions, even more than the drunkard, he exposes himself to the greatest dangers, for the sake of gratifying this degrading propensity. As the stimulus of coca is most fully developed when the body is exhausted with toil, or the mind with conversation, the poor victim then hastens to some retreat in the gloomy native wood, and flinging himself under a tree, remains stretched out there, heedless of night or of storms, unprotected by covering or by fire, unconscious of the floods of rain and of tremendous winds which sweep the forest ; and often yielding himself for two or three entire days to the occupation of chewing coca, returns home to his abode, with trembling limbs and pallid countenance, the miserable spectacle of unnatural enjoyment. Whoever accidentally meets the coquero under such circumstances, and by speaking interrupts the effect of this intoxication, is sure to draw upon himself the hatred of the half-maddened creature. The man who is once seized with the passion for this practice, if placed in circum- stances which favour its indulgence, is a ruined being. Many instances were related to us in Peru, where young people of the best families have begun to use coca for the sake of passing the time away ; and, acquiring a relish for it, have, from that period, been lost to civilisation, and, as if seized by some malevolent instinct, refuse to return to their homes, and resisting the entreaties of their friends, who occasion- ally discover the haunts of these unhappy fugitives, either retire to some more distant solitude, or take the first opportunity of escaping when they have been brought back to the town ; indeed the lives of such wretched beings are embittered by the presence of civilised society, where the white coquero is shunned as the most dissolute drunkard, and, soon sinking into a semi-barbarous state, and degrad- ing their white hue, which is the natural stamp of a higher class of society, they die a premature death from their excessive use of this intoxicating leaf. An example of this kind fell under my own notice, in an individual who lived with me in the solitary Pampayaco, and unworthily bore the honoured appellation of Calderone. He was of the fairest colour, and of very good descent, but for twenty years had resided in the montana, where from compassion, he was permitted to inhabit a hut, more fit for a savage than for a white man. Although scarce forty years of age, he was more decrepid than many a person of sixty, and utterly useless for any common purpose of life, as no one could depend on his word. Priding himself excessively, like all Creoles, on his white colour, yet utterly averse to any exertion, the mere idea of a city life with its accompanying restraints, was hateful to him. As he was a decided coquero, he could only be of service when it was practicable to keep this intoxicating herb from him ; but when once the passion had irresistibly seized him, which was at least every month, he would break through all restraints, and disappearing in the forest, was lost for many days, after which he would emerge, sick, powerless, and altered. He was of some use to me, as a good and eager sportsman, and, by liberally supplying him with such fine gunpowder as he could not obtain by purchase, I soon gained his perfect confidence and goodwill. His disposition was generally kind, but any remonstrance against his vices, would REVIEWS. 37 . throw him into an ungovernable rage ; he has frequently assured me, in confidential moments, that he would rather, as he has done for months together, live alone in the midst of some coca shrubs, in the most solitary spot in the wilderness, depend- ing for support on his fishing-line and gun, than return home to his family at Huanuco. His descriptions of the lovely visions that appeared to him in the forest at night, and of his delicious sensations at such moments, had something in them truly awful. " When it rained, he used to cover his half-naked body with soddened leaves that had fallen from the trees : and he assured me, that when this wretched sub- stitute for raiment was brought to steam by the warmth of his person, that he could lie thus enveloped, for hours, without experiencing inconvenience or cold. The exciting principle of the coca appears to be of very volatile nature, and whether the elaborate chemistry of our country will ever be able to ascertain its mode of operation seems very dubious, as even in its native place, the leaves, where this quality principally resides, after being kept twelve months, become perfectly inert, and good for nothing. Apart from the effect undeniably produced on the nervous system by masticating the foliage, its exciting properties must be derived from subordinate causes. Large heaps of the freshly dried leaves, particularly while the warm rays of the sun are upon them, diffuse a very strong smell, resembling that of hay in which there is a quantity of melilot. The natives never permit strangers to sleep near them, as they would suffer violent headaches in consequence. When kept in small portions, and after a few months, the coca loses its scent, and becomes weak in proportion. The novice thinks that the grassy smell and fresh hue are as per- ceptible in the old state as when new, and this is to be expected with the Peruvian, who never uses it without the addition of burnt lime. Without this, which always excoriates the mouth of a stranger, the natives declare that coca has not its true taste, a flavour by the bye which can only be detected after a long use of it ; it then tinges green the carefully swallowed spittle, and yields an infusion of the same colour. Of the latter alone I made trial, and found that it had a flat grass-like taste, but I experienced the full power of its stimulating principle. " When taken in the evening, it is followed by great restlessness, loss of sleep, and generally uncomfortable sensations, while from its exhibition in the morning, a similar effect, though to a slighter degree, arose, accompanied with loss of appetite. The English physician, Dr. Archibald Smith, who has a sugar plantation near Huanuco, once, when unprovided with Chinese tea, made a trial of the coca as a substitute for it, but experienced such distressing sensations of nervous excitement, that he never ventured to use it again. The Peruvian increases its effects by large doses, utter retirement, and the addition of other stimulating substances. The inordinate use of the coca speedily occasions bodily disease, and detriment to the moral powers, but still the custom may be persevered in for many years, especially if frequently intermitted ; and the coquero sometimes attains the age of fifty, with comparatively few complaints. But the oftener these orgies are celebrated, espe- cially in a warm and moist climate, the sooner are their destructive effects made 38 REVIEWS. evident ; for this reason, the natives of the cold and dry districts of the Andes are more addicted to the consumption of coca than those of the close forests, where undoubtedly other stimulants do but take its place. Weakness in the digestive organs, which like most incurable complaints, increases continually in a greater or less degree, first attacks the unfortunate coquero. This complaint, called opilacion, may be trifling at the beginning, but soon attains an alarming height ; then come bilious obstructions, attended with all those thousand painful symptoms, which are so much aggravated by a tropical climate. Jaundice and derangement of the nervous system follow, along with pains in the head, and such a prostration of strength that the patient speedily loses all appetite ; the hue of the whites assumes a leaden colour, and a total inability to sleep ensues, which aggravates the mental depression of the unhappy individual, who spite of all his ills, cannot relinquish the use of the herb to which he owes his sufferings, but craves brandy in addition ; the appetite becomes quite irregular, sometimes failing altogether, and sometimes assuming quite a wolfish voracity, especially for animal food; thus do years of misery drag on, succeeded, at length, by a painful death. " In a moral point of view, the custom of chewing coca is no less deleterious. The propensity for solitude and inaction which it engenders, is productive of many bad consequences ; and if the intellectual powers do not seem to sink so quickly as under the influence of ardent spirits, still the effects tend finally to equal degrada- tion. It is fortunate that a thinly peopled region is the only theatre for the coqueros, the bustle of a town would ill suit this propensity ; besides, public opinion is even more strong against it than gambling or drinking. The stigma of vul- garity attaches so much to the coquero, that every white person shuns any inter- course with him, though he always pleads the weakness of his stomach as an excuse for chewing the herb. The Indian alone is considered as privileged to continue this custom, for even the negro, though fond of strong excitement, does not love the coca; still, females of every class are said to be partial to it, and to enjoy it both in the montana and the towns, though in the greatest secrecy. It is a rare thing for strangers to addict themselves to it, though it is said that the Chilians do so, when coming to reside in the coca districts, and become even more inveterate coca chewers than the natives themselves. You may frequently hear the ignorant people in Peru speak of this herb as a blessing sent from heaven, and a miraculous plant, to which the greatest virtues are ascribed. Undoubtedly many individuals may use it without suffering materially, but as its effects of increasing the powers arise solely from exciting the nerves, the results must finally be injurious; and, even those instances of endurance which arise from its use, have been greatly exaggerated. The miner will perform, for twelve long hours, the formidable heavy work of the mine, and sometimes even doubles that period, without sustain- ing any farther sustenance than a handful of parched maize, but every three hours he takes a pause for the purpose of chewing coca (coqueai). He would work ill and reluctantly if the proprietor let him want his favourite herb ; and he exerts himself four-fold if he is allowed to take brandy along with it, thus heightening, a*> REVIEWS. 39 he says, its pleasing taste. But after quitting such labour as no European could have performed, he requires (provided the coca has not engendered any disease) as much food as others, and such a quantity of it as might surprise any one, when its miserable nature is considered. The same holds good with the Indian, who, as a porter, messenger, or vender of his own productions, traverses the Andes on foot. Merely chewing coca from time to time, he travels with a load, weighing one cwt., on his back, over indescribable rough roads, and accomplishes frequently ten leagues in eight hours. During the revolutionary war, the undisciplined patriot troops, chiefly consisting of Indians from the Sierra, by dint of ample supplies of. coca and brandy, traversed long distances in a very short time, and thus became very dangerous to the Spaniards. Where Europeans would have halted and bivouacked, the ill-clad barefooted Indians merely paused, for a short interval, to chew their coca. But, with all this, coca only possesses a stimulating property which is highly dangerous, and so fascinating, that, for one who becomes passion- ately attached to it, there is no escape. Short, too, is the alleviation of misery which it yields to the thousands whose destruction it procures, so that we may well adopt the opinion of the old Spanish chronicler, who affirms that ' the use of the coca is solely a depraved taste, and worthy only of such beings as the unhappy Indians now are.' " 2. FLORIGRAPHIA BRITANNICA. Coloured Is. Plain 6d. " By Richard Deakin, and Robert Marnoch, curator of the Sheffield Botanical and Horticultural Gardens." The first number of this publication appeared in August last. Each number contains twelve plates, illustrative of the flowering plants and ferns of Britain. The engravings, though small, are well executed, and the colouring good, giving a tolerably correct idea of the plants they are intended to represent ; and to obviate any difficulty that may arise from the smallness of the plates, the authors have given dissections of, and considerably magnified the reproductive organs, &c, so that the class and order to which they belong may readily be fixed upon. The arrangement followed is that of the Linnsean system, at the same time, the natural order of each genus is specified. We recommend this work to the notice of all who desire to become acquainted with the native plants of this country, and from its reasonable price it cannot fail to get into the hands of all classes. To the young gardener, who may feel disposed to possess it, we would advise to make choice of the plain copies, as the expense is not only smaller, but, if he be diligent, he may lay on the colours himself from the natural plants, and this would certainly make a more lasting impression on the mind, than merely looking over and reading the descriptions. Perhaps no one has contributed more, or laboured with more diligence, to im- 40 HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FERNS. prove the art of gardening-, even at that day when so many obstacles tended to im- pede the progress and cool the desires of those whose ardent wish was to see that pursuit brought to such a standing as might lead their fellow men to taste of those pleasures they well knew it was so competent to afford, than John Evelyn, he was the son of the author of the Syha ; and to show how defined his taste for that art was, we extract the following from S. Felton's second edition of the Portraits of English authors on Gardening ; when he says, " Let us but take a turn or two in a well contrived and planted garden, and see what a surprising scene pre- sents itseif in the vernal bloom, diffusing its fragrant and odoriferous wafts, with their ravishing sweets ; the tender blossoms curiously enamelled ; the variously figured shapes of the verdant foliage, dancing about, and immantling the laden branches of the choicest fruits ; some hiding their blushing cheeks, others displaying their beauties, and even courting the eye to admire ; others the hand to gather ; and all of them to taste their delicious pulps. " Can anything be more delightful than to behold an ample square in a benign aspect, tapestried and adorned with such a glorious embroidery of festoons and fruitages, depending from the yielding boughs pregnant with their offspring, and pouring forth their plenty and store as out of so many Amalthean horns ? Some tinctured with the loveliest white and red ; others are azure purple ; others striped with an incarnadine as over a tissue of vegetable gold. Colours of an oriency that mock the pencil of the most exquisite artist ; and with which their native beauty, perfume, fragrance, and taste, gratify and entertain more senses at once than does any sublunary object in all unvitiated nature besides." HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FERNS. In Vol. I, page 171, of our Magazine, we detailed the method of raising stove ferns from seeds ; we now proceed to lay down a few rules for their future manage- ment. It is well known to all who have the least acquaintance with this interesting but often neglected tribe of plants, that the situation the generality of them prefer, is (if tender kinds) that part of the hot -house which is little suited for any other sorts of plants, and if hai'dy or indigenous ones, we generally find them thriving in the greatest vigour in those situations which would be immediate death to almost any other native plant. We recollect some time ago seeing a good collection of tender ferns, placed at the back of the house, on a flue, or a shelf or kind of stage, and from the healthy state of the other plants which stood immediately in front of them, this part of the house where the ferns were growing, was constantly shaded ; and in cloudy or dull weather it was surprising to see how gloomy their situation, was rendered, and still more surprising to witness their very healthy state, putting forth, as many of them did, beautiful large leaves, obtruding themselves into the path HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OP FERNS. 41 which run at the back of the house. It cannot be denied that the ferns are a handsome and extremely interesting- tribe of plants, adapting themselves, as the generality of them do, to those situations where plants of more delicate habits will scarcely keep in existence ; we think, for this simple reason, they are entitled to more general cultivation, for any one who has but a small hot or green-house may have choice selections of these interesting plants suited to either place, and if the following directions be attended to, they may be grown with tolerable ease, and will not fail, we are sure, to compensate for the labour that may be bestowed upon them. After the plants that have been raised from seed or otherwise pro- cured, have attained sufficient size and strength to be allowed to stand singly in pots, they should, with the greatest possible care, be potted, for if the roots are broken, or otherwise injured, they will be sometime in recovering. The soil best for the purpose, we would say, is sandy peat with a very little mixture of rich loam. Before potting, nothing perhaps is of more importance than to attend properly to the drainage, for ferns although we find them sometimes in this country growing in very moist places, do not like, neither will they thrive if the soil in which they are potted be suffered to become saturated. Next in the scale of importance to proper drainage, is to understand the most advisable plan for putting in the plants, and of placing the soil about their roots : it cannot be urged that it is generally natural for ferns to have the soil close packed about the roots, but expe- rience has taught us that in potting them it is best to press the soil pretty close to their roots, which may be done without damaging them, if care be taken, and if the soil have a pretty good admixture of sand, the water will pass off with freedom. After the plants are safely settled in the pots, a little water may be applied with a very fine rose, so as not to wash any of the soil into the hearts of the plants, or into the axils of their leaves, for if this be not attended to, the soil which is most sure to accumulate, will tend greatly to injure the plants and retard their future progress ; next they should be secured from the influence of the sun, either by placing them at the back part of a wall, or, what is equally good, is to place canvass or mats so as to evade this luminary ; in a short time after this the plants will have made new roots, and become established and set in a promising state for growing, they may then be removed to the situation in which they are hoped to flourish, which should be the back part of the house, or so disposed at the front as to prevent the rays of the sun from acting directly upon them, or, as we have sometimes seen them placed in a pit with other stove plants, so as to be partially shaded by their branches and foliage ; in either of these places they will grow better, and maintain a more healthy and pleasing appearance than they would if left exposed to the heat of the sun ; this is one reason why ferns do better in a partially shaded situation, since they enjoy an atmosphere more humid and subject to less variation than when under the direct rays of the sun. The administration of water is often too little attended to, and considered of minor importance in many instances, and to this is not unfrequently attributable the bad success of many cultivators, and it is certainly a very diffi- cult point to hit upon. In close damp weather the watering should be particularly attended to, for if the plants at this time get over-watered they are more liable to VOL. III. NO. XXVI. G 42 HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FERNS. suffer, than when the atmosphere is clear and less humid, hut at all times water should be given with the greatest caution, as once over-watering may be attended with the worst consequences. In dry weather it may be seen when a plant needs water by the appearance of the soil, which will be dry on the surface, but although this cannot be taken as a sure criterion, it is certainly better than always watering indiscriminately, without refei'ence to any rule, which is too often the case. As ferns, like most other plants, are subject to the attacks of insects, particularly the red-spider, it is necessary to syringe them now and then over the leaves in order to arrest the progress of this little intruder, the best time to perform this is in the evening, after a fine summer's day. After this operation it is not uncommon to see many of the pots left standing full of water, which in many instances is succeeded by an indication of sickness in the plant, to remedy this the plants should be looked over, and where water is found standing in the pots, they should be turned on one side until this superabundance has run off, then they may be placed in their upright position without sustaining any injury. His Grace the Duke of Devon- shire's collection of ferns at Chatsworth are planted in the fissures of the rock- work in the stove, giving the whole at all times a very pretty and interesting appearance. In fine, from the varied shapes of the leaves, the peculiar manner of their development, a continued diversity is maintained, which is quite engaging and beautiful ; in this situation they grow sur- prisingly and are remarkably healthy. The accompanying figure is the Bladder- wrack, (Fucus vesiculosus, Linn.) it belongs to the Jussieuan order Algce ; the leaf is smooth, glossy, and dark olive, having a mid -rib tapering from its base : a, represents the vesicles, containing the spores ; b, a section of the same. The plant is said to be employed in the manufacture of kelp. It is readily known by the round hollow bladder- like excrescence, which is said to be filled with air, in the male plant, while in the female it contains a jelly. In the dry state the plant assumes a dull black colour very brittle, and is not unfrequently found covered with a kind of saline efflorescence. The subject of Ferns we shall resume at a future opportunity. 43 HINTS ON THE GENUS DIGITALIS. The genus Digitalis belongs to the class Didynamia and order Angiospermia of the Linnaean system, and is one of that group in the Jussieuean arrangement deno- minated Scrophularinece, or Fig-wort. They are, for the most part, showy plants ; and D. purpurea (see fig.) and the variety Albo are natives of this country, found growing in abundance about rocky places, old hedge-rows, and not un- frequently by road sides, where they are objects of much beauty. The flowers of the former are of a purplish-red colour, growing on one side of a fine showy spike ; the flowers of the latter are white, but it is not so commonly met with as the other. The D. laciniata is a hardy perennial, and although common, is, when well grown, a very pretty plant, producing its flowers about June and July. It may readily be increased by dividing the roots. It is a native of the mountains about Malaga. The flowers are yellow, which it produces in great abundance. The D. ambigua is certainly a very desirable plant, as it will grow in almost any soil and situation, It has large yellow blossoms which it produces about August, and, being a hardy plant, is well calculated for the flower-garden. It is a native of the South of Europe, particularly Germany, and is easily increased by seeds, or by divisions of the roots. The D. canariensis is said to have been cultivated in this country so long ago as 1698, by the Duchess of Beaufort. It is sometimes found growing to the height of six feet, in which state, when in full bloom, it is a very lively object. The flowers are of a tawny yellow colour, produced about the month of June. It is a native of the Canary Islands, and not so hardy as the preceding species, requiring the protection of a green-house or frame, during frost. It grows well in sandy loam, and is increased by seeds, which it produces in abundance.^ The D. lutea is a native of the South of France, Transylvania, and Italy, where it is Foxglove {Digitalis purpurea) a, pavt of a found on mountainous places in the shade. flower> shcwing the four stamens ; b, the pistil. It is a hardy perennial of very easy culture, growing in almost any soil and situation. The flowers are yellow, and when in bloom it has a very pretty appearance about June and July. It may be propagated from seeds, or by dividing the roots. D. parviflora, or small-flowered Foxglove, is a plant of little beauty, and will grow in any sheltered situation, being nearly hardy. The flowers, which are pro- duced in great abundance, are very small, and of a dull colour. It ^nay also be propagated by seeds, or by divisions at the root. 44 NEW AND BEAUTIFUL PLANTS FIGURED IN THE TWO LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS, AND FLORISTS MAGAZINE FOR JANUARY. Botanical Register. Edited by Dr. Lindley, each number containing eight figures ; beautifully coloured 4*., plain 3s. ; and corresponding letter-press. Botanical Magazine. Edited by Dr. Hooker, each number containing eight figures ; beautifully coloured 3*. 6d., plain 3*. ; and corresponding letter-press. British Flower-Garden. Edited by Mr. David Don, each number con- taining four plates ; beautifully coloured 3*., plain 2*. 6d. Florists' Magazine. Edited by Mr. F. W. Smith, each number containing four elegantly coloured plates, with, occasionally, two or more on each plate. Large quarto 4*., octavo 2*. 6d. Of the above twenty-four monthly plates we have only noticed such plants as are new and very rare, and only such new ones as are handsome, and deserve to be extensively cultivated. For descriptions and figures reference must be made to the works themselves. CLASS I PLANTS WITH TWO COTYLEDONS (DICOTYLEDONEiE). INDIAN FIG TRIBE (CACTEiE). Cereus Napoleonis. Napoleon's Cereus. This plant was sent by Mr. Kay, of Clapton, about ten years ago, to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, where it flowered for the first time in September last. The flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. It is very like the C. grandijloriis, and is slightly, not very agreeably, perfumed. Bot. Mag. 3458. COMPOSITE. Coreopsis coronata. Crowned Coreopsis. Seeds of this beautiful plant were gathered in Texas, and received from Mr. Drummond during the spring of 1835. The plants raised from them flowered copiously in the summer and autumn ; those in the open air continuing to display their handsome flowers, remark- able for the circle of brown spots placed at a distance from' the disk, till October, when they were cut off by the frost; those in a frame continued much longer in perfection. Bot. Mag. 3460. EPACRIDE^E. Cosmelia rubra. Red Cosmelia. A marshy plant found upon the coast of New Holland. In this country it is a very pretty green-house plant, with the habit of an Epacris. It flowers in May. Bot. Reg, 1822. THE BIRTH-WORT TRIBE (aRISTOLOCIIIte). Aristolochia fcetens. Stinking Birth-wort. A native of the West Indies, whence it was obtained by Mrs. Marryat, in whose stove at Wimbledon it flowered NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 45 in June last. It is remarkable for its large size, and the singular colour of its flowers, which are beautifully variegated with purple and dirty yellow. They have a most disagreeable and disgusting smell, which will prevent the plant from becom- ing a favourite. It will strike freely from cuttings. Bot. Reg. 1824. THE CHICKWEED TRIBE (cARYOPHYLLEa)]. Acrostemma Bungeana. Dr. Bunge's Scarlet Campion. A plant of this beautiful species was received from Messrs. Booth of the Foltbeck Nurseries near Hamburgh, by Dr. Neill, in whose collection it flowered in July last. It is a native of Asiatic Russia. A hardy perennial, requiring a loamy soil, and it may be increased by cuttings, or by seeds which appear to perfect freely. Brit. Fl. Garden, 317. THE VERVAIN TRIBE (VERBENACE^). Verbena rugosa. Wrinkled-leaved Vervain. A very showy species, raised from seeds received from Buenos Ayres. It is a hardy perennial, growing in a light rich soil, and increased by cuttings, or by parting the roots. Brit. Fl. Garden. THE MEZEREUM TRIBE (THYMELEJE). Daphne odorata, var. rubra. Red-flowered fragrant Daphne. An erect evergreen bushy shrub, about two feet high ; very desirable for the green-house or conservatory, for, if growing vigorously, it continues to blossom during the greater part of the year. The flowers are of a dark red in the bud state, becoming paler and more glossy after expansion, and they are then highly fragrant. Brit. Fl. Gar. CLASS II.— PLANTS WITH ONLY ONE COTYLEDON (MONOCOTYLEDONEiE). THE ORCHIS TRIBE (oRCHIDEiE). Dendrobium densiflorum. Dense-flowered Dendrobium. This lovely Orchidea comes so near to Roxburgh's B. clavatum (Hort. Beng., p. 6J3), that Dr. Lindley would have considered them as identical, had not bulbs been ascribed to the latter, of which the former was entirely destitute. It is a most splendid plant, producing large clusters of yellow flowers. It thrives well in a moist atmosphere, with other Orchideous plants. Bot. Reg. 1828. THE LILY TRIBE (LILIACE^). Tulips. Elizabeth and Homer. Rose Elizabeth was raised from seeds by the late Wm. Clark, Esq., of Croydon, and bloomed for the first time in Mr. Jeffries' superb collection at Rotherhithe. It is a flower of considerable merit, of a beautiful form, and has the white ground exceedingly pure to the base of the cup. Homer is one of Mr. Groom's flowers. It is one of great beauty. The cup is of a beautiful form, approaching to a globe ; the white is very bright and pure ; the feathering is glossy, and of a peculiar richness. Fl. Mag. No. 7. 46 REMARKS ON THE NATURAL ORDER ASCLEPIADEiE ; WITH SOME DIRECTIONS FOR GROWING THE PERGULARIA ODORATISSIMA. This is a tribe of plants which differ materially from most others of the vege- table kingdom, particularly in the structure of its fertilising organs. The subjects of this tribe belong to the fifth class and second order of the Linnean system, viz. Pentandria Digynia, but they occupy a section of it by themselves, inasmuch as they have characters in which they all agree, but which stamp them with peculiar interest. They also form an order in the natural system, and this is represented by the genus from whence it derives its title, Asclepiadece, from asclepias, or swallow-wort. This order comprises about twenty-five genera, a family among which the most noted are Periploca, that beautiful hardy climber wherewith the trellised fronts and balconies of some rural villas are decorated ; Asclepias, the type, which contains several interesting herbaceous perennials, natives of America; and some pretty annuals of ready culture. Stapelia, a most extensive family of succulents, possess the very disagreeable property of emitting a powerful stercoraceous or piitrescent odour, which even deceives while it attracts the common blow-fly. Hoy a, that elegant climber, whose blossoms appear as if they were modelled out of wax, or from some vegetable substance of a very beautiful texture ; and finally our Pergu- laria, also a climber, which yields to none other for the singularity of its habits and the astonishing diffusibility of its great fragrance. The Asclepiadece agree in having the stamens more or less concealed, and sur- mounted by a member which forms a sort of crown, and of this peculiarity of struc- ture Hoya furnishes one of the best examples. The pollen or farina is not a powder, as that of flowers in general, but is pro- duced in waxy or glutinous masses, and in this one point it approximates to the Orcliidece, or plants of the Orchis tribe. The flowers of all the genera have but one petal, which is below or inferior to the fruit, and that is a follicle, or seed-vessel, somewhat resembling a folded leaf, opening when ripe by one suture only, of which the fruit of the larkspur may be adduced in illustration. Pergularia is distinguished from its congeners by its yellowish green flowers, produced in large tufts from the axils of its heart-shaped leaves ; these flowers have a wheel-shaped contort corolla, the segments somewhat reflexed, and their edges folded back ; the tube swollen at the top. Calyx in five segments, shorter than the tube; masses of pollen erect, small, and requiring a glass to be accurately investigated ; stigma obtuse, closely invested by the small anthers or pollen. The verdant tufts of flowers are formed rather widely apart, in the twining stems; the individual OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 47 blossoms are very numerous on the tufts, and durable ; the odour they emit can scarcely be described, it perhaps may best be compared to" the compound blended fragrance of a perfumery shop, and though not absent during* the day time, is only diffused after sun-set ; as soon as the shades of the evening approach, the house becomes replete with the gaseous aroma. The base of the tube is melliferous, and the honey yielded is attractive of wasps and flies ; the former absolutely revel in its sweets, and are to be seen plunged and immersed, as it were, in the swollen cavity of the tube. This climber cannot be called a pretty plant, but its leaves are handsome, its stem graceful, and its flowers exceedingly curious ; no good collection ought to be without it. The culture of the Pergularia is simple : it strikes freely during summer, in a pot with a large layer of sand, over rich soil, or in a phial of glass, if kept gently warm. The rooted plants grow well in the decayed turf of sandy loam, broken up and mixed with black reduced leaf mould. But the plant should have plenty of room, because its roots ramify widely, and require much water; hence it always succeeds best when a large pot (a twelve), with four or six holes opened around its sides, is plunged in the leaf-bed of the stove; its shoots then twine freely and widely, and the blossoms are produced early in summer, and remain a source of fragrance for months. It may be cut back very freely after the flowering season, or rather just before the season of spring growth, and be thus kept within bounds and in full verdure. OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. Achania mollis (or Malvaciscus mollis,) — This is a pretty species, pro- ducing its scarlet flowers at almost all seasons. Cuttings of it may now be put in sand, which will readily strike root if plunged in a little heat. In taking off the cuttings it is best to go as near the old ripened wood as possible, the new shoots being liable to rot in the middle. Do not take care of any of the leaves above the part immersed in the sand. Aloes may now have a little water, say once in eight or ten days, but not oftener. See Vol. I., page 41. Alstr^-merias. — The green-house kinds may now safely be potted. They thrive best in a mixture of full one third sand, rather more than a third of good loam from the pasture, and a little peat. See Vol. I., page 199. Andromeda, Kalmias, &c. — Propagate those that strike readiest from cut- tings ; others that increase best by layers should also be attended to during this month. 