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THE

Cuglish Flow Garben:

HARDY AND HALF-HARDY PLANTS.

BY W. THOMPSON. x ref

LONDON:
SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO., STATIONERS’ HALL COURT.

a

IPSWICH =

PRINTED BY J. M- BURTON AND

—————

PREFACE.

In concluding the first volume of the Enezish Frowrr GarpEn, our warmest
acknowledgments are due to our Subscribers for their kind support.

The encouragement we have hitherto received has, it is true, hardly been
so flattering as we could have desired; but this may be, in great part,
attributed to the very limited publicity given to the work, and also, in
some degree, to the deficiencies of the publication itself, and of the
existence of which we are fully conscious.

We are, however, induced to continue our labours, and venture to
indulge the hope that we shall have no cause to regret this determination.

In a work containing so many Illustrations, our readers are aware that
the amount of letter-press must necessarily be much smaller than in those
publications unaccompanied by Plates. To judge of the cheapness of the
Enetish Frowrr Garpen, it should be compared with other illustrated
works of the same price; and we are sure, where this comparison is
made, it will result in the conclusion, that no other work of the same
character contains so large a number of figures, with such an amount of
interesting matter.

In the forthcoming volume, we have made arrangements for increasing
considerably the attractions of the work. We hope to attain greater
uniformity in the size of the figures, and no pains will be spared to
ensure the strictest fidelity in their execution. In one or two instances,
the colouring of the Plates of the past numbers has been effected in a
hurried manner, owing to the numerous difficulties we have had to contend
with, which have, on more than one occasion, compelled us to hesitate

iv PREFACE.

in proceeding; and from the same cause, our numbers have not always
reached the Subscribers on the day of publication; but we trust that, in
future, there will be no ground for complaint on either score.

The low price of the work precludes us from increasing the number of
pages, but the quantity of matter will be increased by printing a portion
of the letter-press in smaller type, which will be equivalent to an increase
of two pages in each number.

The work will also be printed on paper superior to that at present employed,
and other improvements will be affected which will, we hope, render it more
worthy of public patronage.

As regards the nature of the subjects chosen for illustration, they will continue
to be taken from all classes of Plants suited for out-door or window cultiva-
tion. By slightly abbreviating the first four articles, we shall be able to
introduce a greater degree of variety in the letter-press, a change which will
commend itself to all our readers.

We shall be most happy to receive any suggestions from our Subscribers
calculated. further to improve the work, and all communications on any subject
will meet with the utmost attention.

The improvements we propose to carry out will, we trust, not only preserve
to us our present Subscribers, but also procure us the support of a more
numerous body of friends. We respectfully beg the kind aid of those who
may deem it worthy of encouragement, in making the work known in
their different localities. Much may be done by individual recommendation,
and the commencement of a new volume will afford a good opportunity
for aiding us.

The first years’ existence of a serial publication will, to its projector,
always be, even under the most favourable conditions, a season of great
anxiety—in our own case, it has been peculiarly so; but we indulge the
belief that, thanks to the fostering care of a generous public, the seedling
will speedily become a thriving plant, and that our future path amidst the
flowers may be strewn with fewer thorns.

OXALIS CERNUA.

Drooping Wood-sorrel.

Class—DECANDRIA. Order —PENTAGYNIA. ‘Natural Or der —OxaUD ACER.

To those whose acquaintance with the interesting genus Oxalis is limited to our two
native species, acetosella and corniculata, it may occasion some degree of surprise to
learn, that scarcely less than a hundred species are known to cultivators; but the
majority of these are rarely met with except in the green-house. This is the more to
be regretted, as they are of the simplest culture; many of them are nearly hardy, a few
quite so, while so diversified are their colours, that it would be easy to sclect them of any
desired tint; and we may also add, that there is hardly a month of the year in which
some one or other of the species is not to be found in flower. If protected from
severe frost, nearly all the summer and autumn-flowering species, with a few others,
may be successfully grown in the open beds or borders; but it is of their cultivation in
pots, for which they are admirably suited, that we would more particularly speak.
Among those usually grown for this purpose, we venture to recommend the plant now
figured, not only on account of the early period at which its brilliant yellow blossoms are —
produced—which circumstance would alone invest it with some interest—but also for
their delicious jessamine-like fragrance when fully expanded, and for the elegance of its
ternate foliage. There is but one slight drawback—if indeed it ought to be termed
such—to its general cultivation: the flowers remain closed in cloudy weather, or in
situations where no direct sunlight penetrates; but when a warm south window can
be secured for its reception, the blossoms will unfold freely and in long succession.

As in most of the other species, the root is a small bulb, from which arises a
very short underground stem or stipe, to which the leaf-stalks are articulated. The
leaflets, sprinkled with russet brown spots, are so broadly heart-shaped that they may
be termed two-lobed, which, with its many-flowered umbel, serves to distinguish it
among the stemless species. While young, the leaflets are, at the approach of evening,
‘folded back against the petiole, expanding with the return of the morning light; but
the older leaves appear to lose gradually this sensibility to the solar radiations, and
remain folded under all circumstances.

The umbel of flowers, consisting of eight to twelve blossoms, sometimes more, is
supported on a smooth peduncle, or, to speak more correctly, scape, six or eight inches

2 OXALIS CERNUA.

long; and as each bulb generally throws up at least half-a-dozen scapes in succession,
the flowering season of the plant may be fairly said to extend over a period of two
months.

Cultivation.—After blooming, the plants should be exposed in a sunny corner, out
of doors, water being gradually withheld. By degrees the leaves will assume a yellow
tint, and finally fall off; and in this condition, the pots containing the bulbs should
be placed aside, and kept perfectly dry until the season arrives for repotting them.
If the ball of earth be now examined, a strong fibre may be traced from the surface-
bulb quite to the bottom of the pot, and usually terminated by a cluster of young bulbs
each of the size of a nut. A pot, planted originally with three bulbs, will often contain,
after flowering, a dozen or more full-sized roots; so that abundant facilities are offered
for its propagation. At the base of the old bulb, which perishes, and also upon the
short stipe proceeding from it, small offsets are often produced; but they are too
minute to be available for the ready increase of the plant. In September, about which
time the roots will begin to grow, they may be repotted in sandy loam, with a little
peat or leaf-mould, planting them, if large, singly, in a four-inch pot, about an inch
below the surface; but it is usual, and indeed preferable, to place from three to five
or six bulbs in one of rather larger diameter, a good drainage of pot-sherds or fragments
of charcoal being indispensable. As long as the weather continues mild, the pots may
remain in a warm nook out-doors, due precaution being taken to protect the plants
from those pests of the gardener, slugs and snails; and if kept properly watered, they
will make rapid progress. At the approach of frosts, it will be advisable to remove
the pots to a warm window where plenty of air can be admitted, when, with a little
attention, they will produce throughout the earlier months of the year an abundance
of flowers of the brightest tint. The numerous flower-stalks will need the aid of a
slight support, and it is also important to note, that neither this nor any other plant
can be kept long in a healthy condition, when grown in the desiccated atmosphere of
a room in which a fire is constantly kept.

Our plant is not a recent introduction, having been brought from the Cape of Good
Hope as long since as the year 1767. It was purchased by us as 0. flava, which is,
however, a species of a very different character, with digitate leaves, and one-flowered
peduncles.

The trivial name of the plant is by no means distinctive, for there are several species
the flowers of which droop before expansion; and the same may be said of the leaves.
The genus derives its name from the Greek word ozys, sour or sharp, in allusion to the
acid properties of many of the species, due to the presence in their tissues of oxalic
acid, usually combined with potash.

It is scarcely necessary for us to observe in these days of diffused chemical knowledge
that the potash is the only constituent of the combination thus formed (termed by
chemists the bin-oxalate of potash) that is derived from the soil, the oxalic acid being
elaborated in the plant through the agency of the carbonic acid of the atmosphere, that

PELARGONIUM QUERCIFOLIUM. 3

grand store-house from which are drawn the elements of every vegetable product.
Formerly the expressed juice of the Ovalis acetosella was employed in the preparation of
this salt—the salts of sorrel of commerce, but the resources of modern science have long
since led to the substitution of more certain and cheaper methods of procuring it.

Nor is the genus Oxalis the only one in which this acid occurs, for it is constantly
present in the common sorrel, Rumex acetosa, in the roots of the gentian family, and
also in some species of Saponaria; in combination with lime, it exists in the grateful
rhubarb stalks; and in several kinds of lichen, such as Parmelia and Variolaria, the oxalate
of lime is so abundant, that it forms a hard skeleton or crust. Humble as are these
lichens, they are extremely interesting, from the important part they are made to
perform in the economy of nature. They are found chiefly on granitic or volcanic
rocks, the surface of which, by the combined influence of the atmosphere, and the oxalic
acid they contain, they assist in slowly disintegrating, preparing by their decay the
means of support for a higher order of vegetation, and thus affording a striking illustration
of the truth that, in the laboratory of nature, the mightiest results are often produced
by the most insignificant means.

We hope before long to introduce one or two other beautiful species of oxalis to
the notice of our readers, and we shall therefore reserve till then any remarks on the
structure of the order.

PELARGONIUM QUERCIFOLIUM,

Rolhisson’s Unique.

Hybrid Variety.
Class—MonavrELPHIA Order—HEPrtanvRIA. Natural Order—GERANIACER.

Nearty twenty years have passed away since this plant was raised by Messrs. Rollisson
of Tooting, and although, in that interval of time, many thousand seedling Pelargoniums
have been ‘brought out,’ but few equal, and still fewer surpass it, in the inimitable
richness of its purple-crimson colour, and the long period during which its large trusses
of flowers are produced.

We have been obligingly informed by the eminent florists referred to, that this
variety is a hybrid between the old Pelargonium Daveyanum, and one of the varieties
of the still older P. quercifolium, or Oak-leaved Geranium, as it is commonly termed ;
so that, although its connection with that plant is somewhat remote, it has, nevertheless,
to borrow an expression sometimes employed in speaking of objects belonging to the
animal kingdom, a few drops of the original sap circulating in its vessels; and we have
therefore, in the absence of a better scientific name, ventured to class it as one of the
varieties of that venerable species.

4 PELARGONIUM QUERCIFOLIUM.

Some of the older Pelargoniums are remarkable, less for the beauty of their
flowers than for their scented leaves; as in the case of the well known nutmeg-
scented Geranium, P. fragrans; the swect-scented, P. odoratissimum ; the rose-scented,
P. capitatum; the citron-scented, P. gratum; and were the plant now figured a distinct
species instead of a hybrid, it might with propriety be termed the pepper-scented
Geranium, for its foliage possesses a distinct, but by no means obtrusive, odour of that
rather plebeian condiment.

It isa matter of regret that the popular taste for the florist’s hybrid Pelargoniums,
should have driven out of cultivation nearly all the more interesting of the older
and original species, many of which are not now procurable at any price.

As the flowers of Orchidaceous plants are said to imitate almost every object in the
animated kingdom of nature, so among the species of Pelargonium to which we now
refer, may be found illustrations of nearly every imaginable variety of foliage, borrowed,
so to speak, from orders and genera of the most dissimilar habits and structure; from
the linear to the orbicular; from the entire undivided leaf to that eut into the finest
capillary segments—all may here find a representative; these sections of the genus,
offering in this respect a striking contrast to the uniform shape of the foliage of the
commoner varieties. Nor are the flowers of a considerable number less interesting
than the leaves, and, with the exception of the tuberous species, which are difficult
of cultivation, they require no great amount of skill in their management.

We shall be glad to aid in bringing into notice some of the best of those now attainable,
as we feel assured, they need only be known, in order to be appreciated at their
just value.

Cultiwation—The treatment of the varieties usually grown as window plants is
so well known, that our remarks on the management of the plant now figured need
not be very extended. Writing, as we professedly do, for a class of readers who may
not be in possession of the horticultural appliances of some of their more fortunate
neighbours, it will not be enough to state the best method of cultivation, abstractly
speaking, we must also bear in mind the resources of those whom we address. To
apply this remark to the propagation of Unique, which, as in every case in which it
is desired to increase any particular variety, is by cuttings. These will strike at
almost any period of the year upon a hotbed, and where this is attainable, it is advisable ~
to take the cuttings early in the spring, not only because with a gentle steady bottom
heat they will then root quickly, and, with care, flower freely the same season; but
also that the vegetative powers of the plant being then at their maximum, the loss
of a few of its branches will be sooner replaced then at any other season.

Where, however, the loss of the early flowers would be considered an object, the
cuttings might be taken at a later period; but they would require more care in their
management, and bottom heat would be their indispensable. Whether struck early or
late, the cuttings are best taken off just below the third or fourth joint from the extremity
of the branch, and after having their ends cut close with a sharp knife, and the lower

PELARGONIUM QUERCIFOLIUM. 5

leaves removed, they may be inserted, two joints deep, in a stratum of light sandy soil,
superposed upon the hotbed; or they may be planted round the sides of a pot well
drained, and filled with soil of a similar description. .

It often happens, that from neglect in training, this, in‘ common with all the members
of the Geranium family, and indeed most other plants, will protrude shoots either too
close to each other, or in such a manner as to communicate an awkward appearance
to the plant; and at the time of selecting the cuttings, this circumstance must not be lost
sight of.

Suckers are frequently thrown up close to the stem of the plant, particularly when
planted out, and these are available for propagation; when practicable, they should be
removed with a piece of the root attached; and when a large increase of the plant is
desired, the long fleshy roots of an old plant. may be employed for this purpose, treating
them precisely as cuttings. In advising the use of a hotbed, we do not by any means
wish to have it supposed by the uninitiated reader that a large one is necessary, nor
is the customary frame and light at all indispensable. In the summer months, two
or three good barrowfuls of stable manure will be amply sufficient for a considerable
number of cuttings, whether of this or of any other plant, and at that season will
retain its heat until they are well rooted. Instead of the frame and sash, a small hand-
light may be substituted, care being taken to shade the cuttings from the direct rays
of the sun during the first few days after planting them, and to admit air gradually
as soon as they have given evidence by their upward growth of having commenced
an independent existence.

Simple as the construction of a small hot-bed may be, there are many persons who,

from want of room or other causes, are unable to avail themselves of its obvious .

advantages. In these cases, the increase of the plant must be affected in those months
in which the temperature of the atmosphere and soil is highest, viz., June, July and
August. The cuttings may be planted in a warm border or corner, but will, as
when struck on heat, require to be covered with a hand-light, and shaded until rooted.
They will not, perhaps, strike with the same readiness as cuttings of the common
Scarlet Geraniums, but in no case during the summer months will more than three
weeks be necessary. Where it is inconvenient to plant them in the open air, the
cuttings may be inserted in pots of sandy soil and placed upon a window, supplying
them with only a moderate amount of moisture, as they are more impatient of an
excess than most of the commoner varieties.

Whichever mode of propagating them is adopted, whether the hotbed, the open air,
or the window, the cuttings must, as soon as they are well rooted, be potted separately
in small pots, in soil composed of sandy loam, with a little leaf mould. When they
have filled the pot with roots, they may be shifted to one of large size, and a loam
containing less sand may be employed, as the plant will be now able to assimilate
an amount of nutriment which, when first rooted, might have been prejudicial to its
growth.

6 DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS.

When employed for bedding out, for which, from its free-flowering habit, it is well
adapted, plants of the previous year’s growth should be selected; though, when the
cuttings are, as we have advised, struck early, they will often make plants fit for turning
out the same summer, but are never so effective as the larger specimens.

Like all other Geraniums, it must be removed from the open garden at the arrival
of the dull autumnal months, and repotted; and carefully preserved from frost and
over-watering during the winter season.

DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS,
Moutan Dielytra.

Class—DIADELPHIA. Order —HeExANDBIA. Natural Order—FuMARIACER.

Few of our readers who are acquainted with this plant will, we imagine, be disposed
to differ from us, if we venture to pronounce it not only the handsomest of its order—
the Fumeworts—but even of all spring-flowering herbaceous plants. One species, D. formosa,
is an old inhabitant of our gardens; but although a pretty, graceful plant, it is altogether
eclipsed by the elegant species now figured. Adapted equally for cultivation in the open
border, for the window, or for forcing in early spring, it possesses a threefold claim upon
the lover of flowers; and there-can be no doubt that it will soon gain as high a place in
the estimation of English gardeners, as it has long enjoyed among the Mandarins of its
native provinces. In suitable soil, the plant attains the height of eighteen inches, the
stems bearing both leaves and flowers; and by this circumstance, as well as by its larger
size, it is distinguished from all the other species at present known, which have radical
leaves only.

The handsome spreading foliage is biternate, with the leaflets toothed, or cut into
ovate segments. The flowers, each nearly one and a half inch long, and one inch in
breadth, are borne in racemes, which are both terminal and axillary; for convenience
sake only a few are shown in the figure, but the terminal racemes of an established plant
will frequently consist of ten or fifteen blossoms; the axillary flowers are less numerous.
The sepals, two in number, as in all the plants of the order, falling off at a very early
stage of their growth, will be found only on the immature buds at the extremity of the
raceme.

Whether seen before expansion, when the swollen flowers present a singularly heart-
shaped form, or after the tips of the two outer petals have become reflexed, we know of
but few plants so strikingly elegant, and withal so unusual in their appearance.

Cultivation.—When grown in the open border, it will be advisable to plant it in

DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS. vf

soil only moderately retentive; for, although there can be no doubt that it is quite
hardy, it will be prudent to guard against the evils resulting from too great a degree
of moisture in the soil. In sandy loam it would be perfectly safe, but the plant would
be less robust in its habit, and produce fewer flowers. We are by no means friendly
to the indiscriminate use of supports in the flower-garden, but the stems of the
Fumeworts being somewhat brittle and succulent, and our present illustration is no
exception, it will be desirable to secure the principal stalk of the plant to a slight rod
which, if not too long and obtrusive, can be employed without in any degree detracting
from its graceful mode of growth.

When cultivated in wet soils, much risk may be obviated by protecting the roots
in winter with some impervious covering; in the absence of any thing more suitable,
an ordinary flower-pot may be employed for this purpose.

When grown as a window-plant, it produces its flowers a month earlier than when
exposed to the rude changes of an English spring. In cultivating it with this view,
the plant, after flowering, should be allowed to remain out-doors during the summer
and autumn until the stems have died down and the fleshy roots become dormant,
when, at the approach of winter, the pot may be removed to the window of a cool
room, the soil being kept in a slightly moistened condition. While dormant, and
during the first stages of its growth, it might be placed in a fire-warmed apartment,
though we do mo¢ recommend such a course; but when the plant has made some
progress, and the leaves are fully expanded, the dry atmosphere of a heated room
would be prejudicial to its health, and the pores of its delicate foliage become choked
with dust: if kept at rather a low temperature, its flowers will continue in perfection
for a considerable period. ;

For a strong plant, a pot of not less than six or eight inches diameter is desirable, and
the soil may be a rich loam, such as would be produced by the gradual decay of turf
from an old pasture; or, in the absence of this, any good garden soil, mixing it when
deficient in vegetable matter with a little peat or leaf mould, and when too sandy with a
portion of good loam; for we have not to fear the effects of the frost as in the open
border.

The directions we have given for its growth in pots, apply only to those cases in which
no other accommodation is available than that afforded by a window; but where there is
the convenience of a cold frame, an accessary we should be glad to find in every
garden even of the smallest extent, the plant will, as a matter of course, be allowed to
winter there, and need only be removed to the window when the flowers are partially
developed.

The plant may be increased by careful division of the roots in early spring, or by
cuttings taken off at a joint, and struck in white sand under a hand glass. From their
succulent nature, some care is necessary to prevent the cuttings from damping off, and to
avoid this the glass must be wiped every day, and removed at the earliest period after
they have emitted roots.

8 RIBES ALBIDUM.

The plant will occasionally produce seeds, which may be sown in a pot of light soil as
soon as ripe; in which case, it will be advisable to protect the young plants during the
first winter, or the sowing may be deferred until the following spring, when the plants
would, if raised early in the year, acquire sufficient strength to bear exposure in the open
air in the ensuing winter.

The genus Dielytra (Gr. Dis, two, and elytron, a pouch or purse) is so named, in allusion
to the inflation of the two outer petals at their base. Four other species are known in
addition to that now figured—D. formosa, previously referred to; cucullaria ; eximia, a
handsome species still rather rare; and canadensis, all natives of North America.

Few gardens are without some species of Fumaria or-Corydalis, two genera closely
allied to that to which our illustration belongs; and it may, therefore, not be altogether
uninteresting if we notice the principal points of difference between them and the
present genus. Both differ from Dielytra, in having but one petal spurred; and the three
genera are further distinguished from each other by the seed vessel; this in Fumaria
is a one-secded indehiscent nut, and in Corydalis and Dielytra, a many-seeded pod
opening by two valves, which in Corydalis is more compressed than in the last
mentioned genus.

Our plant appears to have been known to Linneus under the name of Fumaria
spectabilis, but it is only since its reintroduction into England in 1846, from the North
of China, by the London Horticultural Society, through the medium of their collector,
Mr. Fortune, that it has come into general cultivation in this country.

RIBES ALBIDUM.

White-flowered Currant.

Class—PENTANDRIA, Order —MonoeGyntA. Natural Order—GRossuLaAcEm.

Tuts plant is a variety of the red-flowered currant, Ribes sanguineum, a shrub now
found in every garden of the smallest pretensions, and was raised from seed, about nine
years since, in the gardens of Admiral Sir David Milne, Inveresk, near Musselburgh.
From the perfectly hardy character of the parent species and all its varieties, the
ease with which they are propagated, and the beauty of their pendant flowers, which
enliven the garden at a period when but few shrubs are in blossom, they are well
deserving the place they occupy in the public esteem. The variety albidum, as well as
sanguineum, varies in the colour of its flowers according to the soil in which it is
grown being palest in sandy soils; but it is probable that much of the difference

RIBES ALBIDUM. 9

observable in different specimens, may arise from the natural tendency of the plant
to variation when raised from seed. The best varieties are slender-stemmed, and
quite deciduous, but we have seen a specimen with a coarse arborescent stem, dense
foliage, almost evergreen, and which produced prodigious crops of its insipid black
berries.

They will thrive in almost any soil, but succeed best in such as is moderately rich
and moist, the natural habitat of the species sanguineum, being often in the neighbour-
hood of the Californian streams. Cuttings of the ripened years’ wood, taken off in
autumn, and treated as those of the common gooseberry, will root readily in a sheltered
border.

With the exception of the equally interesting Ribes aureum, or golden flowered gooseberry,
the plant now figured, with its sister varieties, are the only members of the Ribes family,
commonly found in cultivation, which, considering the beauty of many of the remaining
species, is a matter of surprise.

Among those less known, we may mention the elegant Ribes speciosum, with red
flowers and long projecting stamens; the 2. cerewm, or wax-leaved currant, with roundish
glandular leaves, covered with a thin layer of a wax-like substance; the 2. punctatum)
from Chile, with dotted leaves, and greenish yellow flowers, borne in erect racemes ; and
handsomer still, the snowy-flowered gooseberry, 2. nivewm, with flowers of the purest
white, and berries of a deep rich purple colour, which, unlike those of the other flowering-
species, are of an agreeable: flavour, and, according to Dr. Lindley, ‘when ripe, make
delicious tarts, and would probably form an excellent means of improving the common
gooseberry, by hybridizing.’

All who have ever gathered a gooseberry—and who has not?—have, we do not doubt,
heartily wished the bushes thornless, but they would scarcely prefer the habit of another
of the family, Rbes Menzies, published by Sir James Smith, under the name of
R. ferox, which he describes as ‘a very remarkable species, whose branches are thickly
covered with tawny setaceous prickles, about a quarter of an inch in length, and armed
under each bud with three very strong and pungent ones, an inch long, having sometimes
lesser reflexed prickles at their base;’ and what is worse, the young berries are ‘ covered
with prominent glandular bristles, which harden, as the fruit advances, into stiff sharp
spines, so that whatever its flavour may be, it seems perfectly inaccessible in the common
way of eating gooseberries.’

Another species, 2. eynosbati, the dog-bramble gooseberry, a native of Canada, has also
prickly fruit.

Nearly all the Ribes grown as ornamental shrubs, are natives of the North American
Continent; one or two, however, are found only in South America, and a few in Siberia,
Hungary, and other parts of Europe.

TORENIA ASIATICA,

Asiatic Torenia.

Class—D1DYNAMIA. Order —ANGIOSPERMA. Natural Order —ScropuuLaRiace ®.

Tuts lovely plant when first introduced was supposed to require stove treatment, and
had this proved to be the case, the present number of our little work would have been
deprived of one of its most attractive features. Fortunately for us, although the plant
undoubtedly needs a warm atmosphere in the winter season, it will, during the summer
months, bear a considerable reduction of temperature below that originally believed
to be necessary for its healthy condition, growing luxuriantly in the green-house, or the
window of an ordinary apartment, and, under certain conditions, in the open air.

As its specific name implies, it is a native of Asia, ‘growing throughout Bengal, in
Amboyna, Ceylon, Merqui, Chittagong, Sylhet, on the Madras Peninsula, and it is also
widely diffused in alpine regions.’ By some writers’ it is said to be an annual plant,
but as it may certainly be preserved, in a proper temperature, one winter at least, this
designation can hardly be correct; neither can it be called a perennial, as we believe,
however warmly nursed, it rarely survives the second winter; we think therefore it may,
with more propriety, be termed biennial.

Its pale-green serrated foliage is not devoid of interest, but its chief attraction resides
in its charming violet flowers, which are produced profusely through the summer months,
up to a very late period.

The pencil of the most skilful artist is inadequate to imitate successfully, (for, ‘who
can paint like nature?’) the rich velvet purple of the blotches on the two lateral and
lower lobes of the corolla, which is most intense in the earlier stages of the flower’s
expansion, losing a little of its depth by exposure to strong sunshine.

The young botanist will be interested in observing the stamens, which, as in nearly
all the Figworts, to which order our plant belongs, are didynamous, or in two pairs,
one of which is considerably longer than the other; in both pairs, the filaments are so
curved as to bring into contact the one-celled anthers, which adhere closely to each other ;
and at the base of the two longest stamens will be found an appendage, differing but
in length from the filament itself, and which is one of the distinguishing marks of
the genus Torenia. The two-lipped stigma, indicative of the two-celled seed vessel,
appears to be sensitive to the touch, and closes when irritated, resembling in this
respect, most of the species of Mimulus, a genus belonging to the same order. Many of
the Figworts have round stems: but in Torenia, this is four-angled, as in Scrophularia,
Mimulus alatus, and some of the mulleins.

TORENIA ASIATICA. 11

It is of the easiest possible propagation, cuttings two or three inches long, planted
under a glass in a pot of light, moist soil, and placed upon a warm window, rooting with
with even greater readiness than the well known Cuphea platycentra, which is one of
the quickest-rooting plants with which we are acquainted. The plant affects a vegetable
soil, and will do well in a mixture of peat or leaf-mould and sandy loam, with well-drained
pots of moderate size.

When grown as a window plant, it is best trained upon a flat trellis, which, from its
rapid growth, it will speedily cover; and to induce its lateral extension, the extremity
of the shoots should be frequently pinched off ; or the pot may be suspended, and the
branches allowed to trail downwards, in which position the elegant habit of the plant,
combined with its lovely blossoms, renders it a highly interesting object. We are
inclined to believe that, during the summer months, this plant may be cultivated as
successfully at an ordinary window as in the best green-house, as it will there enjoy
a greater amount of shade, and the duration of the flowers be proportionately
prolonged.

We have hinted at the possibility of its employment as a bedding-plant, but we are
unable to offer any observations as the result of personal experience. It has been stated,
apparently on good authority, that the plant will endure the open air in our climate
in summer, and in the southern counties it might probably succeed, but we doubt
whether the experiment would be successful far north of London. We intend to test
the matter fully during the present season, and in the meantime, we advise such of our
readers as may feel disposed to try the experiment for themselves, to adopt the following
precautions. Let the plant be one of moderate size that has been grown at a Jow tem-
perature ; let the soil be such as the plant naturally delights in, as where this is too tenacious,
no success can be reasonably anticipated; and lastly, ensure a certain amount of shade,
by selecting a warm corner of the garden in which the sun does not shine during
the entire day.

When the tropical character of its native regions is considered, it will excite no
surprise that it should require some care for its preservation during the cold months of
our winter, but we think that, in an apartment in which the temperature does not
descend below 50°, no difficulty will .be found in keeping it alive, provided that it is
not too frequently watered.

The genus Torenia commemorates the name of Olof Toren, a Swedish botanist of
some eminence. About ten or twelve species have been introduced, one of which
T. scabra, a plant well known to gardeners, may be cultivated as a half-hardy annual.
T. concolor, introduced a year or two before Aséatica, is an interesting species, the flowers
of which are entirely of a deep blueish purple, and coming from Hong Kong, it is
rather more hardy than the plant we have figured.

THE MICROSCOPE AND THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Tue flower garden is but too often valued merely as an ornamental adjunct to our
dwellings; sometimes for the more obvious beauties of its individual treasures which
delight the eye by the elegance of their forms, the brilliancy of their varied hues, or
enchant the senses by their delicious odours; or, it may be, for the healthful exercise
afforded by the different manual operations connected with gardening; but in how few
instances are the inhabitants of the parterre regarded as so many sources of the highest
moral and intellectual gratification.

Few persons are now-a-days ignorant of the important aid which the science of natural
history has derived from the microscope, and we desire, in the following brief and
simple outline, to point out how this instrument may be made available in the flower
garden, as a means of mental culture, and of amassing a store of facts of the most
interesting character. The too general disregard of this valuable auxiliary of modern
science, seems chiefly attributable to the generally received opinion, that the microscope
is not only an expensive instrument, but that it demands much time, attention, and nice
manipulation. And if the compound microscope be employed, these are certainly con-
ditions which must be fulfilled; there is however but little necessity, except in very ©
minute investigations, to make use of the high magnifying powers with which we are
thus furnished. For all ordinary purposes, the well-known stanhope lens, which is one of
the cheapest and most powerful single microscopes that has yet been proposed, is
sufficient, and it is to this simple instrument that reference will alone be made in the
course of our observations.

Perhaps before directing our attention to the more showy occupants of the flower
garden, we may be allowed to digress for a moment, to examine a plant belonging
to a very humble division of the vegetable kingdom, viz., the Hepatics, or
liver-worts, this plant being termed by botanists, the MJarchantia polymorpha. It
grows abundantly on damp rocks and walls, presenting the appearance of a firm green
lobed crust or expansion, studded with little’ conical elevations; at the apex
of each of which is an oval orifice, communicating with a very curious breathing pore
or stoma, the latter being formed of five cellular rings, overlying each other.

But the parts of the plant to which we would more particularly direct the attention
of the microscopic observer, are the little urns or receptacles which arise from different
points of its surface, and the edges or brims of which are fringed with a row of
transparent delicate teeth. These urns contain a number of minute, flat, almost
circular bodies, which, viewed by the stanhope lens, are very beautiful objects. They
are regarded by botanists as buds or gemme, which to use the language of Dr. Carpenter,
‘separate spontaneously from the parent structure, and develope themselves into new

THE MICROSCOPE AND THE FLOWER GARDEN. 13

beings; and as when mature, they are liable to be washed out by rain, and to be ,
carried to different parts of the neighbouring surface, and as they grow rapidly whilst
supplied with moisture, the rapid extension of the plant, under such circumstances, is
readily accounted for.’ This plant is not, however, propagated solely by these disk-like
buds; it being, in common with the whole class of Cryptogamia, or Flowerless plants
to which it belongs, multiplied also by minute seeds, or properly speaking, spores,
contained in cases arranged radially, or like the spokes of a wheel around a central
body, termed the pelta or shield, which is mounted on a long stalk. The curious
structures which are thus displayed by one of the most common of the liver-worts,
‘and which, as we have intimated, may be easily studied with the aid of any good
single microscope, are well calculated to impress the mind with the philosophical truth
embodied in the seeming paradox of a French writer, ‘that if the Author of nature
is great in great things, he is exceedingly great in little ones.’

We would gladly linger among the Cryptogamic plants, and point out, amongst
other marvels, the minute and wonderful anatomy of the reproductive organs of the
Fern-tribe, particularly of that division of the class termed by botanists, annulate, and
of which the common Polypody (Polypodium vulgaris) may be taken as an illustration.
If we examine a leaf or frond of this plant, we shall find that its back is studded
with a number of round, green or brown prominent spots, which are named by botanists,
sori. Each of these sori is composed of a vast number of minute capsules or theca,
which arise from the surface of the leaf, by very short and slender footstalks, each
capsule being filled with spores, and furnished with an elastic ring or annulus, the
office of which is, by rupturing the capsule when it arrives at maturity, to scatter
the spores or seed-like grains in every direction. And it is an interesting experiment
to place a few of these, when nearly ripe, upon a sheet of paper, exposed to the direct
rays of the sun; and, as they become dry, to watch them with the microscope ejecting
on all sides their innumerable germs.

We cannot but admire this beautiful application of a mechanical law, to affect the
dispersion of the sporules; indeed, if such a provision had not been made, it is far
from improbable that many of the species would have long since been extinct; seeing
that, if in the artificial propagation of ferns, by sowing the spores, the latter be allowed
‘to fall too thickly on any spot, the young plants to which they give birth soon interfere
with each other’s growth, or, in the language of gardeners, ‘ fog,’ so that under these
circumstances but few arrive at maturity, How simply then, and yet how wisely, has
Nature guarded against such a contingency !

If from this digression we now turn to that division of the vegetable kingdom to the
illustration of which our little work is more especially devoted, viz. the Flowering plants,
we shall find proofs equally interesting with those already adduced, of the most admirable
contrivance and design.

Professing then to write only for those unacquainted with botanical science, and the use
of the microscope, we will select for examination a plant belonging to the well defined
Natural order or tribe, the Composite, or compound flowers, of which the French Marigold,

14 THE MICROSCOPE AND THE FLOWER GARDEN.

« (Tagetes patula) may be taken as a common and instructive example. It will be observed
that within the dark green cup which forms the exterior whorl /involucrum) of the flower-
head, there are several florets having a broad yellow strap-shaped expansion striped with
brown, then constituting what are called the ray of the flower-head. The little tube in
which each terminates, encloses a slender forked body, the style, which is well seen with
the microscope, as are also the minute hairs (calyx) that encircle the base of the tube.
But the parts of the flower-head more particularly to be noticed, are the florets which are
within the ray and which are termed collectively the disk Upon removing one of these
florets, we observe the two beautiful sé¢gmas, or terminations of a central column or séyle,
this style being enclosed in a little cylinder, which our microscope shows to be formed of
five oblong bodies or anthers, united together by their edges, and which contain the
fertilizing granules called pollen. The style arises from the summit of a small oblong
capsule termed the ovary,in which, upon opening it, we find a single ovule or young seed,
and crowning the ovary are a few serrated hairs or scales resembling those of the ray florets.

In many of the plants of the same order, this appendage or pappus is an extremely
beautiful microscopic object. That of the Dandelion is well known, and in the pretty
Catananche cerulea, it will be found equally interesting. In the genus Valervana, the
hairs composing the pappus are at first rolled inwards, but as the seed ripens, they expand
and assist in wafting the fruit. The common annual, Aaulfussia amelloides, has the pappus
of the ray florets so divided as to present the appearance of a fringe.

The anthers of many plants are highly attractive, both from the variation in their forms,
and the different mode in which they open to allow the pollen to escape. In the Oleander,
the anther terminates at its apex in a long feathery prolongation, and is divided at its base
into two lobes, which diverge so as to present an arrow-like appearance. In Gaultheria
procumbens, a North American shrub, each of the pointed anther lobes is divided into two
horns, the entire anther thus having a four-forked aspect.

Erythrea aggregata a pretty little plant of the Gentian family presents us with a curious
example of the twisted anther; in Commelina celestis, the three barren stamens have a
highly singular form, differing greatly from the fertile ones, and in Rheria, a North
American genus of melastomaceous plants, oné or two species of which -are sometimes
found in English gardens, the anthers are bent in a very unusual manner, and have a
small spur at their base.

In the genus Zupa, formerly included in Lobelia, the anthers are densely hairy, and the
filaments of a considerable number of plants, among which we may mention Salpiglossis,
and Prythrolena conspicua, the scarlet Mexican thistle, are also more or less pubescent and
present a beautiful appearance when viewed through the Stanhope lens. :

In the majority of cases, the pollen is discharged by longitudinal openings, but in the
Heath Order, to which belong the Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Ericas of our gardens, the
anthers open by pores generally situated at the apex. ;

In the Barberry, each lobe opens by a valve, which rolls up from the base to the apex,
while in some of the laurel tribe there are two such separating valves for each anther-lobe,
or four in all.

THE MICROSCOPE AND THE FLOWER GARDEN. 15

If from the anthers themselves, we pass to their contents, we shall find ourselves
transported to a fairy land, peopled with objects of the most elegant and interesting forms,
and although the pollen dust of some flowers is extremely minute, and requires a high
power for examination, yet with a good ‘Stanhope lens we shall be able to advance
a considerable distance into this enchanting region.

Among the more remarkable forms assumed by the pollen grains, we may mention those
of the Passion-flower, Ipomea, Sunflower, and Chichory. In the first-named plant the
grains are nearly globular, covered with an elegant net-work, and opening by several
opercula or lids, to allow the protrusion of the pollen tubes. In the Sunflower, the
grains are also spherical, but are studded with spine-like processes, and in the Chichory
the granules are polyhedral, having as many as fourteen facets. In the Phlox, the
figure is triangular, each angle being terminated by a ball, and in nearly every plant
something more or less remarkable will delight the eye of the beholder.

The central column or style and stigma of most plants will amply repay the trouble
of microscopic examination. What a beautiful object it presents, for instance, in the
well-known Periwinkle, in the Violet Tribe, and in the common Aster! In the last
named plant the style is terminated by two processes or horns covered with hairs, the
stigma itself being on the inner side of the fork, where it may be easily seen by the aid
of the lens. The Asteroid section of the Composite flowers, and indeed most of the plants
of the Order, are remarkable for their long style, which projects far above the anthers, and
were it not for the collecting hairs, as they are termed by botanists, by which its branches
are crowned, and which, during their development, carry up the pollen and retain it until
the stigma is fit for its reception, it is difficult to imagine how the young ovules could be
fertilized. But in Nature every emergency is provided for !

The Nectary or honey-pore, situated at the base of the petals of some plants is a
curious organ, which may be viewed to advantage in the common Fritillary, in the allied
genus Cyclobothra, one species of which we hope soon to figure, and also in the beautiful
new annual Vemophila maculata.

The hairs of plants equally claim observation, some being forked, others toothed or
branched, and a few are beaded, of which those at the base of the stamens of the common
Spiderwort / Zradescantia) are an interesting example. Although apparently very humble
organs, hairs perform a most important office in the vegetable economy ; the absorption of
fluid by the leaves being in a great degree effected by their agency, and they are further
supposed to act as so many conducting points, upon the electricity of the surrounding
atmosphere. as

Few objects are more beautiful than the delicate spiral threads, which are easily
seen in the foot stalks of most leaves by gently breaking them across, and then
carefully and to a slight extent separating the parts. The leaves of the Pelargoniums,
Strawberry, Vine and Asparagus, furnish interesting examples of this curious structure.
The spiral fibres are not always confined to the leaves and stem, being sometimes found
investing the seed, as in the genera Salvia, and Collomia. To view them with the

16 FLORICULTURAL CALENDAR FOR JULY.

microscope, it is only necessary to cut off a small piece of the outer coat of the seed, and
to place this in a drop of water on a bit of glass, when it will immediately throw out
vast numbers of’ these curious bodies in every direction.

In concluding these brief and desultory microscopic illustrations, designed only for the
uninitiated reader, we may be permitted to remind him that, in the vegetable as in the
animal kingdom, every structure, however minute or humble it may appear, constitutes a
link in the great chain of creation,

‘All being parts of one stupendous whole,’
and that it is, therefore, as much entitled to study and contemplation, as even the
mightiest of Nature’s works. Wrels*0!

, FLORICULTURAL CALENDAR FOR JULY.

Annvuats—A few may yet be sown for late flowers; but it will be necessary to shade the ground from the
burning rays by boughs, grass, or moss, as at this season, unless the soil be kept constantly in a moist
condition, the seedlings will be destroyed. Trnprr Annvazs, such as Rhodanthe Manglesii, Thunbergias,
Ipomea rubro-cerulea, and Portulacas should be planted out, if not done last month, and partially shaded
for a day or two. AuricuLas—Shade from the mid-day sun. Brennrats and Perennrars, sow thinly,
and shade as directed above for annuals. They are best sown in a reserve garden or spare corner ; and if
thinned out while very young, will do best if allowed to remain without transplanting until the following
spring. Brppina Pranrs—Peg down, and remove withered flowers. Burns of tulips and
hyacinths, etc., dig up as soon as the leaves are decayed, and lay to dr i iaceas in the shade: when the
ground is required for other plants before the foliage is withered, the it bs should be dug up, with earth
about them, and laid in again, in any convenient spot. The decay of the leaves of all such plants may be
materially assisted by protecting them from water in any form. Currrnas of nearly all perennial plants
will now succeed, such as Penstemons, Linums, Antirrhinums, Petunias, Double Wall-flowers, Chrysanthe-
mums, Phloxes, Salvias, and Pelargoniums. Lateral shoots about three or four inches long, pulled off close
to the principal stem of the plant, will form the best plants. If not covered by a hand-glass, they must be
planted entirely in the shade. Danita buds and shoots thin out, and let the main stems be carefully
staked. Water freely at night, and set traps for earwigs. Eparnes of box, clip. Hrpaus, clip. Honty-
HockKs and other tall plants must be secured to stout supports. Lawns, mow and roll, Layers of nearly
all shrubs and shrubby perennials may now be made, choosing the goose of the shoots nearest the ground.
Pansres may be pruned to produce late flowers; and the best of the slips and cuttings may be planted
in a moist situation in the shade, or the lateral shoots may be layered. Preincs of Pinks may be now
taken, if not done last month, and the flower stems of those still in bloom carefully tied up; the pipings
should be selected from the strongest shoots, and inserted in a sandy border, and covered with a hand-glass,
Prcorrers and Carnations require much attention; shade those in bloom from the sun and wind, and
support the flowers by neat rods; water freely, especially where the plants are protected from showers by an
awning; where the calyx is disposed to split unequally, use a tiny ring of vulcanized india-rubber to support
it: layering may be performed about the middle of the month, Ross Bupprne may now be performed,
using stocks of the wild-briar, which experience has shown to be the best suited for standard and half-
standard roses. Bud but one variety on each stock, and choose the moment when the bark freely separates
both from the stocks and the young shoots from which the buds are taken. Remove the suckers from
standards, thin out the shoots where they are crowded, and cut off all decaying flowers. Dwarf roses may
now be layered, and the young plants will be fit to remove in the autumn or following spring. In budding,
narrow bands of sheet gutta percha may be used instead of bast; or thin strips of india-rubber might be,
we think, employed with advantage. Cuttings of all the China roses will now root readily, but will require
some protection during’ winter. SEED-VvEssELS remove from most plants to prolong the flowering season.
Seeds of bulbous plants require to be sown as soon as ripe, or they will not vegetate. Tie up all plants
requiring it, to neat hazel or sallow-rods, which are much better than the painted sticks usually employed.
Do not tie the whole plant into a bundle, as is often done, but secure the principal stems or shoots, each to
a separate support, by which the beauties of the plant will be more effectually displayed, and the sun and air
admitted to the central branches. Twinrne and climbing plants must be carefully trained and secured
to their supports and trellises; and from the rapid growth of most of the kinds, constant attention is requisite,
or they will soon become a tangled mass.

fesohiera

/ ,
HABROTHAMNUS FASCICULATUS,

Fascicled Habrothamnus.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —MonoGYNIA. Natural Order —SoLanacexz.

” Azrnover not the handsomest species of the genus, the Habrothamnus fasciculatus
is well worthy a place in every garden where a suitable situation for it can be found.
The plant has been unfairly condemned by some growers, doubtless from their
ignorance of its proper treatment; but we are satisfied that all who admit it into
their collections and give it a fair trial, will not readily discard it.

In its native country, Mexico, it is an evergreen, and in the conservatory or
greenhouse it retains this character; but when grown fully exposed in our climate,
it sheds its leaves, or, at least, all but those at the extremities of the shoots.

The foliage partakes of the coarseness so common among plants of the order;
but this is amply compensated for by the abundance with which its numerous
clusters of orange-scarlet tubular blossoms are produced. The young shoots are
clothed with a short reddish pubescence, by which it is distinguished from
H. corymbosus ; but the partially ripened wood retains but little of this woolliness.

It is almost too robust a plant for pot cultivation; but where sufficient room can
be afforded, it will flower freely; and as a proof of this, we may remark, that the
specimen from which our drawing was made was grown in an eight-inch pot.
Although, therefore, there can be no doubt that it is seen to the greatest advantage
against a wall, yet for the benefit of those who may desire to cultivate it in a pot,
we subjoin the best mode of treatment.

In order to obtain handsome specimens of the plant, some care is necessary in its
early management, or the stems are apt to become leggy, in consequence of its
natural disposition to grow erect without producing branches. In whatever
situation it is grown, the plant invariably throws up strong suckers or shoots close
to the old stems, and by availing ourselves of this habit, we may, by proceeding
ab initio, control its growth, and, in this instance at least, improve upon
nature. ;

Supposing that a plant has been obtained in the condition we have referred to,
it will be advisable to cut away the previous year’s wood, and, in fact, all but the
young shoots just mentioned. These, when about six or eight inches high,
must be ‘stopped,’ or, in other words, the tip of the shoot must be pinched
off, which will induce the production of lateral branches ; and as this stopping will
probably give a temporary check to the growth of the plant, it will be better to

18 HABROTHAMNUS FASCICULATUS.

keep it on a warm window until these side shoots have made some progress, supply-
ing it with an abundance of water, as it is under all circumstances a gross feeder.
As soon as the lateral branches are a few inches long, the plant should be repotted
into a large pot, using a good loam with a third of leaf mould, peat, or thoroughly
rotten manure, and about mid-summer let it be placed out of doors in a shady place ;
or it may be plunged into*the borders, which will effectually preserve the roots from
the scorching influence of the sun’s rays; but in this case, a tile must be placed
beneath the pot, or the roots will penetrate into the soil beneath, and render its
removal difficult.