48 OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. Annuals. — Some of the tender kinds may now be sown in pots filled with light rich soil, and placed where there is a little bottom heat. The half-hardy kinds may be sown on a slig-ht hot-bed. See Vol. I., page 18. Annuals (Tender) sown on a hot bed last month will now be up ; give plenty of air on fine days in order to make them hardy. Bouvardia triphylla should now be propagated. The readiest way to perform this, is, by dividing the roots, and planting each division in a mixture of loam and peat. After this, place them in a warm situation, they will soon begin to grow, and speedily make pretty plants. See Vol. I., page '225. Ericas. — The greenhouse kinds may now be propagated in pots filled with sand, and placed under a bell glass in a gentle heat. Isotoma axillaris. — Cuttings of this pretty plant, that were put in last autumn, should now be potted off into small pots, and carefully watered, placing, them in a part of the green-house where they will have a free circulation of air. Also young plants that were potted off in the autumn should now have an increase of pot-room. The best soil for them is good rich loam and peat. Ixias. — The bulbs of this favourite genus should now be carefully examined; any that require to be fresh potted should now be done. The soil they delight in is rich sandy loam, mixed with a little peat, or decayed leaves ; after potting, water should be very sparingly given. See Vol. I., page 8. Pelargoniums. — If it be desirous to have them in flower in the autumn, cut- tings of the favourite kinds should be put in this month. Petunia violacea. Cuttings of this, if not put in last autumn, should now be, without delay. They readily strike in light rich soil, placed in a little heat under a handglass. The other kinds may be similarly treated, observing to pot them in good rich soil at all times. Vol. I., page 7. Schizanthus retusus. — Those potted off last autumn will now require an increase of pot -room, as they are, at this season, liable to damp ; water should be given with great caution, and an airy situation in the green-house should be chosen to place them, where they can have the benefit of the sun. Vol. I., page 5. ■ 49 ESCHSCHOLTZIA CROCEA. (SAFFRON-COLOURED ESCHSCHOLTZIA.) CLASS. ORDER. POLYANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. PAPAVERACE^. Generic Character Calyx, of one leaf. Corolla, consisting of four petals. Capsules round, and ten-ribbed. Specific Character. — Perennial. Leaves glaucous, bipinnatifid. Calyx long, more slender than that of Californica. Corolla, dark orange, very showy. The flowers of this beautiful perennial are of a much richer colour than those of the well-known E. californica, which make so splendid a show on our flower borders from the beginning- of July to the end of October, or beginning of November. Our plants appear to bear the weather as well as that species, and, from what we have already experienced of their habit, will, no doubt, require the same treatment, which may be briefly stated as follows : — 1. Propagation may be effected either by seeds or by division, but the best plants are always produced by seeds. 2. Always sow the seeds as soon as they are ripe ; this is preferable to keeping them until the following spring, for, in doing so, many lose their vegetating power ; and a crop of plants is seldom raised. 3. Always select a light dry soil for the purpose and a somewhat sheltered situa- tion, and the young plants will stand the winter without any protection. 4. It is better to sow the seeds at once in the open ground, where the plants are intended to flower ; this is preferable to sowing them in pots, and afterwards transplanting them, in consequence of the peculiar construction of their roots. When transplanted, they are long before they commence growing again. 5. When the seedlings are of a proper size, thin them out where too thick, and they will require no more attention except keeping free from weeds. VOL. III. — no. xxvn. 50 IPOM^A HORSFALLI^E. (MRS. HORSFALL's IPOIVLEA.) CLASS. ORDER. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. CONVOLVULACE^. Generic Character. — Calyx five-parted, naked. Corolla bell-shaped, five-plaited. Stigma capitate, composed of three lobes. Ovarium, two or three-celled, each cell containing two seeds. Specific Character. — Plant, a smooth tender evergreen, with a long twining stem. Leaves, generally in fives (Quinate), with rather long foot-stalks ; leaflets lanceolate, entire, slightly curved at the edges. Flower-stalks axillary, as long, or longer than the footstalks of the leaves. Flowers many, forming a cyme, each flower growing upon a small stalk, which increases in size upwards, to the seat of the flower-bud. Calyx of five, imbricated, equal, oval-shaped lobes, very blunt, and of a purplish black colour. Corolla campanulate, with a short limb, consisting of five broad rounded lobes, each with a notch at the end, and of a brilliant rich rose colour. Stamens five, erect. Filaments smooth. Ovary globular. Stigma consisting of two hairy lobes. This beautiful and very splendid species of the extensive genus Ipomcea, was raised a few years ago by Mr. Evans, at Everton, gardener to Charles Horsfall, Esq. by whom seeds were received either from Africa or from the East Indies, some time previous. Mrs. Horsfall, in whose stove it flowered profusely, kindly furnished us with a drawing of this exquisite plant last autumn. As a twining plant for the stove, this is unquestionably the most deserving of cultivation, for, if well grown, it is highly ornamental, producing an abundance of rich blossoms, which continue beautiful for many months. Its whole habit is pleasing, the leaves are pretty, and full of interest, which, if plenty of room be allowed for the branches to ramble, grow to a great size, so as almost to hide the part of the house over which they are permitted to flourish. The most successful method of cultivating this plant, so as to ensure a good display of bloom, is to encourage plants in a young state, by first potting, them in nice open soil, composed of sandy loam and peat, placing them in rather a humid atmosphere, and occasionally syringing over the leaves, which will give them a green and healthy appearance. After they have become strong, a little well-rotted dung may be added to the compost, and the plants potted into the new soil, allowing them a good shift, and plenty of drainage ; at this shift the plants should be removed to that part of the house where they are intended to flower, and carefully trained to the trellis or rafter to which they are to grow, bearing in mind at all times, particularly when the plant is growing vigorously, to supply it with plenty of water. The flowers usually begin to open about the month of August, and continue to expand in succession until the latter end of October, and sometimes later. It may with tolerable ease be propagated by cuttings, potted in pure sand, and placed under a bell glass in a moderate heat. ( ,,A.j/,, 51 MUSA CAVENDISHII. (the cavendish plantain.) class. order. HEXANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. MUSACEJE. Generic Character. — Corolla in two divisions, upper erect, terminated with five teeth, lower half the length of the upper, and conical shaped. Fruit oblong three-cornered, many-seeded. Specific Character. — Plant four to five feet high. Stem composed of small cells, retaining moisture. Leaves oblong, lanceolate, obtuse, with parallel veins, midrib protuberant on the under side, upper grooved. Spadix spathaceous, nodding, springing from the centre of the leaves, spathes brown red, freckled with white spots. Corolla pale yellow, consisting of two petals, upper fringed and reflexed, under short and entire. Stamens erect, fertile. Pistil erect, nearly as long as the stamens. Stigma globose. This highly interesting- and most valuable plant is a native of China ; it was sent from the Mauritius in 1829 by the late Charles Telfair, Esq., to his friend the late Mr. Barclay of Burryhill. Mr. Cameron, Curator of the Birmingham Botanic Gardens, has kindly furnished us with the following particulars respecting its history : — " The only plants of the Chinese Musa, that I ever heard of, were two imported ones received under that name at Burryhill in 1829. They were sent from the Mauritius by the late Charles Telfair, Esq., who stated in his letter, that he had obtained the species two or three years previously from China, that he had been at much pains in collecting together all the species and varieties of Musa he could obtain, and that he considered the one sent to be the most valuable, as it fruited profusely, and, only growing three feet high, would render it a great acquisition to the stoves of this country. As I had left Burryhill, I do not know what became of either plants." Messrs. Young, of Epsom, purchased both plants at Mr. Barclay's sale, one for the Duke of Devonshire, and the other to go to the continent. A confirmation of its being a Chinese species, is an old Chinese drawing of the present kind, in the possession of Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq., one of the vice- presidents of the Linnsean Society. In a communication which we had with Mr. Lambert in July last, before our plant flowered, he informed us that he possessed a drawing on old Chinese paper which he believed identical with our plant. Mr. Lambert had a full sized copy made, and exhibited it at the Linneean Society in 52 MUSA CAVENDISHII. -"»&*£ Fig. 1. November last, at the same time giving it its present name, 31. Cavendishii. For an idea of the whole plant, see (fig. 1.) Our plant showed indications of flowering in September last by put- ting up a small imperfect leaf; this was shortly followed by the spike (spatha) of flowers. Owing to the lateness of the season, the flowers de- veloped themselves but slowly : the first week in November it commenced flowering, and has continued without intermission ever since ; on the flower- stalk there are 100 fine fruit swelling off; unfortunately it had been kept in rather a small pot, or there is no doubt but it would have perfected a greater number. The plant before us differs widely from any of the known species of this genus, and particularly from the common dwarf kinds, the leaves being very short and thick, with short petioles or leaf-stalks. With respect to the fruit, which is its most valuable quality, an extract from a letter addressed to our friend, Mr- Cooper of Wentworth, dated March 1st, 1835, from Mr Newman, superintendent of the Royal Gardens at Mauritius, will at once explain. " Returning again to my experimental garden, I have a dwarf sort of Banana which has fruit of an exqui- site flavour, and I think would do well in England with very little care in the hothouse. I have gathered 240 fruit from a single raceme, and in less than a year after planting : if you like to have a fewplants, I will with pleasure send them ; I feel confidant that ere long this and several other varieties of Musa will be cultivated for the tables of the great in England." The plant is not more than four feet six inches high ; had it flowered at a more favourable season, we have every reason to believe it would have swelled off more than double the quantity of fruit it is now doing. We have a very healthy plant, which we intend to grow with every possible care, and there is no doubt but a great crop of fruit will be gathered. If our anti- cipations should prove correct, what a valuable addition this will be to our exotic fruits ! A pit forty feet long, fifteen broad, and five high, will produce several hundred- weight of fruit in a year, with no other care or attention than that of giving plenty of manure to grow in, and a good supply of heat and water. It will fruit at all sea- sons, and no doubt with easier culture than any kind of fruit grown under glass. 53 PREFATORY REMARKS ON THE GENUS MUSA. The derivation of the type of this genus has been variously admitted. Linnaeus says " it was given in honour of Antonius Musa, the brother of Euphorbus ; " others allow the Arabic name for the plant, Mauz, as being more probable ; but the former, judging from the two words, appears most likely to be the original. The plants of this splendid genus are amongst the most prominent features in the vegetable world, and form a striking part of that group or class in the Linncean arrangement called Hexandria ; characterised by each flower being furnished with six male organs, termed stamens ; it is divided into three orders, in the first of which, Monogynia, they occupy a conspicuous place ; the plants belonging to this order are known by each flower possessing only one female organ or style, which is surmounted by the stigma. In the natural or Jussieuan system they are ranked in that order denominated Musacece, well known to have sprung from the name of the genus Musa. Arranged in this noble family are some species of the highest value to mankind in point of usefulness, others as ornaments are only surpassed by a few of the higher orders of vegetation admired for their gigantic stature and graceful foliage. They are either biennial or perennial, with roundish, solid, watery stems, usually straight, perpendicular, averaging from five to twenty-five feet high, simple, thick, round, smooth, fungous, and lamellated. The leaves are oblong, from three to ten feet in length, and under two in breadth. The flowers are produced in large terminating racemes, destitute of a calyx or perianthium, generally of a yellowish white, but in some of a bright scarlet, some possessing fertile, and others sterile blossoms, the fertile occupying the lower, and the sterile the upper part of the raceme. The fruit that succeeds the former is of an oblong, angular, recurved shape, sweet, eatable, and containing many seeds of a black colour. They are found in great abundance in the old world, where, for the greatest part, they are cultivated. Two species only are cultivated for the nutritive aliment afforded by their fruit, viz., Plantain and Banana, although by some the former has been considered merely a variety of the latter ; still there are some points of dissimilarity existing in the colour of the leaves, shape, and taste of the fruit, sufficient to con- stitute them distinct species. And what is so very remarkable connected with the history of these plants is, their being no where found in a wild state, claiming nativity to no particular part or country in the torrid zone, but from equinoctial Asia and America to the islands of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, they offer their produce indifferently to the inhabitants ; in a word, wherever the mean heat of the year averages 75 degrees Fahrenheit, these plants are amongst the most important and interesting objects for the cultivation of man ; and, we may ask, is it not here that the first rudiments of civilisation begin to develope themselves ? for even amongst the wildest tribes of South America, which depend upon their fruit for subsistence, much care is exercised in the propagation of them. All hot countries appear equally to favour their fruit, and they have been even cultivated 54 PREFATORY REMARKS ON THE GENUS MUSA. in Cuba, where the thermometer is known to descend as low as 45 degrees Fahren- heit. The produce of these plants is enormous, and the short period and little labour required to bring- this to perfection is wonderful to the European, who has never witnessed them growing- in a natural state. Eight or nine months after the suckers are planted, the flower-spike or raceme may be seen arising from the centre of the leaves, which, in three months after, will be feathered with clusters of ripened fruit, when it is collected and preserved by the natives. The whole labour required in the cultivation of a plantation of these plants is, to cut the stalks laden with ripe fruit, and to give them a slight nourishment once or twice in the year by digging about their roots. These plants, therefore, for a great portion of mankind, are what wheat, barley, and rye, are for the inhabitants of Western Asia, and Europe, and what the numerous varieties of vice are for those of the countries beyond the Indus. The produce of a single plant not unfrequently weighs upwards of seventy pounds; thus we may estimate the produce of a plantation containing a thousand square feet, planted with thirty or forty plants, to exceed four thousand pounds of nutritive substance. M. Humboldt calculates, "that as thirty-three pounds of wheat and ninety-nine pounds of potatoes require the same space as that in which four thousand pounds of bananas are grown, the produce of bananas is, consequently, to that of wheat as 133 : l,and to that of potatoes as 44: 1." The banana, ripened in the hothouses of Europe, has an insipid taste; but yet the natives of both Indies., to millions of whom it supplies their principal food, eat it with avidity, and are satisfied with the nourishment it affords. The fruit is a very sugary substance, and in warm countries the natives find such food not only satisfying for the moment, but permanently nutritive ; yet, weight for weight, the nutritive matter of these plants cannot be compared to that of wheat, or even potatoes. At the same time a much greater number of individuals may be supported upon the produce of a piece of ground planted with these plants, compared with a piece of the same size in Europe growing wheat. Humboldt estimates the propor- tion as twenty-five to one, and he illustrates the fact by remarking that a European, newly arrived in the torrid zone, is struck with nothing so much as the extreme smallness of the spot under cultivation, round a cabin which contains a numerous family of Indians. The ripe fruit is preserved like the fig, by being dried in the sun ; in this state it is an agreeable and healthy aliment. Meal is extracted from the fruit by cutting it in slices, drying it in the sun and then powdering it. In addition to the uses made of these plants already noticed, slices of the fruit fried as fritters are considered a luxury ; the tops of the young suckers are eaten as a vegetable of great delicacy ; the fermented juice produces a good wine much indulged in by the natives, and praised as agreeable by Europeans. In a paper on Tropical Fruits, by Dr. Lindley, in the fifth vol. of the Horticultural Society's Transactions, he states, upon the authority of Mr. Crawford, that some of the varieties (which are numerous) are equal in flavour, when served up raw, to fine Reinette apples, and when stewed equal to our best stewing pears. They vary, according to the varieties, in shape, from eight or nine inches long and two broad, MUSA PARADISIACA. 55 to nearly spherical, and in colour from dark red to pale green. The plants which have fruited in the stoves of this country (and this has happened frequently for the last century, and is attended with no great difficulty), have been uniformly of a pale yellow colour, insipid or nearly tasteless, which indeed is almost the general character given them by Europeans, even by many of those who have eaten them in the tropics. Having now given the most general uses to which this fruit is applied in an edible point of view, we may mention some of the many domestic purposes to which other parts of the plant are applied ; the leaves are used as a thatch for buildings, they are woven into mats for many purposes, serving as dishes, &c. ; and are worked into baskets, and other fancy articles ; they yield flax in abundance, from which some of the most expensive muslins of India are manufactured ; we believe M. Telexis produces that most valued. Decandolle states, that their spiral vessels exist in such abundance in the stem (which is formed by the united petioles of the leaves), as to be capable of being pulled out by handfuls, and actually collected in the West Indies and sold as a kind of tinder. In addition to those kinds noticed for their value to mankind, there are many others known, several of which are cultivated in our stoves for their stateliness and magnificent foliage, which, when combined with their beautiful spathaceous flowers, are objects of peculiar interest. Musa rosacea, and M. coccinea, have been long known in this country for the ornamental effect they render when introduced among other plants ; and being of a dwarf habit, they are well adapted as decorations at balls or assemblies given by the great, their noble foliage giving an air of grandeur to such scenes. The species best known in this country are four, viz., M. paradisiaca, M. sapientum, M. rosacea, and M. coccinea ; a separate wood-cut of each will be found in the succeeding pages, accompanied with the habit, culture, and other distinctive particulars connected with them, so as to point out the most essential points of resemblance and dissimilarity known to exist in the genus. MUSA PARADISIACA ; OR, COMMON PLANTAIN. This species, trivially called the Common Plantain, was introduced to this country prior to the termination of the sixteenth century. It differs from the M. sapientum, or Banana Tree ; first, in the absence of dark purple stripes and spots on the stem ; secondly, in its fruit being more of an oblong shape, and somewhat longer, with a more firm pulp, and less pleasant to the taste. The Botanical distinctions are as follow : Stem herbaceous, of a light, clear, green colour, rising from twenty to twenty-four feet high. Leaves something paler in colour than the stem, measuring, in a full grown specimen, from six to seven feet in length, by two or more in breadth. Spadix or flower spike, springing from the centre of the leaves, inclining to one side, frequently measuring four feet and a half 5G MUSA PARADISIACA. in length, spathaceous. Corolla divided into two parts, an upper, and a lower, the upper erect, and five-toothed, the lower concave. Stamens generally six, persistent. Fruit slightly recurved, with three angles, measuring, when ripe, eight or nine inches in length, by one and a half in diameter, of a pale yellow colour, many seeded. In its general external character, this species bears a striking prox- imity to the species rosacea, but a little guarded attention and observation will soon detect their distinctive differences ; the points in which they nearest resemble each other are the form, colour of the leaves, and stem yet in these there exists a considerable difference, although not easily discovered by a superficial glance ; this consists in the length, breadth of the leaves, and the height the former usually grows, all of which are superior to the latter. The most essential distinction will be found in the manner the two species produce their flowers, and the disposition of the flower stem; in the former, or M. paradisiaca (see fig. 2), this consists externally Fig. 2. of a great number of spathes of a dark blood colour, which continue to develope until it finally reaches the length of four feet, suspended from the centre of the leaves. In thelatter, or M. rosacea, instead of producing a spike, the flowers, also spathaceous, are disposed singly round the stem, and the corolla is of a clear rose colour. The culti- vation of this species is not difficult, and it may be grown with little trouble, provided a lofty spacious hothouse be at hand, without which the result will be a stunted and MUSA SAPIENTUM. 57 imperfect specimen, with four or five torn and unsightly leaves, instead of one healthy and vigorous, crowned with beautiful and perfect foliage. It is also quite essential to allow the roots plenty of room and soil, so that the extreme exhaustion carried on continually by the leaves may be counteracted. The soil should comprise two parts of turfy loam, about half decomposed, and one of well-rotted dung from a disused hotbed, and a little sandy peat; the whole well reduced, and incorporated, but not sifted, this would much lessen its value by taking from it the fibrous part. As these fast growing plants are generally amongst the first to start in the spring, the sooner at this season they are shifted the better, which should never be deferred, longer than the latter end of February. In shifting, the suckers, if any, should be carefully taken off, and planted in a proportionable sized pot, filled with the same compost ; but, at all times, except in the dead of winter, suckers, after they have made two perfect leaves, should be removed, as they take a deal of nutriment from the soil, thus diminishing the food of the parent plant. The treatment frequently given this plant during winter, operates as a detriment to its future welfare in a number of instances. Commonly the practice at this season is, to water it liberally, from a mistaken notion of its being essential in consequence of the healthy appearance always maintained by the leaves. The result of this method is, in the spring, when desired to shift and re-excite their growth, the roots assume an unnatural colour, and a great number totally perish. The baneful effects of this we have experienced, and find that a season of rest is indispensable for them. We therefore for three months in the winter apply little or no water, say from the middle of November to the middle or latter end of February, when they receive a full shift. After the soil has been changed, and the plant fully set fair for growing, in a temperature of 70° or 75° Fahrenheit, water may be copiously administered, and the whole syringed forcibly with water of the same temperature. The suckers are produced in abundance from the base of the parent stem, they require a little additional attention after being taken off, until pretty well established, when they will thrive with the treatment given to old plants. A few plants have produced fruit in this country, which, in every instance, has been something inferior to that grown in the tropics, the taste generally being much like a sweet potato when boiled, and insipid ; the skin is tough and of a pale yellow colour. MUSA SAPIENTUM; OR, BANANA TREE. This noble species was added to the collections of this country about a century ago, being previous to that time imported from the tropics, when, shortly after, its present specific name was given by Linnaeus. The earliest accounts we possess of this plant inform us of its being a distinct species, distinguished from the preceding one by its maculate or spotted stem, and of its fruit being less esteemed for food by the natives of the East and West Indies, where they are carefully cultivated by VOL. III. — NO. XXVII. i 58 MUSA SAP1ENTUM. the planters, who plant them in low rich ground, by the sides of gullies (water courses,) where they produce fruit most part of the year. Since the period of its introduction, it has been cultivated with various success in the hothouses of this country. By some it is admired for the extreme magnificence and superiority of its leaves, and certainly, as a plant, calculated to impart ease and give an air of oriental grandeur to an arrangement of exotics, this stands without a rival, except we allow an exception among its congeners the palms. Others, no less admirers of its portly and stately habit, have been somewhat more deeply interested in its cultivation, from a desire to witness its enormous and nutritive produce, which so largely administers to the wants of so many of our fellow creatures in the parching regions of the tropics ; neither have the commendable exertions of those been alto- gether frustrated: but, on the contrary, it has been brought to produce its fruit, although somewhat inferior. One instance is given in Vol. IV. of the Horticultural Transac- tions, 183. In 1811, a plant of the Banana was planted in the pit of a stove. " It was then about six feet high, with a single stem, in each succeeding year it has produced a bunch of fruit, and, in 1819, two bunches; the first ripe in May, the other in August, having about four dozen of fruit on each stem. The plant is now sixteen feet high, and measures three feet round at the bottom." The botanical descriptions may be briefly noticed as follows : Stem perennial, of a pale purple colour, occasionally interrupted with a cluster of dark spots ; full-grown, from twenty to twenty-five feet high. Leaves shaped like the M. jmvadmaca, (see fig. 3,) but more flaccid and of a faint purple colour, which gradually grows deeper MUSA ROSACEA. 59 as it approaches the margin, when a still deeper purple stripe is formed round the whole, extending itself over the leaf stalk, until it is finally lost' in the stem. Flowers, mostly like the preceding, except the durability of the stamens, which are in this deciduous. Fruit something shorter, and rounder than that of the preceding, and with a softer pulp of a more delicious flavour. This species is of extremely easy culture, and will grow equal in size to those produced in the soil of India, if the treatment recommended for 31. paradisiaca is faithfully applied to it. The rapidity of its growth when the roots have plenty of room for extension, and the plant a lofty house for the spread of its leaves, is very surprising. In the beginning of May, 1835, we had occasion to remove a plant then about four feet high, with two or three imperfect and sickly looking leaves, from a small stove in which it had been kept during the winter and spring months, into one more spacious and lofty. At this removal, the roots were placed in a good sized box of about three feet in depth, by two and a half in width, and filled with light rich compost, well watered. It had not been in this situation long before it began to vegetate freely, throwing up more healthy and perfect leaves, and in the course of a short time its growth became so rapid, that, before six months had elapsed, the extremities of the leaves had reached the glass at the roof, and were considerably injured by forcing themselves against the rafters and bars of the lights. The house from the plane on which the box was placed, to the centre of the roof, which is double, measured nearly twenty feet, thus allowing the plant and box when first introduced to be about five feet, which was the outside ; the plant in six months grew to the astonishing height of twenty feet, which averages its growth at two feet, and a half per month, or more than seven inches per week. At the present time, the whole plant from the surface of the soil to the centre of the leaves is sixteen feet, the stalk at the base in diameter exceeds six inches, and the leaves from the two opposite extremities equal tbe whole length of the plant ; and what makes this appear the more extraordinary is, that, during this incessant growth, it threw out at different times three or four strong suckers, one of which was allowed to remain on, and is at this time attached to its parent, to which it is not a great deal inferior. In the whole course of its growth it received precisely the same treatment as that recom- mended for the species paradisiaca, which has proved satisfactory. If we are fortunate, we anticipate seeing it laden with its wonderful fruit towards the termina- tion of the ensuing summer. , MUSA ROSACEA; OR, ROSE-COLOURED PLANTAIN TREE. This species has been long known in the stoves of this country for its magnifi- cent foliage and lively flowers. It was found in the Mauritius, whence it was introduced to this country about 1805. In speaking of the 31. paradisiaca it was observed, in reference to that species, that it bore much resemblance to this ; so much as not unfrequently to confound the two ; but was distinguished by the 60 MUSA ROSACEA inequality of their leaves and the disposition of their flowers. In addition to these differences, which are of themselves sufficiently evident to conduce to a ready distinction, we may notice another equally clear : still, as it relates to the fruit, it cannot be of any assistance except when the plant is in a fruiting state- But as mistakes are always liable to arise in cases like the present, we shall briefly detail it, hoping it will not prove unserviceable. In the tropics, the former, M. para- disiaca, is cultivated for its abundant nutritive produce ; and the facility with which this is brought to perfection has caused it to be looked upon by the amateur of this country as an object worthy of cultivation, more for the usefulness of its fruit than the mere novelty of its appearance. Of the latter, M. rosacea, we possess no information to show that it is any where grown for the usefulness of its fruit ; in short, respecting its existence in its native country we know comparatively little ; and the acquaintance our experience has enabled us to form of it since it was introduced, has been such as satisfactorily to convince us that in this country, under the most judicious management, its fruit cannot be brought, in any quantity, to such a state of perfection as to be mistaken for the former. There are a few instances of its having fruited in this country, but, wherever this has happened, the fruit has been of inferior quality, compared with that produced by the Common Plantain in this country or in the tropics. In the botanical descriptions we are informed that the flowers are produced on a spike, and nodding ; or erect and in clusters round the stem, the latter being most frequently the case. Male flowers deciduous. Spathes elliptical (oval-shaped), obtuse. Fruit oblong. The most attractive feature in the whole plant is in the flowers, which are of a clear rose-colour, and certainly a well grown plant in full bloom is handsome, when arranged among other exotics. The MUSA COCCINEA. 61 best way to grow fine healthy plants, with plenty of good foliage, is to shift them early in the spring, and to place them in a vinery or peach-house, where a temperature of 60 or 65 degrees is kept, giving them, after they commence grow- ing, a good supply of water, not only at the roots, but with the syringe over the stalk and leaves. None of the species of this genus are very subject to the attacks of insects, although, if neglected, these enemies may be expected and will appear ; but if a good supply of water is forcibly applied with the syringe or engine they cannot do much harm. After the plants, introduced to the vinery or peach-house, have made five or six good leaves, the month of May will be drawing near, when they may be brought into the green-house or conservatory (if lofty enough to admit them), placed amongst the other plants, and will give a pretty and interesting appearance to the whole. As it is requisite in the summer months almost to expose the plants in these places, it will be found necessary to take some precautionary step to prevent the wind from tearing their leaves, which it is very liable to do if not protected. Plants so treated are then in a fit state to employ as decorations for ball-rooms, &c. ; for this purpose many are grown in the neighbourhood of London. At the approach of winter the plants should be placed in the stove, or other place where a little heat is kept, until spring, when they will require fresh shifting. The only thing necessary to be attended to particularly, in the successful cultivation of this plant, is to keep the roots sound during their torpid existence in winter, which can be only guarded against by a judicious administration of water during that season. In other particulars the treatment recommended for M. para- disiaca will also suit this. MUSA COCCINEA; OR, SCARLET-FLOWERED PLANTAIN TREE. This is the most dwarf species known in the genus, except that represented in the coloured figure, viz., M. Cavendishii, from which it will be readily known by the broad obtusely-shaped pale green leaves of that species. It has been an inhabitant of the stoves of this country for more than a century, and was, previous to that time, imported from China. The dwarf habit of its growth renders it interesting- and valuable as a stove-plant ; and it is much esteemed by some who favour the growth of this genus on account of the peculiar colour of its stalk and leaves, which are of a yellowish-green. This peculiar feature being only natural to this species, will at all times be a sure mark of distinction. The botanical distinctions are as follows : Spadix, or flower-spike, erect. Floivers produced in heads (capitate) round the flower-spike, which rises imme- diately from the centre of the leaves. Spathes, in great numbers, of a clear scarlet colour at the base, very large, with a portion of yellow at the end of each. Stalk, from six to eight feet high in a full grown specimen, Leaves obtusely-lanceolate, 62 MUSA COCCINEA. few, seldom exceeding- four or five perfect ones on a good sized plant, being parallel, very conspicuous on the under side. The cultivation of this species is attended with somewhat more trouble than any of the preceding, on account of its being of rather a more tender habit. It requires at all times to be grown in a brisk heat, with an atmosphere inclined to humidity ; and in very open rich soil well watered. Suckers, by which it is increased, are produced from the roots of the old plants in abundance, at all times, but more particularly after the stalk is cut off, which always dies after flowering. When they are large enough, and have made plenty of good roots, they should be carefully taken from the old soil and potted in new, being careful at first in giving them water until well established, which will be soon manifest by the indications of growth in the plant ; afterwards they may be treated as recommended for older plants. This plant, when in bloom, is peculiarly handsome ; the rose colour of the flowers and yellow-green tint of the leaves make a pretty contrast, and produce a lively effect in the stove, when arranged among other exotics. When in bloom, if it is desired to set the fruit, the pollen from the anther, when matured, should be removed to the stigma by means of a soft camel's hair brush, when the atmosphere of the house is dry, for if damp it cannot be performed so successfully. This is essential to the setting of the fruit in the whole species. Care should at all times be taken not to damage the leaves, as this tends much to injure the beauty of the plants. 