It is highly important to observe, that the shoots must on no account be ‘stopped’
late in the season, as the flowers are produced at the extremities of the year’s
growth; and if the plant were pruned in, as a fuschia or geranium, the embryo
crop of blossoms would infallibly be lost. We imagine that it is from want of
attention to this circumstance that so many persons have conceived a prejudice
against this plant not otherwise to be accounted for.

By the end of the summer the pot will have become filled with roots, and if it
is not well exposed to the sun’s influence, it will be advisable to remove it
to a sunny aspect to ripen the shoots, where it may remain during the autumnal
season. If the wood be well matured it will bear, with impunity, a temperature
a few degrees below freezing; but as it will, if thus exposed, be liable to lose its
leaves, it will be desirable to remove it out of the reach of frost, not necessarily to
a window, where it would be but little ornament during the mid-winter season, but
to any convenient place, such as an attic, a cellar, or even to a warm shed or out-
house; in no case, however, must it be allowed to become dry, or the foliage
will fall. ;

Towards the latter end of February, or the beginning of March, when the
vegetative powers of the plant give signs of renewed activity, it may be removed
to the window where it is intended to bloom, and the copious display of flowers
which will ensue in the following spring months will, we doubt not, fully justify
our commendations.

In its subsequent treatment we do not wish to be understood as advising the
removal of the old stems every season; they might be allowed to remain two years,
provided sufficient root-room could be afforded it; but to succeed with older plants,
a pot of such large dimensions would be requisite, that it is far better, either to
follow the plan here recommended, or to raise young plants every season from
cuttings, which strike very readily, under a hand-glass, in the borders during the
summer, and if taken off early in the season, would flower the following spring.

Planted in the open ground it will attain twice the height of those in pots, and
form altogether a more striking object. It is not, however, sufficiently hardy to be
grown as a standard, or bush, though were it otherwise, we imagine that with

HABROTHAMNUS FASCICULATUS. 19

proper training it would, in either of these shapes, present a very handsome
appearance. It is best planted against a south wall, where it will succeed admirably
during the warmest part of the year, but will require a little care during the winter
season, or rather, at the transition from winter to spring ; for it is at this period that
the plant commences its growth, and the latent flower-buds develop themselves, and
we have, consequently, more to apprehend than in those months when the plant, in
common with most of the other members of the vegetable world, is at rest.
Trained against the north side of a wall, it would be excited into activity some
weeks later; but on the other hand, in such a situation, the shoots would
certainly be less matured by the autumnal sun, and therefore less able to resist the
effects of a low temperature. Even in the most favourable aspects it will be
desirable not only to protect the stems by matting, or, if possible, some waterproof
material, but also to cover the roots with a bushel of coal ashes, which are
everywhere procurable. With these precautions the plant will live through our
ordinary winters; but we dare not undertake to affirm that it will pass unscathed
through those of a severer character. It is increased, however, with such readiness,
and its growth is so rapid, that it will be an easy matter in such cases to replace
the plant by a cutting preserved in a pot through the winter.

It has been advised, to dig up the plant in the autumn and re-pot it, turning it
out again in April; and, while the plant is young, this may be done, but as it will
in two or three years attain the height of five or six feet, and cover a considerable
space with its shoots, it would be an operation of some little difficulty, and we do
not recommend its adoption except in the case of young plants.

There are, we believe, three other species in cultivation, in addition to that under
consideration, viz. H. corymbosus, said to be hardier than the present subject,
with flowers of a deep rosy tint, and smooth stems and foliage; JZ. elegans, with
smaller flowers of a dull rose colour; and H. Schottw, a species or variety with
which we are acquainted by name only—all of them natives of the more tem-
perate parts of Mexico, and introduced within the last few years.

The generic name, Habrothamnus, is derived from two Greek words, Habros,
beautiful or splendid, and thamnos, a shrub, terms which are, no doubt, equally
applicable to hundreds of plants in cultivation ; but the number of exotic introduc-
tions has been during the last twenty years s0 great, that it is by no means casy
to select designations which are, in all respects, appropriate.

[ 20 |

CALOCHORTUS VENUSTUS,

Spotted-flowered Calochortus.

Linnean Class—WexanpRIia. Order—Monoaynia. Natural Order —Liu1acex.

Tuts strikingly beautiful bulbous plant was introduced into England nearly twenty
years since, long enough, one would have supposed, to have made it a common
ornament of our gardens; it is, on the contrary, so rare, that it is only through the
obliging courtesy of Mr. H. Groom, of Clapham Rise, whose magnificent Tulip-beds
have deservedly gained for him a world-wide reputation, that we are enabled to
present our readers with a figure of it.

This rarity can scarcely be attributed to its susceptibility to cold, as this species,
with several of the others, is a native of Northern California, where the winters
are not much less severe than in England, and the changes of temperature even
more trying than in our proverbially fickle climate; we must, therefore, seek for
other causes for its partial, and we hope only temporary, disappearance from
cultivation. The common Tiger-flower, Zigridia pavonia, although brought from
intertropical Mexico, is nevertheless so easily grown and increased among us, that
good, flowering bulbs may be bought for two or three shillings a dozen, about half
the present price of a single plant of the Calochortus.

Like the Tiger-flower, they are very-impatient of wet in the winter season, and
it is doubtless to the combined effects of cold and moisture at this period, and from
want of protection from the autumnal rains, by which the maturation of the bulbs
is hindered, that so many of them have perished.

Although brought from a climate where frost is by no means unknown, it is
not advisable to risk them in the open air during the winter months; or, if the
experiment is tried, it should be only where the soil is sandy, and the bulb at least
six inches below the surface, and covered — a large pan or pot to preserve the
soil in as dry a state as possible.

Where there is the convenience of a frame to place over the bulbs, they may
safely be left in the ground all the year, the protection being of course removed as
soon as all danger from spring frosts has ceased.

‘When this plan cannot be adopted, as the bulbs generally begin to grow before it
would be prudent to plant them in the open ground, it will be better to pot them
about the middle or end of February, in a soil composed of sandy loam, with a
little leaf mould, placing a little sand under and around each bulb, which should

CALOCHORTUS VENUSTUS. Mi

be planted about three inches deep, and an ample drainage of broken crocks must
be provided.

The pot must be kept from frost, and if the compost be moderately damp when
used, but little or no water will be requisite until the leaves have made their
appearance above the soil.

In April the pot may be plunged into the borders, or the entire ball of earth
may be turned out, if care be taken not to disturb the roots. In following the
former plan, we have the advantage of being able to remove the plant from the
ground as soon as the flowering season is past, and thus protect it from rain to any
desired extent. When planted without the pot, the bulbs should on no account be
dug up before the foliage has decayed; where this does not take place so quickly as
is desirable, it may be greatly assisted by covering or screening the plant from
atmospheric moisture.

When removed from the soil the bulbs should be dried in the shade, and carefully
preserved from damp and frost until the return of spring. Those bulbs which may
have been planted in a pot, will, however, be best kept in it during the winter,
the soil being allowed to become entirely dry after the decay of the stems and
foliage.

Each bulb produces one or two stems about eighteen inches or two fect high,
with linear pointed leaves, fewer in number than in most of the other species.
The flowers, two on each stem, are produced about mid-summer, and, unlike those of
the Tigridia we have more than once referred to, remain expanded several days; and
from the beautiful manner in which the petals are spotted with crimson and yellow
stains upon a pure white ground, present, when fully open, a truly magnificent
appearance. The petals of all the species are curiously bearded, either at the
base, or a short distance above it, as in the case of the species represented in
our plate.

The genus comprises four or five other species, all very handsome plants,
although the one we have figured is certainly the most remarkable. The flowers of
Calochortus luteus, which is rather hardier than the others, are yellow, beautifully
spotted with brown; those of C. macrocarpus, purple; of C. splendens, lilac; and of
C. nitidus, purple; but we have never met with any account of this last-named
species, and we therefore imagine that it has not yet been introduced to this
country. They are all increased by offsets, and also by seed, which must be sown
as soon as ripe. ‘Three of the species, C. barbatus, C. venustus, and C. luteus, are in
the possession of Mr. Groom, as well as seedling varieties of /uteus raised by this
gentleman.

The generic designation, Calochortus, like so many other botanical terms, is
derived from the Greek, and is compounded of kalos, beautiful, and chortos, grass.

Well defined as are the leading characters of most of the natural orders or

22 PENSTEMON SPECIOSUM.

families into which botanists, for convenience sake, have divided the vegetable king-
dom, there are few of them which are not by some of their genera connected with
other orders, so that, however dissimilar many of these families may at first sight
appear, they all, in reality, merge into each other by almost imperceptible grada-
tions, and form parts of one harmonious whole.

Illustrations of this truth may be readily found in the natural order, the lily- |
tribe, to which the genus Calochortus belongs. In this order, the outer whorl of
floral leaves, or sepals as they are termed, are of the same colour and substance as
the inner whorl, or petals, being, in other words, petaloid; and, in fact, they
resemble each other so closely, that in certain genera it is difficult to distinguish
them.

But in the genus under consideration, there is a departure from the type of the
order, the three sepals being green and leafy, and altogether different in their
appearance to the three petals, approaching in this particular the Spider-wort
tribe, Commelinacee, although in other respects it agrees with the characteristics
of the order in which it is placed.

Most, if not all, of the species we possess were sent to the London Horticultural
Society from California by poor Douglass, whose untimely end botanists of every
land will not soon cease to deplore. (

PENSTEMON SPECIOSUM.
Showy Penstemon.

Linnean Class—DIDYNAMIA. Order —ANGIOSPERMA, Natural Order—ScroPHuLARIace ®.

Wenz we so unfortunate as to be compelled to limit our collection of plants to two
genera, we think we should, without hesitation, select for one of these the
Penstemons, and for the other, the Salvias.

The genus Penstemon, although it scarcely includes so many species, and plants
of such varied tints, as are comprised in the sage family, can nevertheless boast of a
considerable and increasing number, nearly all of which are plants of a highly orna-
mental character.

The most prevalent colour of the genus is red or scarlet; there are, however,
a few species with blue flowers, of which the plant now figured may be regarded
as the oldest, if not the best.

The P. speciosum grows about two feet high, and produces its beautiful deep blue

PENSTEMON SPECIOSUM. 23

flowers during two or three months of the summer; being generally in blossom by
mid-summer or soon after, and remaining in flower until the end of August, or the
beginning of September. It is far less common than it deserves to be, and this is
perhaps owing to the fact that is is not strictly speaking a perennial, as is usually
supposed, for it generally dies at the end of the second flowering season, and
consequently requires to be kept up by seeds or cuttings. The seed should be
sown as soon as ripe, in pots or pans of sandy loam, and the young plants, which
will soon make their appearance, must be preserved from frost during the
succeeding winter, in a cold frame. Where this convenience is not at hand, the
seedlings must be kept on a window; when this is impracticable, it will be better to
defer sowing the seeds until the following March, although, in all probability, but a
moiety of them will then vegetate. When potted off in the spring, the seedlings
will require a rich soil, kept porous by sand, or very sandy loam, and it will be
advisable to protect them, after potting, by any available means from the chilling
spring frosts.

At the season when bedding plants are turned out of their winter quarters, the
Penstemon speciosum may also be planted in the situation where it is designed to
bloom the following year, though the plants will take no harm, but rather benefit
from being kept in acold frame until autumn, provided they are, as occasion
requires, shifted into larger pots, and daily supplied with air and water.

Where sufficient space can be spared, they will be found very suitable plants
for a bed, or a clump of them may be planted together in the mixt flower border ;
and in either situation they will, when in bloom, form a highly pleasing contrast
to the numerous flowers of scarlet hue with which the flower garden abounds in
the summer season. Plants with blossoms of clear, unambiguous blue, are not so
numerous as could be wished, for there is no colour, we think, on which the eye
rests with greater satisfaction than on ‘ Heaven’s own tint.’

We must not neglect to observe, that although the P. speciosum is a native of the

bleak Oregon territory, it requires, notwithstanding, to be guarded from excessive
moisture during the winter season. This may be partially accomplished by
covering the earth, in the immediate neighbourhood of the roots, with dry fern, and
also by planting the specimens in soil well drained, and of an open sandy texture,
supplying any deficiency of vegetable matter by a top-dressing of thoroughly rotten
manure in the spring, to be afterwards dug in.
’ If the plant, after flowering the first season, be allowed to ripen its seed, it is
generally so much exhausted by the operation, that it seldom blooms well the
second year; but if cut down immediately after the first production of flowers is
over, it ‘breaks’ for the next season. It may be increased by cuttings or slips,
taken off in summer and planted in the shade, as well as by seeds, which it ripens
freely.

24 TROPEOLUM SPECIOSUM.

There are several other very showy blue Penstemons, not to mention those of a_
purple tint, such as the now common P. gentianoides, which may frequently be met
with seven or eight feet high.

The P. azwrewn is an interesting species of a compact habit, and dark blue
flowers; P. ovatum has blossoms of a blueish tint, though there are varieties sold
for ovatum, and which agree with it in habit and foliage, but which have not blue
flowers. P. Dicksonii, called also Chelone Dicksonii, is a fine plant, at present very
rare, as is also a species raised by Mr. Leeds of Manchester, and named by him
P. Gordonii, in compliment to Mr. Gordon, who collected it in the valley of the Platte
River, on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains.

With the new P. cyananthus, said to be the finest of the blue species, we close
the list.

The genus Penstemon, or as it is sometimes written Pentstemon, is thus named from
pente, five, and stemon a stamen, in allusion to the fifth stamen peculiar to these
plants. Nearly all the Scrophulariacee, or figworts, have the stamens in two pairs,
or didynamous, as it is termed, and in this respect the Penstemons agree with the
other genera of the order. But they possess also a fifth sterile filament, which is
usually longer than the other four, and bearded at its upper end, by which they
are distinguished from all the other plants of the order, except those included in the
genus Chelone, which, by some botanists, is regarded only as a section of the
present genus.

TROPAOLUM SPECIOSUM,

Showy Indian- Cress.

Linnean Class—OcranDRIA. Order —MonoGyni. Natural Order—T ror 20LACER.

Tue genus Zrope@olum bids fair to become in time one of considerable extent, as
not a year now elapses in which several additions are not made to it. The
curious structure of their showy flowers, and the freeness with which they are
produced by most of the species, has rendered them general favourites; and from
their extensive range throughout South America, being found from Venezuela to
the most southern part of Chili, generally at a considerable distance above the level
of the sea, species may be selected, suited to every class of cultivators, from the
possessors of a greenhouse or conservatory to those whose floral domain is limited

TROPOLUM SPECIOSUM. 25

to a few square yards of ‘mother earth,’ or, it may be, to a few pots upon a
window-sill.

The Zropeolum speciosum is a perennial plant and well adapted for cultivation in
the open border during the summer months; we wish we could add, that it was
quite hardy, but although, unfortunately, this is not the case, there is but little
doubt that it will bear mild winters, such as that of 1850-51.

The roots are not tuberous, as in the case of Z. tricolor and some others, but long
and fleshy, like those of the bell-bine; when planted in the open ground a border
by a south wall will be found the most suitable situation for it; it flourishes most
in a compost of turfy loam, peat, and sand roughly mixed, but will do very well in
any good garden soil, where these ingredients are not easily attaimable. It is not
advisable to plant it in a rich, manured border, as this would result in the
production of foliage, at the expense of the flowers.

When the plant is grown in a pot, or preserved in one through the cold season,
the stems usually make their appearance about February or March, according to the
temperature at which it has been kept, but if allowed to remain in the borders
during winter, and covered with a handlight (over which a thick matting should be
thrown in severe weather), ‘they will begin to grow in April, and, as long as there is
any danger of frost, the hand-light must be allowed to remain. In May, however, all
covering may be removed, and with the genial temperature common to this month,
the plant will make rapid progress, and speedily reach the height of five or six feet.

As it is a climber, some provision must, of course, be made for supporting its
feeble stems; and for this purpose, we know of nothing more suitable than a flat
trellis composed of narrow splines placed diagonally across each other, the side
pieces being of something rather more substantial. The lower ends of the two
upright pieces should be well charred, which will retard their decay when thrust
into the ground, and, if to this precaution, we add that of well painting the whole
of the trellis, it will then last for years. Instead of placing the frame in immediate
contact with the wall, we would advise that it be maintained at a distance of an .
inch or so, which may be easily accomplished by interposing a spline, or portions of
one between the wall and the two side pieces of the trellis. The plant forms an
elegant object trained against a verandah, and a striking effect may be produced by
associating with it young plants of the annual Z. aduncum (also called canariense or
peregrinum). The small wire globes and trellises may be employed for specimens
grown in pots, but they are quite unsuited to the plant when cultivated in the open
borders, where it attains a much larger size.

The bright carmine-tinted flowers appear in June, and are produced in succession
for at least two months. The plant ripens its fruit very freely, and from the seeds
thus produced, it may be readily increased, as well as by dividing the roots in spring.

From the ease with which this species may be cultivated and increased, we

26 TROPOLUM SPECIOSUM.

-anticipate that it will soon be commonly grown; and we certainly know of few
summer-flowering plants that more deserve the little care requisite for its
management. ;

We may remark, incidentally, that many of the species of Zropeolum are hardier
than is commonly supposed; the Z. tricolor, in particular, flourishes in the open
air in summer; that is, when planted, as we have recommended this species to be,
rather deeply in the open ground, and well protected from frost and damp in
winter, by a heap of dry ashes, over which a hand glass or large flower pot is
placed. It will then grow prodigiously in the summer months, so as to be scarcely
recognizable by those who have been accustomed to see it only in pots.

The genus Zropeolun is remarkable for several peculiarities which are worthy
a passing notice. , Most of the species are plants of a twining habit, with delicate,
smooth stems, the footstalks of the leaves acting as tendrils, and twisting them-
selves round anything within their reach. The leaves are peltate, with radiating
ribs, either entire as in the common nasturtium 7. mayus; lobed, as in the prétty
annual Z. peregrinum, popularly known as the canary flower; and cut up nearly
to the base into six or seven segments or leaflets, as in the present species, and
T. tricolor. T. polyphyllum has often ten leaflets.

The calyx, or outer floral envelope, which, in most plants, is green and leafy,
is, in this family, more or less coloured, and similar in its substance to the petals,
forming, in many of the species, the most conspicuous portion of the flower. It
is in all the plants of the genus, terminated by a prolongation or spur, the length
of which varies considerably in the different species. Thus in the present plant,
in Z. tricolor, T. Jarrattii, and T. Deckerianum, it is long and slender; whilst, in
L. azureum, T. tuberosum, T. polyphyllum, and T. brachyceras, it is much shorter
and more blunt.

In the petals there is a considerable variation in size, from the small yellow
segments projecting from the calyx of Z. tricolor, to the more showy ones of

- L. azurewm, and of the common nasturtium, 7: majus. In TZ. speciosum, it will be
observed that the two upper petals are of a different shape to the three lower
ones, and are quite sessile, the others being attached to the interior of the calyx
by a very slender stalk or claw.

All the plants of the order are remarkable for a certain degree of pungency,
similar to that existing in many genera of the Cabbage tribe, or Crucifere, as the
Cress, Mustard and Radish. This stimulating property is most observable in the
green fleshy fruit, but it pervades the entire plant. Dr. Candolle has remarked
that the identity of this principle in the two orders is attested by a curious fact,
viz., that the caterpillar of the cabbage-butterfly feeds exclusively upon Cruciferous
plants and the Zropeolums.

The common annual, Limnanthes Douglassii, has the same pungent taste, and the

TROPAOLUM SPECIOSUM. 27

Order Limnanthacee, to which it belongs, is indeed associated by botanists very
closely with the Zropeolum tribe. Lindley even includes it in that family, though
we think there are several points of difference between them. It is curious that,
in these three orders, Crucifere, Tropeolacee, and Limnanthacee, the same acrid,
antiscorbutic principle should be found to exist, and we believe it occurs in no
other tribes of the vegetable kingdom.

We have already had occasion to remark under the head of Calochortus, that most
of the Natural Orders include within their limits plants which present anomalies
in their structure, and possess points of agreement with other orders nearly related
to them; and of this truth our present illustration offers another example.

The Nasturtium tribe, of which the genus Zropeolum is the type and chief compo-
nent, is characterized by Botanists, among other marks of distinction, by the absence
of stipules, or small leaf-like appendages at the foot of the leaf-stalk, of which
good examples may be seen in the Rose, Geranium, Passion-flower, and many others.

#A reference to our plate will render evident that, in the case of Zropeolum
speciosum, this distinction does not hold good; for at the base of the petiole will be
seen a fringe-like stipule, which, we believe, is peculiar to the- present species, and
by which the order is connected with the Geranium family, with which it
has other important points of agreement, though to the uninitiated reader the
resemblance between the plants of the two orders may be very slight indeed.

The exact number of species now in cultivation of the genus Zropeolum we are
unable to give, but it certainly exceeds twenty. One of the most remarkable of
the newly-introduced species, is Z. Deckerianum, sent from Venezuela to the Botanic
Garden, Berlin. The flowers have ‘a scarlet spur two inches long, tipped with
green, green hairy sepals, five, intensely blue, wedge-shaped, toothed, short
petals, and stamens of the same colour. It may be grown out of doors in
summer, or may be kept in a pot and trained like other small species of the
genus.’ * :

The word Zropeolwm is derived from tropewm atrophy, from the resemblance -
of the leaf (of 7. minus and 7. majus, the species first introduced) to a buckler,
and of. the flower to an empty helmet, of which trophies were formed.

It may be, perhaps, necessary to observe that our drawing was made from the
depending extremity of one of the shoots of the plant from which it was taken, and
from its small size gives but a faint idea of the beauty of the whole plant when in
flower.

* Van Houttes, Flore des Serres, quoted in Paxton’s Flower Garden, No, 2.

pas]

GRAMMANTHES GENTIANOIDES.
Gentian-like Grammanthes.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—PENTAGYNIA. Natural Ordey—CRassvLace x.

Tux House-leek tribe includes within its limits so few plants which are not peren-
nial, that the present subject, an annual, has some claim to be regarded as a novelty.

The Grammanthes gentianoides is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and is, we
believe, a recent introduction. It grows but afew inches high, and has smooth,
rather brittle stems, and blunt, fleshy leaves, like those of most Crassulaceous
plants. The flowers are of an orange-yellow tint, in terminal clusters, each with
five petals, five stamens, and five distinct, styles and carpels. The last feature isso
eminently characteristic of the plants of this order, that, taken in conjunction with
their succulent habit, it affords an easy method of distinguishing them from all
other tribes.

The blossoms are remarkable for a dark stain at the base of each lobe of the
corolla, and which being continued along the middle of each petal towards its
extremity, partially divides the ground colour, so as to give it an appearance which
has been not inaptly compared to that of the letter V; and it is in allusion to this
circumstance that the genus has been named, from gramma, a letter, and anthos, a
flower.

It is well known that succulents will flourish in a very small amount of soil, and
that of the poorest description, and this peculiarity must be borne in mind in the
cultivation of the Grammanthes. It requires to be sown in spring, in pots of sandy
soil, and placed in a moderate hotbed until the young plants are an inch or two
high, when, if very thickly placed, they may be transferred to wider pots, but
otherwise they may remain in the seed-pot until the weather is sufficiently mild to
permit of their removal to the borders. From their limited growth, single specimens
of the plant produce but little effect; it is therefore advisable to plant them in
patches as large as the supply of plants will admit of, and where the soil is not
very sandy, it must be removed to the depth of three or four inches, its place being
supplied by the poorest material that can be obtained; as a further precaution
against excess of moisture a thin tile may be placed beneath this stratum of
earth, and the surface of the ground covered with small pebbles.

The plant is, however, better suited to the rockery than for the border, as in wet
seasons it is liable to rot, notwithstanding any precaution that may be taken.

It must be remembered that in the dry climate of the Cape, but little rain falls
during seyeral months of the year, and that the aridity both of the atmosphere and

GRAMMANTHES GENTIANOIDES. 29

soil, is further augmented by a temperature considerably higher than that we enjoy
in this country. Upon rock-work the plant is certainly less exposed to the evils
arising from a rich soil; but the atmospheric humidity not uncommon with us even
in the summer season is not so easily guarded against. The nearest approximation
to the native climate of the Grammanthes would perhaps, be found in the green-
house or a warm south window, where we have found it succeed very well. In
any case, however, the blossoms will only expand in bright weather, a rather
unusual circumstance with Crassulaceous plants.

The least attentive observer cannot fail to be struck, in a survey of the vegetable
kingdom, with the wonderful adaptation of the various organs of the different
tribes of plants to the situations in which they are usually found.

If we at this time confine our observations to the leaves of plants, we find
that. those species which are natives of moist climates or soils, and which con-
sequently imbibe by their roots a considerable amount of fluid, are furnished with
leaves, the cuticle of which is set with innumerable pores or stomata, as they are
termed in botanical parlance, through which the redundant juices of the plant are
exhaled into the atmosphere whence they were originally derived; whilst in those
plants which are parasitical, like the misletoe, or which are natives of the sandy
districts of warm climates, as in the case of many of those comprised in the orders
Crassulaceze and Cactacee these breathing apertures are in direct proportion to the
small volume of root-nutriment absorbed by the plant, and are therefore few
in number. Of these plants, Lindley has well observed that ‘soil is to them
a something to keep them stationary, rather than a source of nutriment,’ which is
obtained chiefly from the surrounding atmosphere. For not only does the peculiar
structure of their cuticle enable them to retain for a lengthened period their fluid
contents; but they appear to possess the faculty of absorbing, through its agency,
the heavy dews, by which, in tropical climates, the absence of the rain of more
temperate regions, is supplied.

HARDY PERENNIALS.

Tux practice now so extensively adopted of filling entire compartments of the
flower garden, during summer, with plants not long since regarded as occupants of
the greenhouse exclusively, has no doubt imparted to the parterre a brilliancy not
hitherto attainable.

We have no objections to urge against planting in masses, or as it is usually
termed the ‘bedding’ system; on the contrary, we freely admit that very striking
effects are thus produced, and where the extent of ground permits it, we see no

30 HARDY PERENNIALS.

reason why every variety of plant employed for ornamental purposes, whether
annual, or perennial, should not be disposed in clumps or beds. But it is obvious
that for gardens of small extent, this system of planting is entirely inappropriate,
unless, indeed, one could be content with a very few distinct species, which very
rarely happens.

The preservation, too, of bedding plants during the winter months, at least of
those of a tender character, involves some little trouble, and propagated, as many of
them are, by cuttings every season, single specimens are far too small to produce any
effect in the mixed flower border, or in beds of miscellaneous subjects.

These remarks apply more particularly to those greenhouse plants, such as
Cupheas, Bouvardias, Lantanas, &c., lately recommended for bedding out; but a
large proportion of the plants used for this purpose we claim as hardy perennials,
for such they really are. These have long been with us the most favourite section
of the plants cultivated in the flower-garden, and it has always appeared to us a
matter of regret that so many of the older perennials should have been pushed
aside for subjects whose novelty constituted their sole claim to favour.

We do not, by any means, affirm that it is desirable to exclude all. plants
incapable of supporting without injury an English winter, but we have no
hesitation in saying that the number of hardy subjects is now so great, that no
difficulty whatever would be found in filling with them a garden of large extent,
without the assistance of any plants requiring winter protection, or only so much
as could be easily afforded without removing them from the soil.

We have no doubt that a’brief reference to the best of these perennials will be accep-
table to those amateurs who, although ardent lovers of Flora’s beauties, have too little
time at their disposal to give the requisite attention to the more tender class of plants.

If we begin with Ranunculaceous plants, we shall find in this order a considerable
number of really interesting subjects; and in proof of which, it is only necessary
to name the Aquilegias, Delphiniums and Clematis. Of these three genera, there
are many species besides those commonly cultivated.

The Aquilegia alpina has really noble flowers, and the species leptoceras, jucunda,
glandulosa, glauca, and fragrans (the two last with pale yellow blossoms), are highly
ornamental.

Among the Delphiniums, are some of the stateliest of hefbaccous plants, and
their intense azure flowers are not exceeded in beauty by the rarest exotic.

The sweet scented Clematis flammula is common in gardens, but there are many fine
species quite as easy of cultivation ; such are cerulea, viticella, and its double-variety,
austriaca, americana’ (verticillaris) and crispa; to which may be added the new
indivisa lobata, a remarkable species from New Zealand, and said to be nearly hardy
These are climbers, but there are a few specics of more restricted growth, of which
tubulosa, erecta, and integrifolia are the most worthy of cultivation:

HARDY PERENNIALS. 31

In the Poppy tribe one plant, at least, deserves attention, the Argemone grandi-
flora, which, from its fine white flowers, and purple and blue stigmas, forms a
conspicuous object in the summer and autumn.

The genus Viola contains a considerable number of North American species of
interest, such as pedata, lanceolata, and eriocarpa, and we are surprised that they
are not oftener seen among the dwarfer occupants of the border.

Among Cruciferous plants, if we except the wall-flower and different varieties
of stocks, there are not many worth cultivation; but the pretty calabrian Arabis
rosea, and A. verna deserve a place on account of their early flowers.

The Dianthus tribe Caryophyllew, needs no recommendation, including, as it does,
some of our most esteemed florist flowers; not a fiftieth part, however, of the plants
comprised in this order are in general cultivation, which is the more to be
regretted, as the whole of them are perfectly hardy, of dwarf habit, and abundant
flowerers. Such are the Dianthus Fischert, latifolius, giganteus, libanotis, lusttanicus,
Balbisti, and Carthusianorum ; the Saponaria ocymoides, and glutinosa ; Gypsophila
paniculata, perfoliata; Silene imbriata, stellata, livida, and speciosa; and Lychnis
fulgens, coronata, and Bungeana. ;

The flax family is chiefly represented in our gardens by the old Linum flavum,
a very gay little evergreen plant, and quite hardy; but the genus contains at
least twenty other species equally deserving of notice, among which we may
mention the Z. monogynum, white; arboreum, maritimum, and campanulatum,
yellow ; suffruticosum, and tenuifolium, pink; narbonense, austriacum, alpinum, mon-
tanum, and hirsutum, blue; and lastly, ascyrifolium with very handsome large
blue and white blossoms.

A few of the hardy species of Geranium and Erodium are sufficiently showy
to be admitted into the mixed border; of the first genus, anemonefolium, ibericum,
argenteum, and macrorhizum, ave the best; and of the Erodiums, serotinwm, hyme-
nodes, crasstfolium and Reichardit.

The Mallows-tribe includes some highly ornamental subjects. The Hibiscus,
voseus, and H. Moscheutos, although commonly supposed to be only half-hardy,
will succeed in moist situations, and when in flower, nothing finer can be imagined
than these two plants. The North American genus Nuttallia is but little known,
although all the species are eminently worthy of cultivation, and easily procured ;
the best are pedata, digitata, papaver, and cerasiformis, all of which are quite
hardy.

(To be continued.)

[ 82 ]

ON A NEW BELL-GLASS FOR CUTTINGS.

Ar a season of the year when cuttings of most plants will succeed with but little
trouble, some notice of an improved bell-glass that we have devised, may not be
unacceptable to our readers.

A majority of the plants usually cultivated in the open garden or window will,
in favourable seasons and situations, strike without the aid of any covering, although
there are few which will not emit roots sooner when protected, than when exposed
to those agencies by which transpiration is accelerated.

Cuttings taken in a young state, before any of the fibres have become woody, will
generally require the aid of a bell-glass, whilst, if allowed to remain upon the parent
plant until this change has partially taken place, they will succeed without such
protection. There are many plants, however, which will protrude roots only in the
herbaceous state, and for which a cutting-glass is at all times indispensable. For
these purposes it is not unusual to employ any glass vessel, incapacitated for further
domestic service; and for all ordinary horticultural uses, these are as effectual as any
thing that could be devised, especially if care be taken to wipe the interior of the
glass frequently, to prevent the air contained in it from becoming too damp. It
not unfrequently happens, however, that from various causes, this precaution is
neglected, and the cuttings ‘damp off, a circumstance of frequent occurrence
with amateur gardeners, and not altogether unknown to professional ones.

With a view to obviate this objection to the ordinary bell-glass, we have devised
one with @ porous top, of well hardened plaster of Paris, from the permeability of
which the accumulation of moisture within the glass, is effectually prevented.

If a simple cylinder of glass, open at both ends, could be obtained, nothing would
be easier than its conversion to the purpose we have proposed. It would suffice to
mix a little plaster of Paris with water, to the consistency of cream, and to pour it
into the cylinder, which should be placed upon a perfectly flat surface, to the depth
of two or three-eighths of an inch; when upon the solidification of the plaster, one
end of the cylinder would be thus closed with a material permeable both to air and
moisture, and if well dried before use, of considerable permanence. These cylin-
ders could certainly be constructed at a very small cost, and instead of plaster, any
kind of porous material might be employed to close the end; coarse unglazed
earthenware would have a great superiority over the plaster in point of durability.

Of the great advantage that would arise from the employment of a glass con-
structed on the principle now pointed out, we entertain not the smallest doubt,
and can only hope, that these hints may induce some manufacturer to turn his
attention to the subject. .

Hi, tellete

F, .
ble pnihida coeite leu

§ Wa ly Pett ff PAW?

emcee

POTENTILLA MENZIESII.
Menzies’ Cinquefoit.

Linnean Class—IcosaANDRIA. Order —POoLYGYNIA. Natural Order—Rosacem,

We had intended to have presented our readers this month with a figure of the
fine new Potentilla bicolor grandiflora, and the substitution of another species for this
plant was only discovered too late to rectify the error in the present number. We
are, therefore, obliged to defer, for a short time, the publication of the P. bicolor ;
but as the P. Menztesit, although, perhaps, less showy than the species just named,
is a really handsome and desirable variety, we have thought it worth while to
engrave it.

The order Rosacez, to which the genus Potentilla belongs, may be regarded as one
of the most important of the vegetable kingdom ; for it includes within its limit not
only some of the handsomest of our garden flowers, but also comprehends all the
most valuable of the fruits of the temperate regions, such as the apple and pear,
and the different varieties of the peach, plum, apricot and cherry. Leaving aside, as
foreign to our present purpose, the fruit-bearing genera, we may claim for the
Potentillas a high rank among the ornamental plants of the order.

Of the hundred and fifty species and varieties known, all, with scarcely any
exceptions, are interesting plants, and a considerable number of them are indeed
scarcely second in beauty to the rose.

Most of the highly coloured varieties now so common in gardens are hybrids, the
flowers of the wild species, which, as we have just remarked, are very numerous,
being, with a very few exceptions, yellow or white.

Among the species may be cited, as worthy of cultivation, P. Thomasit, from Italy ;
P. insignis, from the north of India; P. glandulosa, from California; P. mollissima,
from the south of Europe; P. grandiflora, from Siberia; P. splendens, from Nepaul,
all with yellow flowers; P. atrosanguinea and P. formosa, both also from Nepaul, the
former species with deep crimson, and the latter with rose-coloured blossoms. These
two species are not only interesting from their intrinsic beauty, but also from their
being the parents of anumerous progeny of hybrids, some of which are now to be
found in every garden. Of the best of these varieties we may mention Russelliana,
one of the oldest and best; Hopwoodiana, Mackayana, MeNabiana, Loddigesti,
Garneriana, Plantii, Bainesiana, Smoutti, Menziesti, now figured ; and lastly,

34 POTENTILLA MENZIESII.

Antwerpensis, a new variety, with brilliant orange flowers, produced from May to
November, and which, being semi-double, do not close at evening, as is the case
with the other plants of the genus.

All the species and varieties we have enumerated are perfectly hardy, and of the
easiest cultivation, though it cannot be said that they will flourish in any description
of soil, They succeed best in a good rich earth of some depth, and require, in
summer, a plentiful supply of water, especially about the time the flower stems are
thrown up. , We have never seen the Potentillas grown in beds, but we think that
such an arrangement would be exceedingly interesting, if a proper selection of plants
were made. For the centre of the bed one of the shrubby species, such as fruticosa,
or floribunda, both with yellow flowers, and growing about four feet high, would be
well adapted; and around these might be grouped the erect-growing herbaceous
species and varieties, reserving the trailers, of which there is a fair sprinkling, for
the outer circle.

They are all readily increased by dividing the roots early in spring, and as these
descend to a considerable depth, care must be taken that the fibres are not broken.
Many of the species ripen seeds, from which new varieties may often be raised, and
all the seedlings would flower the second season after sowing ; a few, probably, the
first year, if the sowing was effected carly, and the plants forwarded in every way.

A wide field is here open to the amateur florist, and, with a little care and
attention, he could scarcely fail to originate some valuable additions to this
ornamental family.

There is an allied genus, of which a few species are occasionally found in gardens,
and which fully equal in beauty the Potentillas we have named; we allude to the
Geums. They are distinguished from the Cinquefoils by their lyrate leaves, reflexed
calyx when in fruit, and, more particularly, by the style of the numerous little
granular seed-vessels being jointed. Gewm coccineum (the G. Quellyon or Chiloense
of some authors), is an extremely handsome plant.

The properties both of Potentilla and Geum, as well as of Zormentilla, another
allied genus, are very similar. Many of the species of the three genera are
astringent and aromatic, and all are perfectly innocuous. The common Potentilla
ansertna, or Silver Weed, has been used by tanners; and P. reptans, another English
species, was formerly employed as a febrifuge.

The generic term, Potentilla, is derived by some authors from potens, powerful,
or potentia, power, in allusion to the medicinal properties of the species; but as
these are undoubtedly very weak, we incline to agree with those who consider
the reference to be to the Latin diminutive, signifying little power.

The popular designation, Cinquefoil, alludes to the arrangement of the leaflets,
which are often in fives, but by no means exclusively so; for many of the
species, including Menziesii, have ternate foliage, and it is not rare to find on

ALSTR@MERIA VAN HOUTTEIT. 395

the same plants leaves composed of segments, varying from three to six in
number; a few of the species have .even pinnate leaves.

The Potentilla Menziesti may now be procured for an extremely moderate sum ;
a circumstance, we imagine, which will not fail to procure it many admirers,

ALSTRG@MERIA VAN HOUTTEIL.
. Van Houttes Alstremeria.

Linnean Class—HWexanpria. Order—Monoeynia. Natural Order —AMARYLLIDACER.

Tue beauty of the flowers of the genus A/stremeria renders them eminently worthy
of a place among our illustrations, and we do not know that we can select, for our
first example of this family, a more interesting species than that bearing the name
of the well-known florist of Ghent.

A few of the Alstroemerias are rather tender, and can only be successfully
cultivated in the stove; such are A. salsilla, A. edulis, and A. hemantha; a few
others, which may be flowered in the open air, require, nevertheless, to be protected
in the greenhouse during winter; but a large proportion of them, including the
present species, or variety, as we suppose it must be termed, are either quite hardy,
or, at most, need only a covering of leaves or straw in severe weather.

The Alstroemeria Van Houtteii appears to be a hybrid, and, although we have no
exact information on the subject, we imagine it is the result of a cross between A.
psittacina and some one of the dwarfer species.

It is of the easiest cultivation, requiring only to be planted in moderately rich
soil, of a sandy texture, where it will flourish for years with but little attention.
It grows about two feet high, and the roots will, when two or three years old,
produce several stems, each terminated by an umbel of from eight to twelve
blossoms, which expand in July and August.

The plant will not succeed in stiff loam, and, therefore, when the soil of the
borders is of this character, an artificial compost must be prepared of sandy loam,
rotten manure, and leaf-mould or peat. It will be advisable to plant the roots at a
depth of not less than four or six inches, they will then be not only less liable to
injury from severe frost, but will also suffer less from drought in summer. In dry
weather, during their growth, they will require a frequent supply of water, and

36 ALSTREMERIA VAN HOUTTEII.

when in flower, the stems, being somewhat feeble, must be supported by neat
sticks.

After flowering, if seeds are desired, the plant must still be freely watered, or the
seed-vessels will wither; and this remark applies equally to many other plants,
which it is but too common to neglect, when they will no longer repay us for our
attention by their beauty. ‘With the precaution just noted, the plant will ripen
abundance of seed, by which it may be easily increased. If sown as soon as ripe,
the seeds vegetate readily, especially when aided by a little bottom heat; but unless
the young plants can be kept in a growing state through the winter, by preserving
them in a greenhouse, it will be advisable to defer sowing until spring, as the
young tubers would, in all probability, shrivel and perish, if allowed to become dry,
and, from their immature condition, they would scarcely survive an exposure to the
vicissitudes of our winter. In any case, a light sandy soil, with’a small admixture
of vegetable matter, is to be preferred for raising the plants, and, as the seeds are
rather large, they may be covered with half an inch of earth. When sown in
spring, and forwarded on a hot-bed, a few of the seedlings will, perhaps, flower the
same season ; but, in general, the tubers will not produce blossoms until the second
year.

The plant may be also propagated by dividing the tubers, which increase freely ;
but we do not recommend that this be done too frequently, as a large ene of the
plant is far more effective than single specimens.

It may, if desired, be cultivated in large pots, but will then require dividing
every season, or the long, white, fleshy roots will so coil round and fill up the
bottom of the pot, that it will be impossible to remove them without injury. The
better to accomplish this, a disc of tile or slate should be placed at the bottom of the
pot, before placing in it the ordinary fragments employed to ensure drainage; and
when it is desired to turn out the tubers, this may then be easily effected by pushing
up the tile by applying the finger to the orifice at the under surface of the pot.

The Amaryllids, to which order the Alstremerias belong, bear a general
resemblance to the Lily-worts, but are very readily distinguished by their inferior
ovary or seed-vessel.

The whole of the species of Alstreemeria are remarkable for their resupinate leaves,
the footstalks being twisted so that the upper surface of the leaf is downwards ;
and in the case of the present species, another circumstance, of more easy explana-
tion, is worthy of note. The stamens, it will be observed from our figure, are most
of them considerably longer than the style, and in order, therefore, that the fertili-
zation of the oyules may be effected, the filaments are, at a certain stage of their
growth, curved upwards and inwards, so as to bring the pollen of the anthers into
close contiguity with the three-cleft stigma.

In addition to the species now described, we would recommend as exceedingly

OLEMATIS CZERULEA. 387

interesting and showy plants, the Alstremeria Simsti, with scarlet and orange
flowers, and nearly as hardy as our present subject; .4. Hookerit, rose; tricolor,
white, yellow, and purple; dzcolor, white and yellow; Chilensis, pink; nemorosa,
red and yellow; awrantiaca, orange spotted; magnifica, red, white, and green; and
psittacina, crimson spotted. The species with twining stems, are now removed to
the genus Bomarea, and are equally deserving of cultivation with the true
Alstreemerias. Bomarea acutifoka and B. hirtella, are two of the best known
species, and, in favourable situations, will both attain the height of eight feet or
even more.

The Alstreemerias are found chiefly on the slopes of the Chilian and Peruvian
Andes, but the two species of Bomarea above named are, we believe, natives of the
temperate parts of Mexico.

The genus Alstremeria is named in commemoration of Baron Claudius Alstrémer,
a Swede, and a contemporary of the immortal Linnzus.

CLEMATIS CHERULEA
Violet Virgin's Bower.

Linnean Class—PouyANDRIA. Order—PoLyGYNIA. Natural Order —RANUNCULACE

Ture appears to be some confusion with regard to the name of this plant, which
is the C. azwrea grandiflora of several of the London Florists, but it certainly agrees
with the description and figure of cwrulea given in the supplement to Loudon’s
Encyclopedia of Plants. tis the C. cerulea grandiflora of the Horticultural Society’s
Catalogue. The true Clematis azurea is a very different plant to that we now
figure, the segments of the flower of that species being only four in number, and the
blossom bearing a general resemblance to that of the more recent C. tubulosa, which
is, however, their only point of agreement, for the habits of these two species are
altogether dissimilar.

The C. cwrulea, our illustration, was introduced from J apan in 1836, and has some
affinity with the C. florida, and its variety, bicolor, or as it is sometimes called
Steboldti, from the same country, differing from it chiefly in the colour of the
flowers, and in the shortness of the peduncle, which in frida is much longer, and

38 CLEMATIS CRULEA.

more slender than in cerulea. The habit of growth is, however, similar, and, like
Jlorida, our plant is better suited to culture in pots than in the open ground, though
it is sufficiently hardy to bear complete exposure. It succeeds very well, however,
against a trellis, and requires a good relentive loam, in which its growth is of a
more robust character than in soils of a sandy nature. It may be readily propa-
gated by layers, or seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe in a shady place,
and the seedlings afterwards potted separately, and preserved from frost while young.
The appearance of the plants may be improved by occasionally cutting it down
nearly to the ground, as the stems frequently become naked towards the bottom.

Several of the more free-growing species of Clematis are old favourites in our
gardens, particularly the C. flammula, or white sweet-scented, which is of so rapid a
growth that in a single season it will cover an arbour or trellis of some extent;
and the purple C. viticella, a still older species, which, when well managed, is one
of the most elegant and ornamental of hardy climbers. Among other interesting
species worth cultivating are the C. erispa, recently introduced from North America,
with pale fragrant blossoms ; C. graveolens, from Chinese Tartary, with yellow flowers;
C. montana, and its variety, grandiflora; C. cirrhosa, an evergreen species from Spain,
with whitish blossoms, produced very early in the spring; and C. austriaca, C.
sibirica, and C. verticillaris, three species formerly known under the name of
Atragene, but now united to Clematis. Perhaps the most showy species yet
introduced is the C. indivisa, variety lobata, with pure white blossoms, three inches
across, and bright red anthers. In its native climate, New Zealand, it quite festoons
the trees for fiteen or twenty feet from the ground, with its dense foliage and large
panicles of flowers. It is said to require a green-house, a statement we shall regret
to see confirmed. Certain it is that some of the plants introduced into England from
New Zealand require with us but little protection, unless in very severe weather ;
for example, Linum monogynum, Clianthus puniceus, and Plagianthus divaricatus.
Facilities will, however, soon be afforded for testing this statement by experience,
and should the plant prove capable of living in the open air in this country, we shall
take the earliest opportunity of giving our readers a figure of this strikingly beautiful
species.