63 HINTS ON THE ILLICIUM FLORIDANUM. This species is esteemed as a green-house plant, on account of the fragrance contained in its leaves and flowers ; the leaves when rubbed between the fingers emit a scent, much like anise, hence arises the trivial name Anise seed tree. Nor does this property only exist in the leaves and flowers, but the bark when bruised is found equally to possess it. It is a native of West Florida, found in considerable abundance on the banks of the river 3£ississippi, and in marshy places near the town of Pensacola. It flowers freely in the green-house about April or May, and continues in this state for a considerable time ; the blossoms are of a dark purple colour, possessing no remarkable show ; the only attractive feature in them, is the agreeable perfume they emit, which in a small house, in the evening when closed, is so powerful as to impregnate the whole with its delightful odour. It cannot be said that this plant is generally cultivated well, on the contrary, it is frequently indifferently managed in this respect ; some who possess it, fall into an error by keeping the soil at the roots toa dry, others without any reference to discriminative treatment, apply to it exactly what they consider indiscriminately suited to all green-house plants. We have plants at Chatsworth which produce an abundance of bloom every spring, and the treatment that appears to suit them best may be briefly stated as follows. The soil made use of at all times is sandy peat, with a very trifling mixture of friable loam, well incorporated. In shifting we take care to drain well with pots- herds, in fact, during the whole process of potting, we add now and then a few pieces of grit stones, which at all times act as a reservoir to the young roots, this is performed in the same manner as in potting Ericas, the sole use of the practice being to prevent the roots from getting too dry or too wet. When the potting is completed, they receive the same treatment as other green-house plants, except that we always observe to give them more water than the generality of these plants require. If shifted in March, which is the most proper time, the flowers will not only be more abundant but much stronger and finer in every other respect. It is rather difficult to propagate ; still cuttings of the well-ripened wood, planted in a pot of sand put under a hand-glass, and placed in a moderately heated close situation in the propagating house, will root freely, observing to give a little water carefully now and then with the syringe, or water pot that has a fine rose. So treated, the success will be satisfactory. But the easiest way to increase them is, by laying the branches in any common soil, after the manner usually followed in this operation. The other two species, III. anisatum and HI. parviflorum, are interesting, and will thrive well in the green-house amongst other plants, where they may be treated as recommended for HI. Floridanum. They may be also increased readily by layers. 64 HINTS ON THE CULTURE OF THE IXIA TRIBE. In the early part of September, the bulbs which have been preserved since flowering in the early part of the summer, should be examined, and the largest and best looking ones selected for fresh potting. The best soil for them should consist of a mixture of sand and peat, with a very trifling addition of rich open loam well incorporated. A few of the bulbs (say four or five) should be planted in thirty-two sized pots filled with the above compost, observing to put the bulbs about half an inch deep in the soil ; when this is completed, they may be placed in the open air, until the winter frosts render it advisable to remove them to the green-house, where they may remain until the early part of February, when they should be introduced to about sixty degrees of heat, giving them from the commencement of their growth a regular supply of water. In the month of May, if the season is fine, they may be expected to flower, during the time they continue in this state, a copious supply of water is requisite for them, in fact all bulbous plants, when in bloom, hold their true character better if a liberal supply of water is given at the time of flowering. After flowering, place them in the open air, where they should be attended to with water so long as there exists in any part of them a disposition to generate sap. When the roots appear perfectly matured, they should be taken out of the pots, cleaned, and carefully put in paper bags, or kept in a drawer where they will be secure from moisture, until the return of the planting season in September. Few plants repay us with a profusion of more brilliant flowers than the above tribe of bulbous plants. The chief object in the successful culture of bulbs seems to be, that of keeping them in a perfectly torpid state, until the time it is wished to excite them, at which time, and during the whole period of their growth, they should be kept in as free a growing state as possible. There is little doubt but the generality of the Cape bulbs will produce good flowers under this treatment. HINTS ON THE TREATMENT OF THE RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM. BY A. Z., HORT. REG., VOL. I., 687. This very magnificent species, according to Sir J. E. Smith, in Exotic Botany, Chap. VT., was first noticed by Captain Hardwicke, on a tour to Sirinagur, in 1796, growing in the mountainous tract called the Sewalic Chain, which separates the plains of Hindostan, between 75 and 85 degrees east longitude, from the Himalaya mountains. It is generally found in elevated situations, in forests of oak; the soil a rich black vegetable earth, on stony beds. The natives use the wood for making the stock of matchlocks, or common muskets of Hindostan ; the stem is columnar, twenty feet or more in height, sixteen to twenty-four inches in diameter. From its natural situation, it is irrigated by the melting of the snow above, which HINTS OX THUXBERGIA. 65 continues to take place most part of the season of flowering and making its shoots ; it will, therefore, be readily seen that there exists a necessity for it to have an abundant supply of water during its growing and flowering season. It is not sufficiently hardy to endure our winters generally, although some plants have stood out, planted in an American shrubbery, throughout the whole year, when the weather was not very severe, and did not seem to be affected by it ; they certainly are, when in flower, very splendid ornaments to our conservatories or green-houses. They grow freely in sandy peat, and strike root readily by layers of the young wood. They are sometimes grafted upon the R. Ponticum, but never make such handsome tree-like plants as when propagated by layers or seeds. They seldom flower until they are several years of age, and are then rather capricious, not flowering every year in succession, although receiving precisely the same treatment. Individuals who have not the convenience of a conservatory or green-house, may keep them very well in a cold pit or frame, through our most severe winters. They will come beautifully into flower in the beginning of April, and the flowers secrete such a quantity of honey, that when they are shaken it falls from them like large drops of rain. Mr. Knight thinks a spike may yield upwards of a dessert spoonful at a time, and, after being exhausted, a fresh supply is secreted. It is, however, considered Unwholesome, as is all collected from the other species of Rhododendron and Azalea, although most part of the Ericece produce honey free from all deleterious qualities. HINTS ON THUNBERGIA. The only species of this interesting family which is generally and extensively cultivated, is the Th. alata (from Ala, a wing), so named on account of the curiously winged appendage along and on each side of the footstalk of the leaves. This species has been figured at No. II., page 2, vol ii., and pretty faithfully ; but the winged process is not sufficiently brought out. The figure given is very pleasing-, but, as a constant grower of this lovely gem, the writer of this article is justified in noticing it somewhat critically. The botanical description is faithful, so is the natural history of the plant which follows it ; but the soil recommended is not that which will produce the richest verdure of the herb, and the greatest breadth of the flower. Pure black peat, kept for years exposed to the air (not heath or moor soil, but the substance dug out of a moss or turbary, without any traceable sand), caused the leaves to be of a full green, three inches long, two broad, and the flowers (at and after midsummer) to attain the diameter of a crown piece, or very nearly so. But peat varies much in character, and in its chemical components ; therefore, to recom- mend it as a sine qua non would be to mislead, or, perhaps, seriously disappoint the reader, who may be solicitous to afford every advantage, as respects aliment and situation, to a plant which is so lavish of its beauties. Perhaps thoroughly decayed wood-moss, Hypnum, or bog-moss, Sphagnum, would approach very nearly to that peat which I succeeded with ; but, at all events, VOL. III. NO. XXVII. . K S6 HINTS ON THUNBERGIA. leaf mould, quite blackened, with old and rotten-wood earth, either, or both united, to the extent of half the compost; black-heath soil, and the semi-decayed turfy- surface of a common, the earth of which is a sandy loam, of each one quarter, the ■whole perfectly blended, and I should say sifted coarsely, the portions retained by the sieve to be employed as drainage to the pots ; in this compost Thunbergia will revel, either in a pot or in parterre. The latter situation suits the plant well after midsummer, and in a bed it is perfectly beautiful. Plants raised in pots and trans- ferred with entire balls to a bed of soil similar to that described, and kept moderately moist, each under a hand-glass, till the growth becomes established, will, in a few weeks, run and intertwine into a mass, the effect of which surpasses that of most of the beautiful subjects employed in the " bedding-out " system of gardening. The seeds also ripen freely in September and October, at least in the southern counties, provided the weather be serene and genial. The autumn of 1835 was singularly favourable to the formation of perfect capsules ; but the deluges of rain in October, and the extremely keen frosts of the third week, prevented their complete maturation. Thunbergia will prosper in the greenhouse, conservatory, or stove, provided it be not, in the winter, exposed to a temperature below 45 degrees ; it loves pot-room, and also to send its roots into a feeder-pan below it, half filled with the soil, and pierced at the bottom with three small drainage-holes. Water should be pretty liberally bestowed, and with these precautions and cares the cultivator will perceive that the plate at No. II. has not done justice either to the colour or to the expansion of the flower. The seeds may be sown in deep pans, either as soon as ripe or in January ; there are three or four in a capsule, exceedingly curious in structure. Perhaps six weeks may elapse, even in a heat of 60 degrees, before they vegetate, but the young plants progress rapidly. One of the greatest beauties of the flower is traceable in the structure of the four stamina and the style ; these claim the utmost admiration of the botanist. There are about eight species of Thunbergia known, but it is rare to meet with seven of them; the following list exhibits the dates of introduction and native country of each : — Thunbergia fragrans ; East Indies, 1796; white sweet flowers. grandiflora; idem, 1820; blue. cordata ; Trinidad, 1820 ; white. angulata; Madagascar, 1823; yellowish. coccinea; Nepal, 1823; reddish — misnamed, for it ought to be of a brilliant crimson, the specific name being derived from coccus, doubtless, which implies cochineal, whence the finest scarlet and crimson dyes are extracted. Capensis; Cape of Good Hope, 1824; yellowish. Hawtayneana; Nepal, 1826; scarlet. All these, and many other genera, are grouped by the botanists, who affect the natural system, under Acanthaceae, from Acanthus, bear's-breech ; it may agree with that type in having rather swollen joints near the exsertion of the leaves, but Acanthus differs materially in structure, and, in fact, seems wholly unfit to be a type of plants so essentially dissimilar. The natural system may be an excellent coadjutor, but till it be less thorny, less perplexed with difficulties, and more certain and fixed in its own REMARKS ON THE ASTRAPjEA. 67 principles, it will remain the science of the learned few, but a sealed book to the inquiring- many. Linnaeus may have promulgated an artificial system, but his classification is, with all its imperfections, so simple, so certain, so entirely, and, upon the whole, so pre-eminently luminous, that its pupils will remain its faithful and grateful supporters. We will not speak evil of the natural system, whose " eclair cissement" is a consummation devoutly to be wished: but, till that be accomplished, we will not abandon the great master. REMARKS ON THE ASTRAP^A. This noble genus contains only three species, all of rather easy culture, merely requiring that heat and atmosphere generally kept in our wet stoves ; yet, like all plants cultivated under glass, each genus, and frequently almost every individual species, require different treatment, or the proportions constituting that treatment administered in different degrees. These observations justly apply to the genus Astrapcea, for while we find in one house plants of it growing in all the vigour of their native soil, we find others in another collection, stunted and indicating symptoms of weakness ; still, in both instances, the common application of stove culture is judiciously observed, of which the surrounding plants bear ample testimony by their strong shoots and stiff foliage. From this fact, it is evident that some particulars in the administration of the required aliment is indispensable, and apart from the general routine of stove management, yet not interfering with the main principles (heat and moist atmosphere). We have watched the cultivation of the principle features in this genus, viz., A. Wallichii, for several years, during which time our success with it has been sufficiently satisfactory to convince us that the result of our experience cannot but be acceptable to our readers, which will be found in the following details. The first and most beautiful species is the A. Wallichii, named after Dr. Wallich, superintendent of the Botanic Garden of Calcutta, a native of Madagascar, introduced to this country about fifteen years ago, described in our catalogues as growing upwards of thirty feet high. It is unquestionably one of the finest plants that can occupy a place in our stoves, for even when unassisted by its elegant blossoms, the large cordate leaves and long hairy footstalks, with the great dilated stipules at their base, render it at all seasons a complete bush of considerable magnitude, of pale green verdure. But when in flower, which generally takes place about August or September, and sometimes much later, its bright scarlet penduloxis blossoms, with yellow anthers, are beauties which it is almost impossible to conceive unless actually seen on a fine clear day when fully expanded. To cultivate it with success, so as to maintain a perfect healthy specimen throughout the whole season, the following directions must be attended to : — 1. The habit of it is to grow rapid and strong, therefore requires much room at the roots, which are addicted to ramify to a great extent ; if cramped for pot-room, the foliage in that case will always assume a stunted and sickly appearance, much inferior to that produced where the roots have plenty of room. No place can 68 REMARKS ON THE ASTRAP,EA. suit it better than to be planted in a border of well-prepared compost, yet, as it is not always desirable or convenient to have them growing- in the borders, pots of a sufficient size should be procured, proportioning- them, in this respect, to the size and health of the plant intended to grow in them. 2. The most favourable season for potting them is early in the spring, before the sap, which is abundant in these plants, begins to be much excited, for, in this case, the first effort of their roots is not unfrequently frustrated, and the growth thereby diminished. 3. Previous to potting, nothing is more essential to their growth than good drainage, so that the water may pass off without interruption ; for, as they naturally delight in a liberal supply of that element, a bad effect will result if it be allowed to become stagnant, which, if possible, should be prevented. 4. Rich soil is indispensable for them : this should be composed of two parts good loam, to one of well-rotted dung, with a little sandy peat ; the whole well mixed together with a spade, but not sifted. 5. Always water liberally when the plant is growing, but, before applying the water, it is necessary to examine the soil with the hand, and if it be found very full of moisture it should for a time be suspended. In the autumn, as the exertions of the plants decline, the quantity of water should be proportionably diminished, and in the dead of winter it should be almost wholly withheld. 6. A damp situation in the stove, where it can have plenty of light and sun- shine, with from 65 to 75 degrees of heat, will suit them admirably. 7. Their free growth and dense foliage render it necessary to syringe frequently and forcibly all over the branches and leaves, at least every alternate morning or evening ; this, if properly performed, will have a twofold effect, that of stimulating their vegetative powers, and at the same time prevent the attacks of the red spider, &c, to which they are very subject. In order to arrest the progress of these enemies, it is requisite to examine narrowly for them while in the act of syringing ; for as the whole plant is covered with small hairs, these little intruders are liable to take advantage of them, and thus elude the action of the water, and after a time they become so numerous as to carry their depredations to an injurious extent, which a little timely attention will prevent. 8. If it can be avoided, never, in cleaning off dirt or insects, make use of a sponge or any thing else that is likely to damage the leaves, for nothing tends more to make the plant unsightly than freckled leaves, which is almost sure to result from this ; but if due attention be paid in the application of water with the engine or syringe, these services will not be called for. 9. Propagation is effected by cuttings of the ripened wood, observing, in preparing them, to make a clear cut at the joint to be inserted, and, if possible, the leaves should not be wounded ; pot them in any common sandy soil, bearing in mind to press the soil close to the lower part of the cutting; afterwards place them under a hand-glass, where a moderate heat is kept, and they will soon strike roots. 10. After the cuttings have made roots of three or four inches in length, they may be potted off into 48 sized pots, using for this purpose a little rich friable soil ; let them stand till pretty well established in the cutting frame or pit ; during this NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 69 time only a little water should be given, and that with caution ; afterwards they may be treated as recommended for older plants. A. viscosa, a species described as growing upwards of thirty feet high, much inferior to the former, but, like it, very easy to cultivate. It is distinguished by its large cordate angularly lobed leaves, wbich abound, as well as the branches, in a clammy sticky substance. Madagascar is also its native country, whence it was introduced in 1823. The treatment recommended for the above will also apply to this. Cuttings will succeed in the same manner. A. tilicefolia. Introduced in 1824 from the island of Bourbon, where it is described as growing from ten to twenty feet high. Its leaves resemble those of the common lime-tree. Tbe whole habit of the plant is much like the other species, therefore the treatment required for them will also suit it. NEW AND RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS, AND FLORISTS' MAGAZINE FOR FEBRUARY. Botanical Register. Edited by Dr. Lindley, each number containing eight figures; coloured 4*., plain 3s. ; and corresponding letter-press. Botanical Magazine. Edited by Dr. Hooker, each number containing eight plates; coloured 3s. 6d., plain 3*.; and corresponding letter- press. British Flower-Garden. Edited by Mr. David Don. Containing four plates ; coloured 3*., plain 2s. 3d.; and corresponding letter-press. Florists' Magazine. By F. W. Smith. Containing four monthly plates, highly coloured ; several plates with two figures ; large size 4*., small 2*. 6d. ; and corresponding letter-press. Of the above figures, we have only selected such as are new or very rare ; and amongst these only such as deserve to be extensively cultivated. For descriptions and figures, reference must be made to the works themselves. CLASS I.— PLANTS WITH TWO COTYLEDONS (DICOTYLEDONEiE). THE EVENING PRIMROSE TRIBE (ONAGRARIJE). Oenothera humifusa. Pencilled Evening Primrose. A pretty hardy little annual, raised by Mrs. Marryatt, who originally received the seeds from Mr. Lambert. Its habit is to creep close to the ground, forming a tuft a foot in diameter, and sheds its seeds very freely. Dr. Lindley says, " this plant, when exposed to much light, has flowers of a very pale delicate flesh colour, but if they are made to expand in a cool shady place, such, for instance, as a sitting-room with a northern aspect, they acquire a beautiful pink." Bot. Reg. 1 829. LOASE^E. Bartonia aurea. Golden-flowered Bartonia. A very beautiful half-hardy annual,. discovered by Mr. Douglas, in California, and raised in the Garden of the 70 NEW AND RARE PLANTS. Horticultural Society. It is only beneath bright sunshine that its splendid flowers unfold ; in the early morning, the plant is a shabby bush, with pale greenish grey branches and weedy leaves ; but, as the sun exercises his influence, the petals gradually unroll, as if in acknowledgment of his power, till every branch is radiant with gold ; and so metallic is the lustre of the inside of the petals, that one would really think they must be composed of something more solid and enduring than the delicate and tender tissue of a flower. Dr. Lindley recommends for this plant, first, a sheltered situation ; secondly, a sunshiny spot ; thirdly, a very rich soil, and fourthly, a good deal of moisture. Bot. Reg. 1831. THE FIG-WORT TRIBE (sCHROPHLtLARIXE/E). Pentstemox COB.EA. Cobsea-fiowered Pentstemon. A very handsome species, of which seeds were sent to Europe by Mr. Drummond, in the spring of the past year (1835), from the interior of Taxas, about St. Austin. The specific name (Cobcea) was given by Mr. Nuttall, on account of the magnitude and sort of general resem- blance in its flowers to the Cobcea scaxdexs. Bot. Mag. 3465. THE GREEK VALERIAN TRIBE (POLEMOXIACE.E). Collomia Cavaxileesii. Cavanille's Colloraia. A beautiful annual, intro- duced from Chili by Mr. Cunning, producing its flowers towards the latter end of summer. Respecting it, Professor Lindley observes, that, if the seeds are sown in March in the open borders, the blossoms will appear in June ; if again sown, shortly after that time, a second crop of flowers may be had in September and October. Bot. Mag. 3468. THE ROSE TRIBE (ROSACEA). Potextilla atro-saxguixea ; hybrid Russeliaxa. Mr. Russel's hybrid variety of the Deep Blood-coloured Cinquefoil. Perhaps no plant, bearing the open air in our climate, produces flowers of a richer hue than this, which is a hybrid, said to have been first raised by Mr. Russel, of Battersea, between P. atro- sanguinea, and P. Nepalensis, but far exceeding, in the size and beauty of its blossoms, either of its parents. It is perfectly hardy, bearing the severest winters of our island with impunity, and flowering during the summer and autumn. Bot. Mag. 3470. PEA TRIBE (LEGUMIXOS^e). Adesmia pexdula. Pendulous-fruited Adesmia. A curious and interesting perennial species, with long white runners, a native of dry sandy pastures, in the province of Buenos Ayres ; raised by Dr. Neill, in his garden at Canonmills, near Edinburgh, in 1834, from seeds transmitted to him by Mr. Tweedie. It is quite hardy, and grows well in a sandy soil, where it will flower, and ripen its fruit freely. Brit. Fl. Gard. 322. THE XIGHT-SHADE TRIBE (sOLAXE.E). Saracha viscosa. Clammy Saracha, a singular species, which flowered and ripened its fruit in the open border of the Chelsea Botanic Garden, seeds of which had, the preceding year, been received by Mr. Anderson, from the Royal Botanic Garden at Berlin. The plant is shrubby, and requires to be protected in the greenhouse during winter. It is easily multiplied both by seeds and cuttings. Brit. FL Gard. 323. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 71 THE SOLANUM TRIBE (sOLANE-ffi). Lycium Afrum. African Box Thorn. A rather desirable species with purple flowers, long known in our collections, said to be indigenous to Africa ; and, as Mr. Don says, " although too tender to grow in the open border unprotected, it will be found to succeed admirably, if planted against a wall in a favourable aspect." It may be increased by seeds, and cuttings of it, planted in sand and placed in the shade, will root readily. Brit. Fl. Gard. 324. TERNSTRCEMIACEJE. Camellia Japonica candidissima. White Japan Camellia. One of the most beautiful of the white Chinese varieties. The flowers are large, of a milk white colour, have their petals arranged with great symmetry, and finely contrasted with the dark green and ample foliage- Accompanied with the description of the above variety of Camellia, the author has given some excellent practical direc- tions for budding, &c, which will be found of great service to those who require assistance in this respect. Flor. Mag. No. 8. THE CHICKWEED TRIBE (CARYOPHYLLEiE). Pinks. Anne Boleyn and Superb. Both extremely good flowers, the former often equalling the size of the carnation, thus forming a bold figure in the pink bed, in which it well deserves a place. Wells' Superb is a flower of much merit ; it has a perfect rose leaf, and fills out well in the centre ; the lacing, if well grown, is very perfect and bright ; the colours increase in intensity as they approach the centre. Flor. Mag. No. 8. CLASS II.— PLANTS WITH ONE COTYLEDON (MONOCOTYLEDONEjE). THE CORN FLAG TRIBE (iRIDEiE). Gladiolus Natalensis. Natal Corn Flag. A most splendid species, a native of the coast of Natal, in the eastern part of Southern Africa. It is increased freely at the roots ; and, if allowed to remain for two or three years undisturbed in a favourable situation, it throws up six or seven spikes of flowers, and has a very showy appearance. In this number many useful hints are given, which will be found of much value to the lover of Cape bulbs. Flor. Mag. No. 8. THE ASPHODEL TRIBE (ASPHODELEiE. Hyacinths. Madame Mermone and Helicon. The former is a very choice variety, and one of delicacy and beauty ; the latter (Helicon) is a noble flower, with the tint of a beautiful mellow purple, and a lighter tinted base to the petals. Fl. Mag. No. 8. THE ORCHIS TRIBE (ORCHIDE.^). Oncidium Russellianum. The Duke of Bedford's Oncidium. An interesting plant with peculiarly pretty flowers, obtained from the Gardens of Mrs. Moke, at Tejuca, near Rio Janeiro, by the Hon. Captain J. Ross, R.N., who sent it to Woburn, with other valuable plants, in 1835. It is named in compliment to His Grace the Duke of Bedford. Bot. Reg. 1831. THE ORCHIS TRIBE (ORCHIDEJE). Sarcochilus falcatus. Falcate-leaved Sarcochilus. An extremely pretty neat little plant, native of New Holland, and near Hunter's River. Its flowers, which it produces freely, are of a dingy white, and, contrasted with its leaves, fill the plant with interest. Bot. Reg. 832 72 OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. Annuals (hardy) of all kinds should, in the early part of this month, be sown without delay, choosing- a dry day for the purpose. Those intended to flower where sown, as Mignonette, CatcliJJy, and Lupins, should be sown in small round patches on the borders. The sorts intended for transplanting-, as ten week stock, French and African Marigolds, may be sown on a border, under a south wall, or on a slight hotbed. Ardisia. — All the species may now be potted ; for this purpose use a mixture of loam and peat, water carefully, and they will grow well, Cuttings will take readily, if put in sand under a hand-glass, where a moderate heat is kept. Aristolochia. — The choice species of this genus will flower well towards July or August, if potted in soil composed of rich loam and sandy peat ; cuttings will strike freely in sand, under a bell glass, in a little heat. Brugmansia suaveolens, &c, early this month should be potted, using good rich soil composed of open loam, a little rotten dung, and sandy peat. Barringtonia speciosa. — This beautiful plant should be allowed plenty of pot-room, a good supply of water, and, placed in about seventy degrees of heat, will grow well: cuttings of the ripened wood put in pure sand will root freely. Columnea scandens. — Allow plenty of pot-room, use good rich open loam and peat, water sparingly, and it will produce an ahundance of good bloom in the autumn ; cuttings should now be put in, they root readily in sand. Coccolobas, so much admired for their fine large leaves, should now be potted in light loamy soil ; if inclined to sandy, so much the better. Clivea nobilis will now require attending to ; in potting observe to drain well, as much water tends to injure and retard its growth : open loam and sandy peat suit it best. Eugenia, Psidium, &c, will now require potting; they thrive well in rich loam mixed with a little well pulverised rotten dung : syringe occasionally in order to keep them clean. Gardoquia Gilliesii must at this season be particularly attended to : water at all times with caution. Glycina should now be propagated, either by cuttings or layers. Magnolia odoratissima. — Cuttings of the ripened wood will strike readily in sand under a bell or hand glass : a little bottom heat will he advantageous. Oxalis floribundo, Deppei and rubella should be speedily potted, a rich soil will agree with them. Rhodochiton volubile. — Young plants should be encouraged by giving plenty of pot- room. They delight in any rich soil. Schizanthus retusus, potted early in last month, will now require an increase of pot-room : water at all times should be given with great caution. Verbena. — Those intended to flower in pots must not be cramped of pot- room, if this is the case, the plants will not be so large or their bloom so fine ; it is therefore advisable to attend to this particularly now. f ' 77 DENDROBIUM MONILIFORME. CLASS. ORDER. GYNANDRIA. MONANDRIA. NATURAL ORDER. ORCHIDE^. Generic Character. — Lip spurless, jointed with the column. Pollen masses four, parallel. Specific Character. — Epiphyte. Leaves ovate, lanceolate, obtuse. Stem one foot and a half high, shining, pale green, with swelled tumid joints, divided in two lobes at the end (apex); clasping the stem at the base. Veins conspicuous both in the stem and the leaves, particularly the lower part of the leaf that embraces the stem. Flowers produced in pairs on a common footstalk (peduncle), springing mostly from the top of the stem ; of a clear rose colour marked with crimson on various parts of the flower. Synonym. — Epidendrum moniliforrne. Linn. Sp. pi. 1352. This splendid Epiphyte is a native of China and Japan, from the former of which countries it was introduced a few years ago, through the London Horticul- tural Society. For the opportunity of figuring this fine plant we are obliged to Mr. Wm. Bow of Broughton, near Manchester, in whose collection it flowered profusely about November last. The success of this gentleman in cultivating this singularly beautiful tribe of Plants (Orchidece) is great, as will be seen in the accompanying plate. This plant amongst its congeners is very remarkable and easy to be distinguished from them, by the tumid joints of the stem, and thread-like veins, so conspicuously seen through the exterior transparent membrane of the stem. It must be treated as other orchideous plants, for it delights (as most of them do) in a moderately humid atmosphere varying in temperature from 65 to 75 or 80 degrees Fahrenheit ; but it must be observed that it is especially necessary to be very cautious in giving water at the roots at all times, particularly when the plant is not growing, as a superabundance of this element is extremely injurious. The generic name is derived from the Greek, in reference to the habit of the species being to grow upon trees. In the dense woods of the East Indies they entwine themselves about the branches of living trees, where they flower in great perfection. The specific name is given in reference to the stem, from the alternate swellings and contractions resembling a necklace. 79 A SELECTION OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STOVE-SHRUBS, WITH REMARKS ON THEIR CULTURE, AND THE SEASON OF FLOWERING. Our observations on the general culture of stove plants, to which we refer our readers, will be found in Volume II., page 53 ; in addition to what we there stated, we have here entered into particulars respecting each separate species. We conceive this necessary, because each individual plant has a habit peculiar to itself; and under a general mode of treatment one plant will flourish greatly whilst another will pine, languish, and scarcely continue to exist. Aphelandra cristata. Acacia Houstonia. — Lambertiana. Astrapeea Wallichii. Allamanda cathartica. Ardisia paniculata. — pyramidalis. — colorata. Alstonia venenata. Brownea grandiceps. — coccinea. Beloperone oblongata. Bauhinia recurva. Bejaria glauca. Barringtonia speciosa. Butea frondosa. — superba. Beaumontia grandiflora. Brunsfelsia undulata. Carolinea alba. — princeps. — minor. — insignis. Cereus speciocissimus. — grandiflorus. — Jenkinsonii. Crossandra undulaefolia. Careya sphserica. — avborea. Cleome dendroides. Cryptophragmium venustum. Cassia ligustrina. — glandulosa. — pulchella. Cotyledon decussata. Clitoria arborescens. Columnea scandens. — hirsuta. Clerodendron hastatum. — paniculatum. — viscosum. — squamatum, SELECT LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. Cerbera fruticosa. Croton pictum. Dracasna terminalis. — fenasa. — striata. Epiphyllum splendidum. — speciosum. — truncatum. Erytbrina enneandria — Abyssinica. — arborescens. — crista galli. — incana. — borrida. — mitis. — piscidioides. — poianthes. — secundiflora. — rubrinervia. — caffra. — speciosa. Euphorbia splendens. Eugenia Malaccensis. — Jambos. Gompbia obtusifolia. — nitida. Geissomeria longiflora. Gustavia Augusta. Grislea tomentosa. Gardenia radicaus. — speciosa. — «■ latifolia. Guettarda speciosa. Goldfussia anisopbylla. Hibiscus tiliaceus. — Lindlei. — rosa sinensis pleno. — — flava. — splendens. — crinitus. — liliiflorus hybridus. — Genevii. 