There are, in addition to the above, two or three species of more restricted habit.
The best are tubulosa, a recent introduction from China; erecta, and angustifolia, both
from Austria, with white blossoms; ochroleuca, from North America, with pale
yellow flowers; and integrifolia, a native of Hungary, one of the earliest species
introduced to this country. These are most of them easy of attainment, and well
deserve a place in the mixed border.

The genus Clematis is remarkable for containing the only shrubby plants known
in the order Ranunculaceae, the other genera, if we except the Moutan Prony, and
Xanthorhiza, being all herbaceous. It is further to be noticed, that the corolla is

MARTYNIA FRAGRANS. 39

absent in all the species, but the calyx is so highly developed, that the flowers of
most are as specious as in those genera possessing both an outer and inner floral
envelope. This absence of petals is not confined to the present genus, it occurs also
in Anemone, Caltha, and some of the Ranunculuses; and in Thalictrum, or Meadow-
Rue, some species of which are often seen in shrubberies, both calyx and corolla are
wanting, which does not however prevent the numerous yellowish stamens from
making a showy appearance.

The long feathery awns, by which the ripe seed-vessels are terminated, is another
prominent characteristic of this genus. They are of considerable length in our
subject, cerulea, but are more developed in the native species, C. vitalba, or
Travellers’ Joy, so common in the hedges of the chalky district, though it is by no
means confined to those localities. These downy prolongations, without doubt, aid
in effecting the dispersion of the fruit, as in the case of the pappus of composite
plants. ir ;

The acrid, caustic properties of many of the species of Ranunculus is well known,
and they are shared, to a considerable extent, by several of the Clematis family,
particularly by flammula, and erecta, the bruised leaves of which are said to have
been used by beggars for forming artificial ulcers.

The generic designation, Clematis, is derived from /lema a twig, or tendril, in
allusion to the climbing habit of most of the species.

MARTYNIA FRAGRANS.
Sweet-scented Martynia.

Linnean Class—DIDYNAMIA. Order —ANGIOSPERMA, Natural Order—BiGNoNIAcE®.

Tuts very handsome annual, although no longer a novelty, is not, we suspect,
cultivated so much as it ought to be. Its large purple crimson flowers are produced
so freely in thé later summer months, and, if we except the first stage of its growth,
so little trouble is involved in its management, that we are surprised that it is not
more generally seen.

The one difficulty to which we allude arises from the thickness of the integument
of the seed, which enables it to set at defiance, for a considerable period, those
influences under which most other germs speedily unfold themselves. We have

40 MARTYNIA FRAGRANS.

known the seeds to remain in the ground six months before vegetating, and we have
no doubt, in a dry situation, a much longer time might elapse, and the seed, never-
theless, continue perfectly sound.

This little knot is, however, very easily cut, for by the removal of the horny
coating of the seed it may be made to germinate in a fortnight or three weeks.

It may be urged, that such a proceeding is altogether unnatural; but it is not
more so than the hundred other contrivances by which art is made to minister to
nature, in the various horticultural operations. In its native country, Mexico, the
seeds of the plant, in all probability, fall from the capsule as soon as ripe,
being at once buried in the ground, and therefore protected from the desiccating
influences which harden the gathered seed.

The peeling must be carefully performed, and the more easily to accomplish it,
the seed should be soaked in warm water for an hour previously; this will have the
effect of softening the almost woody testa, which may then be readily cut away
with a sharp knife, great caution being employed to preserve the cotyledons from
injury. We have sometimes soaked the seed, after the removal of the shell, in tepid
water or milk, before sowing, and we have fancied that its germination was thereby
hastened ; but the precaution is probably unnecessary.

The seed is best sown at an early period of the spring, upon a good hot-bed, in
moderately rich vegetable soil; and the young plants should be transferred separately
to small pots, as soon as they are large enough to handle without injury, and again
placed in the hot-bed.

Their after management depends on the situation to which they are destined.
The plant is often grown asa tender annual, in which case it may be treated
exactly as the Balsam; that is, retained in the hot-bed, and shifted into larger pots
successively until the plant is a foot or eighteen inches high, when it may be
removed to the window; but although it will thus attain a larger size, it is better
treated as a half-hardy plant for the decoration of the borders, where its growth is
more robust, and its flowers of a much deeper tint.

When grown for this purpose, the young seedlings should, at the earliest period,

-be accustomed to a free supply of air, and removed to a cold frame some weeks
before planting out, in order that the plant may be gradually inured to the
temperature of the external atmosphere.

Where this convenience is not at hand, the gradual change can be effected in
another way. Early in May, the plants may be turned out into the place prepared
for them, and a hand light placed over them, which should be kept close for a day or
two, and afterwards air should be admitted gradually, uutil by the end of the
month the glass may be removed altogether. The plant requires a rich light
earth for its growth, and a free supply of water; from the large size of its leaves
it will be advisable to screen it from the action of high winds, by planting it in a

MARTYNIA FRAGRANS. 41

somewhat sheltered situation; and its habit being succulent, it will be further
desirable to support it by a neat stick. The fragrant flowers are produced for two
months in succession, generally from the end of June to the end of August, or even
later. :

According to a statement of Mr. Weaver, of Winchester College, in the Cottage
Gardener, the seed will vegetate in the open ground; and as a considerable amount
of trouble would be thus saved, the experiment is well worthy of trial. We
fancy that it would, in this case, be better sown in pots of earth than in the open
ground, as the seed might then be put in at a very early period, and be kept from
frost in a cold frame, or even on a window. If the seeds were not sown in the
borders until April, the plant would hardly be able to ripen its capsules before
the setting in of the autumnal frosts.

The flowers merit an examination not only for their beauty, but also for their
interesting structure; and, indeed, what plant exists from which some pleasurable
instruction may not be gained? The blossoms, which are terminal and axillary,
are furnished each with two bracts, or leafy appendages, situated immediately
beneath the true calyx, this latter being divided at its border into five nearly equal
segments. Within the inflated throat of the corolla will be found four stamens, in
two pairs, of which one is longer than the other, and also the rudiment of a fifth
stamen; the two cells of the anthers are united by a connective, which is prolonged
beyond the cells, and terminated by a gland, the use of which it is impossible to
conjecture. The large black seeds are enclosed in a capsule with a hooked beak,
which opens when mature by two valves.

The genus includes six other known species, in addition to fragrans now figured ;
Cranolaria, with spotted white flowers; proboscidea, light blue; longiflora, pale
purple; diandra, red; lutea, yellow; and angularis, a recent introduction; all
annuals, and, with the exception of Jongiflora, which is from the Cape of Good Hope,
all natives of tropical America.

The section Pedalice of the Bignoniacee in which the genus Martynia, with
several others, is included, is by some botanists regarded as a distinct order; but by
Lindley, than whom we can scarcely have a safer guide, the differences between the
true Bignoniads and the Pedaliew, are not considered sufficiently important to
justify this separation, the chief distinctions being in the herbaceous character and
wingless seeds of the latter.

The Bignoniacee are remarkable, in general, for the great beauty of their flowers ;
but the order being almost exclusively tropical, only a few of the shrubby and
arborescent genera will endure the open air in our climate. Among these are the
noble Catalpa, with its fine foliage, and large erect racemes of spotted white
flowers ; the two allied genera, Eecremocarpus and Calampelis, the species of which
are often mistaken for each other; and the well known orange Trumpet-flower,

42 THUNBERGIA ALATA ALBA.

Tecoma radicans, formerly classed with the Bignonias. The species of Sesamum,
or oily-grain, so remarkable for the large quantity of bland oil contained in the seeds,
also belong to this order.

The genus Martynia was so named by Willdenow, in honour of John Martyn
Professor of Botany at the University of Cambridge, author of several botanical
works, who died in 1768. The species now figured is a native of Mexico, whence
it was sent in 1840 to Miss Harvey of Hayle, in Cornwall, by whom it was first
raised.

It is, perhaps, neccssary to observe, that our figures are all, more or less, reduced
representations, the limits of our plate not permitting figures of the natural size.

THUNBERGIA ALATA ALBA.
Wing-petioled Thunbergia.

Linnean Class—D1pYNAMIA. Order —ANGIOSPERMA. Natural Order —AcANTHACEX.

Mosr of our readers are, doubtless, already acquainted with this variety of Thun-
bergia; but we trust, however familiar it may be, that no apology is needed for
introducing so interesting a plant into our pages.

The Thunbergias are great favourites with us, not only on account of their
elegant flowers and foliage, but also for the very curious structure of those parts of
the blossom more immediately concerned in the fructification.

In commencing our examination of the flower, we must beware of confounding
the two large bracts by which the corolla is enveloped before its expansion, with
the true calyx, which is very small, and only perceptible upon a close inspection.
If the two bracts be pulled aside, twelve minute teeth will be observed clasping
the base of the tube of the corolla; and after the blossom has fallen, these teeth
embrace the ovary so closely, that the uninitiated observer would easily overlook
them altogether, and imagine the more conspicuous bracts to be the calyx. If one
of the satiny corollas be opened, there will be discovered within, four rather short
stamens, each terminated by a highly curious fringed or bearded anther. The office
this fringe performs—and that it has one, we may be assured—it is somewhat
difficult to guess; it perhaps, serves to retain the pollen after its emission from the
anther, until the stigma is fit for its reception, for it does sometimes occur that

THUNBERGIA ALATA ALBA. 43

the pollen is mature before the stigma is sufficiently advanced to receive it, and if,
in this case, no provision were made for the retention of the fertilizing particles,
they would be scattered before the impregnation of the ovules could be effected-
Decidedly the most interesting part of the flower is the slender curved style with
its double stigma. This organ, destined for the reception of the pollen, has, in
addition to its small terminal cavity, a beautifully delicate shell-like lateral stigma,
of a larger size. Both of them are, however, so minute, that in order fully to
appreciate their exquisite finish, a microscopic examination will be requisite—but
a Stanhope lens of moderate power will be all that is necessary. There can be
no doubt that both of these appendages to the style perform the same function,
for if the terminal stigma be cut off before the pollen is ripe, seeds will nevertheless
be matured; which proves satisfactorily that, in this case, the pollen must have
been conveyed to the ovules through the medium of the beautiful organ to
which we have referred. Each of the seed-vessels contains four hard cup-shaped
seeds.

It will be remarked that the petioles have a leafy edge, or are, botanically
speaking, winged, a circumstance by which alata, and all its varieties, are easily
distinguished from other species.

The principal varieties with which we are acquainted are alata alba, our illustra-
tion; aurantiaca, with blossoms of a rich orange tint; Fryerii, the same, but with
a whitish throat; and Doddsii, differing only from awrantiaca by its variegated foliage.
The original species, alata, has the limb of the corolla of a buff colour, the throat
being like that of our present subject, of a rich deep purple.

The remaining species of Thunbergia are not very numerous, and are chiefly
inhabitants of the stove. The principle are, fragrans, with white flowers of the same
form as those of our illustration; grandiflora, with delicate blue blossoms much
larger than those of any other species; coccinea, with blossoms of a dull scarlet; and
angulata, and Hawtayneana, both with purple blossoms. To these may be added
a somewhat recent species, chrysops, perhaps the gem of the family, with the limb
of the flower of a rich purple, and the throat or eye of a golden yellow. This
plant is a native of Sierra Leone, and is said to require a stove heat for its successful
cultivation; though we have reason for believing that it may be grown with a
lower temperature than is commonly supposed.

Alata, and itg varieties, are all of easy cultivation, either in pots for the window,
or for ornamenting the flower-garden during the summer. The seeds require to be
sown in spring upon a hot-bed; and we have sometimes found it advantageous to
soak them, for three or four hours previously, in tepid water. A light vegetable
soil, composed of leaf-mould or very old and thoroughly decomposed manure, with
a third of any good garden soil, will form a suitable mixture in which to sow the
seeds. With a good bottom heat of 75° the seedlings will soon appear above ground,

44 THUNBERGIA ALATA ALBA.

and, as the roots descend deeply into the soil of the pot, the young plants will be
best potted off separately, as soon as they have made one pair of leaves, in addition
to the seed-lobes; in the whole of their after treatment, a free, open, vegetable soil
must be used. If intended as a window ornament, as soon as the small pots are
filled with roots, the plants should be shifted to one at least six inches in diameter,
if a fine specimen is desired ; and an important point to be attended to is, that the
leading shoot must be pinched off when it is a few inches long; and this operation
must be repeated as often as the laterals threaten to outgrow their trellis, by which
means a multitude of side shoots will be produced, and the plant be restrained
' within moderate bounds. All the varieties of alata produce an abundance of flowers
for three or four months in succession; and when covering, as they can easily be
made to do, a wire trellis three feet in diameter, more striking objects cannot well be
imagined.

To preserve the delicate green tint of the foliage, the plant should be shaded from
the direct rays of the sun during the hottest part of the day; and as the whole of
the whole Thunbergias are extremely liable to the attacks of a minute insect
popularly termed the red spider, the plant should be frequently sprinkled or syringed
with water. During this operation the pot should be turned on its side; the soil
will thus be preserved from too much moisture, and the application of the water
can be more effectually carried out. If the plant is kept in a dry hot atmosphere,
and the precaution of syringing be neglected, the leaves will speedily lose their
rich green hue, and assume a pale spotted appearance, and upon a close examination,
the little pests to which we have alluded will be found in vast numbers upon
all parts of the plant, chiefly, however, on the under surface of the foliage.

When cultivated out-doors, a shady situation and rich light soil must be chosen,
as in a hot, dry, exposed locality they will not succeed. They may be grown
against a wall with a suitable trellis, or allowed to trail; but in this case the
ground should be covered with a few small bushes, which the plants will quickly
conceal. A very pretty effect may be produced by planting several specimens in a
small bed, and training them over a few willow rods bent across from side to side.
In short, in almost any situation partially shaded, and where proper support can be
given to their twining stems, the Thunbergias will be found among the most
ornamental of the summer occupants of the flower-garden.

The genus bears the name of the celebrated Swedish botanist.and traveller,
Charles Peter Thunberg, formerly Professor of Botany in the University of Upsal,
and author of a celebrated work, entitled Flora Japonica.

[ 45 ]

Sa baaes PERENNIALS.

(Continued from page 29.)

Wr have now to notice an Order which, in beauty, extent, and utility, is second to
no other in the Vegetable Kingdom—we mean the Leguminacez, from which it
would be an easy matter to select hundreds of hardy ornamental subjects. It will
suffice to name the genera, Lupinus, Lathyrus, Orobus, Baptisia, Podalyria, Galega,
Hedysarum, Psoralea, and Astragalus. These all include many ornamental spouts of
the easiest cultivation in almost any soil.

Although scarcely to be classed with hardy subjects, we cannot refrain from
calling the attention of our readers to two splendid plants belonging to this order ;
Erythrina ecrista-galli, or coral-tree, and the Glory Pea, Clianthus puniceus, both of
which may be grown in the open air, with a little protection in winter. The
Erythrina is herbaceous, dying down to the ground every autumn, and the roots
can therefore be easily covered with a large pot filled with some non-conducting
material such as hay or straw. The Clianthus is shrubby, and succeeds best
against a wall, where it may be conveniently matted up im severe weather, and
will be less liable to the attacks of the red spider than when grown in the
greenhouse.

The Order Rosacee is no way inferior in beauty or importance to the preceding,
although it contains a much smaller number of herbaceous perennials. Of the
Rose, the type and Queen of the Order, we need say nothing in this place, as
the subject is of too much importance to be merely glanced at. More to our
present purpose is the herbaceous section of the gems Spzr@a, which comprises some
very interesting plants. S. ariefolia is an extremely elegant species, and also
the double flowing varieties of Filipendula, and ulmaria, two British plants ; lobata,
Aruncus, palmata, and venusta, are equally desirable.

Two species of Sieversia, montana and repens, are pretty plants; they are both
dwarf, with bright yellow blossoms, Of the Potentillas and Geums we have
already spoken in the present number, and any further reference to them is there-
fore unnecessary.

In the Onagracee, or Evening-primrose tribe, we have some very showy hardy
plants. Not to speak of the elegant Fuschias, some species of which, however, we
may fairly claim as nearly hardy subjects, and which would alone inyest this order
with remarkable interest, we would point out the various species of Ginothera,
with their large white or yellow flowers produced for several months of the year;
the equally interesting but far less common Gauras; and the recently introduced

46 HARDY PERENNIALS.

Zauschneria californica, which promise to be a valuable autumnal ornament of our
garden, as it is quite hardy and of very rapid increase, and produces its numerous
orange flowers from the end of July until the tops are cut by frost.

Two or three of the Lythrums (Zythracee), are desirable for their free flowering
habit; the best are, alatum, alatum superbum, and virgatum; and one species of
Cuphea, a genus belonging to the same Order, we find to be nearly hardy, the
strigillosa, which survived the last winter fully exposed in our garden, though we _
fear that it would hardly bear severe or long continued frost, unless protected by a
pot or a covering of leaves.

A small number of Crassulaceous plants are both hardy and ornamental, prin-
cipally of the genus Sedum; but they are chiefly valuable on account of the rapidity
with which they will cover a dry sandy spot, for which they are well adapted.
Far more interesting is the Saxifrage tribe, nearly allied to the preceding, which
includes some really interesting plants. The very curious Parnassia palustris,
belongs to this order, and the various species of Saavfraga, Tiarella, Mitella, and
Chrysoplenium, are all neat ornaments of the rockery, to which they are well suited.
Being mostly natives of Alpine regions, they are quite hardy, but require a pure
air, and should be planted on the least exposed side of the rockery.

We now pass to a group of Orders of great interest to the cultivator of hardy
plants, the monopetalous section, in which the petals of the flower are united so as to
form an envelope which may be detached from the flower in one piece.

At the head of the list may be placed the Composite plants, comprising a host of
the most ornamental subjects in cultivation. A mere enumeration of the genera
would occupy more space than we can devote to the entire subject; we must,
therefore, content ourselves with pointing out, among others, the handsome genus,
Liatris, so rarely seen in gardens, and yet so attainable; the stately Rudbeckias ;
the very beautiful North American Asters, of which there are a considerable number
of all shades, of blue, purple, and pink; the pretty Stevias; the familiar Chrysan-
mum; and the scarcely less common Solidago, or golden-rod. A few of the perennial
Coreopsis are little less ornamental than the annual species, and some of the hardy
Cinerarias may be admitted into the borders, though they cannot vie in beauty with
the dwarfer and more delicate species of the same genus. Among the composite
plants of more restricted growth, the genera Gaillardia, Stenactus, Achillea, Cacalia,
Podolepis, Tussilago, Hieracium, Catananche, and Centaurea are the most remarkable,
though there are many others to which our limited space forbids any reference.

The Bell-worts are universal favourites, but so numerous are they, that it would be
a hopeless task to attempt to select where all are beautiful. There are not less than
two hundred species, of which nearly the whole are hardy, and of such various
habits of growth, that subject suited to any situation may be easily chosen.

The Lobelias must, on no account, be forgotten, including, as they do, some of the

HARDY PERENNIALS. 47

most splendid of hardy exotics. A few of the finest species require winter protec-
tion, but a large proportion may be preserved with only a covering of leaves, and
some of them are quite hardy. We intend next month figuring one of the best
species, and therefore defer till then any enumeration of the most suitable varieties
for out-door cultivation.

Next on our list stands the Primulacee, which, if the plants comprising it are less .
showy than those of the preceding order, are not the less remarkable for their
extreme neatness of habit, and their interesting early flowers. We allude not only
to the Primulas, the type of the order, but also to the Androsaces, Soldanellas, and
other alpine genera, ‘than which nothing can be more lovely ; their little modest
blossoms, in their native Alps, sometimes rivalling the whiteness of the surrounding
show, sometimes emulating the intense blue of the empyrean, as if one had borrowed
its hues from heaven, and the other from the spotless mantle of the earth.” Four
other genera, in addition to those we have named, contain plants meriting cultivation,
viz., Cyclamen, Lysimachia, Dodecatheon, and Cortusa.

Another order almost exclusively alpine, is the Gentianacee, including the numerous
species of Gentian, with their deep blue or pale yellow flowers ; the pretty Erythreas,
and the Spigelias, of which one species, marilandica, is an interesting hardy plant.

The Phlox tribe is rapidly becoming a favourite, both with the public and profes-
sional florists. Numerous hybrids are now produced every season, some of which
are among the finest of herbaceous perennials; and the same may be said of many
of the older species from North America. We have not hitherto, in the course of the
present paper, ventured to point out any of the structural peculiarities of plants we
have named, but we are tempted to occupy a line with a reference to the singular
position of the stamens in the Phlox family. In all the species with which we
have any acquaintance, these are inserted in the tube of the corolla, not in one
plane, as is the case with most other plants, but at different distances from its,
mouth. We do not know that any explanation of this curious fact has been offered ;
may it not arise from the narrowness of the tube, which renders such an arrange-
ment necessary? for in most of the species, the throat is of so small a diameter, that
were the stamens all at an equal distance from the mouth, the orifice would be
entirely closed. At any rate, this much is certain, that this arrangement of the
stamens is only seen in those corollas of a form analogous to that of the Phloxes.

Few gardens are without the so-called Major Convolvulus and the dwarfer
Convolvulus tricolor, but how comes it that none of the hardy perennial species of
the same genus are seen in cultivation? There are a considerable number of these,
some of a climbing habit, and others of more restricted growth. Svbthorpit,
holosericeus, persicus, and sericeus, are the best of the latter class; and Jtalicus,
lursutus, Malcolm, and chinensis of the former. The recently introduced
Calystegia pubescens is interesting, as being the only example of double flowers to be

.

48 : HARDY PERENNIALS.

found in the Order; it is quite hardy, and deserves cultivation on account of the
freedom with which its large, but somewhat ragged flowers, are produced for several
months in succession.

The plants of the Borage tribe, notwithstanding their general coarseness of
foliage, are many of them beautiful ornaments of the borders. No garden should
_ be without the handsome Anchusa Italica ; and where space can be afforded, some
of the Echiums, Cynoglossums, Symphytums, and Lithospermums, are almost “of
equal interest. Two new plants of the Order are very desirable, Arnebia echioides
and Lithospermum canescens, both with orange flowers; a hue somewhat uncommon
in the order.

The Labiate, or Lip-worts, deserve a more extended notice than we are now able
to afford them ; but any account of hardy perennials would be altogether incomplete
without a brief reference to such plants as the Monardas, Dracocephalums, Phlomis,
Scutellarias, and Stachys, many of which are pretty, and some really remarkable for
their brilliant flowers. . But the most interesting plants of this order are,
undoubtedly, those of the genus Salvia. The beautiful §. patens, and its white
variety, are everywhere seen, as well as the older scarlet fulgens and splendens ; but
to what cause is to be attributed the almost general absence from our gardens of
such species as bicolor, azwrea, Grahami, Simsit, awrea, hians, indica, Tenorti, and
others too numerous to mention, which are many of them hardier than those
commonly grown, and fully equal to them in beauty.

Another family, with equal claims to attention, is the Serophularinee, or Fig-worts,
in which are to be found the elegant Pentstemons, and Chelones, the stately Fox-
gloves, and the various species of Linaria, Veronica, Pedicularis, and Mimulus.

Our exhausted space compels us to omit many interesting plants which we should
otherwise have noticed, but we must not conclude without a reference to the
Verbascums, and Solanums, of the Night-shade tribe; to the beautiful Armerias and
Statices, of the Lead-worts; to the hardy species of Asclepias, of which there are
several showy plants; and the Acanthus mollis, so interesting from its association
with the origin of the Corinthian order of Architecture.

We think a review of the preceding sketch will justify us in repeating here, what
we have already stated in the commencement of our remarks, that when individual
taste or peculiar circumstances may render it necessary to exclude the more tender
ornamental plants from the flower-garden, a judicious selection of the numerous
hardy species would present a result scarcely less brilliant, and certainly more easy
of attainment, than that produced by the aid of the rarest and most costly exotics.

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ESCALLONIA MACRANTHA.
Large-flowered Escallonia.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—MonoGynia. Natural Order —EscALuoniacEz.

Tue number of hardy evergreens in cultivation producing showy flowers, has
increased considerably of late years; but they are still so much less numerous than
deciduous shrubs, that any addition to this class of plants would be favourably
received, even had it fewer claims to notice than the very handsome Lscallonia we
now figure. Several species of this genus, with small white or red flowers, are to
be found in the gardens of the curious, but for the Hscallonia macrantha we may
safely venture to predict a much wider popularity; and it is, in fact, although so
recently introduced, already tolerably well known, thanks to its rapid growth, and
the ease with which it is propagated.

For this interesting shrub the floricultural public are indebted to the enterprise
of Messrs. Veitch of Exeter, by whose collector it was found in Childe, an island to
which we owe several highly ornamental plants, and which, as might be anticipated,
are most of them sufficiently hardy to bear the winters of our southern counties with
little or no protection. It is true that frost and snow are comparatively unknown
in Childe, but the climate, to use the words of Mr. Darwin, ‘is detestable; rain
falling during ten months of the year, and a week of fine weather being regarded
as an extraordinary event.* However favourable such atmospheric conditions,
aided as they are by the fertile soil of the decomposed volcanic rocks of which the
island consists, may be to the growth of the Childen flora, there can be no doubt
that plants produced under these circumstances, would be less able to resist a very
low temperature than when cultivated in our own climate.

We believe, therefore, that the ZHscallonia macrantha will be found considerably
more hardy than was at first supposed, and that if planted in situations not too
much exposed, nor in soil too retentive of moisture, it will bear our winters even in
the open border. Some of the species hitherto cultivated succeed best against a
wall; and in such situations, the Z. macrantha would probably resist the climate of
our northern counties.

It is increased with great facility by cuttings, under a hand glass in summer, and
also by layers of the lower branches.

It is usually grown in peat; but in localities where this is not obtainable, a

* See this gentleman’s very interesting Journal of a Naturalist in the Voyage of the Beagle.

50 ESCALLONIA MACRANTHA.

suitable soil may be prepared by mixing sandy loam with one-third of leaf-mould,
or of old and thoroughly pulverized rotten manure.

We are unaware of the size attained by this shrub in its native climate, but the
oldest specimens in this country have many of them already reached the height of
four feet; and in robustness of growth, it probably surpasses most of the other
species. The panicles of rosy flowers, which appear in June, and are produced for
several months in succession, are borne at the extremity of each branch, and smaller
heads are also produced by the side shoots.

The Zscallonias are found only in South America, where they are widely distri-
buted, from New Grenada to the Straits of Magellan ; and from the Organ mountains
of Brazil, to Childe, the habitat of the present species. Several of them are found
at great elevations, frequently at a supra-marine altitude of 12,000 to 14,000 feet.

By some Botanists, the Hscalloniads are considered as a section of the Saxifrage
tribe, with which they have some affinity: we have, however, followed those
writers who place them as a distinct order. The Saxifragacee are well distinguished,
by the two carpels of which their fruit is composed diverging at the apex, the two
stigmas being sessile on the tips of the lobes of the ovary. In the Lscalloniace, the
two carpels are wholly adherent; and the calyx being united to the ovary, this
organ is entirely inferior, whilst in the Saxifrages it is only partially so. The
cohesion of the petals in Zscallonia, offers an additional means of discrimination
between the plants of the two orders.

For the benefit of our younger readers we subjoin the technical description of
this shrub, which will serve as a lesson in the science of observation. They will do
well to remark the order in which the various parts of the plant are described, and
the precision with which each peculiarity is noted. Where a specimen is attainable,
it should be carefully compared with the following details :—

‘A handsome shrub, three feet or more high, branched. Branches terete, the
younger ones clothed with glandular pubescence. Leaves alternate, obovato-ellip-
tical, rather obtuse, cuneate at the base, strongly and doubly serrated at the margin,
reticulated on the surface, glabrous, dark and shining above, beneath paler, and
dotted with resinous points. Panicle terminal: pedicels bracteolated, the bracteoles
deciduous. FVowers large, red. Calyx turbinate, clothed with stipitate viscid glands ;
the lower portion of the tube adherent with the ovary, the upper half free, campa-
nulate, cut half-way down into five erect or slightly spreading, subulate teeth. Corolla
of five spathulate petals, the claws erect, and forming a tube, the Jamine spreading
horizontally. Stamens as long as the tube. Ovary two-celled. Style columnar,
surrounded at the base by a large furrowed gland. Stigma thick, dilated, obscurely
two-lobed. Frwit, turbinato-cylindrical, surmounted by the spreading persistent
limb of the calyx and the style.’*

* Botanical Magazine.

SALVIA BICOLOR. 51

Whatever objection may be urged against the pedantic use of botanical terms, it
is impossible to read the above descriptionwithout being struck by the extent of the
information thus conveyed, and which could only have been expressed in ordinary
language at the risk of much circumlocution.

The stalked glands clothing the calyx and other parts of the plant, and to which
reference is made in the foregoing description, are common to most of the spccies,
and communicate to them a somewhat powerful resinous odour. It has been stated,
that these resinous secretions occur chiefly in plants growing naturally in arid,
exposed localities; their existence on the Zscallonia macrantha proves, however,
that they are not confined to such subjects.

The genus scallonia, the type and chief constituent of the order, bears the name
the Spanish traveller Escallon.

SALVIA BICOLOR.
Two-coloured Sage.

Linnean Class—DIDYNAMIA, Order —GYMNOSPERMA, Natural Order—Lapiatx.

We have already, in a former number, expressed our high opinion of the value
of the Salvias as an ornamental genus; and we have much pleasure in now present-
ing our readers with a figure of a species, which, if not the handsomest of the
family, is nevertheless eminently deserving of extensive cultivation.

Its blossoms taken individually are, perhaps, less attractive than those of the
now common S. patens; but, on the other hand, they are far more abundantly
produced, and are much less fugacious, remaining expanded several days after their
full development. In any moderately good soil the plant attains the height of
four or five feet; and clothed as it is with very handsome foliage, an established
specimen forms, when in flower, an exceedingly interesting object. Its blooming
season extends over a period of two or three months, or even longer, if prevented
from ripening seed.

It is, moreover, perfectly hardy, and requires, therefore, none of the attentions
necessary to preserve its more tender congeners from the rigours of our winters. So
numerous, in fact, are the claims of the Salvia bicolor to attention, that it seems
surprising that this species should be comparatively so little known. It was first

52 SALVIA BICOLOR.

introduced into this country as early as 1793, but appears to have been almost
entirely lost, until its re-introduction, about ten years since, from the North of India,
by Messrs. Standish and Noble, Bagshot.

The loss of this and many other valuable hardy plants, is, no doubt, to be
attributed to the commonly-received opinion—acted upon, at least, if not really
entertained—that hardy perennials require only to be planted in the border, and may
then be left to take their chance, without further attention. So erroneous a practice
cannot be too soon banished from our gardens; and we have no doubt that, were a
tithe of the care lavished on the bedding plants now so much employed for
decorating the parterre in summer, bestowed on some of our best perennials, they
would amply repay their cultivator for such attentions.

The utmost civility they receive is, perhaps, a chopping round with the spade in
the spring; the central and older parts of the stool being allowed to remain, while
the more healthy and vigorous fragments are not unfrequently thrown away as
superfluous! When a herbaceous plant is divided, the shoots proceeding from the
outer portion of the root should alone be replanted, and, in every case, in fresh soil.
It is also highly desirable to save seed each autumn, if possible, as we are thus
enabled to raise a stock of seedlings, which are usually more vigorous than those
plants originated by cuttings or divisions of an older specimen, and are also ensured
against the risk of loss from the severity of the season, or the other ills to which
plants, in common with poor humanity, are heir to.

The Salvia bicolor may be readily increased, either by division of the roots in
spring, by cuttings early in summer, or by seed, which generally ripens freely, but
which must be gathered just before it is fully mature, or like that of the S. patens,
it falls from the nodding calyx.

It should be sown on a gentle hot-bed early in spring, and the seedlings, when an
inch or two high, be transferred singly to small pots of light soil, and subsequently
shifted into larger, until the plants are fit for turning into the borders in May.
They will usually flower the first season, as is the case with nearly all the Salvias,
though not, indeed, so early as older plants. We have, on more than one occasion,
raised seedlings of S. patens, which grew more vigorously, and flowered more
profusely the first season, than specimens preserved through the previous winter.

In the absence of a hot-bed, we have no doubt that seeds of our present subject
would readily vegetate, if sown ina warm border about the end of April ; especially
if assisted by a hand-glass, or protected at night from frost and snails, by having a
flower-pot turned over them.

There are many other species of Salvia not commonly grown, which are equally
deserving of attention with the S. bzcolor, the genus containing, indeed, not less than
two hundred species, a considerable number of which are tolerably hardy. Those
most generally found in cultivation, have chiefly flowers of various shades of purple,

SALVIA BICOLOR. 53

blue, or scarlet ; but other tints are by no means absent in this family. There are
several species with yellow, and at least twenty with white blossoms; others have
bright pink, lilac, or violet flowers; and there are a few into the composition of
whose colouring nearly all the tints we have named may be said to enter.

Among those most worthy of cultivation, we may name, azurea, hians, Simsiana,
Africana, Indica, Barreliert, and grandiflora, with blue or violet flowers ; leucantha,
interrupta, and elegans, white; glutinosa, nubicola, and aurea, yellow; and rugosa,
Habliziana, rosea, and calycina, pink. These are all perennials; but there are also a
few annual species, some of which, such as @thiopis and Tingitana, merit a place
in the borders, though they are rarely procurable at any of the seed-shops; and
indeed, many of the perennial species to which we have referred, are not to be
obtained without difficulty.

From the diversity of colour presented by this genus, we feel persuaded that
many interesting varieties might be originated by hybridizing. We have now a
white S. patens ; what obstacle presents itself to the production of a pink, scarlet,
violet, or yellow variety of the same plant, by crossing with the pollen of some
other species? We need hardly remark, that in addition to the gratification which
would naturally be felt by the raiser of a new variety of this, or any other species,
a more palpable reward might reasonably be reckoned upon.

The Salvias are readily distinguished among Labzate plants by their peculiar
stamens, which have their two anther-cells separated by a long connective, one of
the cells being usually abortive. In the Monarda, popularly known as the Bergamot
plant, and in the Rosemary, but two stamens are present; but the absence in these
genera of the branching connective, enables the student to determine, with facility,
the plants of the Salvia genus from its allies. By the older Botanists, the Labiate
were supposed to have naked seeds, and were therefore termed by Linneus
Gymnospermous ; but it is almost superfluous to add, that this notion was long
since shown to be erroneous, the fruit or ovary of the plants of this order being, in
fact, deeply four-lobed, each lobe or nut containing a single seed. All the Lip-worts
are remarkable for the aromatic volatile oil existing in the foliage, as well as in the
calyx of some of the genera, and it is to this oil that the stomachic and stimulant
properties of the order are chiefly due. According to Lindley, camphor is so
abundant in this family, and especially in the oils of Sage and Lavender, that it
might be advantageously extracted.

Although the Salvia bicolor has been found, as we have already intimated, in the
North of India, it appears also to be a native of Barbary, from which country it was
first introduced.

i lal

LILIUM COLCHICUM.
Colchieum-like Lily.

Linnean Class—HExXanpuia, Order —M onoGynIa. Natural Order—Li.iace =.

Amone hardy bulbous plants, the Lilies have long stood pre-eminent for their
beauty and stately grandeur; and the recent introduction of two remarkable
species, has invested this genus with great additional interest. Whilst many plants
of the order will only produce their blossoms under a combination of favourable
circumstances, to induce the Lilies to yield their fragrant flowers it is only necessary
to plant the bulbs in any tolerably rich soil, and leave them undisturbed. This may
be regarded as the golden rule of Lily culture, and applies equally to all bulbous
plants. The fleshy rootlets proceeding from the base of the bulb are extremely
liable to injury by removal; and as they never produce lateral fibrils, as in the
case of fibrous-rooted plants, it follows, that when their extremities, or spongioles,
are broken off, the entire rootlet decays, and the plant receives a serious check.
When it is necessary to remove or separate the bulbs, it should be done as soon as the
leaves are decayed, and before the young bulbs protrude any roots, which they do
long before the appearance of the leaves above ground.

The Lilium colchicum, of which (through the kindness of Mr. Groom of Clapham)
we are now enabled to publish the figure, if less splendid than some others
of the genus, is certainly a handsome species, and well deserving of cultivation.
It grows to the height of three feet or more, and, coming from Siberia, is perfectly
hardy. Although, for convenience sake, only a single flower is shown in our plate,
several are borne by the same stem, the number varying with the size of the bulb.

It grows freely in any good garden soil, and also in peat; though, from the
character of its roots, we should have imagined peat earth to be entirely unsuited to
this, or any other species of Lilium.

Owing to the somewhat slow rate of increase of the bulbs of this genus, new
species are less rapidly disseminated, than in the case of plants readily propagated
by seeds; and the Lilium colchicum is, therefore, in common with several other
recently imported species, rather rare and expensive. It is true, that most, if not
all of the Lilies, ripen seed under favourable circumstances, which vegetates quickly,
if sown as soon as gathered ; but several years usually elapse before the bulbs are of
sufficient size to flower.

Notwithstanding this drawback, however, we do not hesitate to recommend to

LILIUM COLCHICUM. 55

those of our readers who may be endowed with a sufficient stock of patience, the
propagation of the Lily tribe by seed. The Dutch florists have raised many
interesting varieties of the Martagon Lily; and in England Mr. Groom, who has
devoted much attention to this showy genus, has obtained a number of very beautiful
hybrids, between seyeral of the species, among the most remarkable of which, are
those obtained from L. bulbiferum, crossed by the pollen of L. atrosanguineum. It
would be an error to suppose that these results are only attainable by professional
florists; on the contrary, they are within the reach of the humblest cultivator.

We intend, in an early number, to explain how the operation of hybridizing is
performed ; and, in the meantime, we would point out, that where it is desired to
increase to seme extent any rare species of Lily, we may avail ourselves of the well-
ascertained fact, that any check upon the production of flowers increases the
formatidn of young bulbs. If, therefore, the flower stem be entirely removed at an
early stage of its growth, the vital energies of the bulb being no longer directed to
the nutrition of stem, flowers, and seeds, will be diverted to the production of an
increased number of new bulbs; and the same result occurs, if the old bulb be
accidentally injured or removed, in a growing state.

Our space will not allow us to notice, in the present article, all the points of
interest in the structure and growth of the plants of this genus. We will now only
refer to the small bulbs, or bulbils, formed upon the stem of some of the species,
chiefly in Z. bulbiferum, and L. tigrinum. These singular productions may be
employed in the propagation of the species ; but, as in the case of plants raised from
seed or from separate scales of the bulb, a long succession of leaf bulbs must be
formed before a flower bulb is produced.

We believe our present subject has been published in Van Houtte’s Flore des
Serres, under the name of ZL. Szowitsianum; we have, however, preferred the more
euphonious designation by which it is generally known in this country.

We will avail ourselves of this opportunity to recommend to such of our readers
as do not already possess it, the very beautiful Z. speciosum, and its varieties, which
are found to be quite hardy, and also well adapted to pot culture. They are now so
extensively grown for sale, that bulbs of the white variety may be purchased at
nearly as lowa rate as the common white Lily. The Z. spectoswm is often regarded as
a variety of the Z. laneifolium, but erroneously, this latter being a distinct species.

In commencing these remarks we alluded to two recently introduced species,
which, if the accounts given of them are not exaggerated, will certainly create a
furore among horticulturists; we refer to the LZ. gigantewm and L. Wallichianum,
both from Nepaul. A brief account of the first-named species will be found at
page 68. The Z. Wallichianum does not appear to exceed in stature many of the
older kinds; but the flowers are even larger than those of Z. giganteum, and are
said to be fully nine inches long, and when expanded, as much across the mouth.

eb

CANTUA DEPENDENS.
Pendent-flowered Cantua.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA, Order —MonoGynia. Natural Order —PoLEMONIACcER.

‘Since the introduction of the Fuschias and the Bengal Rose, our gardens have
received nothing so remarkable as this new shrub.’ Such were the words with
which Dr. Lindley accompanied the publication in Paxrton’s Flower Garden of the
Cantua dependens; and in this merited encomium most of our readers will, we are
sure, be well disposed to concur.

Of the existence of this species of Cantua Botanists have long been aware ; but
it was not until 1849 that living specimens were introduced from the Peruvian
Andes, where it was discovered by Mr. W. Lobb, the indefatigable collector of
Messrs. Veitch of Exeter. Whatever may be the demerits of our little publication,
we are, at least, exempt from one reproach—that of exaggerating the figure of the
plants we illustrate, as, from the limited size of our plate, our drawings are
necessarily more or less reduced in their dimensions. Our readers are hardly
likely, therefore, to be led by our representation of it, to overrate the beauty of
the Cantua dependens, which has every chance of becoming one of the most popular
plants introduced for many years. Of easy culture, compact medium habit, pos-
sessing neat and unobtrusive foliage, and producing a profusion of elegant flowers
of more than ordinary dimensions, we have no doubt that in a very short time
it will take its place with the Fuschias, Geraniums, and other ‘household plants’
now to be found in the cottage of the humblest lover of flowers. It will probably
prove as hardy as many of the Fuschias, and will certainly flourish in the open
border during the summer months. Messrs. Veitch have obligingly informed us
that a specimen planted at the foot of a south wall has stood two winters with only
the protection of double mats; and they are of opinion that it would bear five or
six degrees of frost without injury. The plant so exposed by them is now four feet
high, and flowered abundantly during the summer of 1851.

But although it may thus be said to be partially acclimatized in Devonshire, few
persons, we apprehend, in the Eastern, Midland, or Northern counties, will feel
disposed to risk so valuable and rare a plant in the open ground during the winter
months. As a pot plant it succeeds admirably, specimens only a foot high
flowering freely ; but in winter, it requires to be kept in a cool, airy apartment,
with only a small supply of water. It is partially evergreen; and, as like the

CANTUA DEPENDENS. 5G

Geraniums, it continues to grow slowly during the cooler months of the year, it
will not tolerate the complete neglect to which many deciduous plants may be
subjected with impunity.

It is propagated by cuttings which root freely under a bell-glass, in a light soil,
and more readily with a little bottom heat. It appears to flourish most in a
mixture of sandy peat, good loam, and leaf mould, though it will succeed in
any soil not of too extreme a character. We are not aware whether it has yet
ripened seed in this country; should this be the case, a ready mode of increasing it
will thus be offered.

The species we now figure is the Cantua buaifolia of Lamarck ; and, in fact, it has
been published under that designation in the Botanical Magazine.

But, notwithstanding the priority of this appellation, it has been clearly shown to
be inappropriate, inasmuch as the lower leaves of each shoot are all more or less
toothed; and we have therefore preferred the specific term dependens, first applied
to this species by Persoon, and now adopted by Lindley and other eminent
Botanists. This splendid plant appears to vary considerably, not only in the
pubescence and form of its foliage, but also in the colour of its flowers, which, in
some specimens, are of a pure yellow, and in others, both white and yellow. The
delicate teeth which appear in our figure at the edge of the lobes of the eorolla, are
occasionally wanting.

There are several other species of Cantua, two of which, the C. bicolor
and C. pyrifolia, are already in cultivation in this country; but none of them
at all approach in beauty our present illustration, the flowers of which we may
remark, en passant, are nearly four inches long.

The Cantua bicolor is, however, a very pretty shrub, with flowers somewhat
resembling those of the Zhunbergia Fryerii, but smaller. The generic name isa
slight modification of the vernacular term Cantu, by which the species are known
among the Indians of Peru. The love of these untutored children of nature for
the floral treasures of their native woods is well known, and the flowers of the
C. dependens are said to be held in high estimation by them, being often used
for the adornment of their dwellings on feast-days.

The Cantuas are distinguished from most other plants of the order, by their
winged seeds, and strongly nerved or ribbed calyx. The imbrication of the
lobes of the corolla in the flower bud, the three-cleft stigma, and the three-
celled capsule, opening when ripe by three valves, are common to the whole tribe.

The order Polemoniacee is much less extensive than many other of the natural
families, but most of the genera included in it are esteemed for their showy
character. The Gilias, Leptosiphons, and Collomias, are among the prettiest of
the Californian annuals; and still better known are the Phloxes, than which few
herbaceous plants have higher claims to cultivation. Nor must we forget the
genus Polemonium, the type of the order, of which there are several species ;

58 SEEDS, THEIR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS.

the most common is the P. cerulewm, a neat, hardy perennial, with pinnate ,
leaves and clear blue flowers. A recent introduction, the Cyananthus lobatus, a
plant greatly resembling the Polemoniums, also belongs to this order. One inter-
esting plant, formerly included with the Gilias, deserves to be more extensively
grown—we allude to the Jpomopsis picta, the Gilia coronopifolia of some Botanists.
It is a tall biennial, with finely cut leaves, and scarlet blossoms spotted with
purple. It requires to be sown in the borders in summer, and afterwards trans-
ferred to pots, and preserved from frost through the winter, during which period
but little water should be given it, as it is very liable to damp off. The following
season it may be shifted to a large pot for flowering, or turned into the open border.
It is worthy of remark, that most of the Polemoniads have blue pollen, whatever
may be the colour of the flowers; to this, however, the Phlowes are an exception.

SEEDS, THEIR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS.