80 LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. Hibiscus manihot. Haraellia ventricosa. Hosta cseralea. Ixora crocata. — bandbuca. — grandiflora. — rosea. — incarnata. Jonesia Asoca. Justicia nodosa. — carnea. — speciosa. — venusta. — picta. — coccinea. Jatropka pandursefolia. Jacaranda rnimosifolia. Lantana mixta. — Seloi. Luculia gratissima. Magnolia odoratissima. Mimosa asperata. — latispinosa. — pudica. — polydactyla. — pigra. — mbicaulis. — sensitiva. Melodinus monogynus. Melastoma beteromalla. — granulosa. Malpighia glabra. Nepenthes distillatoria. Plumieria acuminata. — rubra. Osbeckia stellata. Poinciana regia. — pulcherrima. Plumieria bicolor. — tricolor. Petraga erecta. Quassia amara. Rbexia holosericea. — viminea. Randia Bowieana. Rondeletia speciosa. Ruellia persicifolia. — Sabini. Solan dra guttata. — grandiflora. Tecoma stans. Tabernaeinontana gratissima. Wrigbtia coccinea. In the above list also, most kinds of palms are desirable. APHELANDRA. A. cristata. — This is a most splendid species, bearing a spike of brilliant scarlet flowers ; it thrives well in equal parts of heath mould and sandy loam, with a small portion of very rotten dung. The mode of propagation is by cuttings planted in spring, and plunged in a brisk moist heat. This plant ought to be in every collection. ACACIA. A. Houstonia and Lambertiana. — The culture of Acacias is so well known, that little need be said on the subject ; but we may just name that both the species, named above, flourish the best when placed in a cool and airy part of the stove. Half ripened cuttings planted in clear sand, covered with a bell-glass, and plunged in a brisk heat, soon strike roots, and are ready to pot off, which operation should be done as soon as possible after they are rooted. ASTRAPJEA. A. Wallichii. — This is a most splendid plant, bearing fine pendent rose- coloured flowers ; it, however, requires a deal of room. It is a native of Madagascar, and will grow freely in any rich light soil, if sufficient pot room and heat be given. It strikes freely from cuttings, planted in pots filled with equal parts of heath mould and sandy loam, and plunged in heat, with a hand-glass over them. ALLAMANDA. A. cathartica. — This plant is a native of Guiana, found on the sea coasts, and is excellent for the rafters of a hothouse, being an evergreen, and bearing a LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. 81 profusion of rich yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. It is of remarkably easy culture growing- in a mixture of heath mould, sandy loam and very rotten dung-. And half ripened cuttings grow as easily as those of the pelargonium, if planted in small pots, and plunged in a cucumber frame, any time in the spring of the year. ARDISIA. A. panictjlata. — This species is a very free flowerer, and, in our judgment, the finest of the whole ; but both the pyramidalis and colorata are very beautiful, and well deserve a place in every collection of stove plants. They all three grow in a mixture of two parts loam, one part heath mould, and one part very rotten dung. They often produce seeds, particularly the A. paniculata, which should be sown in February, and placed in a brisk moist heat ; they will increase with difficulty by cuttings of half ripened wood, planted in May, and covered with a bell-glass ; also pieces of the root taken off at the time of potting, if planted in pots, and placed in a dry heat, will soon grow, but great care is requisite not to destroy them by moisture. ALSTONIA. A. venenata. — This plant is remarkable for the beauty of its leaves, rather than for the splendour of its flowers ; the latter, however, are far from despicable, being a very delicate white. It grows in a mixture of equal parts of loam and heath mould, and may be propagated freely by cuttings planted in spring in pots, and plunged in a brisk moist heat. BROWNEA. B. grandiceps. — All the species of Brownea are splendid plants, but this and the coccinea particularly so ; they require a strong heat to grow them to perfection, and should therefore be placed in the hottest part of the stove. They are also very impatient of water during winter, caution is therefore necessary not to over- water them. They strike from ripened cuttings, which should be planted in autumn in pots of sand, and, after standing in a temperate dry heat till February or March, should be plunged in a brisk moist heat, and, if covered with a bell-glass, they will strike with great freedom. BELOPERONE. B. oblongata. — Very easy of culture, requires a good heat, growing freely from half ripened cuttings planted in sand and plunged in a moist heat, and covered with a bell-glass. BAUHINIA. B. recurva and racemosa are both very splendid specimens of a very interesting genus, they are well calculated for rafters, and will grow in a mixture of heath mould, loam, and very rotten dung ; cuttings of half ripened wood should be taken off in May and planted in pots of sand, and afterwards covered with a bell-glass, and plunged in a moist heat. BEJARIA. B. glauca. — This splendid plant requires to be set in the coolest part of the house, and potted in heath mould*. Cuttings of the tender wood will strike if planted in pots of sand, plunged in a gentle heat, and covered with a bell-glass. vol. ur. — NO. XXVIII. M 82 LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. BARRINGTONIA. B. speciosa. — This noble "plant, to flourish properly, requires a strong heat and plenty of moisture during the season of growth ; and, at the time of watering, it should never be exposed to a temperature much below 60° Fahrenheit. Our plants, at Chatsworth, grow freely in equal parts of heath mould and good rich loam. We have found cuttings strike well, if taken off when the wood is ripe and planted in pure sand, and plunged in a brisk moist heat, with a hand-glass over them. BUTEA. B. frondosa and superb a are two fine stove plants ; they grow freely in equal parts of heath mould, rich loam, and very rotten dung. They are propagated by cuttings of half ripened wood, which should be planted in pots of sand, plunged in heat, and covered with a hand-glass, in consequence of the size of the leaves, which must, by no means, be mutilated. BEAUMONTIA. B. grandiflora This is another plant suited for rafters or trellis. It is easily cultivated, growing in equal parts of loam and heath mould, and is propagated by cuttings of half ripened wood, planted in sand, under a bell-glass, and plunged in heat. It is a native of Nepal. BRUNSFELSIA. B. undulata. — The flowers of this plant emit a rather pleasant fragrance. A mixture of loam and heath mould suits the plant well ; and cuttings planted in sand under a glass, and plunged in heat, grow freely. CAROLINEA. C. alba. — This magnificent tree is a native of Brazil. The flowers are white, and emit rather an unpleasant smell. The C. princeps and minor are, if any thing, more beautiful than the alba; the insignis will grow between thirty and forty feet high, the flowers are very large, of extraordinary beauty, and have a delicious fragrance, but too powerful if closely confined. The fruit will grow nearly as large as a child's head, and has a sweetish taste not unlike Spanish chestnuts. All the species are easy of culture, but require plenty of room and heat. The soil that suits them best is two parts good loam and one part very rotten dung. They are propagated by layers, which should be tongued on the upper side, also by cuttings of half ripened wood, planted in sand, under a hand-glass, in heat. CEREUS. For the general culture of all stove Cacteee, see our remarks, Vol. I., p. 49. CROSSANDRA. C. UNDUL.ZEFOLIA. — This is a splendid species, and remarkably easy of culture. Any light rich soil will suit it, and it propagates readily in spring, by cuttings planted in sand under a glass, in heat. CAREYA. C. sphjerica and arborea are natives of the East Indies ; they grow well in LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. 83 a mixture of two parts loam, one part heath mould, and one part very rotten dung-. They are propagated readily by cuttings planted in sand, under a glass, in heat. CLEOME. C. dendroides. — This is a Brazilian plant of great beauty, growing in any light soil, and readily propagated by seeds and cuttings ; the latter may be planted in light soil and plunged in a moist heat. CRYPTOPHRAGMIUM. C. venustum is well deserving a place in any collection, requires the common treatment of most other stove shrubs, and is propagated by half ripened cuttings planted in sand under a glass, and plunged in heat. CASSIA. C. ligustrina, glandulosa, and pulchella, are all very beautiful. They require a soil composed of equal parts of heath mould and loam ; the foliage of the glandulosa is particularly elegant when the plants are large. They are all propagated by cuttings and seeds, which must be received from India, as they seldom produce any in our stoves. COTYLEDON. C. decussata. — This is a succulent of rare beauty; it requires to be potted in sandy loam, and placed in a cool part of the stove. The same attention is requisite in watering this plant, as other succulents, viz., administering only about twice a week in the driest weather, and less in damp weather, and scarcely giving any during winter. It is propagated by cuttings, which should be laid on a shelf to dry a few days, and afterwards planted in pots of mould, and placed in a dry heat. CLITORIA. C. arborescens. — This is a very rare plant in our collections. It is a native of Trinidad, and consequently requires a strong heat. The soil should be two parts loam, one part peat, and one part very rotten dung. It is propagated by seeds, which are produced in pots, and also by cuttings, planted in pots of soil, and plunged in a moist heat. CLERODENDRON. - All the Clerodendrons require plenty of pot room, and all the summer season often syringing over the leaves, or they become much infested with the red spider. They are very handsome, and continue flowering a long time. They propagate readily by cuttings of the young wood planted in pots of soil, and plunged in a brisk moist heat. CERBERA. . C. fruticosa is a fine species of very easy culture, and readily propagated by cuttings planted in sand, and plunged in a brisk moist heat. CROTON. C. pictum. — The beautiful blotching of the leaves of this shrub renders it a notable ornament to the stove. It strikes readily by ripened cuttings, planted in sand in the autumn under a hand-glass ; and in spring, by plunging the pots in a brisk heat. 84 LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. DRAC^NA. D. terminalis is a most graceful plant, not unlike a species of palm in its growth. It grows readily in a mixture of heath mould and loam, and is readily increased by pieces of the stem and by seeds. The D.ferrcea and striata are both very ornamental. ERYTHRINA. All the Erythrinas are splendid, and are easy of culture. They require to be kept rather dry and cold during the time they are without leaves, and, when they begin to grow, place them in a strong heat, where they will receive plenty of moisture. They are propagated freely by cuttings, which may either be planted in sand or light soil, and plunged in a brisk moist heat. EUPHORBIA. E. splendens. — The flowers of this species are not large, but they are of an extremely rich colour. Any common poor soil suits it, and care is requisite not to over-water it. Cuttings strike freely, if left a day or two to dry after separation from the plant, and then planted in small pots of poor soil, and plunged in a strong heat. EUGENIA. E. Malaccensis and jambos are very ornamental tropical fruit trees ; the flowers themselves have nothing remarkable in them, but the fruit is both orna- mental and valuable. They both thrive well in a mixture of two parts sandy loam, and one part very rotten dung, and are very easily propagated by cuttings of the ripe wood, planted in the autumn, in pots of sand, and placed in a moderately cool and dry place ; in February, plunge them in a bark or hotbed, where they will receive a brisk heat, and give them a moderate supply of water. GOMPHIA. G. obtusifolia and nitida require only the common care and treatment of hardy stove plants ; and are very easily propagated by cuttings, planted in pots of sand, and covered with a glass. GEISSOMERIA. G. longiflora. — This plant well deserves more attention than has hitherto been given it. The soil for it should be rich, say two parts light loam, and one part very rotten dung. Cuttings of the young and tender wood, planted in light soil, under a glass, and plunged in a brisk heat, will speedily grow. GUSTAVIA. G. Augusta. — This splendid plant, to be grown to perfection, should be placed in a strong heat. It has been long discovered, but is yet scarcely known in collec- tions. A soil composed of one part heath mould, one part light loam from a pasture, and one part leaf mould, suits it well. Cuttings of the ripe wood taken off in the autumn, planted in sand, and placed in a moderate dry heat, and in February plunged in a strong moist heat, under a glass, will strike pretty freely. LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. 85 GRISLEA. G. tomentosa. — A lovely plant, and remarkably free flowerer; a mixture of one part heath mould, and two parts sandy loam, forms a good soil for it ; and cuttings of the tender wood, taken off in April, strike freely if planted in sand, under a glass, in brisk heat. GARDENIA. For the culture of G. radicans and Jiorida, see Vol. I., page 226 ; the G. sj)eciosa and latifolia, are both very scarce in our collections. They require the same treatment as G. Jiorida. GUET TARDA. G. speciosa. — This rare plant ought to be in every collection ; it requires precisely the same treatment as Gardenia jiorida. GOLDFUSSIA. G. anisophylla. — With this plant I am unacquainted, except from figures, and include it in my list merely from report. HIBISCUS. For the culture of this splendid genus refer to Vol. I., page 77 ; and Vol. II., page 3. HAMELLIA. H. ventricosa. — This plant is very easy of management, thriving in a mixture of equal parts of heath mould and sandy loam from a pasture ; and is easily propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood planted in April, in sand, and plunged in a moist heat. HOSTA. H. o&rulea. — This species may be treated like Hamellia, only the cuttings will do better if planted young, in pots of soil instead of sand. IXORA. All the species of Ixora require the same kind of treatment ; for which see our observations on Lvora bandhuca, Vol. 2, page 265. JONESIA. J. asoca. — The flowers of this species are rich, and bear a good deal of resemblance to those of Ixora. The plant grows to a large size, and should be treated like Ixora. Large branches will strike root if planted in sandy soil, and plunged in a strong moist heat. JUSTICTA. All the species named above are most beautiful, and require similar treatment to each other, for which refer to Vol I., page 102. JATROPHA. J. PANDURiEFOLiA. — This is one of the most beautiful plants ever introduced to our country. It is a remarkable free flowerer, and continues blooming most part 86 LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. of the year. It is, however, scarce, because rather difficult to propagate. Cuttings will generally grow if planted singly in thimble pots and plunged in a brisk bottom heat. Layers also strike pretty well if an incision is made at a joint on the upper side of the branch, and a slight twist be given to bring the end of the tongue nicely in contact with the soil. But the best way of propagation is to fertilise the stigmas during the time of flowering, and seeds will be produced, which should be sown in February and plunged in a strong heat, when they will soon vegetate, and the young plants be ready to pot off in thimble pots, in a mixture of two parts loam, one part heath mould, and one part very rotten dung. Both whilst young, and when grown to a large size, this plant is very impatient of water, care must be taken, therefore, not to water it indiscriminately with other stove plants. JACARANDA. J. mimosifolia. — This is a charming plant ; the delicate appearance of the leaves, and the boldness of its trumpet flowers, form a very fine contrast. It thi'ives in a mixture of one part sandy loam, one part heath mould, and one part very rotten dung. In winter it is customary to give all the plants of this genus very little water, as the check generally has the tendency of throwing them into flower. Cuttings of half ripe wood will grow, planted in sand, and plunged in heat. LANTANA. L. mixta and seloi are both very pretty, and remarkably easy of culture, grow- ing freely in a mixture of two parts sandy loam, one part heath mould, and one part very rotten dung. Cuttings of half ripened wood root very frequently in pots of soil plunged in heat. LUCULIA. L. gratissima. — This pretty plant should be placed in a cool part of the stove. It grows freely from cuttings planted in pots of mould, and plunged in a hotbed. MAGNOLIA. M. odoratissima. — This plant is well known and very deservedly prized in our stoves. The delightful fragrance emitted by the flowers when expanded fills the surrounding atmosphere to a great distance. It is a native of Java, and was introduced a few years ago. The culture is simple ; the plant merely requiring to be potted in a mixture of loam and sandy heath mould. It may be increased by ripe cuttings planted in sand and plunged in a brisk heat under a glass, and by budding. MIMOSA. Of the several species mentioned in the list, the M. asperata, latispinosa, pigra, and rubicaulis, grow to good sized shrubs ; and, from the delicacy of their foliage, form a pleasing contrast to the foliage of most other stove plants. The M. poly- daclyla and pudica seldom form large plants. The pudica is the well known inhabitant of our stoves called the sensitive plant. It is usually sown as an annual, but if properly preserved from over moisture in winter, when it loses its leaves, it grows vigorously for three or four years, often producing seed in the second or third year. The true sensitive plant (M. sensitive?) is a biennial climbing plant, calculated for a small trellis two or three feet high. They all thrive well in equal LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. 87 parts of sandy loam, heath mould, and rotten dung. They all produce seeds, by which they are easily propagated, and cuttings of the tender wood, planted in a pot of sand under a glass, and plunged in a very brisk moist heat, strike root freely. MELODINUS. M. monogynus. — This plant is easy to cultivate, growing in equal parts of loam and heath mould, to which may be added a little dung ; and cuttings grow in sand, under a glass, in a gentle heat. MELASTOMA. M. heteromalla, now called Pleroma heteromcdta, is a very handsome species with silvery leaves ; both this and granulosa grow freely in heath mould alone, and require a strong heat to grow them to perfection. In winter they are very impatient of water. Cuttings of the tender wood, planted in either heath mould or pure sand under a glass, and plunged in a gentle heat, will strike root freely. MALPIGHIA. M. glabra is but a dwarf growing plant, but a very free flowerer ; it also bears occasionally a fruit about the size of a bird-cberry. It flourishes in a mixture of loam, heath mould, and rotten dung. It is so impatient of being potted, that sometimes it will not recover for nearly a whole season after being shifted ; the best way, therefore, is to pot seldom and with care, so as not to disturb the roots much. NEPENTHES. N. distillatoria. — For the successful culture of this plant see our remarks in Vol. L, page 58. PLUMIERIA. All the species of Plumieria are very beautiful, and are somewhat of a succulent nature, they, therefore, never require much water, and, during the season of their hybernation, should have much the same treatment as Cacti, Vol. I., page 49. Cuttings are made by taking off a good-sized branch, and either sticking it in the bark bed, or planting it in a pot of mould, and plunging it in heat under a glass. The most suitable soil is loam, heath mould, and rotten dung. OSBECKIA. Osbeckia requires precisely the same treatment as Melastoma. POINCIANA. P. regia and pulcherrima are both splendid, and ought to be in every collection ; for their culture see page ? of the present volume. PETR^A. P. erecta. — This beautiful plant grows freely in a mixture of loam and heath mould, with a little rotten dung added, the cuttings should be planted in sand in May, and be plunged in heat under a hand-glass. QUASSIA. Quassia amara. — The wood of this shrub is the bitter wood of the shops. The plant grows very handsome, and is an exceeding free flowerer. It grows freely 88 LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. in a mixture of equal parts of heath mould and loam, with a small portion of rotten dung. Cuttings grow slowly ; they must be made of the ripe wood taken off in the autumn, and planted in pots of sand, under a glass, in a gentle dry heat ; and in February plunged in brisk hotbeds. RHEXIA. R. holosericea and viminea require precisely the same treatment as Melastoma. RANDIA. R. Bowieana. — This plant requires a strong moist heat when in a growing state ; should be potted in heath mould, with a little loam mixed, and may be increased by half ripened cuttings planted in sand in May, and plunged in a very brisk moist heat, and covered with a glass. RONDELETIA. For the successful culture of this genus refer to Vol. I., page ] 58 ; and Vol. II., page 242. RUELLIA. R. persicifolia and sabini are both handsome species, remarkably easy of cul- ture ; they do not flower freely unless their roots be cramped in the pots ; when in a growing state they also require a large supply of water, but in winter scarcely any. Cuttings strike root freely in a mixture of sandy loam and leaf mould. This soil also suits the plants well. SOLANDRA. S. guttata and grandiflora partake much of the habit and appearance of Brugmansia suaveoleus (Datura arborea). Any light rich soil suits them well ; they require much room for the roots, and flower freely when they have plenty of roots. They are easily propagated by cuttings, planted in rich soil. See Vol. II., page 108. TECOMA. T. stans should be treated like JBignonia, for which refer to Vol. II., page 108. TABERNJEMONTANA. T. gratissima. — This is a very pretty sweet-scented species, growing freely in a mixture of equal parts of sandy loam and heath mould ; and cuttings grow in sand treated as other stove plants. WRIGHTIA. W. coccinea is another very easy growing plant, requiring precisely the same treatment as the last. FLOWERS ORANGE. Crossandra undulaefplia. FLOWERS SCARLET. Erythrina poianihes. FLOWERS WHITE. Carolinoa alba. Flowering in January. FLOWERS PURPLE. Justicia speciosa. — picta. FLOWERS ROSE-COLOURED. Malpigbia glabra. LIST OF STOVE-SHRUBS. 89 FLOWERS RED OR SCARLET. Clerodendron squamatum. Alphelandra cristata. Erythrina enneandria. — macrophylla. FLOWERS RED OR SCARLET. Erythrina mitis. — piscidioides. — Abyssinica. — incana. — secuudiflora. — crista galli. Jonesia Asoca. Cotyledon decussata. FLOWERS WHITE. Plumieria bicolor. FLOWERS SCARLET. Quassia amara. Jatropha pandursefolia. FLOWERS WHITE. Clerodendron hastatnm. — viscosum. Gardenia radicans. FLOWERS SCARLET. Wrightia coccinea. Epiphyllum speciosum. — truncatum. Aphelandra cristata. Carolinea insignis. Erythrina horrida. — caffra. — speciosa. FLOWERS YELLOW. Mimosa rubicauiis. Gomphia obtusifolia. — nitida. Brunsfelsia undulata. FLOWERS SCARLET OR CRIMSON. Eugenia Malaccensis. Cereus speciosissimus. — Jenkinsonii. Barringtonia. Butea frondosa. — superba. Acacia Houstonia. Grislea tomentosa. FLOWERS BLUE. Jacaranda mimosifolia. VOL. III. — NO. XXVIII, Flowering in February. FLOWERS PURPLE Petraea erecta. Melastoma granulosa. FLOWERS ROSE-COLOURED. Hibiscus splendens. Flowering in March, FLOWERS YELLOW. Cassia glandulosa. Solandra guttata. Rondeletia speciosa. Hamellia ventricosa. Hibiscus rosa sinensis aurea. FLOWERS ROSE-COLOURED. Acacia Lambertiana. Plumieria tricolor. Cerbera fruticosa. Osbeckia stellata. Floivering in April. FLOWERS YELLOW. Sesbania picta. FLOWERS PURPLE. Mimosa pudica. Goldfussia anisophylla. Ruellia persicifolia. — Sabini. Flowering in Mag. FLOWERS PURPLE. Mimosa polydactyla. Dracaena terminalis. Clitoria arborescens. Melastoma heteromalla. Rhexia viminea. Bejaria glauca. FLOWERS WHITE. Gustavia Augusta. Beaumoutia grandiflora. Mimosa pigra. — asperata. Randia Bowieana. Hosta cserulea. FLOWERS BLUE. Flowering in June. FLOWERS PURPLE AND ROSE. Cleome dendroides. Ardisia paniculata. — colorata. — pyramidalis. FLOWERS YELLOW. Cereus grandiflorus. Magnolia odoratissima. FLOWERS WHITE. Bauhinia recurva. N 90 CULTURE OF THE GENUS EDWARDSIA. FLOWERS SCARLET OR CRIMSON. Epiphyllum splendidum. Geissomeria longiflora. Carolinea princeps. — minor. Careya sphaerica. — arborea. Guettarda speciosa. Lantana mixta. Poiuciana regia. — pulcherrima. Euphorbia splenclens. Brownea grandiceps. Flowering in July. Russelia grincea. Hibiscus liliiflorus hybridus. Ixora cocoinea. — crocata. Clerodendron paniculatum. FLOWERS BLUE Rhexiaholosericea. FLOWERS WHITE. Carolinea alba. Plumieria acuminata. Flowering in August. FLOWERS SCARLET AND RED. Erytbrina rubrinervia. — arborescens. Jxora bandbuca. — rosea. Justicia carnea. FLOWERS YELLOW. Cassia ligustrina. Hibiscus tiliaceus. Tecoma stans. FLOWERS WHITE. Melodinus monogynus. Flowering in September. FLOWERS SCARLET AND RED. Beloperone oblongata. Justicia nodosa. FLOWERS PURPLE AND ROSE. Justicia venusta. Luculia gratissima. FLOWERS YELLOWo Hibiscus crinitus. Allamanda cathartica. FLOWERS WHITE. Alstonia venenata. Tabernssmontana gratissima. Mimosa latispinosa. CULTURE OF THE GENUS EDWARDSIA. This genus is much esteemed, and eagerly sought for by most cultivators of ornamental plants, on account of the peculiarly shaped and invariably yellow- coloured flowers. They are shrubby plants of easy culture, varying in height from six to ten feet, branchy, forming, when full and well grown, an agreeable bush. In theLinnaean system they form a portion of that class and order called Decandria Monogynia, and belong to that section of the monogynous plants, recognised by the flowers being butterfly-shaped {papilionaceous), characters by which the plants forming the natural order Leguminosce are at once distinguished. The flowers of these plants are pretty and curious, but not so handsome as might be expected from this tribe, among which exist some of the most beautiful genera of hard- wooded plants in the vegetable world. The whole genus comprises six species, four of which will survive our winters in the open air, if not very severe. The remaining two being natives of a warm climate require the heat of the stove. Before treating of each species, which we propose to do separately, it will be better to notice the essential characters of the genus ; afterwards, in their proper place, the distinctive marks of the species, mingling with the whole every other important particular that may appear necessary to render the subject serviceable as a general CULTURE OF THE GENUS EDWARDSIA. 91 reference. The generic characters are an obliquely five-toothed calyx, with the upper side cleft. Corolla papilionaceous, composed of five distinct petals. Keel long-. Stamens ten, inserted into a cup-shaped, many angled, thalamus. Filaments falling off, (deciduous). Legume (pod) necklace-shaped, Qmoniliforme), one-celled, two-valved, four winged, many seeded. Leaves pair, pinnate, without foot stalks, (eMipulate), deciduous. Flowers produced in short axillary racemose spikes. E. grandiflora may be regarded as its name imports, the most handsome species in the genus, and certainly when in flower it is a splendid ornament, exhibiting by its large, and in a healthy plant numerous clusters of pendulous yellow blossoms, which are produced before the leaves, a garland of golden hue. It is a native of New Zealand, whence it was brought into this country about the year 1772. The leaves, which are compound, consist of from seventeen to twenty- one oblong, somewhat linear, lanceolate leaflets, hairy beneath, petals of keel bent like a sickle (falcate). The season of its flowering generally happens about April or May, in which state it continues for a considerable time. It is rather hardy, and will do well planted in a good border of open loam and peat, against a south wall, when it will flower and perfect its seed, by which it may be increased, or cuttings of the young wood put in sand will strike readily under a hand-glass. E. microphylla, or small-leaved Edwardsia. This is a valuable species, with leaves composed of from twelve to fifteen pairs of roundish emarginate ieaflets, smooth, sometimes pubescent on the under side. Flowers papilionaceous, petals of the keel elliptical, hooked on the back. This species is a native of New Zealand, introduced to this country a little more than a century ago. It produces its large pendulous branches of golden coloured flowers about May and June, thus forming an elegant shrub well suited to a warm place in the arboretum, or flower garden, whence it can be conveniently moved to a frame or greenhouse, or otherwise protected in extreme frost. It delights in a good open loamy soil, blended with a little sand, or destitute of the latter, if the loam be open, it will grow well. It may be propagated by seeds, which generally ripen, or by cuttings put in sand under a hand-glass. E. chrysophylla, or golden coloured Edwardsia, so called from the young leaflets being clothed with small yellow hairs (pubescent). The compound leaves of this species consist of seventeen obovate leaflets ; with the petals of the keel like the preceding elliptical, and the dorsal (growing on the back) margin straight. It is a native of the Sandwich Islands, and not quite so hardy as the former species, it therefore must at present be considered to prefer the greenhouse, where it will grow and flower well ; the flowers are rather small, still their uniform yellow colour renders the plant handsome about May and June, which is the general season of its flowering. It should be potted in rich loamy open soil, mixed with a little peat, carefully watered at all times. Propagation may be easily effected by cuttings of the young wood being potted in sand and placed in a little heat under a hand-glass. E. myriophylla, or many leafletted Edwardsia. This is an interesting and desirable species, with its individual leaves formed of twenty pairs o iobovats. entire emarginate leaflets, either smooth or pubescent on the under side . This is also a 92 NEW AND RARE PLANTS. native of New Zealand, producing- about May or June brilliant yellow flowers, which make a conspicuous show. Its habit is much like the other New Zealand species, and therefore requires the same attention. E. nitida, or shining- leaved Edwardsia. This is a pretty shrub of about eight feet high, native of the Island of Bourbon, introduced to this country about fourteen years ago. It requires the heat of the stove, and, if potted in soil com- posed of a mixture of loam sand and peat, will grow well. The flowers are yellow. The number of leaflets to each leaf varies from twenty to twenty-five, of an elliptic, somewhat ovate obtuse shape, with a small notch at the end and silvery on both surfaces, wings of the flower oblong, with the dorsal margin straight. Legume hairy. Cuttings of the young wood put in sand, under a bell-glass in heat, will pro- pagate freely. E. denudata, or naked Edwardsia, a shrubby plant, also a native of the Island of Bourbon, requires the same treatment as the other stove species. Leaves com- posed of from seventeen to twenty-one elliptic obtusely-shaped leaflets, under surface of a pale colour, clothed with silky hairs ; upper surface smooth, clothed with rusty shining wool. Legume very thickly covered with small hairs (tomentose). The two stove species will do well treated as other stove plants of a similar habit, none of them are very liable to be assailed by insects, still it is necessary to keep a vigilant eye upon them in case these intruders should make their appearance. The hardier sorts growing in the open air, must be objects of attention during the winter, that is, if the weather be very severe they will require protection, which will be readily rendered, if the plants are growing against a trellis, by nailing a mat or two over them. But if planted on the lawn or border, shelter in this case will not be so easily afforded. The most available method is to form a covering by wreath- ing hoops together of sufficient dimensions, and covering the whole with garden or straw mats, observing to give air and light at every opportunity, through the day, and cover them at the approach of night ; if they are carefully attended to in these respects they will stand very well. NEW AND RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS, AND FLORISTS' MAGAZINE FOR MARCH. Botanical Register. Edited by Dr. Lindley, each number containing eight figures; coloured 4*., plain 3s. ; and corresponding letter-press. British Flower-Garden. Edited by Mr. David Don. Containing four plates ; coloured 3*., plain 2s. 3d. ; with corresponding letter-press. Botanical Magazine. Edited by Dr. Hooker, each number containing eight plates ; coloured 3*. 6d., plain 3*. ; and corresponding letter-press. Florists' Magazine. By F. W. Smith. Containing four monthly plates, highly coloured ; several plates with two figures ; large size 4*., small 2s. 6d. ; and corresponding letter-press. Of the above figures, we have only selected such as are new and very rare ; and NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 93 amongst these only such as deserve to be extensively cultivated. For descriptions and figures, reference must he made to the works themselves. CLASS I.