Amone the teeming wonders of our beautiful world, few are more calculated to
strike the reflective mind with astonishment than the means provided for the
multiplication and dissemination of the various members of the Vegetable Kingdom.
Whether we consider only the structure and reproductive office of the marvellous
organisms by whose agency these ends are effected; the simplicity of the means
by which their diffusion is accomplished; the multifarious purposes to which they,
or their products, are applied, in augmenting the comforts and luxuries, and
diminishing the wants and miseries of mankind; or, finally, the deeply interesting
moral associations connected with their functions, it will be readily conceded that
no vegetable organ more displays the power, benevolence, and matchless wisdom
of the Great Creator, than the apparently insignificant bodies containing the
rudiments of a future plant. Deferring until a future number any notice of the
successive stages through which the ovwle, or immature seed, passes, while attached
to the parent plant, we will, in the present paper, confine our observations to the
ripened seed, in the state in which it falls from the seed-vessel.

Every seed consists essentially of a nucleus or kernel, surrounded by one or more
imteguments. In the young ovule, these integuments are several in number, some
botanical writers enumerating as many as five; but as the seed progresses to
maturity part of these are absorbed, so that, in the ripe seed, all that can be
detected is the nucleus and two coverings, generally easily separable from each
other. These two membranes, which may be seen to advantage in the Walnut,
are named, the outer one the episperm or testa, and the inner one the endopleura
(endon, within, and pleura, side). Collectively they form the spermoderm (from
sperma, seed, and derma, a covering).

SEEDS, THEIR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS. 59

The episperm is not always membranous, but frequently so hardened as to be
quite woody; in other cases it is leathery, crustaceous, bony, spongy, or fleshy.
Its surface is often beautifully marked, and many seeds are, from this cause,
interesting microscopic objects. In some seeds the episperm is expanded at the
edge in the form of wing-like appendages, as in the Calampelis scaber (Eccre-
mocarpus), and other plants of the Bignonia family ; in the Mahogany, and in many
of the Lily tribe. In some cases it is covered with hairs, as in the Willow-herb
(Zpilobium), the Cotton-plant, and the different species of Asclepias. ‘hese appen-
dages must not, however, be confounded with those attached to many seed-vessels,
as, for instance, the yappus crowning the fruit of most plants of the order Composite ;
the wings of the Sycamore-keys, as they are popularly termed, and those of the
Ash and Dock. Upon most seeds of any magnitude, a scar is visible at the base,
and usually of a different colour to the rest of the integuments. This spot is called
the Ailum or umbilicus, and marks the point by which the seed was attached to the
interior of the ovary or seed vessel. In the Chestnut it is black and very large,
covering one-fourth of the surface. In the Nemophilas, and in the Garden Pea,
it is whtte; and in some seeds it is so minute, that it is recognised with difficulty.

res The nucleus contained within the integuments, consist either of
sajmai. albumen and the embryo, as in the Primrose (jig. 1) and Potatoe
‘ (fig. 2), when it is termed albuminous; or of the embryo only, as in
Jig. 1 the plants of the orders Rosacex, Crucifers, and Leguminose, when

it is called exalbuminous. In seeds of the former class, the propor-
tion of albumen varies greatly ; in some instances it forms the great
bulk of the seed, as in the Birthwort (fig. 8), where the embryo is
very minute, and in the Cocoa-nut. It may either entirely sur- |
round the embryv (as in fig. 1), or occupy the centre of the nucleus
as in the Marvel of Peru (fig. 4.) The albumen varies much in its ae
. nature and consistence; it may be mealy, consisting chiefly of cells
filled with starch, as in the Buck-wheat (fig. 5), and in the Cereals,
and many other plants; or horny, as in the Coffee ; fleshy and oily, as
fig. 3. in the Poppy and Castor-oil seeds ; and occasionally so hard as to be
susceptible of a polish, as in the Vegetable Ivory (Phytelephas), so
much employed for small articles of turnery
The embryo consists of three distinct parts: the cotyledons, ore -.
seminal leaves, the plumule, or gemmule, and the radicle. It varies, * |
however, in its structure in different classes of plants; and upon a
these differences are founded the three great divisions of the Vege- » -.4\
table Kingdom. Plants having two cotyledons, as in the Oak, and \
the great majority of plants, are termed Dicotyledonous; those with
one only, asin the Palms, Grasses, and most plants having leaves

ae

AN alll

PAE

a

60 SEEDS, THEIR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS.

with parellel veins, are Monocotyledonous ; those without cotyledons, as in the case of
r Ferns, Mosses, Lichens, and Sea-weeds, are termed Acotyledonous ;
though this term is hardly correct, as we will hereafter explain.

In the Dicotyledonous embryo, of which all our figures, with the

aexception of 10 and 11 are examples, the two cotyledons are usually
in close contact, the plumule being enclosed between them as in the
Bean (jig. 5), where one of the cotyledons has been cut away.
Sig. 5. They are generally entire, but in a few cases they are lobed, as in
the Walnut; or deeply divided, as in the Lime-tree and Fir ;
(fig. 7); this last is often termed polycotyledonous, but appa-
rently without sufficient reason. |
The cotyledons are commonly straight (as in figs. 1, 3, and 6);
in other cases they, as well as the entire embryo, are slightly
curved (as in fig. 5); and in many seeds they are arranged }: x :
spirally (as in fig 2). In the Marvel of Peru (fg. 4), where the \~/, |i Q&iyo +
embryo encloses the mealy albumen, it is termed peripherical. =
In the Convolvulus tribe, the cotyledons are crumpled so that fig. 6.
when unfolded they expose a large surface; in the Pomegranate, they are
}\ rolled up laterally, so as partially to surround each other; and in the Gera-
j nium family, they are plaited.
f The radicle, or point from which the root proceeds, is usually
straight ; but in certain important orders it is curved, and
gives a marked character to the seed. In the Crucifere it is
curved, so as to be parellel to the cotyledons, being either folded
against the edges, as in the Woad (Jsatis tinctoria, fig. 8), or on X
fig. 7. the back of one of them, as in the Wall-flower (jig.9). In fg, 8.
some plants of the same order, the cotyledons are two or three times folded; and it
is on these distinctions that the subdivisions of this order are founded.

The position of the radicle is also an important mark of dis-
tinction. It is usually opposite the hilum (as in figs. 2, and 4); but
in all the plants of the Nettle tribe, in the Cistus, and in the Buck-
_wheat (fig. 5), it is inverted, and is then termed superior. This is

“almost the only point of difference between the orders Composite and
Dipsaceze. In the Primrose (jig. 1), and all plants of the order
Sig. 9. Primulacese, the embryo lies across the hilum, and the radicle is
therefore lateral.
Monocotyledonous and Acotyledonous seeds, with the phenomena of germination
in our next.

[The references are the same for each of the above wood-cuts: s, the spermoderm or integument ;
a, the albumen ; ¢, the embryo ; ¢, the cotyledons; 7, the radicle; g, the gemmule or plumule. |

\
e-\\-

ON THE CULTURE OF THE RHODODENDRON. 61

ON THE CULTURE OF THE RHODODENDRON.

Tuer Rhododendron has been styled the Queen of Evergreen-shrubs; and those of
our readers who have had the good fortune to witness the magnificent display
of these plants at the Chiswick Exhibitions, will not think such praise misplaced.
The great diversity of habit and foliage; the gorgeous beauty of their flowers,
of every imaginable shade of colour ; and the perfect hardiness of the great majority
of the species and varieties, give them the strongest claim to the attention of all
classes of cultivators.

These claims are now, indeed, so fully recognized, that there are few persons
possessing a garden-plot who have not attempted the cultivation of a Rhododendron;
though it must be admitted, that, in general, amateurs are not very successful
in their treatment of this plant, if we may judge from the many miserable
specimens to be seen in suburban gardens.

As we intend figuring shortly one of the most desirable varieties, we will reserve
our remarks on the origin of the present race of hybrids of this genus, and confine
ourselves to the best method of cultivation. Some clue to their proper treatment
may be found in the fact that, notwithstanding the wide geographical range of the
species, they are, with very few exceptions, all inhabitants of moist localities.
On the Himalaya Mountains, the Rhododendron is invariably found growing near
or on the margin of morasses; and in America, and other parts of the world, where
any of the very extensive tribe commonly known as ‘ American Plants’ are found,
it is always on the border of lakes, rivers, or bogs, or on the nearest portions of
dry land in their vicinity. A movst situation may, therefore, be regarded as a
sine gud non to their successful cultivation; though soils too retentive of humidity
will prove as injurious as those of an opposite character.

Peat soil is usually supposed indispensable to Rhododendrons, and where this
can be obtained of good quality, turfy, and of close texture, there can be no doubt
that it best accords with their natural constitution. In very sandy peat, they will,
under the most favourable circumstances, be stunted in their growth, and their
flower-heads few and small.

An excellent compost, and one attainable in most localities, may be made as
follows :—To two parts of sandy-loam or peat, or, in fact, any sandy soil that does
not contain much chalk or lime (American Plants exhibit a great dislike to either),
add one-fourth leaf-mould, one-eighth sand, and one-eighth rotten manure. If
wanted immediately, the whole should be well beaten, and thoroughly incorporated
before using. It would, however, be of great advantage to allow the mixture to
remain twelve months, turning it well two or three times. In old exhausted beds,
a good dressing of rotten manure forked in will be found highly beneficial.

62 BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

Where the soil of the garden is of a stiff clayey nature, a bed must be dug and
filled in with the above compost. The depth of the prepared soil need not exceed
twenty inches or two feet, for the roots of the Rhododendron are generally
comprised within a very moderate space.

In dry situations, however, a greater depth of soil will be absolutely necessary—
at least three feet, and the compost should be made richer and more retentive, by
an increased proportion of the rotten manure and a little decayed turfy loam. The
surface of the bed should in these cases be Jower than that of the contiguous soil, so
as to retard as much as possible the escape of moisture. In many places where the
natural soil contains friable loam, sand, and vegetable matter, in about equal propor-
tions, the preparation of an artificial compost will be unnecessary.

With regard to the exposure, we would observe, that though natives of elevated
places, Rhododendrons do not flowrish when fully exposed to the sun’s influence; in
such situations the foliage is often scorched, and the growth much less luxuriant
than in localities partially shaded. A gentle northern slope, with a slight screen
on the southern side, appears to be a situation they delight in, and one that exhibits
their beauties in the greatest perfection; but we must add, that although they
enjoy the shade of trees, their drip is injurious to them.

These shrubs possess one obvious advantage over those of a deciduous character,
in being removable at nearly all seasons, and whatever may be the size of the
specimens. The first season after planting they should be frequently and regularly
watered, especially should the weather be dry; and it is desirable to use for this
purpose either rain water, or such as has been exposed some time to the weather.

When the soil is poor, or exhausted, all American plants derive great benefit
from an occasional dose of weak liquid manure, which has been used with con-
siderable success by some cultivators. After they are fairly established, the only
attention they will require will be watering in dry summers, and the removal of
weak, straggling shoots with the knife. This is best done early in April, and when
several young shoots are produced, a portion of them should be thinned out.

In concluding our remarks on these noble plants, we would again impress upon
our readers the necessity of never allowing them to become thoroughly dry at the root.

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

[Tux number of hardy and half hardy subjects introduced during the last few years,
is so considerable, that it would be impossible in a work of limited extent like our
own, to figure a tenth part of those deserving notice. With a view, therefore, to
make our little periodical more generally useful, we propose to publish monthly,

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS, 63

or bimonthly, a short descriptive list of the most remarkable of these acquisitions.
It must be understood, however, that of many of them we shall probably publish
figures as soon as they are attainable. |

Acacta Vertrcrniata. (Natural Order—Leguminose.)—A very handsome species
of acacia, with sharp pointed leaves, an inch and half long, and numerous showy
yellow flowers, borne in long spikes. It is a native of Van Dieman’s Land, and
will probably succeed in the open air in the climate of Devonshire and Cornwall.
It is well adapted for pot-culture, and would make a noble window ornament for
spring. After flowering, it should be turned into the border to make its annual growth.

Berseris Darwin. (Berberacee./—Next to the magnificent Berberis Japonica,
this may be regarded as one of the finest species of this valuable genus of ever-
greens. It grows about four feet high, and bears a profusion of bright orange
yellow flowers in drooping racemes. The foliage is not pinnated as in the
Mahonias, but simple, and resembles that of the holly. Introduced by Messrs.
Veitch of Exeter, from South America.

Cotuinsta Mutricotor. (Scrophulariacee./—A beautiful new annual from
California. It grows from one foot to half a yard high, and produces a pro-
fusion of flowers. These are much larger than in any other species yet
introduced, each blossom being an inch across. The middle boat-shaped lobe
of the lower lip is a rich crimson, lower lip lilac; the upper lip lilae, with a white
spot in the middle, and beautifully spotted with blood colour. It will bea great
favorite when more extensively distributed. Introduced by Messrs. Veitch of
Exeter, (Figured in Paxton’s Flower Garden.)

Dusronratnza Sprnosa. (Gentianacee.)—Mr. Lobb discovered this very hand-
some hardy evergreen shrub on the hills of Patagonia. It has the appearance
of a common holly, and will probably prove quite hardy. The flowers are
tubular, two inches long, with a yellow border, and in its native country, pro-
duced with profusion. It is in the possession of Messrs. Veitch.

Gyyerium ArcENTEUM. (Graminacee.)—(Pampas Grass of South America.)
At length this noble plant of which so much has been said in the various books
of travel, has been introduced to this country, by Mr. Moore, curator of the
Glasnevin Botanic Gardens, Dublin. It is a tall perennial plant, growing, in
its native plains, from six to eight yards high, and bearing panicles of silky
silvery white flowers, two feet, or more, long. It is likely to prove quite
hardy, and will, we hope, soon be common. ‘The specimens in this country have
not yet produced seeds, and they are therefore propagated by division. Could seeds
be imported, its diffusion would take place more rapidly, and it is to be hoped that
some efforts will be made to procure them.

Horsortra Acuminata. (Lardizabalacee.J—A robust shrubby, climbing ever-
green from the mountains of Nepaul. The foliage resembles that of the

64 BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

Mandevilla suaveolens. The flowers have the perfume of the orange blossom,
and are produced in racemes of six or eight from the axils of the leaves. Each
flower is about half an inch long, and as much across, bell-shaped, of a purple
colour, with green tips. It is likely to prove quite hardy.

LaracertaA Rosza. (Smilacee/—An exceedingly handsome climbing plant
from Chili, producing large bell-shaped flowers, of a brilliant rosy-red, speckled
with white. They are pendulous, and produced singly in the axils of the leaves, each
blossom being three inches long, and two and a half inches wide at the mouth.
It grows freely, and will probably prove as hardy as the Chilian Alstroemerias.

Lizrom ~Gieantevm. (Liliacee.)—The most splendid of all the Lilies, and,
indeed, few plants of any order exceed it in magnificence. A native of Nepaul,
whence seeds of it were sent by Major Madden. Messrs Veitch of Exeter have
also imported bulbs of this plant from the same locality through their collector.
When of full growth, it attains the height of twelve feet, bearing large white flowers,
spotted with crimson; and the scent is so powerful, that a single flower cannot be
endured in a room for any length of time. It is perfectly hardy, but will not, we
ear, be very common for several years.

Penstemon Baccnarmrorius. (Scrophulariacee.)—A native of Texas, whence
seeds were sent by Dr. Wright. Apparently a half-hardy perennial, but may be
treated as an annual, as it blooms the first season. The flowers are of a bright
scarlet colour, produced in terminal panicles, and are very handsome. It grows
from one to two feet high.

Sarvia CanprteLasrum. (JLabiate.)—A hardy perennial from the South of
Spain, with leaves like those of Salvia officinalis. The flower stem rises a yard
high, branching, and producing numerous large blossoms, with a greenish yellow
upper lip, and a rich violet lower one, each flower being an inch and half long,
and one across the expanded mouth. A handsome species. (Figured in Pazton’s
Flower Garden.)

Tropmotum Peyputum. (Zropeolacee.)—A half-hardy climbing annual. Calyx
of the flower yellow, with green tips; petals yellow, the two upper ones marked
with red lines, and a violet-coloured bar near the edge. A very pretty species
introduced from Central America to Berlin, by Mr. Mathieu.

Visurnum Macrocernatum. (Caprifoliacee.)\—The most rent of all
the Viburnums. A hardy shrub from the North of China, producing at the
points of its shoots immense trusses of pure white flowers, and when in bloom,
forms a striking object in the shrubbery. Small specimens flower freely; we
believe Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot, who possess this plant, exhibited
last spring a flowering specimen which had been struck from a cutting the
previous summer.

= ca a
—- “Z CHG MOLL MULL PAB

Eteren]

CHRYSANTHEMUM MATRICARIOIDES
HYBRIDUM.

Hybrid Chusan Daisy Chrysanthemum.

Linnean Class—SyYNGENESIA. Order—PouyGamia Superriva. Natural Order—Comvosir™.

Axy eulogium of the old Chrysanthemum sinense, and its innumerable varieties,
would at this hour be altogether out of place; for probably few of the thousands
of exotic plants introduced during the last fifty years are now so widely diffused,
as this valuable autumnal ornament of our gardens; and whether we regard only
the abundance of its beautiful blossoms, which would render it welcome at any
season, or value it chiefly from the circumstance of its enlivening the garden at a
period when its summer glories are departed, it must be conceded, that never was
popularity better deserved than that enjoyed by this, the last floral offering to the
garland of the year.

A new race of Chrysanthemums has recently appeared, which are likely to
prove as acceptable to Florists of every grade as the older and larger varieties—
we allude to the Lilliputian, or Pompone Chrysanthemums, of which a group is
represented in our plate for the present month. They owe their origin to the
introduction of the Chrysanthemum matricarioides, or Chusan daisy, sent from China
by Mr. Fortune, in 1846, to the Horticultural Society. From this species, which
is of comparatively humble growth, with white flowers, the Continental Florists
have obtained, by hybridization with the pollen of the varieties of C. sinense,
a class of plants possessing the colouring of the older kinds, with the dwarfer
habit and smaller flowers of the Chusan daisy. We believe that, for all the hybrids
hitherto raised between the two species, we are indebted to the French Florists,
as, unfortunately, in this country the Chrysanthemums do not ripen seed; and we
have, indeed, understood that it is only in the south of France that our neighbours
are completely successful in bringing the seed to maturity. The result of this
monopoly is, that many varieties have been introduced and sold in this country
which have but little to recommend them, for the coloured representations sent
round to the trade by the French Florists are by no means to be depended on;
and for this reason, we have declined publishing figures of the newest seedlings, as
we should have been unable to guarantee their exactitude. We are, however, of
the number of those who think that a good plant is none the worse for being one
or two seasons old; and we have, therefore, ventured to publish a group selected

66 CHRYSANTHEMUM MATRICARIOIDES HYBRIDUM.

from the best varieties which have yet flowered in this country, without regard to
their respective ages, though all of them have been raised within the last three
years.

We anticipate that these little pets will be applicable to a variety of decorative
purposes. For window plants, they are peculiarly appropriate; and they are also
equally adapted for filling the flower-beds after the removal of their summer
occupants, or for cultivation in the mixed borders.

With regard to the details of their cultivation we would observe, that they are
increased by the same means as the common Chrysanthemums, viz. by division of
the stools early in the year; by cuttings of the young shoots; and also by layers at
almost any period of the summer. When a large supply of plants is not required,
the suckers will generally be sufficient.

For pot culture, a rich soil must be provided, composed of good loam and well-
rotted manure; and during their growth, which may be accomplished out of doors
if protected from severe frosts, they will require to be once or twice re-potted. In
order to have compact bushy specimens, the points of the shoots should be pinched
off at intervals during the spring and early summer, but not after the end of June,
or the plants may fail to blossom. If the pots are fully exposed to the sun’s influ-
ence during the warmer months of the year, they will require to be regularly
watered, and should be placed on a stratum of coal ashes, to prevent the ingress of
worms; or a layer of soot may be placed at the bottom of the pot, which will answer
the same end.

When the plants are needed for bedding purposes, the divisions of the root may
be planted in a reserve bed of good soil, stopping and watering them when
requisite, and only transferred to the flower garden at the end of September, when
the annuals have ceased flowering, and the more tender greenhouse plants are
returned to their winter quarters. If they are dug up with a good ball of earth
about their roots, this removal will not in any way affect them, especially if they
are well watered and shaded for a day or two subsequently. Very nice dwarf
specimens for potting may be readily obtained by layering the extremities of the
shoots about the end of July.

We have intimated that cuttings may be struck as readily as in the case of the
larger kinds. They should be taken as early in the spring as obtainable, struck
upon a moderate hot-bed, and afterwards either potted off, or transferred to the
open border. Cuttings taken later in the season do not, in general, produce flowers
until the following year, unless under very favourable circumstances, the plants
being of much slower growth than the varieties of C. sinense.

The Chrysanthemums are, nominally, quite hardy ; but every cultivator must have
observed, that by far the finest specimens are those which are grown in a warm
situation, such as the foot of a south wall; and these dwarf varieties will, in case of

MITRARIA COCCINEA. 67

severe frost during their period of blooming, deserve a slight protection at night,
by which means their beauty will be considerably prolonged. In purchasing these
plants, those struck from cuttings the previous summer should be selected in
preference ; for small specimens are not to be depended on, and will, at any rate,
produce but few flowers.

Our figures are: 1. Roi de Lilliput, white; 2. Le Jongleur, yellow; 3. Madame
Le Michez, lilac; 4. Modéle, white; and we have no doubt that all of them may
be obtained at every nursery in the kingdom.

Among the other varieties which are deserving of cultivation, may be
mentioned the following:—Sacramento, bright yellow; D'or, golden yellow;
Bizarre, straw yellow; Solfaterre, clear primrose; Surprise, white, tipped with
lilac or rose; Argentine, silvery white; La Fiancée, pure white; Poulidetto, rosy
lilac, good shape and habit; Asmodée, copper colour, yellow centre; Criterion,
striped carmine and yellow; Gil Blas, carmine; Madame de Mirbel, yellow, edged
with carmine. The flowers of these vary in their size, a few of them being nearly as
large as those of the older varieties; but the greater number of them are from
three-quarters to one and half inches in diameter.

MITRARIA COCCINEA.

Scarlet Mitraria.

Linnean Class —D1pyNAMIA. Order —ANGIOSPERMA, Natural Order —GESNERACEX.

Tue plants of the order Gesnerace are, in general, so remarkable for their beauty,
that it has often been a matter of regret that they should require, for their
successful cultivation, the temperature of the stove, at least during the earlier
stages of their growth. We are aware that the Achimenes, Gloxinia, and even the
Gesnera itself, are, when in flower, often purchased for window ornaments; but we
doubt whether a creditable specimen of these plants could be shown, which had not
been assisted in its growth by a considerable amount of bottom heat, either in a
good forcing frame or warm green-house.