— PLANTS WITH TWO COTYLEDONS (DICOTYLEDONE^). VIOLET TRIBE (vIOLACEjE). Pansies, Lavinia, and John Bull. An elegantly finished drawing of each is given, with pleasing directions for the cultivation of this lively family. Flor. Mag., part. IX. J. Bull is a bold, well-proportioned flower, with brilliant colours, and has excited much interest among amateurs. Lavinia, grown by Mr. Hogg, is a very interesting flower, though its colours are not so intense as those of John Bull. THE PRIMROSE TRIBE (PRIMULACE^). Primroses, double crimson and double white. These are by far the most pleasing of all the varieties of Primula acaulis, or primrose. If we are to say any thing of the figures accompanying the descriptions, we must allow them to be superb productions, and reflect much credit on the work. Flor. Mag., part IX. (pRIMULACEjE.) Auricula, Page's Waterloo. This choice variety was raised by Mr. Page, and is at present very highly prized. The flowers are not very large, but very perfect ; the eye is of a pale yellow ; the paste is very fine and bold ; the ground colour of a rich violet, margined with a lively yellow. The peduncles being rather short, it is advisable not to allow above nine pips to remain for the tress ; the stem is firm and erect ; the leaves are of a dark green, nearly plain at their margin, and very strongly nerved. It may be produced of the chief growers. Flor. Mag., part IX. (composite.) Dahlias, Brown's purple stripe. This beautiful new variety of Messrs. Brown of Slough, has the advantage of not being subject to those departures from character which affect almost all the striped varieties. It maintained its character without any deviation, during the whole season, which is a rare character amongst dahlias. It rises about three feet in height, of a good habit, and a profuse flowerer. Flor. Mag., part IX. THE NIGHT-SHADE TRIBE (sOLANEiE). Mandragora autumnalis. Autumn-flowering Mandrake. This highly inter- esting plant was communicated by the Hon. William J. H. Fox Strangways, in the early part of December last, who found it in some parts of the south of Italy, also in some of the islands of the Archipelago. It is a hardy perennial, requiring a deep loamy soil, and it may be increased by seeds, which ripen the following spring after flowering. Brit. Flor. Gar., 325. THE PEA TRIBE (LEGUMINOS^). Kennedia glaberata, or smooth-leaved Kennedia. This very pretty green- house climber is a native of New Holland, and flowered at Mr. Knight's nursery at Chelsea, in May, 1835. An elegant species, producing bright scarlet flowers, and no doubt will require the sametreatment as the rest of the species. Bot. Beg., 1838. (LOBELIACEiE.) Loeelia decurrens, or Wing-stemmed Lobelia. This is a handsome 94 NEW AND RARE PLANTS. perennial, introduced some years since from Chili, but not frequently found in collections. It grows vigorously in a moist, partially shaded peat border, and increases without much difficulty by cuttings. Like the rest of the genus, it has an exceedingly acrid milky juice, which renders it dangerous to those who handle it incautiously. Bot. Reg., 1842. THE WATER-LEAF TRIBE (hYDROPHYLLE^e). Phacelia congesta, or tufted-flowered Pbacelia. A very pretty and in- teresting hard)' annual, with light-blue flowers, native of Texas, where it was gathered by the late Mr. Thomas Drummond, and, from seeds transmitted by him, plants were raised in the Glasgow Botanic Garden, and likewise in the garden of Dr. Neille at Canon Mills, near Edinburgh. It is of a very branching habit, and no doubt will make a good border plant. Brit. Flor. Gar., 327. THE FIG-WORT TRIBE (sCROPHULARINE^e). Pentstemon Murrayanus. Mr. Murray's Scarlet Pentstemon. An ex- tremely beautiful scarlet-flowered species, a native of Texas, where it was dis- covered by Mr. Drummond, by whom seeds were transmitted to the Glasgow Botanic Garden in the spring of 1835. It is remarkable for its stately growth, its singularly glowing and large foliage, and for the number, and size, and rich colour- ing of the flowers. On one specimen were counted eleven pairs of floral leaves, from the axis of which sprang from two to four flower-buds ; and in one of the dried native specimens a single raceme had fifty-six blossoms. It will doubtless prove quite a hardy herbaceous perennial. Named after Mr. Murray, Curator of the Glasgow Botanic Garden. Bot. Mag., 3472. (composite.) Coreopsis diversifolia. Various-leaved Coreopsis. Another of the many valuable species sent to this country by the lamented Mr. Drummond. He gathered it not only upon the coast at Braganza, but in the interior of the country round San Felipe. It produces large bright orange-coloured flowers with a dark eye, in the open air, in the month of July. Probably a hardy annual. Bot. 3Iag., 3474. THE ROSE-TRIBE (ROSACEA). Rosa centifolia, muscosa, cristata. Crested var. of the moss-rose. This variety of the moss-rose, like many of the more novel sorts, was obtained from France. Independently of the curious mode in which the moss springs in tufts from the edges of its calyx, giving to the early buds a most remarkable appearance, this rose, when fully expanded, is large and of the loveliest hue, vying in beauty with any Provence rose. Bot. Mag., 3475. THE BORAGE TRIBE (BORAGINE^e). Anchusa versicolor. Changeable flowered Alkanet. An exceedingly pretty little annual worthy of extensive cultivation. Remarkable for the striking change of colour the flowers undergo ; being almost red in the state of the hud, then, when expanded, reddish purple ; at length bright blue with a yellow eye, from which diverge several delicate rays of a pale yellowish white colour ; it flowers in July, and is a native of the Caucasian Alps, about Chinaburg and Kasbek. Bot. Mag., 3477. OPERATIONS FOR MAY. 95 CLASS II.— PLANTS WITH ONLY ONE COTYLEDON (MONOCOTYLEDONEiE). THE NARCISSUS TRIBE (AMARYLLIDE5;). Zephyranthes Drummondi. Drnmmond's Zephyranthes. An elegant little bulbous plant, gathered in Texas by Mr. Drummond, after whom it is speci- fically named. The flowers are of a pale pink, produced upon a long tube, and must, seen naturally, have a gay appearance. Brit. Fl. Garden, 328. the orchis tribe (orchide.<e). Stanhopea insignis. Noble Stanhopea. This wonderful plant was originally found by Messrs. Humboldt and Bonpland on the trunks of old trees in shady woods near Cuenca in Quito, but has since been met with in various districts in South America. Dr. Lindley says, " In order to see its curious blossoms in perfec- tion, the young spikes should be watched, and, as soon as they appear, they should be artificially led over the edge of the pot or basket, otherwise their tendency to turn downwards is so great that they are apt to force themselves into the earth and to become smothered. Naturally it fixes its pseudo-bulbs upon branches, clinging to them with its numerous creeping roots, and suspending in the air its stout zig- zag spikes of fleshy wax-like flowers." Bot. Reg., 1837. ORCHIDE.S. Coryanthes macrantha. Large flowered Coryanthes. "Accustomed as we are now become," says Dr. Lindley, " to strange forms amongst orchideous plants, I doubt whether any species has yet been seen more remarkable for its unusual characters than Coryanthes macrantha." The plant has the habit of a Stanhopea or Gongora ; and pushes forth from the base of its pseudo-bulbs a pendulous scape, on which two or three flowers are developed. Each flower is placed at the end of a long, stiff, cylindrical furrowed ovary, and when expanded measures something more than six inches from the tip of one sepal to that of the opposite one. In colour, the sepals are an ochrey yellow, spotted irregularly with dull purple ; they have a most delicate texture ; the upper sepal falls back from the tip of the ovary ; is narrow, and not above one half the length of the two lateral ones, which, instead of apply- ing themselves to the tip, as is usually the case, turn directly away from it, placing themselves at an acute angle with the upper sepal, and after a while collapsing at their sides till they look something like bats' wings half at rest. OPERATIONS FOR MAY. All kinds of half hardy plants, that are intended to fill up vacant spaces in the flower garden by being disposed singly, or two or three together, in appropriate parts of the beds, borders &c, or those that are intended to occupy a whole or a part of a bed by several sorts being grouped together with a view ultimately to produce a dense mass of varied blossoms, may now safely be placed in those situations where they are intended to flower. The above hints embrace the many varieties of Salvias, Verbenas, Lobelias, Petunias, Alonsoa, Calceolaria, Mimulus, &c Also the common scarlet and other Geraniums, and any common green-house plants that are desired for flower-garden purposes may now be plunged where they are to 96 OPERATIONS FOR MAY. remain, until frosty nights render it necessary to afford them protection. Tender annuals that have been raised in small pots, in the nursing- pit or frame, should now be gradually exposed to harden them, or they will suffer when planted out, which should speedily take place. Attention will now be required amongst alpine plants, &c. ; where these occupy places in rock-work, many points should be attended to, such as examining the soil about the roots, making them firm, thinning where too thick, introducing new kinds, clearing off seedling weeds which will now be showing in abundance, and setting all fair and in a manner that will do credit to the whole. Annuals of various sorts to succeed those sown last month should now be put in. Camellias should now be potted, the soil for this purpose should consist of equal parts of loam and peat, to which may be added a little well pulverised dung ; after potting they should be placed in a peach-house or vinery in order to excite the growth of their shoots, bearing in mind to syringe them now and then over the leaves and branches. Vol. 1, page 33. Cmjibing plants, whether in the green-house, stove, or flower-garden, will now require attending to, the superfluous shoots cut out, and the others tied in. Dahlias (seedlings) should be planted out in some unfrequented place where they can be proved when in bloom ; old plants may now be turned out into the borders, &c. Greenhouse plants, where it is customary to expose them by forming clumps of them in the flower-garden, &c, may in the early part of this month be taken out without fear from frosts, &c. ; a sheltered situation is preferable for them. Herbaceous plants (early flowering kinds). If cut down as soon as the flowers have faded will very often produce a second time a display of blossoms in the autumn. Much advantage would be gained if the attention of practical men were turned to this point. Nelumbiums, Plumieria, Euryale, Pontederia, and other aquatic plants, should now have great attention. Keep them free from insects, and allow plenty of room for both roots and leaves ; a frequent change of water will be beneficial for them. Vol.2, page 110. Propagate Salvias, Verbenas, and any desirable species or variety of plants, remembering to shade the cuttings from the influence of the sun, and carefully water them. Primulas (seedlings), if not potted off, let it now be done without delay, using 60 sized pots ; if older plants, encourage them to flower ; they flower well in 32 sized pots, any rich light soil will suit them. Vol. 1, page 181. Rhodochiton volubile, Lophospermum erubescens, will do very well, trained against a south wall ; provided they are planted in a good border, and the situation be sheltered, they may now be put out. Succulents. — Offsets of this curious family may now be taken and propagated if not previously done. Give plenty of air to old plants, in short to all dry stove plants ; be very guardpd in watering them, for they are very tenacious of this ele- ment. Vol. 2, page 27. rr//s/r//' ', . -V/f/f. /?//// . 97 ZYGOPETALON MACKAII. (MR. MACKAy's ZYGOPETALON.) CLASS. ORDER. GYNANDRIA. MONANDRIA. NATURAL ORDER. ORCHIDEiE. Generic Character. — Petals equal, united at the base. Lip notched at the apex. Column half round. Specific Character — Epiphyte. Root fleshy, twisted (tortuose), not branching. Bulb, ovate, wrinkled, marked with the scars of the decayed leaves. Leaves smooth, linear, lanceolate, sheathing, marked ■with small white streaks from the place of insertion to the apex. Scape nearly two feet long, compressed, scaly. Flowers five or six, large. Petals lanceolate, of a dingy yellow green colour, blotched with purple. Lip large, standing horizontally, waved, notched at the extremity, and marked with lines and spots of purple and blue. Column half the length of the petals, yellow green, marked with spots of purple. Stigma convex. Anther ovate, terminal, compressed. Pollen masses two, large, yellow, each with a small lobe, or pollen mass behind. Germen linear, green. This beautiful epiphyte was imported by Mr. Mackay, of the Dublin College Botanic Garden, from Brazil, sometime about 1827, when it was for the first time figured in the Bot. Mag., new series, Vol. 1, page 2748. We are obliged to Mr. Bowe, of Manchester, for the opportunity of figuring this species, and who kindly permitted our artist to make a drawing from his plant, which flowered about October last. This plant, which is certainly one of great beauty, may be classed amongst the most showy of this highly interesting family (Orchideae). It may be grown with success, with the treatment given to other portions of this tribe. The plants at Chatsworth, which grow satisfactorily, are kept in an atmos- phere imperceptibly humid, averaging in temperature from 60° to 80° Fahrenheit, giving them at their growing seasons, spring and autumn, a liberal supply of water at the roots, but very rarely any over the leaves, except when the weather continues unusually fine for any length of time, and then only a slight sprinkling with the syringe early in the morning, or when the house is closed about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The soil in which they are potted is turfy peat, broken up into pieces about an inch square, mixed with potsherds to ensure a good drainage. VOL. III. NO. XXIX. O ^ --^-..,-- _SA,ldrn dd.SmUh.t . ,//,,'//,■<," b6*6b0 <■ r>,'VrrJ°. 99 IPOMCEA RUBRA-CtERULEA. (REDDISH-BLUE IPOMCEA.) CLASS. ORDER. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. CONVOLVULACEiE. Generic Character. — See Vol. 3, page 50. Specific Character. — Plant herbaceous, with smooth, twining, roundish branches. Leaves alternate, palish green, acuminate, entire, undulated, veined. Footstalks the length of the leaves. Flower- stalks somewhat racemose, axillary, producing three or four flowers. ' Calyx five-parted, small, erect, of a brownish pmple colour, with a pale, nearly white margin. Corolla, before expanded, white, with the limb of a rich red, which when fully developed assumes a fine purplish blue, with five angles. Filaments unequal, arising from the base of the tube. Anthers oblong, yellow. Germen oblong. Style filiform. Stigma two-lobed. The seeds of this splendid plant were collected by Mr. Samuel Richardson, (an officer in the Anglo- Mexican Mining Association,) in the province of Guanax- uato in Mexico, by whom they were presented to I. D. Powles, Esq., of Stamford Hill. In the stove, about the months of July and August, this plant makes a very pretty show when trained up the rafters, or other parts of the house where it can be clearly seen. It flowers freely, and will grow well in soil composed of equal portions of loam and peat, with a little well-rotted dung. About the middle of October last, we were favoured with the sample from which our drawing was made, by Mr. Cameron, Curator of the Birmingham Botanic Garden, where it flowered profusely in the stove. Although it has been considered to flower only in the stove, there is no doubt but it would produce abundance of blossoms in a sheltered situation, against a south wall, in the open air, especially if the wall is flued. 101 CAMELLIA RETICULATA. (captain rowes' camellia.) class. order. MONADELPHIA. POLYANDRIA. NATURAL ORDER. TERNSTRCEMIACEJE. Genkric Character Calyx imbricated, surrounded by accessory bracteas or sepals. Stamens cobering into a tube (monadelphous). Anthers elliptical, two celled, opening lengthwise. Capsule furrowed, with a disseptiment (partition) in the middle of each valve, separating from the three angled axes when ripe. Cells one or two seeded. Specific Character Plant shrubby, from eight to ten feet high. Leaves stiff, oblong, acuminate, serrated, flat, of rather a dull colour, veins deeply sunken (reticulate). Flowers large, axillary, solitary, of a clear rose colour. Calyx five-leaved, slightly tinged with purple. Petals from seventeen to eighteen, somewhat undulated (repand, or wavy), mostly entire, carelessly arranged. Stamens a great deal shorter than the petals, often divided into several bundles placed opposite the inner petals. Ovarium silky, of a roundish form, four celled. Stigma simple. Style sometimes two or three parted. Among the many splendid species of this genus that annually beautify our collections by their rich blossoms, there is no one that has a more just claim to our admiration than the present ; so imposing- are its blossoms when fully expanded, that if it were not for the superior colour of its petals, and simple form of the leaves, we might say it somewhat approximated in appearance to the well-known tree Pseonia, (Pseonia Moutan). And certainly the loosely arranged and wavy disposi • of the petals give the blossoms of this plant a not very distant likeness to those of that genus. The common culture observed in growing that family of plants will be found to suit this very well ; but if any difference is necessary to be made, we should say a little stronger soil should be given, as it is inclined to grow somewhat stronger than many of the other species. For further particulars of culture, see Vol. 1, page 33. The generic name is given in honour of George Camellus, or Kamel, a Moravian Jesuit and traveller in Asia. The specific name (reticulata) is given in reference to the resemblance the nerves of the leaf bear to net work. This gaudy species of Camellia produced its blossoms, for the first time in this country, in the conservatory of Thomas Carey Palmer, Esq., at Bromley. It was brought from China by Captain Rowes, in compliment to whom its English name is given. Messrs. Lewcomb, Prince, and Co , of Exeter, kindly favoured us with the accompanying figure. 103 PLAN OF A NEW HOT- WATER BOILER, BY J. ROGERS, JUN., STREATHAM COMMON- Having lately had occasion to apply stove-heat to a small pit, and not finding any of the ordinary hot-water apparatuses exactly suited to my purpose, I was induced to try the following' experiment, and the success with which I have met leads me to think a knowledge of it may be useful to others, as I believe my apparatus to be the most effective, as well as the most economical, both in original construction and consumption of fuel, of any hitherto in use. The annexed section will afford the best explanation of my plan. b b b b is a cylindrical boiler, 114 inches in diameter, enclosing a similar and con- centric cylindrical furnace 7-L inches in diameter ; each sixteen inches high, f is the furnace ; g the grate, two inches from the bottom of the boiler ; p the pipe, 21 inches in diameter, communicating with a cast-iron pipe, 4 inches in diameter, 9 feet long, The boiler is closed at top, having a steam valve v, and s a filling screw, similar to that by which oil is put into a lamp. Both ends of the cast-iron pipe are closed by wooden plugs, through one of which is passed the communication pipe, p, as close to the lower side of the pipe as possible ; while through the other a small air pipe is passed, as close as possible to the upper side of the pipe ; and to the air-pipe is attached a funnel, H. The cast-iron pipe is laid at a small inclination, about one inch in the nine feet, so that the end farthest from the boiler is highest : both the smaller pipes are passed through the hackwork of the pit, and the cast-iron pipe alone is within. The boiler and iron-pipe being filled with water, either through the filling screw or the funnel of the air-pipe, a small fire is lighted in the furnace ; the water, heating, rapidly flows off into the cast-iron pipe, and is replaced by cold, till the whole boils, when steam escapes at the valve. A little coke is required at first lighting, afterwards cinders are the only fuel ; and so slow is the combustion, that this small furnace has remained burning eleven hours without any attention whatever, excepting once, about two hours after it was lighted, to clear the furnace-bars and regulate the draught for the night. The 104 PLAN OF A NEW HOT- WATER BOILER. water continued almost boiling the whole time, and of course the temperature of the pit was uniform. My boiler is made of tin; and the small chamber c is a little projection, added to prevent the ascending- and descending- currents from interfering- with each other, which might be the case in so narrow a boiler. I prefer, for an apparatus on so small a scale, one pipe to two for the communication between the boiler and heating-pipe, as the hottest water will then always remain in the iron pipe, even if the fire go out and the boiler is cool. There is one other point in the action of this boiler too important to be omitted : by loading the valve at v, until the water rises through the air pipe into the funnel H, an oscillating motion is produced between the column of water in the air pipe and the weight on the valve ; the result of which is, that the hottest water in the boiler, and occasionally some portion of steam, is forced into the iron pipe, where the latter is invariably condensed before it can reach the air-pipe, unless the water be too low and the fire too strong; in which case it escapes through the funnel, making such a noise as cannot fail to attract the attention of the gardener if any where at hand. I need hardly observe the economy of heat is thus as complete as possible ; and indeed so completely is all the heat of the fire absorbed, that although my chimney is not more than three feet long, I can stop the top with my naked hand without inconvenience, at a time when the fire is sufficiently strong to keep the water boiling. This, to those who have not tried the experiment, may seem almost incredible. I could point out several advantages which this method possesses, but they will occur to an intelligent reader. Its superiority, in my view, over all other forms of small boilers, is the time which it will continue to burn with- out attention, and the economy of fuel, where cinders are the most suitable which can be used ; if applied to a great extent of pipe, of course stronger fuel must be employed. I might mention its power of heating, but those who are accustomed to such apparatuses can calculate more readily than I am able the effect of a four-inch pipe at 212°. It raises my little pit 30° or 32° degrees, and of course I am obliged to give air all day long. P.S. The whole expense of my apparatus was not 41. 5s. ; if made with copper, which it should be to be durable, about 61. ON THE CULTIVATION OF BRUGMANSIA SUAVEOLENS, WITH A FEW HINTS ON RAISING HYBRIDS, BY CROSSING B. SUAVEOLENS WITH B. SANGU1NEA. Among the many beautiful plants that now decorate our conservatories and flower gardens, perhaps there is not one that has a more splendid appearance (when properly grownj than Brugmansia suaveolens, or Datura arborea of old gardeners ; for whether we examine a single flower, or consider the effect of the combined CULTURE OF THE BRUGMANSIA SUAVEOLENS 105 dozens jutting- from beneath its sombre but majestic foliage, and impregnating the nocturnal air with their delicious fragrance, there is a delicacy, an uniformity, nay, a grandeur ! that calls forth simultaneous plaudits of admiration from every observer. And while we are thus expatiating on the charms of B. siiaveolens, we cannot allow the opportunity to pass of calling the attention of our readers to another very splendid species of this genus, which flowered in the autumn of 1834, in the garden of Miss Trail, at Hase Place, Kent ; and from which a figure was published in January, 1835, in that excellent botanical periodical " The British Flower Garden," conducted by the late enthusiastic and mucb to be lamented botanist, Mr. Robert Sweet. This species is called Brugmansia sanguined, but from what we can judge of the flower from the drawing, we feel inclined to think it would be more appro- priately placed among Datura. We possess a plant of this species, and also another which we purchased under the name of B. tricolor; and from the appearance of the plants we hope to be able to present our subscribers with a figure of each before the end of the season. The B. sanguinea was raised from seed collected by Mr. Crawley, at Guayaquil in the state of Equador ; and as it was found growing at a greater elevation than B. suaveolens, it is reasonable to suppose that it will be much hardier. Although it would appear that some of our scientific botanists, who formerly advocated hybridising, or cross-breeding, in the vegetable kingdom, are now veering round, and contradicting their former statements, on the supposition that hybridising has been the means of introducing many " mongrel and debased varieties," yet as we cannot see the injury, we feel rather inclined to see what can be done in the way of hybridising between B. siiaveolens and sanguinea ; and if we should succeed in procuring plants with flowers partaking of the habit of both parents, we shall con- sider that we have not done any injury, but rather that we have effected some good, by introducing another plant to this small but most beautiful genus. We also in- tend to graft or inarch B. sanguinea on suaveolens, and should we succeed in form- ing a union, we shall not fail to make our subscribers acquainted with our practice when we publish the figures. We shall now proceed to the culture, and we do not know that we can do our readers a greater service, or more easily put the tyro aufait of successful practice, than by simply detailing a method by which we have grown B. suaveolens from five to eight feet high in one season, and with heads, the diameter of which corre- sponded with the height of the stems. Early in February we take cuttings of the young wood, at about three or four inches long, pot them in sandy soil in small 60-sized pots, plunge them in a hotbed frame where there is a brisk bottom heat, and water and shade them as appears requisite. After they are rooted, which is generally in about three weeks, we re-pot them into 48 sized pots, using a compost composed of the following ingredients : — Two parts turfy loam ; two parts fresh horse droppings ; one part leaf mould ; and one part rotten dung; well mixed and incorporated together for two or three weeks previously to using. When they are potted, we replace them in the frame, and supply them plentifully with liquid manure at the roots, and with fresh water over the VOL III NO. XXIX. P 106 COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE ON TREES- foliage at least once a day ; this is particularly necessary, not only to refresh and invigorate the plant, but likewise to keep down that troublesome little pest the acarus, or red spider. We keep the plants in the frame as long as there is height suffi- cient ; but when there is not we remove them to a forcing-house, or pine stove, where there is a moist heat of not less than 60 degrees. If they grow properly, they are removed into pots one size larger every third week; but perhaps the best criterion is to re-pot them as often as the roots protrude through the hole at the bottom of the pot: we never give them a pot more than one size larger at a time, until they get into No. 4, from which they are removed into their permanent pots No. 1. In raising standard plants, it is requisite to divest the plants of all lateral or side shoots as soon as they can be perceived, and to encourage only the main leading shoot ; but if we want dwarf bushy plants, we cut off the main leader when the plants are about one foot high, and train out three or four of the strongest side shoots divergently from the centre. After the plants are established in their permanent pots, they are placed in the greenhouse or conservatory, where they will send forth their trumpet-like flowers in the greatest abundance for several weeks in succession. The above re- marks apply more particularly to B. suaveolens ; but we are perfectly satisfied that they will apply with equal force to B. sanguined and tricolor. REMARKS, SHOWING THE COMPARATIVE DIFFERENCE AND DISPOSITIONS OF TREES PLANTED IN EXPOSED AND SHELTERED SITUATIONS. From that excellent little scientific work, entitled " The Alphabet of Gardening, by Mr. James Rennie, Professor of Zoology, King's College, London," we select the following hints, hoping they will not altogether prove unacceptable to our readers in general ; and we feel assured that, to those whose study and delight is to inquire into and investigate the laws of nature, they will be perused with pleasure and profit. " The degree of light and of exposure has a great mechanical effect on plants. In the interior of forests and crowded orchards, the wind produces much less effect than on solitary trees in a garden or park. When crowded, the tops push up into the light above, and, not being agitated by the wind, their trunks do not thicken or become stunted, to prevent the blast making a greater pull against the roots. " On the other hand, when standing in an open situation, trees, being freely ex- posed to every storm, give every advantage to its violence, by the wide spreading of their branches. " In accordance with this, solitary trees become greatly larger than those which are crowded, while their system of root is always proportional to the branches, in order to afford a heavier ballast and a stronger anchorage for counteracting the greater spread of sail displayed in the wide expansion of the branches. The same is true of all or most garden plants, which extend in proportion to their room. Hence the necessity of wide planting when it is required to have plants with large COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE ON TREES. 107 spreading heads, as in the instance of New Zealand spinach ; and on the other hand of planting closely when plants are required to be tall, and at the same time slender, a case which more rarely occurs than the other. " Recent writers on botany have endeavoured to show that the tapering tube of the carrot, the beet, and other simpler plants, are not properly roots, or, at least, that they have more the characteristics of stems than of roots; in other words, as every plant grows in two directions, one downwards, the other upwards, the spindle-formed tube of the carrot is alleged to belong to the upper or ascending portion of the plant, rather than to the down- ward or descending portion. Independent of structure, however, this would appear to be equally rational as to allege that a man's feet belong to the upper portion of his body ; but it appears to be correct enough to say the partly horizontal portion of the iris, though underground, are not roots but stems; and it must be very obvious that the creeping runners of strawberries are not stems. " Weak stems, which cannot rise high in a perpendicular direction by their own rigidity, are furnished with several means for effecting this. Some straggle up irregularly amongst other thick-growing plants, as the bramble and little- sweet ; others, like the hop, the kidney-bean, and convolvulus, twine closely araund others stronger than themselves, and; when they cannot meet with such, several shoots will twine around each other to give mutual support. " It is important to remark, that different species, in twining for support, follow different laws, one going from right to left, of which there are twenty genera ; and another from left to right, of which there are ten genera. A hop-plant, for instance, directs its course round a pole with the sun ; but if untwisted and forced to take an opposite direction, it will injure or perhaps kill it. If a honeysuckle do not meet with support, it twists into a spiral form from right to left. It is of importance to attend to these circumstances in training," 108 ON PLANTS SUITABLE FOR GROUPING IN FLOWER GARDENS. Grouping, or arranging- showy plants en masse, has of late years hecome so general in all good gardens, that we are somewhat surprised some efficient person has not attempted to give practical instructions, so as to insure a succession of beautiful flowering plants for this purpose. Although the system has become almost universal, it is, we conceive, but imperfectly understood. The following hints are the result of our experience in the management of this style of flower gardening, and should they be the means of facilitating or elucidating any thing connected with the subject to any of our readers, we shall feel most happy ; they apply to flower gardens with small detached symmetrical beds, whether formed upon grass (which is the newest style) or gravel ; and as one or two shabby or declining beds spoil the whole effect, the earliest opportunity should be embraced to refil them ; to do this throughout the season, with the least possible expense and trouble, is the object to be attained ; for this purpose, a reserve garden, some frames or pits, practical skill, and considerable attention, are requisite; these for the most part depend upon the experience and perseverance of the gardener, for although many good practical works upon gardening have been published, the rotation of crops for the flower garden has generally been but indifferently treated upon, whilst the kitchen garden minutiEe are elaborately explained ; in fact, until the last few years, flower gardens were for the most part a mere secondary object, as far as regarded management ; whilst, if the old works on gardening are examined, it will be found the kitchen garden was cropped much the same as at present, and produced vege- tables as good and in as great variety (with the exception of a few introductions of minor importance). The principal things in the flower garden were such as annual lupins, thrift, double-feverfew, bachelors' buttons, honesty, &c, with some bulbs, and those planted almost indiscriminately, without reference to height, colour, or duration ; there were none of the petunias, dahlias, verbenas, calceolarias, eschscholt- zias, and dozens of other equally elegant plants that adorn so beautifully our borders and beds at the present time ; not that we would wish to exclude their less gaudy brethren, but the flower garden beds should tit all times be as dazzling as possible, whilst the borders might be occupied with the miscellanies. There are some who advocate beds with mixed plants, which, when arranged according to their heights, colours, and seasons of flowering, look very well when properly attended to ; and to those having little room, and desirous of possessing a large collection, they have their recommendations ; still they never have that striking effect the same beds would have if filled with suitable plants, arranged in groups, and in large flower gardens we think them decidedly bad ; and as there are continually some shabby or decaying plants, the same, or even a greater objection, may be made than that of declining beds in the grouping system, as the opening made by cutting down a permanent plant cannot be conveniently filled until again occupied by its dormant possessor. PLANTS SUITABLE FOR GROUPING 109 Take for example any of the botanic or physic gardens, where herbaceous and other plants are arranged according to their genera or orders, and contrast them with a flower garden managed upon the best acknowledged principles of grouping, and we do not hesitate to say this will be sufficient to cause many to become converts to what we recommend. What we have just stated respecting public gardens was merely given as an example of the general effect produced by plants mixed indiscriminately, and not to insinuate, as might be supposed, that these arrangements are wrong or in- compatible with such institutions ; we know to the contrary ; neither do we suppose that botanists would consider a flower garden, managed as we propose, so fraught with interest, notwithstanding which they would certainly acknowledge the superiority in general effect and beauty ; but these are not the objects sought after by scientific men, who, with microscopes, examine and admire, with as much satis- faction, a new form of lichen or moss, as others would a bed of roses ; indeed so changeable are the tastes and fancies of human nature in general, that any thing called new and beautiful to-day, will probably, in a short time, be termed only pretty. The most beautiful plants and colours cease to be interesting or charming to the eye when they have become familiar, or, at least, cease to cause the usual emotions felt at seeing any new or beautiful form ; in course of time, we view them with the same indifference as we do the most common things or colours ; we pro- pose to obviate this by grouping the most approved colours in beds, changing their position at every re-arrangement, which would in some instances occur thrice in the season ; and thus the monotony of seeing the same plant spring, flower, and die, would, we conceive, be in a great measure remedied. We may now mention such plants as we have found most suitable in the earliest months of the season. The varieties of crocus, Helleborus niger, or Christmas rose, and the blue and white Russian violets, are among the first harbingers of returning- spring. Edgings of crocus, particularly where the garden is in the geometrical style, are in our opinion preferable to filling any of the beds entirely with them ; they should be planted in September when taken up, which need not be oftener than once in three years. Groups of the following may be had from January until April : — Helleborus niger should be planted from the reserve garden, either in the autumn, when some of the beds have become vacant, or just before flowering ; they should be taken up immediately after flowering, which is the time for their propagation by division of the roots, and planted in good soil until again wanted. Russian violets, single white and blue, may be treated in the same manner. Hepaticas, blue and peach blossomed ; Primula acaulis, the red, white, and puce coloured varieties, may be treated as recommended for Helleborus ; a shaded part of the reserve garden should be chosen for the last two, or close under a north wall in the kitchen garden, which is generally unoccupied. Viola tricolor, (as recommended in a former number). Draba nivalis makes a beautiful white mass, and may be planted just before flowering without injury; it is propagated in May by cuttings, under a north aspect. 110 REMARKS ON THE GENUS TAMARINDUS. Aubrietia deltoidea matches the above for height, is lilac, and may be propagated the same way, or by division. Ajax pumilus should be planted in September, or even when in flower they will move exceedingly well without injury. Erythronium dens-canis, red and white, makes a beautiful bed, and when the flowers are past the leaves are exceedingly handsome ; may be managed as Ajax pumilus. These, with Coronilla glauca and Neapolitan violets, brought forward under cover, and planted out in March, giving them slight protection during frost ; early tulips, hyacinths of colours, narcissus of sorts, anemonies, and beds of some autumn- sown hardy annuals, as Nemophila, Clarkia, Collinsias, will be found sufficient crops to make flower gardens look better and gayer than they generally do at an early season of the year. Anemonies, if marked the season before, might be made to fill several beds with different colours, red, white, blue, &c. (To be continued.} REMARKS ON, AND CULTURE OF, THE GENUS TAMARINDUS. This genus contains two species, one from the East, and the other from the West Indies, which have both been long held in high estimation by many people, on account of the acid, yet sweetish taste of the fruit, which, after some preparatory processes, is rendered agreeable to the palate, and of much service in medicine. T. indica, or East Indian Tamarind, is a tree of great magnitude, when full grown often exceeding fifty feet in height, with corresponding branches. The season of its flowering is generally about June and July, in which state it presents rather an interesting appearance, the calyx being of a straw colour, the petals of a clear yellow beautifully striped with red, the filaments purple, and the anthers brown. In the stoves of this country they seldom or never produce flowers, owing, perhaps, to there being too little room allowed them for the extension of their roots and branches. P. Miller says, he had several plants twenty years old, and upwards of fifteen feet high, which never had shown blossoms. The timber of the Tamarind tree is heavy, firm, and hard ; sawn into boards, it is converted into many useful purposes in building. The pulp contained in the pods is used both in food and medicine. The Tamarinds which are brought from the East Indies are darker and drier, but contain more pulp : being preserved without sugar, they are fitter to be put into medicines than those from the West Indies, which are much redder, but being preserved with sugar are more pleasant to the palate. The use of Tamarinds was first learned from the Arabians ; they contain a larger proportion of acid, with the saccharine matter, than is usually found in acid fruits. The REMARKS ON THE GENUS TAMARINDUS. Ill epicarp of the pod is thin, and the acid pulp for which they are esteemed is the sarcocarp Tamarinds are preserved in two ways ; commonly by throwing- hot water from the boilers on the ripe pulp ; but a better method is to put alternate layers of Tamarinds and powdered sugar in a stone jar. By this means the Tamarinds preserve their colour, and taste more agreeably. Preserved Tamarinds should be fresh and juicy, and should have an agreeable acid taste; they should not have a musty smell, the seeds should not be soft and swollen, and the blade of a knife should not get a coating of copper by being immersed among them. Tamarinds contain sugar, mucilage, citric acid, supertartrate of potass, tartaric acid, and malic acid. In medicine, the pulp of Tamarinds taken in the quantity of from two to three drachms to an ounce or more, proves gently laxative and purgative, and at the same time, by its acidity, quenches thirst and allays immo- derate heat. Don's General System of Gardening and Botany, Vol. 2. T. occidentalis, or West Indian Tama- rind, is a tree of much magnitude, attaining in a full grown specimen the height of from thirty to fifty feet, with branches in propor- tion. Its blossoms, which are produced in February, so much resemble the T. indica, that it will be unnecessary to mention them here. The difference in the two species is in the pods; in the West Indian species they are shorter and redder than those of the East Indian, but are inferior in quality. To grow these plants well, they must have the constant heat of the stove ; and, in their growing season, should have a good supply of water, both at the roots and over the branches. The soil for them should be rich and strong, composed of peat and loam, and a slight mixture of well rotted dung? being careful to incorporate them thoroughly before using. They propagate with great facility by cuttings planted in a pot of sand, with a hand-glass placed over them in heat. But as seeds are annually received from abroad, the trouble of propagating them may be dispensed with, as better plants may be procured with less double from seeds. In sowing the seeds it must be observed, that in order to excite vegetation they must be raised in a hotbed, and as soon as the young plants have grown the length of two or three inches they should be put into separate pots, using the same soil as recommended for older plants. 112 REMARKS ON THE BARRINGTONIA SPECIOSA. The growth of this plant is attended with much difficulty, and has, ever since it first became an inmate of our stoves, had much of the attention of practical men directed to discover the mode of treatment best adapted for it. After all that has been said, and the exertions made, to demonstrate what is essential for its successful cultivation, it is still but little understood among- many cultivators. This is evident, from the many apparently healthy, but in reality, sickly stunted specimens often found in the collections of this country. All who have turned their attention to the progress made by this plant when growing, must be convinced that the nature of it is to grow rapid and luxuriant, and that it requires a steady humid atmosphere, varying in temperature from 65° to 70° Fahrenheit, to enable it to accomplish these points. To irregularity of treatment is to be attributed the bad success of many who possess this plant ; and which is seen first, by the temperature of the house getting too low ; and secondly, by the atmosphere being allowed to become very dry ; the ill effects of either are soon visible when persisted in for any length of time, by the upper surface of the leaves assuming a pale yellow colour, and becoming blotched, as if suffering from drip in various places over their surface, and prema- turely falling off. Nor does the bad effect of too low a temperature, which of the two is by far the most dangerous, cease here ; but it extends itself to the bark of the young wood, which it causes to rot in more than one place, and, if not checked, would end in the total destruction of the whole plant. At the usual time of shifting stove plants (spring), the B. speciosa requires to be examined also, and if thought advisable to be shifted : this should be done by applying to the roots a mixture of soil, comprising two parts of loam, and one of peat and sand ; these propor- tions should be well incorporated but not sifted. In potting, good drainage is indispensable ; as the soil, if this be not observed, is liable to get sour, and thus canker the roots. After potting, the temperature of the house should never descend lower than 65°, if it does, and is allowed to continue in this state for ' any length of time, it may be of the worst consequences ; and on the other hand, it is not advisable to suffer the thermometer to rise higher than 80°, although in very hot weather a little variation from this will not signify, still the nearer it is kept to this the better. In a temperature varying between the above two points with a moist atmosphere, the plants will grow rapidly and strong, requiring no other attention than that of supplying them with water at the roots, and occasionally syringing them over to prevent the attacks of insects. Towards the autumn, when their growth begins to decline, less water than usual should be given; and in the winter very little will be required, and this only when the soil becomes very dry. In the autumn and winter months, when it will be requisite to allow the atmosphere of the house to become more dry, as much humidity at this season is injurious to most stove plants, the temperature must, by no means, sink below 65 or 60 degrees. In this state the wood will ripen, and the newly formed buds will ON THE ORIGIN OF WEEPING TREES. 113 become perfectly matured, which will be much in their favour in starting the following- spring-. The Barringtonia is a native of the South of China, Java, Sumatra, the Moluccas, and of the Islands in the Pacific Ocean, at the mouths of rivers by the sea side. Its flowers are disposed in an erect thyrse of a purple and white colour, said to expand at night and fall at sunrise ; these are succeeded by a reddish brown drupe, the seeds of which, mixed with bait, are said to inebriate fish in the same manner as Cocculus indicus. AGE OF PLANTS. Some plants, such as the minute funguses, termed mould, only live a few hours, or at most a few days. Mosses, for the most part, live only one season, as do the garden plants called annuals, which die of old age as soon as they ripen their seeds. Some again, as the foxglove and the hollyhock, live for two years, occasionally pro- longed to three, if their flowering be prevented. Trees again, planted in a suitable soil and situation, live for centuries. Thus the olive-tree may live three hundred years ; the oak double that number ; the chestnut is said to have lasted for nine hundred and fifty years ; the dragon's blood tree of Teneriffe may be two thousand years old ; and Adanson mentions banians six thousand years old. When the wood of the interior ceases to afford room, by the closeness of its texture, for the passage of sap or pulp, or the formation of new vessels, it dies, and by all its moisture passing off into the younger wood, the fibres shrink, and are ultimately reduced to dust. The centre of the tree thus becomes dead, while the outer portion continues to live, and in this way trees may exist for many years before they perish. ON THE ORIGIN OF WEEPING TREES*. BY "WILLIAM ANDERSON, CURATOR OP THE BOTANIC GARDEN AT CHELSEA. I have never seen a printed report on the manner in which these different varieties of trees have been discovered ; for example, the weeping oak. The cause of this neglect may be, that persons finding such varieties, either do not examine their origin, or keep it secret from personal interest. The following observa- tions, therefore, may not prove uninteresting. Fascicles, or bundles of shoots, are often observed on trees, which resemble a bird's nest at a distance, but when examined they prove to be a cluster of small twigs. Such bundles are observed on different trees, but more frequently on the white or common birch tree, (Betula alba., Z.) In the year 1808, 1 observed such a bundle on a Cratcegus, Mespilus, and Oxyacaniha, and grafted young thorns with them, which, in two or three years, produced beautiful branches. About the same time I observed such a bundle on Ulmus cam- * From " The Gardener's Magazine.1' VOL. Ill NO. XXIX. Q 114 ON THE TREATMENT OF A FEW GREENHOUSE PLANTS. pestris, the eyes of which were budded on healthy young- trees, and every one pro- duced a long- hanging shoot. According to this observation, it would be very easy to procure a large collection of drooping, or weeping, trees. Our gardeners, however, multiply no species so numerously as the Fraxinus excelsior, var. pendula ; which variety often retains its hanging character when raised from seeds. We possess several such trees, of about ten feet in height, which were raised from seed of the original tree, obtained in 1780 from a nurseryman, who found it a few years previously to that in the neighbourhood of Newmarket, in Cambridgeshire. HINTS ON THE TREATMENT NECESSARY FOR A FEW VALUABLE GREENHOUSE PLANTS. Luculia gratissima is a very handsome plant when in flower, and therefore much attention should be paid to the cultivation of it. It is a greenhouse plant, and will flower about August or September if properly managed. Give it a great deal of light and air, water it with caution at the roots, and occasionally a little may be applied over the stems and leaves. In potting, use good light rich soil, and drain well previously. Cuttings are difficult to strike ; these should be carefully prepared from the half-ripened wood, put in a pot of good sand under a handglass without heat, but in a close corner of the greenhouse, and sparingly watered. Chorizema ilicifolia, C. nana, C. rhombea, C. Baxteri, C. Henchmanni. A particularly interesting genus of little greenhouse plants, that require to be steadily treated, or they will not grow or flower to perfection. They delight in an abundance of air and light, and should be potted in a mixture of sand and peat, sparingly yet attentively watered at all times. Be careful not to over pot any of them, as they seem not to like any unnecessary soil about their roots. Seeds sown early in the spring, potted off when strong enough and judiciously managed, will make hand- some plants. Tropceolum pentaphyllum and T. tricolorum. These elegant plants are so well suited for training up long stakes, columns, or any favourable part of the greenhouse, that their neat foliage, and ear-drop-like blossoms, cannot, under any other mode, be properly seen. They should, particularly the former, have plenty of soil allowed them, which should consist of open loam, a greater quantity of peat, and a little sand ; if planted in a little prepared border they will do well. Copiously water them when growing. Place a good sized pot in an inverted position over them in the winter, to keep off water, &c. ; gather the seed if ripened in the autumn, and sow it early in the spring in very light open soil. Cuttings strike with little trouble in sand, and, if encouraged, will flower beautifully the same season. Kennedia bracteata, K. sericea, K. coccinea, K. Comptoniana, K. mono- phylla, K. ovata. These, like the preceding, are in no place so advantageously seen as when trained up a column six or seven feet high ; they are greenhouse plants of the first character, for beauty of foliage and flowers ; all of them grow well in strongish soil, composed of two parts peat to one of loam, except K. coccinea, which, being more delicate, requires a rather lighter soil, composed of sand and peat. ON THE TREATMENT OP A FEW GREENHOUSE PLANTS. H5 Water them freely, and take care not to let the water at any time stand at the roots. K. monophylla does exceedingly well planted in a border in the greenhouse or conservatory ; in this situation it will grow strong, and will therefore require more water than when growing in a pot. Cuttings of the whole, planted in a pot of sand, in a little heat, under a bell-glass, will root freely. Burtonia conferta, is a pretty little plant with heath-like foliage, but to manage it well is a matter of much difficulty. The most frequent error committed in the management of it is over watering, this cannot be too cautiously guarded against, as it is extremely tenacious of moisture. In potting, use a little peat and sand, with a trifling portion of loam incorporated through the whole, but be careful to drain well with reduced potsherds. Let it, at all times, enjoy an unencumbered situation in the greenhouse, where light and air can reach it without interruption. Cuttings taken when the wood is tolerably fine, and put in sand under a bell-glass, will, with care, produce roots. Boronia Pinnata. An elegant little greenhouse plant, producing its pink flowers early in the spring, which diffuse a scent like that of the hawthorn. This species has many admirers, but there are few that can grow it well. It should in summer be much attended to, as regards the application of water, which must always be given in moderate quantities, otherwise the plant will sustain injury. Pot it in sandy peat, observing to drain well, and be mindful not to let the pot room be over. much. It delights in plenty of light and air, and will therefore do better if not much crowded with other plants. Cuttings require particular attention, for they are very liable to damp while in the striking pot ; they should be potted in sand, with a glass put over them, and afterwards set in a cool frame ; the lights of which should be occasionally taken off to allow the cuttings to dry, otherwise they are very likely to go off from excessive moisture. Helichrysum. This genus is amongst the best of our greenhouse plants, and is tolerably easy of culture. The species are much esteemed for the brilliancy of their flowers, not only when growing, but also when preserved in a dried state. The annual species should be raised on a hotbed, and afterwards, if they be trans- planted or potted, let them be removed to a warm situation. They are all natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and will do well potted in sandy peat. Care in watering is particularly required in all, but perhaps more so in H. proliferum and fulgidum ; these we have more than once observed to suffer from a super-abundance of this element. They are not easily propagated ; still, cuttings put in sand and placed in a moderate heat, not covered with a glass, carefully watered, may, with attention, be brought to produce roots. Epacris, Eucalyptus, Pimelea. Most of the species contained in these three genera are very valuable plants ; and we may add, that the greater part of them are natives of New Holland, and therefore form a part of our greenhouse collections. They thrive best in a peaty soil, although some of the stronger growing species of the Eucalyptus, for instance the E. paucijiora and perfoliata, require a loamy soil. Water may be given freely to all of them while growing. Cuttings will strike readily potted in sand, placed under a bell-glass. 116 NEW AND RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS AND FLORISTS' MAGAZINE FOR APRIL. Botanical Register. Edited by Dr. Lindley, each number containing eight figures; coloured 4*., plain 3s. ; and corresponding letter-press. Botanical Magazine. Edited by Dr. Hooker, each number containing eigbt plates ; coloured 3s. 6d., plain 3*. ; and corresponding letter-press. British Flower-Garden. Edited by Mr. David Don. Containing four plates ; coloured 8*., plain 2s. 3d. ; and corresponding letter-press. Florists' Magazine. By F. W. Smith. Containing four monthly plates, highly coloured ; several plates with two figures ; large size 4,?., small 2*. 6d. ; and corresponding letter-press. Of the above figures, we have only selected such as are new or very rare ; and amongst these, only such as deserve to be extensively cultivated. For descriptions and figures, reference must be made to the works themselves. CLASS I PLANTS WITH TWO COTYLEDONS (DICOTYLEDONE^). THE FLAX TRIBE (LINE^). Linum Berendieri. Berendier's yellow-flowered Flax. An exceedingly beautiful and new species of Linum, found by Mr. Drummond at Rio Brazos, and San Felipe in the same country, and introduced to the gardens of this country in 1835. Its flowers, which are a beautiful rich orange yellow, are produced in August. It will grow very well in a cold frame, but it is probable it will prove a hardy annual, and a most valuable acquisition to our gardens. Bot. Mag., 3480. (melastomaceje.) Ch-3Etogastra gracilis. Slender Chaetogastra. An extremely beautiful melastomaceous perennial plant, first found by several travellers in Brazil, but afterwards collected by Mr. Tweedie, at Rio Grande de Sul in South Brazil, who sent seed to the Glasgow Botanic Garden, from which the present plant in question was raised. Its blossoms, which are of a faded rose colour, are produced abou June; it requires the heat of the stove, and from the large handsome character of its flowers will, no doubt, prove a desirable but variable object. Bot. Mag. 3481, (compositje). Rhodante Manglesii. Captain Mangles' Rhodante. A beautiful hardy annual, producing brilliant rose coloured and yellow blossoms early in the summer months. In July, Professor Lindley observes, it becomes shabby, and by the beginning of August its seeds are ripe, and its life departed. It was introduced by Captain Mangles, R.N., who brought seeds from the Swan River Colony, New Holland, to the gardens of Robert Mangles, Esq., of Sunning Hill. It is hardy, but plants raised from seeds, and grown in an airy part of the greenhouse in pots, for select purposes, will flower beautifully ; but there is no doubt of its doing well and flowering freely in the open air in the flower garden. Bot. Mag., 3483. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 117 THE WATER-LEAF TRIBE (hYDROPHYLLEJe). Nemophila insignis. Showy Nemophila. This is one of the many highly ornamental plants of California, for the discovery and introduction of which to our gardens, we are indebted to the exertions of the lamented Douglas. The flowers are large, and of so bright a blue that no artificial colouring can do justice to them. It blossoms in July and August. JBot. Mag., 3485. THE HEATH TRIBE (ERICEJE). Zenobia speciosa. Showy Zenobia. An evergreen shrub of very great beauty, a native of swamp and boggy grounds in both Carolinas. It was introduced to our collections by Messrs. Fraser, about 1800 ; since which it has become a favourite ornament in our flower-gardens. Two varities are met with, differing a little in the outline of their leaves, and in the absence or presence of the white bloom with which they are frequently covered. Both varieties are readily propagated by layers. They should be grown in a soil composed of sandy peat, with the addition of about a fifth part of loam, and the plants should be plentifully supplied with water during the summer, especially if the season and situation happen to be dry. Brit. Fl. Garden, 330. (ERICEiE). Rhododendron flavum ; var. coronarium. Garland flowered Rose Bay. A bushy deciduous shrub, producing flowers of a rich yellow in large compact clusters. This plant was imported from Holland ; the gardens of which have been long famed for the extent and beauty of their collections of varieties of this genus. It may be regarded as the handsomest of the yellow flowered kinds, and will grow best in a mixture of sandy peat and loam ; the best mode of increasing them is by layers. Brit. Fl. Garden, 331. THE CAMPANULA TRIBE (CAMPANULACE^). Campanula Loreyi. Lorey's Bell Flower. An extremely beautiful hardy annual, producing blossoms of a deep blue colour. It is of very easy culture, thriving in almost any kind of soil, and ripening its seeds freely in the open border, where the plant may be occasionally left to sow itself. Grown in patches, or as an edging to flower borders ; it is highly ornamental from its dwarf and slender habit ; a succession of bloom is maintained throughout the summer and autumn months. Brit. Fl. Garden, 332: THE PEA TRIBE (LEGUMINOSiE). Kennedia Stirlingi. Sir James Stirling's Kennedia. A graceful green- house trailing plant, native of the Swan River. It was raised by Robert Mangles, Esq., of Whitmore Lodge, from seeds given to him by Sir James Stirling, Governor of the colony, in compliment to whom it has been named. Its flowers, which are seen in April, are of a bright scarlet ; it will, doubtless, be easily propagated by cuttings. Bot. Reg., 1845. THE ROSE-TRIBE (ROSACEJE). Crataegus micro carpa. Small-fruited Thorn. This interesting species of Crataegus is, according to Elliott, a native of the upper districts of Georgia and Carolina. It was also collected by Mr. Drummond in the province of Texas. 118 NEW AND RARE PLANTS. The flowers, which are white, appear in May or the beginning- of June ; the fruit is red, but does not make much show upon the branches. Bot. Reg., 1846. Crataegus heterophylla. Various-leaved Hawthorn. This is amongst the handsomest species of this genus. When well grown, it forms a dense pyramidal head, produces leaves the first of the genus, and is soon covered with a mantle of snow-white blossoms. After the latter have fallen away, the leaves become fully developed, and from their shining surface, neat figure and firmness of texture, render the tree a beautiful object. Finally, the rich crimson of the numerous leaves, which adorn the branches in the last days of Autumn, harmonizes beautifully with the fading verdure of the leaves. Bot. Reg., 1847. (onagrarije). Godetia lepida. Smart Godetia. A pretty new annual, found in California by Mr. Douglas. It was raised in the gardens of the Horticultural Society in July, 1835. It is a handsome species, producing blossoms of arose colour, and the centre of each petal is marked with a spot of crimson; which gives it, when in full bloom, a very striking appearance. Bet. Reg., 1849. < « (composite.) Oxyura chrysanthemoides. Ox-eye-like Oxyura. A hardy annual, with yellow flowers of considerable beauty, resembling in aspect the Chrysanthemum coronarium. It was found in California, by Mr. Douglas and produces its flowers about the months of August and September, ripening seeds in abundance. Bot. Reg., 1850. (ternstrcemiaceje). Camellia anemoniflora and Rosa mundi. The anemoniflora is a hybrid, produced between the Red Waratah and Pomponia, or Kew blush ; it partakes of the free growth and ample foliage of the Waratah, and the form of the flower ; but the centre is much improved, by partaking of the delicacy of the Pomponia. It is lighter than the surrounding petals, and partially mottled with a more delicate salmon-colour. It was raised by Mr. James Dickson, of Acre Lane, Clapham, of whom it may be procured. Rosa mundi is one of those beautiful striped varieties which does honour to the perseverance of Camellia amateurs. Its centre is not of the most perfect character. Flor. Mag., No. X. THE HEATH TRIBE (ERICEJE). Rhododendron campanulatum. Bell-flowered Rose bay. This magnificent plant is a native of the lofty mountains of the north of Nepal, called Gosaingsthan, and was introduced by Dr. Wallich. The flowers are of a very large size, of a pure white, delicately tinged with a subdued rose colour towards their extremities ; of a bell-shape, divided into five nearly equal lobes, the top one is decorated with crimson spots nearly to the base, which is generally of a very warm white. The flowers are individually about two inches and a quarter across, growing in a corymbose cluster, of about twelve or fifteen in number. It is expected, that this species will endure more severe weather than many of its congeners from North America, as it was found at a much higher elevation, therefore, a much colder ; but it has not yet NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 119 been exposed to our winters, and perhaps it may not bear them without the protec- tion of a greenhouse or conservatory. Flor. Mag., No. X. THE CHICKWEED TRIBE (cARYOPHYLLE^). Picotees. Miss Miller and Emperor of China. Miss Miller was raised from seed by Mr. Pinder, of Croydon. It is a flower of great merit ; the colours are very brilliant and rich, the crimson markings being so distinct, and the greatest quantity being contrasted with the pure white in the centre of each petal, make it a flower of great interest. Its form is also good. Emperor of China is one of those novel flowers which Mr. Hogg has imported from Germany. It is a pleasing flower, full of well disposed petals, which are brilliantly marked with stripes of bright scarlet. Highly worthy the attention of amateurs. Flor. Mag., No. X. ■ (liliace^e). Tulips. Solon and Esther. Solon is a fine flower, raised from seed, and broke by the late W. Clarke, Esq., of Croydon. It is a first or second row flower, of a novel and bold appearance ; the petals are remarkably broad, and the shape of the flowering fine. / Esther is a very striking flower, the colour is brilliant and rich, and when the flower expands, the peculiar manner of its markings forms a complete star. Flor. Mas:, No. X. CLASS II.— PLANTS WITH ONE COTYLEDON (MONOCOTYLEDONE./E). ORCHIS TRIBE (ORCHIDE^E). Peristeria pendula. Pendulous Dove flower. This fine plant was imported, with many other varieties, from Demarara, by John Allcard, Esq., in whose stove* at Stratford Green, it flowered in January of the present year. The flowers are of a pale greenish white without ; within, tinged with blush and sprinkled with purple dots. " This, and the species P. elata, are the only species that we are at present acquainted with in this country." Bot. Mag., 3479. the narcissus tribe (amaryllideje). Cooperia chlorosolen. Green tubed Cooperia. This interesting little plant flowered in the greenhouse a Spofforth, about the beginning of January ; it differs from C. Drummondi, in having a much larger limb, the tube green, and the sepals lined with green on the outside ; the leaves longer and wider, the filaments free from the tube one eighth instead of one sixteenth, and the style shorter than the tube. Bot. Mag., 3482. THE ORCHIS TRIBE (ORCHIDE^). Angrjecum caudatum. Long-tailed Angrsecum. A most remarkable new species of Angraecum, imported from Sierra Leone by Messrs. Loddiges, in whose collection it flowered in August last. Professor Lindley says, it is one of the most difficult of the tribe to manage successfully. In the nursery at Hackney, it is attached to a piece of wood, suspended from the roof of the stove for epiphytes. Bot. Reg., 1844. 120 OPERATIONS FOR JUNE. Agave Americana, or American Aloe, now brought out of the greenhouse and placed on the lawn or in the flower-garden, will have a good and pretty effect. Alonsoa acutifolia, and its varieties, will make a pretty show if planted in a small bed or group by themselves ; some time this month they may be safely put out. Bulbs of all kinds that have done flowering should now be gradually dried off. Be cautious to secure the labels proper to the respective pots, or confusion will ensue when the plants are grown next season, and cause some trouble to rectify. Balsams, Coxcombs, and other tender annuals, now require great attention ; to make noble specimens, give water in abundance, use good rich compost, and pot as often as required, and they will grow and flower well. Bouvardia triphylla, if treated as recommended for March, may now be planted out in the flower-garden or other suitable place ; if a little sheltered the better. China Asters, and other showy annuals, should now be planted out in their respective places. Dianthus. The favourite plants of this genus, such as Carnations, Pinks, &c, should in this month be propagated. Pipings carefully prepared and potted, and plunged in a moderate heat, will make young roots tolerably free ; a temporary hotbed, made of any coarse fermenting materials, will answer. See Vol. I., page 68 to 73. Dahlias continue to plant, but bear in mind, that the nights at this season are sometimes cold, and consequently liable to injure very young or tender plants. A slight protection will be necessary and effectual. Greenhouse plants, particularly those that are growing freely, should now have a good supply of water. Insects. — Greenfly and thrip, so destructive to stove plants, &c, should now be carefully watched. Impregnation or crossing should be carried on, whenever an opportunity offers to effect it. Lobelias should now be planted out in beds, and they will make a fine show in the autumn. Layering, inarching, &c, performed in the two preceding months, should now be attended to, and other operations effected in such species as will admit of working at this season. Orange and lemon trees may be removed from the greenhouse to a favourable situation in the flower-garden. 121 PHACELIA VINIFOLIA. (VINE-LEAVED PHACELIA.) CLASS. ORDER. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. BORAGINEvE. Generic Character Calyx persistent. Corolla bell-shaped (campanulate), five cleft. Stamens exserted. Style short. Stigma divided at the apex, long. Specific Character Annual, clothed over every part with very minute hairs (pilose) or down (pubes- cent). Stem about eighteen inches high, slender, somewhat branching. Calyx linear five-cleft, each about a third shorter than the corolla. Corolla spreading, divided into five ovate, obtuse lobes, of a very bright blue colour, the lustre of which gradually diminishes towards the centre, where a yellow eye is formed, which gives a remarkably striking effect to the expanded flower. Stamens five. Filaments weak, inserted into a kind of sheath near the base of the corolla. Anthers yellow. Style the length of the filaments when these are erect, a character they by no means seem true to. Flowers produced in loose, lateral, leafless panicles. An extremely pretty little plant, producing flowers which rival in colour that elegant annual recently figured in Bot. Mag. 3485, being only surpassed by the surperior size of the corolla ; it flowers freely, and, unlike its rival, is of a very neat-growing habit. The free disposition to flower, and ample, not crowded, foliage, combined with its neat growth, render it desirable in a high degree as an autumnal ornament for the flower garden. This is another of the many contributions so conspicuous in our Magazine, communicated by our numerous friends in and about Manchester, whose zeal and success in the cultivation of exotic plants is of the highest tone ; the present sample was furnished, some time back, by Mr. Campbell, curator of the Botanic Garden at that place. The seed from which the plant was obtained was imported by the late much respected Mr. Drummond, from Texas. An open rich loamy garden soil will suit it, and the readiest way, we expect, by which it can be increased, is from seeds, and it is very probable that it will ripen these in abundance. The generic name alludes to the flowers, which are disposed in fascicled spikes. The leaves of this pretty little new annual being so much like those of the vine, we have been led to adopt for it a specific name " vinifolia ;" although, from the little knowledge we have of the plant, we suspect it will not be found to continue true to that character. If it should prove that the leaves are liable to vary much in form, we suggest " heterophylla " as a specific name, as in that case being more descriptive of the plant. VOL. Ill — NO. xxx. R ■ / 123 AZALEA RAWSONII. (c. rawson's azalea.) CLASS. ORDER. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. RHODORACEiE. Generic Character. — See Vol. 1, pages 126, 129. Specific Character. — Plant a dwarf bushy shrub, two feet high. Leaves ovate, of a dark green colour, somewhat paler on the under-side. Flowers produced at the extremity of almost every branch, invariably three in number, of the most intense tints, surpassing in lustre the coloured figure. Anthers varying in number from five to ten. We are indebted to Mr. John Menzies, gardener to Christopher Rawson, Esq., F.G.S., of Hope House, near Halifax, for this superb new hybrid Azalea, who raised it from seeds collected by himself, and sown in 1832. In a letter from Mr. Menzies, he states as his belief that it is produced between A. phcenicea and Rhododendron dauricum atrovirens, and this we think very pro- bable from the existing similarity of appearance in these two plants. If, from this circumstance, we may judge of the habit of the one figured, it is very probable that it will prove nearly hardy ; but whether it does or does not, it is decidedly an improved feature in this charming family, from which we are encouraged still to look forward with a glowing anticipation for something, if possible, still more beautiful. To the example here set by Mr. Menzies, and others who have preceded him in the delightful work of hybridisation, we solicitously call the attention of our practical brethren, &c. in whose exertions we will gladly and actively co-operate. It is named in compliment to C. Rawson, Esq., F.G.S., with whom Mr. Menzies has lived as gardener for many years. The generic name is from the Greek avaXeoc, dry, arid, in allusion either to the place where the plant is found, or to the dry brittle nature of the wood. The soil used by Mr. Menzies for his Azaleas is, equal parts of leaf soil and heath mould, with a small portion of hazel loam. ■MSmUA 125 BEGONIA PLATANIFOLIA, (PLATANUS-LEAVED BEGONIA.) CLASS. ORDER. MONCECIA. NATURAL ORDER. BEGONIACEJE. POLYANDRIA Generic Character. — Male destitute of calyx. Petals four, the opposite two the largest. Stamens many. Female also without any calyx. Petals four to six. Capsules inferior, three angled, winged, three-celled, many-seeded. Specific Character Plant shrubby, from eight to ten feet high, erect, seldom branched ; producing, when well grown, leaves upwards of a foot in diameter. This plant is rarely met with in a flowering- state in the stoves of this country; a circumstance probably accounting for its limited circulation, and the more frequent occurrence of other species of this genus, most of which are in many particulars inferior, and very distinct from the one we have figured. Our drawing was made, about the latter end of last autumn, from a sample kindly furnished by our friend Mr. Cameron, of the Birmingham Botanical Garden, with whom it flowered beautifully in the stove. It is a plant frequently seen in the collections about Paris, and is stated to flower freely in that country. The plants of this genus partake somewhat of a succulent habit, and are generally more admired from the circumstance of the neatness of their leaves, which are oblique at the base, than from any trace of beauty in their flowers ; they grow with little difficulty among other plants in a bark stove, potted in a light loamy rich soil. Propagation is readily effected by cuttings, planted in sand in heat; or by seeds (if such can be obtained), is a ready mode of increasing them. The generic name is given in honour of Michael Begon, whose exertions in the promotion of Botany were conspicuous in the seventeenth century. It is a native of Brazil, introduced from the Berlin Gardens by the late R. Barclay, Esq., in the autumn of 1829. 127 DICHORIZANDRA THYRSIFLORA. (tHYRSE-FLOWERED DICHORIZANDRA.) CLASS. ORDER. HEXANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. natural order. COMMELINEjE. Generic Character Calyx of three leaves, concave. Petals three. Stamens six, two of which are separated from the rest. Capsules three-sided and three-valved. Specific Character. — A shrubby perennial herbaceous plant, from three to four feet high. Leaves smooth, of an oval-lanceolate shape, waved at the edges, and clasping the stem at the base, shining. Flowers produced in a dense erect thyrse, of a bright rich blue colour, making, when expanded, a lively show. This plant is handsome, and highly worthy ol cultivation, — first, on account of its being- easy to cultivate ; secondly, for its free disposition to flower ; and lastly, on account of the immense number of blossoms produced on a single raceme, which not unfrequently exceeds six inches in length, and these of so rich a blue as to render it in a flowering- state very desirable as an autumnal ornament for the stove. Our drawing was made from a plant in the collection of Mr. Clowes, of Man- chester, which flowered beautifully in his stove about the middle of last autumn. To grow it well, a compost of rich but light soil should be prepared, composed of sandy loam, peat, and a little decayed vegetable mould, the two former in equal portions ; in this the plant should be potted, allowing a good shift ; afterwards place them in a warm part of the stove, observing to frequently syringe, and when grow- ing giving them a liberal supply of water ; of this element they delight in a good quantity, providing attention has been paid to drainage, which is of the first importance. It was raised from seed some years ago received from the Brazils, where, Mr. Milkan informs us, the species is found wild at about thirty miles' distance rom Rio Janeiro. The generic name is taken from the Greek, and implies the separation of two of the anthers from the rest. The specific name alludes to the panicle or spike bearing the flowers, they being closely set thereon. 129 ON THE MYRTLE TRIBE OF PLANTS. If we except the rose, that universal favourite, the theme of the poet, and the pride of every garden, we are not aware of any plant which is accompanied with more pleasurable associations than the myrtle. It is one of the loveliest of evergreens ; elegant in its growth, graceful in its .figure ; its leaves are not only beautiful, but they abound with a fragrant essential oil of peculiar quality; and its flowers, of dazzling white, pencilled with light airy stamens, each supporting a beautiful anther, are absolutely " redolent of sweets." This charming evergreen is so retentive of its brilliant foliage, that, to borrow the expression of Dr. Lindley, it seems as if it " were intended to make us forget that winter has power over vegetation," It is not our intention, however, to make the beauties of this species the chief subject of the present article ; we select it as the type of an order from which we hope to point out a few of the characteristics of what is now, par excellence, designated — the natural system of botany. We do this with the greater pleasure, because the members of the tribe are generally plants of great elegance, and moreover possess a peculiarity of structure which may very happily be adduced to explain the construction of the new system, and to point out in what way it differs from the artificial classification of the great Linnseus. The study of botany is enchanting as it is useful ; it is a pity, therefore, that its pursuit should be hampered by difficulties ; but so it is with all that is human, and we must submit. To those, therefore, who have been educated in the Linnsean system, we say " Go on, abandon it not, you have proved by experience the facilities it affords, the light it communicates ; but be not prejudiced against that classification which embraces and teaches the knowledge of the physiological struc- ture of vegetable organisation," To young students, whose opinions remain unformed, we recommend the im- partial investigation of the elements of both systems. In the four numbers on botany, already published by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, and in Dr. Lindley's " Ladies " Botany (Ridgway), the reader may obtain a sufficient insight of the leading principles of the natural system, which, in point of fact, may be considered the Science of Physiological Botany. If the student be inclined to investigate deeply, we recommend him to make himself-acquainted with the prin- ciples of this science ; but caution him, at the same time, that difficulties and perplexities will attend his progress ; if, on the other hand, he wish merely to dis- criminate genera, to acquire the art of classing plants, and of assigning them a " local habitation and a name," we refer him to the classification of Linnaeus. Therein is light, precision, and arrangement approaching to perfection. Heretofore the natural system has been a mass of confusion ; and even now, improved as it has been by the zeal of a Lindley, it is unsettled, unfinished, and subject to perpetual revisals, addi- tions, and alterations. But not to dwell on the merits and deficiences of that, to which we cordially VOL. Ill NO. XXX. S 130 ON THE MYRTLE TRIBE OF PLANTS. wish success, we come at once to the object we had in view when we commenced this article. The myrtle tribe is one of the orders of the system. Its title is Myrtacece, and it is found in the first Grand Division, in which all the plants are of a vascular structure {yasculares), in contradistinction from the subjects of the second grand division, whose stems at least are entirely cellular (cellular es), and unfurnished with tubular vessels and woody fibre. The first division contains two great classes, and our Myrtacece is a member of the first of these, inasmuch as its seeds have two lobes, whence the term Dicotyledones. This great class is again subdivided ; and its first division comprises all those plants which have calyx and corolla (Dichla- mydcect). Again, this first subdivision has three subclasses, viz., 1st. Thalami- jlorce, wherein (as in Ranunculus) the petals and stamens are attached to the re- ceptacle. 2nd. Calycijlorce, wherein the petals, and frequently the stamens, are seated on the sepals, or calyx-leaves, as in the greater number of fruit trees; for instance in Pyrus, Prunus, Persica, Amygdalus, cum multis aliis. 3rd. Corolli- jlora. Here we find the corolla monopetalous, inferior, or below the germen, and the stamens attached to it, and not as in the two preceding subclasses. Now, let any one acquainted with botanical structure take a flower of the myrtle, and he will, after a short investigation, be convinced that it must be referred to the second sub-class of the first sub-division ; because it has a great number of stamens not attached either to the petals or receptacles ; that the petals are seated on the calyx, and therefore that it has both calyx and corolla; in a word, that it belongs to the 12th Linnean class — Icosandria. But the order Myrtacece is not founded solely upon the number or position of the stamens, and therefore it contains many genera which are not found in the 12th class ; this circumstance will be noticed more particularly, but we must previously endeavour to find out the number as well as the position of the order ; and in so doing shall detect one of the imperfections of the system. When the Encyclopedia of Plants appeared in 1829, Myrtacece formed the order Ixiii of the sub-class, and the order itself was again subdivided into three tribes ; the 1st. termed Baccata, contained eleven genera, the fruit or seed-vessel of which is a berry. The 2nd, Capsulares, comprised nine families having capsular seed-vessels. The 3rd, called Lecythidece ; in this, the three genera differed from those of the two foregoing tribes, the fruit being either a drupe or vessel enclosed within a leathery rind. The plants (genera) of distinguished beauty and excellence were seen in the first tribe : viz., Myrtus, the tree myrtle, and type of the order, with ten varieties of the common myrtle, hardy tenants of the greenhouse ; the lovely but captious woolly- leaved pink-flowered myrtle, native of China ; and that most fragrant stove-ever- green, the pimenta-leaved myrtle, M. pimentoides, formerly termed broad-leaved pimenta. 2. Pimenta vulgaris, or true allspice, pimenta, or Jamaica pepper. These two plants are rarely met with in our stoves, and we regret their absence; the former is more fragrant, and as an evergreen is more desirable, inasmuch as it ON THE MYRTLE TRIBE OP PLANTS. 131 is more hardy, or at least more accommodating to the treatment usually bestowed on it by our cultivators. 3. Psidium, the Guava. This is a most interesting- family ; and the purple- fruited, or Cattley's guava is, perhaps, the most perfect and graceful evergreen that an amateur of plants ought to desire, or even can possess ; it may be raised from seeds, by cuttings, or by layers ; grows freely, fruits early, and yields eatable berries as large as a prize gooseberry, resembling, with the exception of the colour, a small orange. Any climate in greenhouse, vinery, or stove, not reduced below 45 degrees of Fahrenheit, suits it well ; and, in addition to its many excellencies, the fruit is calculated to furnish a delicious guava jelly ; in its flowers, it is obviously a true member of Myrtacece. Punica, the pomegranate, formed one of the eleven genera ; but it has recently been removed, and now constitutes an order by itself, Granateee. In the second tribe, Capsulares, we perceived those ornaments of the conserva- tory Metrosideros, Melaleuca, und Calothamnus, with their beautiful tufty , pencils of gorgeously-tinted stamens ; the first of these belongs to Icosandria Monogynia ; the two others to Polyadelphia Polyandria ; the pretty small-leaved Leptospevmums, hardy conservatory or greenhouse evergreens, are more nearly allied to the true Myrti. Thus far we have followed the guidance of the Encyclopaedia ; but if we turn to the catalogue of the Hortus Britannicus of 1832, we perceive that Myrtacece has become the lxxxivth natural order, and, therefore, that no fewer than twenty three intermediate orders have been added to the list. A great change also has been effected in the arrangement of the order ; which no longer consists of three tribes, distinguished by the structure of the seed-vessels, but six tribes founded upon other bases, thus : 1. Chamcelanchiece denotes the dwarfish angular figure of the plants ; 2. Leptospermice, the similitude of the genera to their type Lepto- spermum ; 3. Myrtece, the same, &c. &c. &c. Not to be more prolix, we merely add that the list of the orders in the first grand division wae, in 1832, increased to two hundred and ten; and these are divided and sub-divided into tribes, sub-tribes, and the like, to an extent that makes the memory to quail. As new plants flow in, new orders must be, and are, originated to meet the occasion ; till we are almost tempted to exclaim with Macbeth, * "What! will the line stretch out the crack of doom? " These eternal alterations, changes of positions, and new creations, form the great blot of the system : a stumbling block is thereby thrown in the way of the inquiring many, who cannot but perceive that the twenty-four simple classes of Linneeus, with all their imperfections, furnish a locality for every new introduction, almost if not entirely, without exception, to which it can appropriately be referred, without violence to the characters of its inflorescence. We arrive, then, at the following inevitable conclusion ; that the Linnaean system is a simple, well regulated whole, perfect in its structure, and easily available ; 132 ORNAMENTAL BASKETS. it therefore is, and must remain, the vade mectcm of the many. The natural classification is, on the contrary, the system of the learned few ; it is unfinished, unformed, and to this day is composed of disjointed materials, grand in its object, comprehensive in its design, but so hampered with difficulties that it is but too likely to remain " a sealed book, a hidden mystery." We now arrive at the point from which we started ; and shall quote the characters which distinguish and illustrate the order Myrtacece, as we find them in the Encyclopedia of Plants, and Hortus Britannicus. " Dotted leaves, with marginal ribs, and an inferior ovarium and single style, are the great features of Myrtacece . They are all fine evergreen shrubs or trees, generally bearing white flowers, and in the first section (tribe) i( producing fleshy, fruit," &c. &c. " The volatile oil contained in the little reservoirs of the bark, the leaves, and the floral envelopes, gives these plants a fragrance, which has caused; them to be celebrated by the poets of old." " There is also a considerable propor- tion of the astringent principle in these plants ; in the bark of the pomegranate it is very obvious." " The leaves of the Chilian myrtles, Leptospermum scoparium, and some other species, have been used as substitutes for tea." (See farther, En. PL p. 1068, order Ixiii.) Punica has been subsequently removed, and now is referred to Granatecs. " This order consists of one genus, the well known pomegranate ; it differs from Myrtacece, in the leaves being destitute of pellucid dots, as well as the seeds being enveloped in pulp." {Hort. Brit., p. 513, order lxx.) The reader has now before him, a fair, and one of the most pleasing specimens, of the plan ; he thence can draw a sort of inference on the general arrangement of the new classification. We hope soon to resume the subject, to cite other examples ; and in doing so, to present to the lover of nature some more of those exquisite productions which charm the senses, while they instruct the under- standing. ORNAMENTAL BASKETS FOR PLANTING GREENHOUSE PLANTS IN. It is only under certain circumstances, that it js" thought advisable to expose greenhouse plants during the summer season ; or, in other words, to turn them out of doors during the three months of summer, or perhaps till the middle or latter end of September. In cases where the greenhouses are wholly devoted to the cultivation of this kind of plants, and the house well and properly constructed, it is certainly to be allowed that they will do much better if kept in the whole season ; receiving, every fine day, a free circulation of air from all the moveable sashes and ventilators ; but in places where the number of species of greenhouse plants is small, and accomodation scanty — perhaps only one greenhouse, and this a small one — it is ORNAMENTAL BASKETS. 138 commendable to remove, in the summer months, all duplicates, and the hardier or coarser kinds, to the out-door situation ; for if they are injured by being- exposed to the open air, they will, shortly after being1 re-introduced, recover what they may have lost in leaves or branches; and the stage in the greenhouse, previously occupied by greenhouse plants, may be filled with tender annuals, which will make a very gay appearance when in bloom, besides adding- an additional feature of interest, an acquisition so very desirable, particularly in small places. Nor would we only recommend that duplicates or the coarser kinds be taken out, but that every species (making very particular ones exceptions) be removed to a proper, situation. The principal objections urged in favour of turning greenhouse plants out are, that in the greenhouse they are exposed to the direct rays of the sun, and consequently the roots being often found at the inside surface of the pots, suffer injury from being dried up from the too great, in this instance, degree of heat, and what gives much force to this argument is, that it is our best and most choice species that suffer most in this case. The result of this is, that a brown and sickly aspect is given to the plants, and not unfrequently renders them naked, by the premature decay of many of their leaves. These disadvantages, if such they can be called, are easily remedied by shading the house slightly with canvass, which is easily, and with a trifling cost, effected. In places where a greenhouse solely devoted to greenhouse plants is kept, it is most frequently found to be upon a large scale, and consequently it would be found no very easy matter to furnish the stage with annual or other plants, after the proper greenhouse plants were taken away ; and if this were indifferently done, the house, always intended to be a place of interest and amusement, would become neglected and unfrequented for the want of something to realise the objects it was erected purposely to create. We would say, inferring from the little advantage or loss accruing from the practice of either systems, that, in places where a large greenhouse is, to turn out of doors all duplicates in the summer season is commendable, thus making more room for the remainder to grow ; and in the autumn the duplicates may be re-introduced without injury, as they will bear to stand much closer in the winter than in the summer : on the other hand, where only a small greenhouse is kept, it is commendable to expose all during three or four months in the summer, and the greenhouse made up as before noticed. The situation best suited for plants of this description, is one rather sheltered on all sides, particularly from the wind in the west, and intense sun southward ; if the situation is bleak, they are liable in windy weather to be blown over, which a judiciously selected spot will prevent ; too great an exposure to the sun is injurious, inasmuch as it is liable to scorch the foliage and give the plants a sickly appearance. An east or a north east aspect is to be preferred. We have seen a very pleasing effect created by planting the commonest kinds of greenhouse plants in beds in the flower-garden, and placing in a novel manner, round the margin, a kind of planed lath, of a foot or more in length, so as to allow three or more inches to fasten each in the ground ; and across the centre of the bed a half circular hoop is bent, which, when neatly executed, will represent a wicker basket filled with living plants in full bloom. The accompanying diagrams 1 and 2 134 ORNAMENTAL BASKETS. will afford the best idea of the plan. First, form the bed of whatever shape is most desirable ; then, after adjusting the soil, select as great a variety of the refuse of the greenhouse plants as is practicable, and plunge them in the soil, previously having divested them of the pots. In plunging, observe to let those occupying the centre of the bed stand higher than the rest, so as, when completed, a gradual slope may be effected from the centre to the border of the clump. In working in the laths, a small nail will be required at each crossing, in order that they may stand fast. When this is completed all round, the bow should be carried across, which will represent the handle of the basket ; and to give an additional interest to the whole, a free growing creeper, of any common kind, may be trained over it, which will create the most pleasing effect imaginable. The whole may be painted of any colour that is thought most neat or desirable, — we should say blue or green is preferable. 135 AN EXPOSITION OF THE GENUS PiEONIA. Extensive, varied, beautiful, and curious are the countless objects com- prised in the collections of plants at present known in this country, blending the colours of their flowers into an indefinite variety of hues, and assuming shapes and odours to an equally numberless extent. Some from the dazzling colour of their petals are almost too gaudy to admit of the mind properly to form an estimate of, or conceive precisely the extent of their beauty ; others, by their neatness and . minute growth combine with their more noble brethren, and exhibit in their con- formation the traces of a divine hand, which call forth the noblest powers of the mind to investigate and admire. What form, what character, or what tint, says an eminent but ancient writer, can we not discover in one or other of nature's flowers ; and again, what, except the cheering beams of the sun, that renders the atmosphere congenial to our comfort, and stimulates vegetable nature into activity and newness of life, is there to render the earth attractive or admirable tothe pleasure-seeking traveller, or give an impulse to the musing bard, so powerful as that which nature displays in the growth of plants, or the development of their leaves and flowers ? In the endless variety and sub-variety of plants, and degrees, and sub-degrees of colour in their flowers, varying from the most brilliant and intense, to the more simple and unassuming, there is no one perhaps that rises higher in the scale of magnifi- cence than the genus Paeonia. For beauty and size of the flower, the paeony can scarcely be said to have a rival, and we find this exquisite property in the most ex<- tensive degree in the Chinese tree paeony, or Pceony Moutan, and its varieties. This plant, and its splendid varieties, are all hardy, and will endure the open air of Britain ; although they are in the flowering season occasionally housed, it is not done because they cannot stand the cold or frost, but on account of their blossoms being liable to be bruised and affected by rough winds. To flower them perfect and well, no place can equal a greenhouse, or, in cases where a greenhouse is not at hand, they may be brought to produce their magnificent blossoms in a high degree of perfection in glass frames, so constructed as to answer the size of the plants intended to flower in them. To grow good strong healthy plants that will flower well annually, it is necessary to apply the treatment recommended below. P. Moutan has given birth to many worthily esteemed and beautiful varieties, all of which in a great degree partake of the habit of the originals, and consequently require very similar treatment, as the following brief outline will show : — 1st. Plants, of whatever size or age, require a loamy soil ; still old established plants require this in a greater degree of strength than young ones. For young plants raised from seed, cuttings, &c, a loamy soil, blended with a little mellow sandy peat, we should say, will in general be found to suit them better than if loam alone is used ; and we feel persuaded that a little well rotted dung, mixed with the soil applied to old plants, will be found of some advantage. 2d. A situation not too much exposed to the sun, nor too a great degree shaded, is to be sought for them. Too much sun is apt to act so powerfully upon the branches as to prevent them from freely swelling, or properly forming their 136 AN EXPOSITION OF THE GENUS P7EONIA. buds. On the contrary, a densely shaded aspect is objectionable ; inasmuch as the wood in such situations does not properly ripen. No spot then can answer so well for them as one facing the east or inclined to south-east. 3rd. When in flower, and during- the growing- season, they require a good supply of water, but by no means should they be allowed to become saturated. When grown in pots, it is therefore indispensible to attend properly to drainage. 4th. Previous to the season of flowering them, which is from March to the latter end of May, or even sometimes as late as June, they should be removed to the greenhouse, or fame set apart for this purpose ; when as much air as possible should be given them until the flowers begin to expand, at which time they require a good deal :but in windy, cold weather it is necessary to be careful on this point lest injury ensue. 5th. Propagation. Cuttings of the young wood, with a portion of the preced- ing year's attached, prepared in August or September, and planted in a sheltered situation in light soil, will root freely. Also they may be increased by layering, but the readiest way is to strike them from cuttings. P. Moutan, with its varieties, are very ornamental, and produce beautiful blossoms, on which account they are cultivated to a considerable extent in the gardens throughout China and Japan. In its growth it forms a shrub from three to ten feet hig-h ; in China it is stated to exceed in height sometimes ten feet, but in this country it seldom exceeds half that height. The flowers, which show in the spring months, are single, and of a purple colour, generally fragrant. It is a native of the North of China, on mount Ho-nan. The leaves consist of a number of oval- oblong segments of a greenish-yellow colour underneath ; the number of carpels is five, each covered with dense hairs. Var. papaveracea is a nearly white flower, except a purple spot, which occupies the base of each petal ; the number of petals are variable, sometimes they run from eight to thirteen, and often more, in number. The flower, when well opened, is handsome, and with some people much esteemed. The capsules of this variety are totally enclosed in the disk. Var. humei. The flowers of this variety are double, and have a bunch of long petals arising from the middle of the flower of a reddish colour. It is worthy of cultivation. Var. rosea is a semi-double rose-coloured flower, with leaves having blunted segments. Var. rosea-plena is a fine double flower of a deep pink colour and nearly scentless. Var. Banksii. A large and full-blown flower of this and the three following varieties we have lately received from Lord Mountnorris's superb collection of moutans at Arley Hall ; they were forwarded to us, through his lordship's per- mission,!^ Mr. Hammond, his Lordship's present gardener. No where are these plants cultivated more successfully than at the place we have mentioned ; neither has Any one devoted more time, or exercised more zeal in the improvement of them, than his lordship, of which the flowers now before us bear ample proof. The present variety is a remarkable fine one ; the flowers are bold and very full of petal ; and AN EXPOSITION OP THE GENUS P^EONTA. 137 what renders them so superior is the rich colouring of reddish pink at the base of each petal reflecting indescribable lustre on the upper part of them, which is also slightly tinged with pink. Var. albida plena. A very beautiful and nearly double flower, with large petals jagged at the end, mostly of a white colour, except at the base, which is marked by a striking spot of purple mixed with pink. Var. camea plena. Double flowers, of a delicate purplish pink, with a rich purple rayed spot at the top of each. Var. Anneslei. Flowers small, almost single, of a rich purplish pink ; petals obcordate, usually nine in number, slightly torn at the margins, and of a dark colour at the base. The merits of the three following varieties were not known until they produced their flowers this spring, being seedlings raised by Mr. Hammond, from seed obtained by crossing. Superb-blush. A double flower, with well disposed petals slightly jagged at the top, of a blush colour that deepens towards the base, which is occupied by a lively pink ; segments of leaves long and acute. This is a very fine and desirable variety. Camea simplex. Flowers single ; petals large, and jagged at the edges, the upper part of a flesh colour, and the base of a dark purplish red. Flowers, when well expanded, measure in diameter something more than nine inches ; segments of leaves acute. This is a variety of much merit. Variegata is a striking semi-double flower with good qualities. We insert the following brief list of the herbaceous species and varieties, in order that any of our readers who may desire to possess a small collection, may know which kinds are necessary and advisable for them to purchase. But as it does not often happen that so great a quantity as are here noticed is wanted, we have given the season of flowering of most of them, and colour of their flowers, so that one or two, or more, as may be desired, may with little trouble be selected. P.albiflora produces its white flowers about May and June, and its native place is from Siberia to China. Var. Candida has pale flesh-coloured flowers, of frequently eight petals. Flower- ing in June. Var.fragrans. Double rose-coloured flowers, produced upon an erect stem three feet high. Var. Humei has very double red flowers. Var. Siberica. Pure white flowers, with flesh-coloured stigmas. May and June. Var. Tatarica has flesh-coloured flowers of from nine to fourteen petals, with flesh-coloured stigmas. Var. vestalis has white flowers of eight petals and pale yellow stigmas. May. Var. uniflora has white flowers, much like the Vestalis. Var. Whitegi. Pale blush flower produced upon a stem three feet high, bearing usually five flowers. Andersonii produces flowers of a deep rose-colour, with the petals a little curled. Anomala is characterised by its crimson drooping flowers, which it produces about May and June. VOL. III. NO. XXX. T 138 ON THE FORMATION OF A ROSARY. Arietina is a good flower, native of the Levant ; flowers about May and June. Cretica is a native of Crete, its flowers are white and blush. Decora produces deep crimson flowers about May or June. Var. Pallasii is a native of the Crimea, a tolerably good flower. Officinalis produces red or crimson flowers. Festiva is a flower of considerable merit. Var. camescens is a variety of Festiva, its flowers are very double, and of a deep rose colour. Var. rosea produces flowers of a deep rose colour. Var. rubra has very double dark purple flowers. This is the variety most common in gardens. Veer. Sabini produces very dark purple flowers in May or June. Paracloxa, var.fimbriata has very double flowers, and has been called the double- fringed paeony. Var. simplicijlora is a flower of eight petals, of little interest. Peregrina, var. compacta is a tolerably good flower, but possesses nothing very attractive. Pubens. Flowers large, of a dark purple colour, with yellow anthers. Villosa produces white flowers from May to July. Mollis is a small flower of a dull purplish red. Humilis has flowers of a purplish blood colour, the petals a little jagged ; it flowers about May or June. Tenuifolia produces fine dark red flowers, nestled as it were among the finely divided leaves. Daxteri is a good flower, rather scarce in collections ; as is also the splendens, but may be obtained of the Messrs. Loddiges at the Hackney Nursery. REMARKS ON THE FORMATION OF A ROSARY FOR SCOTCH ROSES. In Volume I. from pages 138 to 146, and Volume II. at pages 35, 41, 209, and 214, will be found a series of remarks, embracing the culture, propagation, and general treatment of the genus Pose. The remarks above alluded to are, in all respects, calculated to assist in the management of this interesting family, whether on an extensive or a limited scale. The true species of this genus have, by the as- siduously applied skill of cultivators, given birth to a numberless variety of hybrids, many of which surprisingly surpass the original stock, for richness of colour and dispo- sition of the flower ; and from this quality, hold a prominent rank in the estimation of everj' admirer of this delightful family. These varieties are again improved, by a dis- tinct operation to that of multiplying varieties from seed gathered from flowers, which had been previously impregnated, by introducing to the stigma the pollen from the stamens of other flowers ; this is effected by uniting a branch or scion deemed fit lor the operation, to the trunk or stem of another, for the purpose of causing the introduced branch to grow more freely, and thus produce a greater number of ON THE FORMATION OP A ROSARY. 139 blossoms, and these improved ones ; or by this unity the object sought is, to form a plant of the kind introduced of a peculiar and novel shape, or in the case of them being- grafted upon standards five or six feet high, to allow other plants to grow underneath them. Experience has taught, that certain kinds, brought to unite with other specified kinds, will grow and flower better than they would if worked indiscriminately upon any stock ; directions for this, and the best way of performing it, are given at the pages before quoted. Many systems have been devised, and plans laid down, by men of much practice, for the formation of a plot of ground intended to be devoted entirely to the cultivation of roses. Two appropriate designs are given in that excellent work, the Encyclopedia of Gardening, third edition, page 892 ; still, as these, although excellent designs, are more calculated for the Chinese and their innumerable varieties, &c, than for the Scotch rose, we have, there- fore, given the outlines of a plan (fig. 3) which, we think, will do well for the latter, so far as the filling each bed with this variety of rose goes. We do not wish it to be understood that we are of opinionthat a rosary entirely formed of Scotch roses would create an improved effect, when executed upon any given system or design, but it is our opinion that a rosary consistent with the fig. given, planted with the garden varieties of Scotch roses, and amongst these introduced some standards of other valuable kinds, would have a very novel effect. And this novelty would be produced in the first place, by the difference in the size of the leaves and contrast in 140 ON THE FORMATION OF A ROSARY. the colour and make of the flower, which, in the standards, would be large and bold, and in tbe dwarf or Scotch small and pretty ; a circumstance which will, undoubtedly, fill the whole with interest, and in the flowering' season with gaiety. We insert the following list as given by Mr. G. Don, in his General System of Gardening and Botany, trusting it will be found serviceable to those of our readers who have an interest in the cultivation of this species of rose. DOUBLE SCOTCH ROSES. Anderson's double lady's blush. Double lady's blush. — pink blush. — Provins blush. — rose blush. Dutch double blush. Princess double blush. Double crimson. — crimson marbled. — dark — — light — — purple. Small double light purple. Double dark red. — light red.. — true light red. Large double two coloured. Small double two coloured. Large double white. — semi-double white. Whitley's double white, Globe double yellow. Large double yellow. Pale double yellow. Small double yellow. SINGLE FLOWERED SCOTCH ROSES. Aberdeen. Aberfoil. Alba. Alva. Ancram. Arbroath. Argyll. Arrachar. Aurora borealis. Balloch. Banff. Bannockburn. Bass. Bengloe. Ben Lomond. Ben More. Berwick. bicolor. Biggar. Birnam. Blair Athol. Boharm. Borrisdale. Borthwick. Buchan. Bute. Caithness. Calder. Callender. Campsie. carnescens. Carron. Cheviot. cipbieri. Clydesdale. Cromarty. Dalkeith. Dalrymple. Darnoch. Douglas. Dumbarton. Dumblane. Dumfernline. Dun fries. Dunbar. Duncrief. Dundee. Dunglass. Dunkeld. Dunlop. Dunmore. Dysart. dwarf bicolor, Eden. Elgin. Etterick. fairy. Falkirk. Falkland. Falla. Fife. flavescens. Forfar. Forth. Fort William. ful gens. Furness. Galloway. Glasgow. Glenco. Glenfallach. Glengarry. . Gourock. Grahams ton. Grampian. Greenock. Haddington. Halkirk. Hamilton. Hawick. Hawthorndean. Hector. humilis. Huutly. incarnata. Inverary. Invermay. Janus. Jedburgh, Jura. Keith. Kelso. Kilmarnock. Kincardine. Kinnaird. Kinross. Kircaldy. Kirkwall. Lanark. Laxford. Leith. Leslie. Lismore. Locheber. Lochaird. Lochfyne. Lochleven. Lochlomond. Lothian. Maidenkirk. Melrose. Moncrieff. Monteith. Montgomery. Montrose. Mount Stuart Mull. Moray. mutabilis. Nevis. Northumberland. Paisley . penicillata. Pentland. perpetual. picta. Proteus. Roberton. Rosslyn. Rothsay. rubicunda, Selkirk. Shetland. Sky. Staffa. Sterling. Strathmore. ' striata. Stronsa. Sutherland. Teviotdale. Tabert. Thornhill. Thurso. Tranent. variegata. venulosa glabra. venulosa hispida. 141 NEW AND RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS AND FLORISTS' MAGAZINE FOR MAY. Botanical Register. Edited by Dr. Lindley, each number containing eight figures; coloured 4*., plain 8*. ; and corresponding letter-press. Botanical Magazine. Edited by Dr. Hooker, each number containing eight plates ; coloured 3,?. 6cl., plain 3*. ; and corresponding letter-press. British Flower-Garden. Edited by Mr. David Don. Containing four plates ; coloured 3s., plain 2*. 3d. ; and corresponding letter-press. Florists' Magazine. By F. W. Smith. Containing four monthly plates, highly coloured ; several plates with two figures ; large size 4*., small 2s. 6d. ; and corresponding letter-press. Of the above figures, we have only selected such as are new or very rare ; and amongst these, only such as deserve to be extensively cultivated. For descriptions and figures, reference must be made to the works themselves. CLASS I PLANTS WITH TWO COTYLEDONS (DICOTYLEDONEiE). THE FIGWORT TRIBE (SCROPHULARINE^). Collinsia bicolor. Two-coloured Collinsia. A very handsome, hardy, erect-growing annual, with flowers arranged in several whorls towards the extremities of the branches, large and striking from the contrast of colour between the upper and lower lip, which in the upper is white, while the lower is of a pale purple. It was introduced, in 1833, to the London Horticultural Society, from California, by the late lamented Mr. Douglas. In the Glasgow Botanic Garden it flowered in August. Bot. Mag., 3488. THE NIGHT-SHADE TRIBE (sOLANE^e). Jaborosa integrifolia. Entire-leaved Jaborosa. A very singular plant, with a subterraneous root, sent to this country, with another species, by Mr. Tweedie, from the Pampas of Buenos Ayres ; supposed to prove perfectly hardy, if planted in the open border in a favourable situation. The flower consists of a long campanulated tube, with a limb of five lanceolate spreading segments, exter- nally pale yellow and green, internally white. Bot. Mag., 3489. THE ROSE TRIBE (ROSACEiE). Rosa microphylla. Small-leaved Chinese Rose. This Rose, so much admired by cultivators, cannot be exceeded in delicacy of form, shadow, and colour- ing, by any species of this highly-prized genus. It is a native of China, and is stated to have blossomed, for the first time, in Mr. Colville's nursery some years ago. Bot. Mag., 3490. Crataegus orientalis. Oriental Hawthorn. A very handsome tree, with large snow-white vernal flowers, and rich purple autumnal leaves. When growing, it has a gay appearance, because its leaves are downy ; at a more advanced age it becomes green, in consequence of the leaves losing their hairyness. It is a native of the Crimea, and the parts bordering on the Black Sea. In its growth it forms a close -headed tree; the fruit, which is its autumnal beauty, is of a scarlet colour, J 42 NEW AND RARE PLANTS. about the size and form of a common marble. It is propagated by grafting or budding upon the common hawthorn. Bot. Reg., 1852. THE GREEK VALERIAN TRIBE (pOLEMONIACE^e). Leptosiphon androsaceus. Androsace-like Leptosiphon. A genus of five species, established by Mr. Bentham, all of which are remarkable for their graceful habit, slender foliage, and exceedingly pretty flowers ; and which make a very handsome appearance when planted thickly in an open border. Experience has shown that these plants will not flourish well in a situation much exposed to the sun in summer. It should, therefore, either be sown in the autumn, so as to flower early, or in June, so that it may be ready for blossoming in September. Bot. Mag., 3491. THE pea TRIBE (lEGUMINOSjE). Lupinus Texensis. Texas Lupin. A very beautiful deep blue-flowered Lupin, an inhabitant of Texas, closely resembling the Lupinus subcarnosus ; but distinguished from that species chiefly by the differently shaped leaves. Bot. Mag., 3492. Lathyrus rotundifolius, var. ellipticus. Hound-leaved Everlasting Pea. A climbing perennial herb, extending to the height of three or four feet, of easy culture, and is readily increased, both by parting the roots and by seeds. It is a very handsome and desirable flower : the corolla is of a rich crimson, rendering it very showy, and highly deserving a place in the flower garden. Brit. Fl. Garden, 333. THE WATER-LEAF TRIBE (HYDROPHYLLE-ffi). Eutoca Menziesii. Mr. Menzies' Eutoca. A very beautiful hardy annual, with purple flowers, introduced by the Horticultural Society in 1826, from seeds transmitted by the late Mr. Douglas, by whom they were collected during his botanical researches on the banks of the Columbia, in North-west America ; grow- ing abundantly in sandy exposed situations. The plant should, therefore, be culti- vated in a light soil, and in a sunny situation ; for under such circumstances it will be most likely to perfect its seeds freely. Brit. FL Garden, 334. THE CROW-FOOT TRIBE (RANUNCULACEJE). Clematis calycinjE. Minorca Virgin's Bower. An evergreen scandent shrub, with dark brown angular branches, a native of Minorca and Corsica, and was introduced from the Paris Garden, in 1783. The plant has finely divided leaves, resembling those of some umbelliferous plants ; and the flowers are large and elegantly spotted with purple. It is a very interesting plant from its peculiar habit,, and from its producing its blossoms at a season of the year (February), when few hardy plants are in flower. It should be trained to a wall, in a sheltered situation, and with a southern aspect. It is readily multiplied by layers, Brit. Fl. Garden, 335. (TERNSTROZMIACEiE). Camellia Japonica Donckelaeri. Donckelaer's Japan Camellia. A remarkably beautiful variety, said to be a genuine Japanese kind, and to have been brought to Holland by Dr. Siebold. The petals of the flower are blotched with white, and the general aspect is good ; but somewhat loose. Bot. Reg., 1854. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 143 THE EVENING PRIMROSE TRIBE (ONAGR ARIJE). Godetia rubicunda. Ruddy Godetia. A handsome species, found in California by the lamented Mr. Douglas. It flowers in July and August, when it forms an agreeable contrast with G. Lindleyana, in consequence of the want of spots in the flower, and the peculiar ruddy appearance of its petals. A hardy annual. Bot. Reg., 1856. (composite). Dahlia. Levick's Incomparable. This in form and character is an elegant flower, and very beautiful in colour. It attains the height of four feet, and pro- duces a very considerable quantity of flowers of a rich scarlet, tipped with white ; and though it is apt to become plain or all scarlet, in this state it is by no means an inferior flower. Its tipped flowers, however, constitute its principal claim. Flor. Mag., No. XL ternstrcemiace^e. Camellia japonica, var. imbricata. A plant of good habit and a profuse bloomer ; the flowers are admirable for brilliancy of colour and symmetry of form. It grows two feet high, and often may be seen with upwards of fifty flowers upon one plant. Flor. Mag., No. XL THE CAMPANULA TRIBE (CAMPANULACE^). Campanulas. Pumila and Garganica. The C. pumila, or dwarf bell-flower, is a native of Switzerland, and flowers in June, July, and August ; in height it does not exceed three inches, but it produces such a profusion of flowers, that the foliage is nearly hid by them. The C. garganica, or Garganian, bell- flower, is a plant of great beauty, the blue of its corolla being of a very brilliant azure, and it produces a profusion of flowers upon its procumbent panicles. It thrives well in a little loam and peat, with a trifling addition of leaf mould, but it must by no means be allowed to become wet. Flor. Mag., No. XI. THE PRIMULA TRIBE (pRIMULACE^e). Polyanthus^ Fletcher's Defiance. An extremely interesting variety, the petals of the flower are very beautifully edged with a bright yellow, while the ground colour is dark brown and the eye of a brilliant yellow, which renders it upon the whole, very pleasing. The number contains some excellent directions for the cultivation of these plants. Flor. Mag., No. XI. CLASS II.— PLANTS WITH ONE COTYLEDON (MONOCOTYLEDONEJE). THE LILY TRIBE (LILIACEiE). Orithyia uniflora. Single-flowered Orythyia. This plant is about the size, and has entirely the habit, of single-flowered specimens of Tulipa biflora, but the bulb is rather larger, of an ovate form, and covered with a dark chestnut coat. It is very pretty, and is found frequent on the rocky banks of the river Irtysch, and other streams which descend from the Altai mountains. The flowers are of a bright yellow, solitary. Brit. Fl. Gard., 336. THE ORCHIS TRIBE (ORCHIDE^.) Oncidium cornigerum. Horned Oncidium. A very showy species, pro- ducing very neat interesting flowers upon a scape of from 11 to 16 inches long. It 144 OPERATIONS FOR JULY. was imported by the Hon. and Rev . W. Herbert, of Spofforth, from Brazil. Bot. Mag. 3486. Oncidium altissimum. Tallest Oncidium. An exceedingly beautiful species, with nearly round pseudo-bulb, very much compressed, and two edged. Leaves acute ; racemes decumbent, nearly simple ; colours of the flower very bright ; wings of the column rounded, and a little channelled. Bot. Reg. 1851. THE LILY TRIBE, (LILIACE.as). Ornithogalum chloroleucum. Green and White Ornithogalum. A species found in the vicinity of Valparaiso, whence it has been brought by several collectors. It is a frame bulb, flowering in July. Bot. Reg. 1853. Zygopetalum cochleare. Spoon-lipped Zygopetalum. Beautiful as all the species of Zygopetalum are, without exception this is perhaps the most attractive, not only on account of the delicate wavy surface of the petals and sepals, and the peculiarly rich veining of the lapis lazuli blue of its lip, but of its delicious fragrance. If lilies of the valley were growing intermingled with the plant, the air could not be more perfumed with their pure and delightful odour than it is after the curious flowers have unfolded. Like all the other species, this is easily cultivated in earth in a damp stove. It is a native of Trinidad. Bot. Reg. 1857. OPERATIONS FOR JULY. Annuals for standing in pots during the winter may now be sown. Brugmansia suaveolens will flower better, and continue in this state longer, if plenty of water is given at this season. Budding towards the latter end of this month may be commenced. Calceolarias. Towards the latter end of this month a few cuttings of par- ticular or favourite sorts may be put in. Young shoots strike readiest. China or German asters. A plantation of these, made about the begin- ning of this month, will flower well in the autumn ; give them plenty of water at night in order to counteract the great drought often experienced at this season. Camellias do not require so much water at this season, in consequence of their growth being nearly completed. Gardoquia Hookeri must be carefully watered at this time. Greenhouse plants, should be allowed plenty of water. Hydrangea hortensis will now require a great quantity of water; if in pots, place them in feeders kept regularly filled with this element ; if planted out, water them well every night. Petunias should now be propagated, so as to secure a good stock for next sea- son, and to mee{ any loss in winter from frost, damp, or otherwise. Pelargoniums continue to propagate, also other soft woody plants. Salvias. All desirable kinds should now be propagated ; any common earth will suit them. Sollya heterophylla propagate in a pot of sand, and the plants thus raised will flower well next season. /,,,. ,-/,,/,, /,/,,■ 145 ACACIA VESTITA. (cunningham's acacia.) CLASS. ORDER. POLYGAMIA. NATURAL ORDER. LEGUMINOSJE. MONffiCIA, Generic Character. — Flowers polygamous. Calyx four or five toothed. Corolla of five petals, Stamens very numerous, frequently from 10 to 200 in each flower. Legumes dry, two-valved. Specific Character. — An evergreen greenhouse shrub, from four to six feet high. Stem hispid, as are also the leaves, branching. Phyllodia * half elliptic, lanceolate, one-nerved, terminating in a point (mucronate). Flowers produced in immense numbers upon loosely racemose spikes, of a bright yellow colour. This species was discovered in the interior of New Holland, by Mr. Cunning- ham, who transmitted seeds to this country some years ago, and plants were brought to flower, for the first time, in the conservatory of the Comtesse de Vandes, at Bayswater. Every one knows how highly ornamental the New Holland species of Acacia are in our greenhouses and conservatories, the greater part of them displaying their gold, orange, purple and white coloured blossoms, from the middle of winter to the latter end of April or May : and, perhaps, in no species is the yellow colour more resplendent than in the one we have figured. The flowers, which are set in such dense numbers on the peduncles as often totally to conceal the leaves and branches, first begin to develope their globular stamen-like heads about the middle of April, and continue till June. When fully blown they resemble a mass of collected yellow stamens and anthers, from the midst of which, here and there peeps forth the whole or a portion of a green leaf, and a short length of the stem or stalk, which relieves the dense cluster, and adds a tint that improves the whole in general appearance. All who admire beautiful and easy flowering plants, should possess this species ; it may be obtained for a trifling cost at any of the London, and most of the country * Phyllodia, dilated petiole, with the consistence of a leaf. VOL. Ill NO. XXXI. U 146 ACACIA VESTITA. nurseries. In the greenhouse it may be managed with little trouble being careful to supply it with plenty of water at the roots, but before watering it should be ascertained whether the soil be in a proper state to receive it or not. The best soil is an equal quantity of very sandy loam and peat. Cuttings do not root freely; but these, preferring the young wood taken off at a joint, and planted in a pot of sand, under a bell-glass, may, if judiciously managed, be brought to put forth roots freely. Another method of increasing acacias is, by taking off pieces of the root, planting them in light soil, leaving the top part a little exposed, and plunging them in a little heat ; by this method, good plants are frequently obtained. The generic name is supposed to be the Greek name of some plant of the genus; and taken by Willdenow in his revisal of the genus Mimosa, as the designa- tion of one of his new divisions *. * Loudon's Encyclopaedia of Plants. \ t //.,/>,. ' y/''.S r//.s .^y y / / ' r ;s ,/■ .,. / 147 HIBISCUS SPLENDENS. (splendid hibiscus.) class. order. MONADELPHIA. POLYANDRIA. NATURAL ORDER. MALVACEvE. Generic Character. — Calyx surrounded by many leaves, rarely by a few-leaved involucruin, occasion- ally connected at the base. Stigmas five. Carpels joined into a five-celled, five-valved capsule, with a dissepiment in the middle of each valve on the inside. Cells many -seeded, rarely one-seeded. Specific Character Plant shrubby, five to twenty feet high. Stem beset with straight prickles and tubercles at the base. Corolla expanded, tomentose on the ribs beneath, segments of the calyx three-nerved, keeled, leaflets of the involncrum numerous, linear, awl-shaped, a little shorter than the calyx. Peduncles axillary, one-flowered, much larger than the petioles. Leaves palmately three, five-lobed, lobes lanceolate, — Hook. Bot. Mag. 1. 3025. This splendid feature of the natural order Malvaceee was introduced into this country about eight years ago, by Mr. Frazer, from New Holland, and in 1830 a figure appeared by Dr. Hooker, in that excellent periodical, the Bot. Mag. I, 3025. The plant from which the drawing in the Bot. Mag. was taken, produced its flowers in the stove, and by most of those who possessed it at that time it was thought to be dangerous to place it in the greenhouse, or, in other words, that it would not produce its blossoms so perfect if brought into the greenhouse and treated, as far as regards temperature, like other New Holland plants ; since that time it has become pretty generally diffused through our collections, and cultivators, ever on the alert, have ascertained that it will grow better and blossom more freely in the greenhouse than in the stove ; for instance, Messrs. Fisher and Holmes, of Handsworth, near Sheffield, who have plants of it for sale in a vigorous state, always keep them in the greenhouse, and we have been assured frequently that it grows and flowers to the greatest perfection with this treatment. About eight months ago, we obtained a plant of Messrs. Fisher and Co., which has since that time been standing with other plants in the greenhouse, and although then only a small plant, it now promises to make a fine specimen. The species represented in the figure is a plant that no collection should be destitute of ; its corolla is of a beautiful rose-colour, the lower part of the fila- 148 HIBISCUS TRINERVIS. merits is pale, the upper rose-coloured like the corolla ; the anthers are dark crimson, and arranged in a pyramidal form. Style projecting-, from around which arise five deep red, hairy, round stigmas, all of which parts in the expanded flower produce a pleasing effect. Mr. Frazer, its worthy introducer, says, in writing of it : " This, I consider the king of all the known Australian plants. I have seen it twenty-two feet and a half high. The flowers, this season, measured nine inches across ; they were of the most delicate pink and crimson colour, and literally covered the entire plant." It thrives well in a mixture of loam and peat, and cuttings will strike readily in sand or mould under a hand glass in heat. We would advise our friends to make a trial of it in the green house, for we believe it will thrive well. " The only objection to this plant as an object of cultivation," says Dr. Hooker, "is its great size." Our drawing was made from a plant which flowered in one of the stoves in Manchester Botanical Garden, and was sent us by our esteemed friend, Mr. Campbell, the director of that praiseworthy establishment, some time ago. The genus Hibiscus, in that highly useful publication the Hortus Britannicus, by Loudon, is divided into eleven sections, these embrace eighty-one species and fifteen varieties. The species rosa Sinensis has given rise to five varieties, all of which are very handsome : the species Syriacus, so well known as a hardy shrub, is the parent of six varieties, all of which are hardy and much esteemed ; the species mutabilis, noted for the change that takes place in the colour of its flowers, has given rise to one beautiful variety, as has also the species digitatus. For further particulars see vol. 1, page 77. The generic name is taken from hibiscos, a name given by the Greeks to mallow. The specific name alludes to the splendour of the plant when in bloom. />/ ,/,-> , ' ',J 149 CHIRONIA TRINERVIS. (THREE-NERVED CHIRONIA.) CLASS. ORDER. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. NATURAL ORDER. GENTIANEJE. Generic Character Calyx divided into five parts. Corolla equal, consisting of a five-parted limb with equal ovate segments. Capsule ovate. Seeds, numerous, small. Specific Character Plant an evergreen undershrub, from three to four feet high, dark green, smooth, spreading. Leaves three and five-veined, of an ovate lanceolate shape. Flowers axillary. Footstalks long, one-flowered. Calyx five-parted, acuminate, tube something shorter than the corolla. Corolla, persistent, limb expanded, five-parted, each part of an equal length, and a purple colour. In the number of the Botanical Register for October, 1835, Dr. Lindley has given a figure of a species of this genus, called Chironia peduncularis, and which we think identical with ours in the accompanying plate ; we have, however, adhered to the old specific name, on account of its being more generally known by that expression ; and as the leaves are frequently found to be three-nerved, the name we have adopted will still be descriptive of the plant. It is a very pretty shrub, and Dr. Lindley says " it is covered with a succession of purple flowers from July to October ; " an assertion that our plants at Chats- worth last season sufficiently verified. In the greenhouse it makes a conspicuous figure, and on the whole is very handsome ; but still, as it will endure the cli- mate of the flower-garden, its spreading habits rather recommend it to that place, where it may be planted several together in a bed, or dispersed singly ; either way it will, by its rich purple blossoms, have the effect of adding much to the beauty and liveliness of that delightful spot. We possess no authentic account as to what country it is a native of. It is propagated with much ease from cuttings ; those struck in autumn or spring will flower well the succeeding season. At Chatsworth we take off cuttings of the young or half-ripened wood, pot them in sand, and, as soon as roots are obtained, we pot them off into soil ; by this practice we have good flowering plants the fol- lowing season, that can be employed for any purpose. The plants will not endure the winter, therefore must be protected by keeping them in the greenhouse during that season. Any kind of soil will suit them, but that in which a little peat is incorporated seems to be their delight. " Named in honour of Chiron the Centaur, one of the earliest practitioners whose names have been preserved. The intense bitterness of the genus indicates its powerful tonic properties." — Botanical Register, 1803. I I'/rw ' C<Z f //.Jty ;/'./ . 151 NEMOPHILA INSIGNIS. (sHOWY XEMOFHILA.J CLASS. ORDER. PEXTAXDRIA. MONOGYVIA. NATURAL ORDER. HYDROPHYLLE-E. Generic Character. — Calyx hairv, persistent, ten cleft, five of 'which, are ovate, nearly erect, the remainder smaller, lanceolate, alternate, and reflexed. Corolla funnel-shaped, of five equal emarginate lobes. Ovary one-celled, many seeded, Specific Charscter Plant an annual. Stem growing a foot or more in height, hairy, of a straggling branching habit. Leave* alternate, upper ones opposite, stalked, hairy, each divided into an unequal number of lobes, occasionally one, hut frequently two-toothed. Floicer-stalk long, hairy, one-flowered, arising from the a villa of the leaves. Calyx hairy, consisting of ten clefts, the smaller of •which are reflexed, alternating with the rest, which are of an ovate form and partly erect. Corolla campanulate, divided into five obtuse lobes, of a deep blue 'within, the intensity of which diminishes towards the base, where it is nearly white, externally : it is much paler. Stamens shorter than the limb. Anthers of a brownish purple. Germen broadly ovate, hairy. Style as long as the stamens. Stigmas small, capitate. A truly beautiful and desirable little annual, a native of California, which found its way into our collections through rhe unparalleled labours of the lamented Douglas over that part of the world. Comparing it with N. phacelioides. we rind it in all respects superior, the flowers being somewhat larger, and the colour of a more intense and blighter blue. In oar collections of half-hardy annuals, it is a surpassingly beautiful feature ; and if sown as early as the season will permit in the spring- on a warm south border, observing to transplant when the weather is fine and the plants pretty strong, a brilliant display of its rich blue blossoms will be produced, which will con- tinue beautiful a great part of the season. If it be desired, a second lot of flowering plants may be obtained by sowing six weeks or two months later ; but when sown at this season, we find it necessary to allow the plants to flower where sown Good flowering- plants may be grown sing-lv in pots in the greenhouse. where, when in bloom, they have a most elegant appearance: plants thus grown, are much more likely to mature seed than when sown in the open border, especially if the season be what is termed a wet one. A small bed filled with this plant, another with Verbena melindres, and a 152 NEMOPHILA INSIGNIS. third with Eschscholtzia crocea, &c, according to the size of the garden, alter- nating and diversifying the colours of each species, will make a very showy appearance until October. It seems to prefer a light rich soil, particularly when grown in pots, which should contain peat and loam. Mr. Nuttall, observing the species N. phacelioides growing in shady woods near Fort Smith on the Arkansas, was in consequence led to adopt the generic name Nemophila, from vepos a grove, and <j)t\ea to love. — D. Don. The specific name alludes to the showy colour of the flowers ; hence the English appellation. 153 ON THE TROPyEOLUM. No genus of plants contributes more willingly to beautify our greenhouses and flower-gardens than the present ; and when we take into consideration their free growth, pleasing habit, and beautiful flowers, which in some of the species, as T. major atrosanguinea, are large, well formed, and of a most brilliant dark scarlet colour, and contrast these with their delicate pale green foliage, we feel at once satisfied that it is not in the least overrated. In the flower-garden, when unsup- ported by stakes, they wander a distance of several feet, flowering in the greatest profusion from one end of the branches to the other, thus forming a very pleasing appearance. When trained to a trellis against a wall, or supported by stakes on a border, or even carried over the projecting portions of rockwork in the rock garden, they have a highly ornamental appearance ; and are objects that no garden, from that of the nobleman to the humblest cottager, should be without. We have been led to mention this genus, principally from a desire to put into the hands of our readers a fair account of those two species, which adorn so gracefully the columns, rafters, &c, of our greenhouses in the summer season, viz., T. penta- phyllum and T. tricolorum ; these two species, beautiful as they are when in bloom, still are, in many instances, but indifferently grown ; this must be owing to the want of a thorough acquaintance with their general habit ; the former species is by far the easiest to manage, it being of a more hardy and vigorous growth than the latter, consequently the method of treatment requires to be different for each species. The T. pentaphyttum, after it has done flowering, which will be late in the autumn, and the branches have become withered down to the crown of the root or tuber, these parts may be cut off, being cautious not to disturb the root. As soon as, or even before, indications of withering are perceptible in the plant, watering at the roots should be entirely suspended ; for, as the tuber is liable to be injured by much water about it, after it has ceased to generate sap for the support of the branches, a co ntiuation of the practice may terminate much to the injury of the tuber, and consequently tend to limit its exertions the ensuing season. If planted in a border, which is the most successful way of treating it, after all decayed portions are cleared from the root, place over the tuber a common flower-pot in an inverted position, and in this state let it remain till March, taking care to keep it free from water; at the expiration of that time, remove the pot and expose the top of the root to the sun and air, giving a little water until it commences growing ; when, and during its whole progress, it must be watered with the greatest caution. In very dry weather, a gentle syringing now and then over the leaves and branches will be of much benefit to it, as it will wash off all accumulations of filth, and set the plant growing with more freedom. The success of this plant entirely depends on its safe preserva- tion through the winter ; and we have experienced that to leave the tuber in the ground, securing it as we have now detailed, is by far preferable to taking it up and moving it to a supposed more secure place in the greenhouse ; the latter VOL. III. — no. xxxi, x 154 ON THE TROP^OLUM. method subjecting it to so many probable accidents from over-watering1, &c. This plant, to show its pendent and ear-drop like blossoms to the greatest perfection, should be trained up a column five or six feet high, or conducted round three or four strong stakes made fast at the bottom ; or where a place so favourable as those mentioned is not at command, one must be chosen that will allow a free circulation of air on all sides, for without this it does not seem to do so well. It will propagate with tolerable ease, by cuttings made from the points of the young shoots, planted in a pot of sand, and placed in heat ; bearing in mind, not to over- water them during the time they are in the striking pot, as they are liable to damp off. They may also be increased by seeds, which ripen very freely. In Vol. II., page 123, will be found a figure of T. tricolorum, with a few hints for its management, &c. ; but, as they are too brief to convey every particular necessary to be observed in the growing of it, we shall now endeavour to lay down the result of our own experience for some time past in the cultivation of this desirable plant. This species is not so well calculated for planting in a border as pentaphyllum, because its growth is more delicate, consequently requires to be more gently dealt with. The best of all methods for growing it, is in pots ; at first, of a size just sufficient to retain the root ; after it has advanced a little in growth, and the shoots and roots begin to assume a healthy appearance, repot, and continue this operation as often as required ; judging from the strength of the plant, the height it is likely to grow, what size it will occupy when at its greatest strength ; if tolerably strong and branching, a pot ten inches across will suit it, if something weaker, one proportionably small must be chosen. As soon as the shoots begin to show themselves from the crown of the root, being previously placed in a gentle moist heat, let a little water be applied with caution, and the shoots will progress surely but gradually ; and in a short time it will require supporting, which should be done by tying it to a temporary stake, which will suffice until it is advanced three or four feet in length, when better stakes of a proper length and strength should be introduced to the soil, making them as fast as possible at the bottom ; round these, the branches must be conducted in a manner that will best exhibit their pretty blossoms, and when its growth seems to have reached the highest pitch, place it in a situation where it is desired to have it bloom, bearing in mind to attend regularly to the tying up of the branches. Now, the best place to grow this plant to the state we have described, is a greenhouse kept rather close in this place while its energies are in action, syringe it now and then all over ; but in this, as in all cases, syringing should not be done unless the weather be fine, in order that the plant may not remain long in a wet state after the operation has been performed ; if so, the very worst of consequences may accrue from it. During its growth, it is subject to the attacks of the green fly; when these appear, fumigation with tobacco should be had recourse to. For soil and other particulars, we refer our readers to the page quoted at the commencement. What an addition does the interest of our greenhouses receive from these two plants ! In the autumn, when we naturally look for many other of our greenhouse plants to cease to be beautiful, these, in all the vigour of health and interest, stand forth in their greatest gaiety, ON THE GENUS LOBELIA. 155 every branch teeming with their modest blossoms, as it were in token of a desire to excel each other. Some have recommended to place(these plants in a warm situa- tion in the open air against a south wall, but no place can be so well adapted for them as an airy greenhouse, particularly when we consider their liability to be cut off by autumnal winds and early frosts. ON THE GENUS LOBELIA. This genus comprises many of our choicest ornamental plants ; some requiring the stove, others the greenhouse, and a part do best with the protection of frames. Scarcely any will bear exposure during the frost in winter, although many of them decorate so beautifully our flower-gardens in the summer. The species are natives of the countries within or upon the borders of the tropics ; principally ranging in the West Indies, Brazil, the Cape of Good Hope, the Sandwich Islands, and a few are found in Chili and New Holland. They are, for the most part, evergreen herbaceous perennial plants ; a portion are deciduous, a few annual, and a very small portion are shrubby. To give the reader a general idea of the plants brought under this genus, we shall, in treating of it, arrange the species under the heads evergreen herbaceous perennial, deciduous herbaceous perennial, and annual ; blending the whole with such remarks as shall appear to us requisite to furnish a fair table of observations, embracing the culture, propagation, time of flowering, colour of the flower, with brief hints on the merits, &c. &c. EVERGREEN HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. L. macrantha. — Simsii. — pedunculata. — dentata. — nicotianaBfolia. — pinifolia. — umbellata. — alata. — assurgens. — Zeylanica. — pyramidalis. — linearis. — bellidifolia. — rhizophyta. — decumbens. L. secunda. — minima. — illicifolia. — birsuta. — erinoides. — coronopifolia. — triquetra. — tomentosa. — minuta. — erinus. — simplex. — pubescens. — Thunbergii. — caerulea. All the above species, except eight, produce blue flowers ; the rhizophyta, secunda, minima, and minuta, have white flowers ; the assurgens, scarlet ; pyrami- dalis, purple ; and bellidifolia, pink ; the others, as before stated, are blue. Their season of flowering generally commences about the middle of May, or between that and the early part of June ; in which state they continue till late in the autumn, while the more free-flowering ones remain till the frost forbids their longer stay. 156 ON THE GENUS LOBELIA. They all may be employed