Of the novelties recently introduced from Chili and its dependencies, few,
therefore, are likely to create a greater sensation among out-door cultivators
than the Mitraria coccinea, which has the merit of being the only hardy plant of
the order yet discovered. We do not, however, use the term hardy in its most

68 MITRARIA COCCINEA.

extended sense; in very severe winters some protection would, doubtless, be
necessary; but at the nursery of Messrs Veitch of Exeter, the importers of this
fine plant, a specimen has been fully exposed for four winters, without any protection,
against a north wall. Messrs Veitch are of opinion that it would bear ten or
twelve degrees of frost without injury.

This comparative hardiness is, perhaps, to be attributed to the character of the
roots, which, unlike those of most other Gesneraceous plants, are not scaly tubers, or
rhizomes, but truly fibrous. We would not, however, be understood to hazard the
assertion that all tuberous-rooted plants are necessarily tender; but we think this
conclusion would hold good with regard to a large majority.

The habit and general appearance of the Mitraria will be sufficiently understood
by a reference to our figure. Its stems are unusually slender, branched, and, in
specimens of sufficient age, reach the height of about three feet. The foliage is
small, and somewhat brittle and succulent, with a number of short hairs scattered

-over its upper surface. The flowers are numerous, and produced singly from the
axil of the leaves, on foot-stalks two inches long, with a ventricose corolla, from
the mouth of which protrudes the long slender style. Its season of blooming
extends from May to the end of June.

The soil most suitable for its cultivation isa mixture of good turfy peat and loam,
in the proportion of three parts of the former to one of the latter. Where this is
not at hand, any soil containing a tolerably large proportion of leaf mould may be
used, avoiding those of a poor sandy character, as well as pure loams deficient in
decayed vegetable matter. When grown out of doors, it must be planted under a
north wall, or screened from the sun’s influence by a fence, for it will not flourish
except in the shade. Until its hardiness in the northern and eastern counties has
been more fully tested, we would not recommend its exposure during the winter
months without some protection. A small hand-glass, or a large inverted flower
pot, will offer a ready means of warding off the effects of frost; and to these may be
joined, as an auxiliary, a small heap of coal ashes. Where there is the convenience
of a cold frame, the roots may be potted in the autumn and preserved with less risk,

If grown as a pot-plant, it will be necessary to provide it with a cool, shady
window ; and an arid atmosphere must at all times be avoided. Especial attention
must be paid to the drainage, for the soil in which it appears to succeed best being
of a retentive nature, too great an excess of moisture must be guarded against, by a
good supply of broken crocks.

Gesneraceous plants, as well as all others with tuberous roots, usually require to
be kept quite dry when at rest; but with the Mitraria a somewhat different treat-
ment will be necessary, for its fibrous roots will not bear the complete withdrawal
of moisture. It will, therefore, need an occasional watering during the winter
months, though the soil must be kept only in a slightly moistened condition, and

LARDIZABALA BITERNATA. 69

the plant should be placed in a cool situation—by no means in a warm
apartment.

Its propagation presents no greater difficulties than that of the other plants of
this order. The easiest mode of increasing it, is by division of the roots in spring ;
but cuttings may also be taken at any time during the spring and summer months,
and struck in any light vegetable soil under a bell glass or tumbler.

The generic name, Iitraria, given to this plant by Cavanilles, is in allusion to
the mitre shaped bracteas which conceal the true calyx. It was introduced in 1846
from San Carlos, in the Island of Chiloe.

LARDIZABALA BITERNATA.

Biternate-leaved Lardizabala.

Linnean Class—Diacta. Order —Hexanpria. Natural Order—LaRvDIzABALACE.

Or deciduous climbers, whether hardy or half-hardy, there is, happily, no deficiency
in our gardens; but the number of evergreen climbing plants hitherto available
for general cultivation, is so limited, that when we have named the common Ivy,
we have exhausted the list. To this valuable climber, which, although possessing
few claims to beauty, is deservedly esteemed for its utility in covering walls and
concealing other objects offensive to the eye of taste, the Lardizabala biternata will
prove a formidable rival; for it appears to be equally hardy, produces its beautiful
dark green glossy foliage in great abundance, and has, moreover, the additional
recommendation of bearing flowers of a singularly interesting character, which, in
the case of the fertile blossoms, are succeeded by an edible fruit.

It is a native of Chili, growing as far south as Concepcion, whence it was sent by
George Thomas Davy, Esq. of Valparaiso, to Messrs. Veitch of Exeter.

The specific term, Jiternata, docs not appear to be very happily chosen ; for,
although some of the leaves are dcternate, they are more generally simply ternate,
especially in the flowering branches, and occasionally they are tri-ternate. The
leaflets are often quite entire at the edge, but sometimes spinosely toothed, of a dark
green colour above, but paler, and veined, on the under surface.

All the plants we have hitherto figured produce flowers bearing each both
stamens and pistils; but most of our readers are doubtless well aware, that in many
plants these two organs occur in separate flowers, some blossoms producing stamens,

70 LARDIZABALA BITERNATA.

and others pistils only. When flowers of both descriptions occur in the same plant,
as in the Hazel, Begonia, and cucumber, they are termed monecious ; when they
are found on separate plants, as in the Hemp, Aucuba japonica, and Date-palm,
they are diecious ; whilst those plants in which, on the same specimen, perfect
flowers occur, in addition to those bearing only stamens or pistils, are styled
polygamous.

Of the Dicecious class of plants, the Lardizabala liternata is an illustration ; it is,
in fact, both diwcious and polygamous; for, although the flowers of the plant
represented in our figure produce stamens only, those of the fertile plant, which
has not we believe been yet introduced to this country, yield both stamens and
pistils; it differs also from the sterile plant in its one-flowered peduncles. These
solitary flowers are succeeded by a many-seeded berry, which is sold in the markets
of Peru and Chili. The pulp is said to be sweet and grateful to the taste.

The blossoms of the male plant are borne in drooping racemes, hanging from the
axil of a leaf, the peduncle or flower-stalk bearing at its base two large heart-
shaped bracts; and it is remarkable that these occur at the axil of the leaf, even
where there is no flower-stalk. The calyx is formed of
six fleshy sepals, arranged in two series, three of the
segments being external to the others, when in the
bud. The calyx is the most highly coloured portion of
the flower, the petals being comparatively incon-
spicuous, and of a thin membranaceous, mealy texture.
The six stamens are united by their filaments into a
column (monadelphous), and bear six oblong, incurved,
pointed, two-celled anthers, which open at the back. The annexed wood-cut repre-
sents the stamens and corolla three or four times the natural size.

With regard to the propagation of the plant, it may be effected both by cuttings
and layers, in any ordinary soil. It will flourish in any situation not too much
exposed to the sun, but appears to prefer shady places; and as it grows rapidly,
its merits as a substitute for the Ivy will, doubtless, soon be universally recognized.

In Peru, where it occurs as well as in Chili, it is called by the Indians Aguil-
boguil and Guilbogui; in Chili, its native designation is Coguzl-vochi. Two other
species are described by Botanists, Z. tri-ternata and L. tri-foliata, which appear
to differ from the Z. diternata in not producing an edible fruit.

The plants of the order Lardizabalacee, although few in number, are all of
interest ; they were formerly included with the Jenispermacee or Cocculus tribe,
to which the narcotic berry known as Cocculus indicus belongs, but are now classed
apart, their many-seeded berries distinguishing them from the plants just referred
to. The Holbdllias, one species of which is noticed at page 63, belong to this
order; and a recent introduction from Chusan, the Akebia quenata, will probably

VIOLA PYROLEFOLIA. 71

be available for out-door cultivation, at least during summer. Mr. Fortune, who
sent this plant to the Horticultural Society, says:—‘I found it growing on the
lower sides of the hills, in hedges, where it was climbing on other trees, and
hanging down in graceful festoons from the ends of their branches. The colour
of its flowers in China is of a dark brown, and they are very sweet-scented; indeed,
it was the delightful fragrance which first attracted my attention to the spot where
the plant was growing. In the Chiswick gardens, where it has flowered for the
first time in England, the flowers are much lighter in colour, and nearly scentless.
We may still hope, however, that when the plant gets older it will shed its
fragrance on us. As many of my Chusan plants have proved perfectly hardy in
this country, there is every reason to suppose this Akebia will succeed well on a
trellis in the open air.’

The order, Lardizabalacee, commemorates the services to Natural History of
Michael Lardizala, of Uribe.

VIOLA PYROLAFOLIA.
Pyrola-leaved Violet.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —MonoeGynia. Natural Order—Viouace®.

Tur Viola pyrolefolia is probably already known to many of our readers under
the name of Veitch’s Yellow Violet ; as well as by another designation given to it in
reference to the colour of its flowers—that of Viola lutea. As the number of
Yellow Violets, is, however, considerable, this specific term can hardly be regarded
as sufficiently distinctive, especially as it was long since applied to one of our
native species.

The plant was raised by Messrs. Veitch, from seed sent from Patagonia, on
whose inhospitable shores it was found by their collector. It was originally
discovered about the straits of Magellan, by the illustrious Commerson ; afterwards
by the Spanish botanist Née: and described by Cavanilles under the name of
Viola maculata. As the resinous spots on the foliage, in allusion to which this
latter appellation was bestowed, are seen only in the dried specimens, Dr.
Planchon has resuscitated the name of pyrolefolia, originally conferred on this
plant by Poiret, which he admits, however, might be better chosen.

72 VIOLA PYROLEFOLIA.

We may not claim for this Patagonian Violet the same interest as that which
attaches to the modest fragrant flower, with whose name so many delightful
associations are intermingled; and the amateurs of its more showy sister—the
Pansey—may perhaps turn from it in disdain; but, although it lacks the
delicious perfume of the one, and the rich velvety hues of the other, yet we are
sure that from those ‘ general lovers’ for whom every plant possesses an interest, it
will obtain .a welcome, not only for its geographical associations, but also for the
neatness of its blossoms and foliage, a character which it shares in common with all
the plants of this pretty genus.

Like the better known species, it seeks the shade, and flourishes best in a cool
border, in a mixture of peat and loam, or any light soil, rich in decayed
vegetable matter. It is propagated by runners, by division, or by seed, which it
often ripens. It may be cultivated in a pot, as readily as the Viola odorata and
Heartsease ; and, like them, will produce its flowers in the winter season, when
protected from its chilling influences; but, in any case, it should be placed out
doors in a cool, shady place, during the warmest months of the year.

We have hitherto scarcely alluded to the medicinal uses of the plants we have
figured ; but it would be inexcusable, in speaking of the Violet tribe, to omit to
notice the well-marked and valuable properties of most of the members of this
order. These properties are chiefly emetic, and reside in the roots of nearly all
the species. They are most evident in the genera peculiar to South America; but
even our European species, including the Sweet Violet, V. odorata, and the Dog
Violet, V. canina, possess it in a less degree. The roots of two or three species of
Tonidium are sold in Brazil as substitutes for Ipecacuanha; though the true plant
of this name belongs to a very different family of plants, the Cinchonacee. The
syrup of Sweet Violets is reputed laxative, and is also occasionally employed by
Chemists as a test for acids and alkalies; by the former of which its purple tint is
changed to red, and by the latter to green.

The structure of the flowers of the genus Viola is highly curious, especially of
the stigma and anthers. The first named organ, which terminates the style, is
hooded or inflated, having an orifice at its summit for the reception of the pollen.
It is readily seen in the Vola tricolor, or Wild Pansey, as well as in the cultivated
plant. The anthers are remarkable for a spur-like appendage at their back, of a
green colour, and of considerable relative length. In the Sweet Violet these spurs
are very conspicuous; they are found, however, only on the two nearly sessile
anthers at the bottom of the flower.

The specific term of the plant we have figured, pyrolefolia, implies a resemblance
in the foliage to that of some species of Winter Green (Pyrola), neat little plants

belonging to the heath order, and which are found in moist woods in some parts of
England.

WINDOW GARDENING. 73

WINDOW GARDENING.

Few sentiments are so widely diffused, or retain their hold so permanently on the
human mind, as the love of flowers. The Indian in his native wilds; the denizens
of the most civilized community; flaxen-haired childhood, and grey-headed old
age; the rich man who rolls by in purple and fine linen, and the peasant, whose
unremitting toil scarcely procures him the necessaries of life, alike share this
passion for these fair but frail creations of Nature’s all-bounteous Lord.

When circumstances preclude the gratification of this taste in open air culture
on amore or less extended scale, the difficulty is met by an increased attachment
to the few half-stifled plants for which space can be found upon the window-sill.

So healthy a sentiment deserves every possible encouragement; and we gladly,
therefore, devote a page or two of the present number to a brief explanation of
the principles upon which the cultivation of window-plants should be conducted.
We have, however, nothing new to offer under this head; for these principles have
been repeatedly explained in the gardening literature of the day; but to those who
may not be already familiar with the subject, our remarks will probably be useful.

And in commencing, our remarks, we would observe that, in the majority
of instances, window gardening is indeed floriculture pursued ‘ under difficulties ;’
and where these are successfully met, we are inclined to think that our Horti- —
cultural Societies would do well to stimulate to further efforts by awarding an
occasional prize to window-grown plants.

In the greenhouse, plants are, it is true, placed in a similar artificial condition, by
having their roots cramped in pots; but they have, at least, the advantage of an
abundance of perpendicular light, and enjoy an atmospheric medium, in which it is
easy to preserve a due proportion of the moisture so essential to a healthy vege-
tation. In an apartment, on the contrary, the light usually enters only in a
lateral direction; and from the dryness and dustiness of the air of most rooms, it is
often impossible for the leaves of a plant to perform properly, for any length of
time, their important functions.

Another difficulty, especiallyin the winter and spring seasons, arises from the
impure products of combustion, resulting from the use of open fires. In addition to
the carbonic acid gas thus generated, and which, so far from being injurious to
vegetation, is indispensably necessary to its existence, other, gases are produced
which are exceedingly inimical to plants, the most deleterious being the
sulphuretted hydrogen, arising from the decomposition of the pyrites, or sulphuret
of iron, from which few coals are free. It is chiefly owing to the existence of this
and other prejudicial agents in the atmosphere of an apartment, that fresh air is so

74 WINDOW GARDENING.

requisite for window plants; for it has been shown that, in other circumstances,
ventilation may be dispensed with.

It is well known that by animal respiration, oxygen—the life-sustaining
principle of the atmosphere—is abstracted, and replaced by carbonic acid gas, a
compound of oxygen and the carbon of the blood. By a beautiful law of
adaptation, in which the mutual dependence of the animal and vegetable
kingdoms is strikingly displayed, this carbonic acid, which to the animal
economy is a deadly poison, is the chief source of the nourishment of plants. Under
the influence of the solar rays, this carbonic acid is absorbed by the leaves through
their breathing pores or stomata, and then decomposed, the oxygen being exhaled,
and the carbon becoming fixed to form the substance of the plant. By this double
process, the constituents of the atmosphere are maintained in their normal pro-
portions; and so far, therefore, from a supply of fresh air being necessary to
preserve the health of plants, they will flourish in structures hermetically
sealed, or at least so close that the amount of leakage is very small, as long since
shown by Mr. Ward of Well-close Square, London. The absence, however, in
these structures of the injurious gases to which we have already referred, is an
indispensable condition to their success; and as, in an ordinary apartment, this
condition cannot be ensured without a certain degree of ventilation, it follows, that
in practice a stagnant atmosphere, however appropriate in pure media, is not
desirable for window plants. In admitting fresh air, however, cold currents must
_ be carefully guarded against, especially in the winter season, when it should be
very sparingly given, and the door of the apartment should invariably be closed,
whilst the window remains open.

The lateral direction of the light necessarily occasions a distorted growth, which
is the more exaggerated, in proportion as the plants are kept at a distance from the
glass.

For this, there is no real remedy; it is a common practice to attempt to
obviate the evil, by turning the plants round, a course which so far from improving
their appearance, inevitably increases the distortion. A much better course would
be to admit upon the window, only dwarf compact specimens, and to preserve
them in this form by constant ‘stopping.’ Hard-wooded plants which have become
drawn up and ‘leggy,’ should be rejected as incurable, a few cuttings of the
healthiest shoots being first taken off, when it is thought desirable to preserve a
stock of the same plant.

The evil to which we have just alluded cannot be said to interfere with the
health of the plants, so much as with the perfection of their form ; but the absence
of sufficient moisture in the air of most apartments, which causes greater exhalation
from the leaves than can be compensated by the absorptive functions of the roots,
is attended with more serious results.

WINDOW GARDENING. ; 75

In Mr. Ward’s glass Cases, and in all closed horticultural structures, the atmos-
phere surrounding the plants is maintained in a humid state, by the watery
evaporation which takes place from the surface of the leaves, under the influence of
sun-light, and which, becoming condensed by the neighbouring glass, trickles
down to the soil, and is again absorbed through the roots of the plants, or,
by saturating the atmosphere with moisture, checks the foliar exhalations. In
ventilated places this transpired moisture is, of course, carried off, and its accumu-
lation being thus prevented, the amount of the watery juices exhaled is propor-
tionably greater. The only generally available means of counteracting this
evaporation is to supply the soil of the pot with an increased quantity of fluid,
but, unfortunately, this plan can only be adopted with a few plants, and with them
only in the growing season. Were it followed indiscriminately, it would be
productive of a greater evil than the aridity of the atmosphere—we mean a sodden
soil—and speedily cause the death of the plant. So numerous, however, are the
plants from which selections may be made for window culture, that it would be
easy to choose a considerable number which would flourish on the window, almost
as well as in the greenhouse; of this character are the Acacias, and, in general,
most South Australian plants, together with others which are natives of those
extra-tropical countries in which an arid atmosphere obtains during a great part of
the year. The cuticle of the leaves of such plants is of a peculiar texture, and
enables’them to resist the extraordinary dessicating influence of the climate; and
they therefore suffer less injury in warm, dry apartments than those plants furnished
with leaves of a more delicate nature. For the same reason they also suffer less
from the dusty particles constantly present in the atmosphere of a sitting room,
and which are quite as injurious to those plants in which the breathing pores are
numerous, as the excess of dryness.

Another class of subjects eminently suited to bear the parched air of rooms, are
the’Succulents, which receive as little injury under such circumstances as the plants
previously referred to; and a third group readily suggests itself in the Bulbous
plants, which comprehend some of the finest and most easily managed plants in
cultivation. The latter have this additional recommendation, that when out of
flower ‘they may easily be disposed of, and require little or no attention until the
commencement of the following season, There are others nearly, if not quite as
suitable; but we defer, until the conclusion of this notice, a complete list of the most
desirable window plants.

(To be concluded in our next.)

76 SUMMER CLIMBERS.

SUMMER CLIMBERS.

BEAUTIFUL as are many of the half-hardy exotics employed as summer ornaments
of the open garden, they must yield the palm to the more luxuriant class of plants
popularly known as summer climbers, without a due proportion of which, no
garden, however perfect in other respects may be its arrangement, can be said to
be complete. By the feminine elegance of their growth, they lend an air of
freedom, which is sought for in vain in plants of a more restricted habit; and
impart a charm to localities and objects the most formal in their character. In no
one point do the resources of modern gardeners present a more striking contrast to
those of the florists of the past generation, than in the case of climbing plants;
for, whilst they were restricted to one or two annual species, the number of these
now available is, happily, so much increased, not only by recent introductions, but
also by the now ascertained hardiness of plants hitherto regarded as too tender for
the open air, that selections may be made suitable to gardens of any extent.
Dividing this class of plants, for convenience of treatment, into two groups—the
annuals and the perennials—we will notice, first, the most robust individuals com-
posing it—the perennials.

At the head of the list we must, undoubtedly, place the DMandevilla suaveolens,
a Bolivian plant of comparatively recent importation, with large white fragrant
blossoms, similar in form to those of the common periwinkle, Vinca major ; both
plants belonging to the same natural order, the Dogbanes. The Jandevilla is
generally treated as a tender plant, being sometimes grown in a warm greenhouse
or conservatory, but not unfrequently in the stove. When cultivated in the border
of a good greenhouse, its blossoms are earlier and more copiously produced than in
the open air; but with the average temperature of our summers, in a good loam
enriched with rotten manure, and a warm situation, it succeeds well out-doors in
the summer months. A good display of flowers cannot be expected unless the plant
be two or three seasons old; and in order to insure its safe removal in the autumn, the
pot, which should be very large, may be plunged into the border, the bottom being
first broken out, to allow the roots to extend themselves freely. Its branches grow
to a considerable length in a single season; but in autumn they may, if necessary,
be pruned back to within three or four feet of the soil. It requires to be kept from
frost in winter, and may be propagated by seeds, or cuttings of the root. On an
arched trellis, this noble plant forms a striking object when in flower.

Fully equal to it, however, is the Zuesonia manicata, a plant allied to the Passion
Flowers, with blossoms of the richest scarlet, which, in established specimens, are
freely produced. Like the andevilla, the Tacsonias are classed as greenhouse

SUMMER CLIMBERS. LT

climbers; but old and well-ripened plants would, probably, bear our average
winters with a little protection, which, in the case of such splendid plants, is well
deserved. The Tacsonias require a peat soil, but will scarcely need so much space
for their roots as the Mandevilla, and may have their pots plunged into the border,
or turned out if the pot is small. TZ. pinnatistipula, and T. mollissima, are
commoner plants than the 7. manicata, but somewhat inferior in beauty; they are,
however, well deserving of cultivation. The Z. mollissima is the most prolific of
flowers. They are all increased by cuttings under a glass; the Z. pinnatistipula
does better grafted upon the 7. mollissima, than upon its own roots.

Far less rare, but scarcely less worthy of attention, is the old and popular
Eceremocarpus scaber (the Calampelis scabra of modern authors.) This is too well
known to need more than a passing notice; it may, however, be worth while
remarking, that it is so hardy as to require but a covering of dry litter, fern leaves,
or coal ashes over its roots; and plants raised from seed early in the spring, will
flower the first season, though less freely than subsequently. We have seen
specimens of this plant twenty feet high.

Another interesting and favourite climber of rapid growth is the Cobwa scandens,
with pinnated leaves terminated by a tendril, and large bell-shaped flowers, which
are first green, and ultimately change to purple. It may be raised from seed,
which is not, however, often ripened in the open air, but may always be obtained
at any of the seed shops. If plants are bought at the nurseries, those one year
old at least should be procured; though, if the seedlings are raised early in the
season, they will flower the first summer. Cobdwa stipularis has yellow blossoms.
Both species require more protection than the Eecremocarpus, but will sometimes
survive a moderate winter.

Next on the list stands the Zophospermums, of more restricted growth, but
abundant flowerers. There are several varieties, though we have not yet seen any
improvement on the old ZL. scandens, which has dark rose-coloured blossoms, greatly
resembling those of the Foxglove. The Rhodochiton volubile, sometimes termed
Lophospermum rhodochiton, with pendulous flowers of a very dark purple, also well
merits a place upon a west wall, where it will suffer less from the red spider, to
which it is rather subject, than in southerly aspects. Both these plants and their
varieties are easily propagated by cuttings in summer, as well as by seeds; they
are, however, too succulent to bear exposure throughout the year.

The beautiful Mawrandya Barclayana, with rich violet blossoms, is considerably
hardier than the Lophospermums; we have known it to remain fresh and green
throughout the winter, upon a dry subsoil; though it must be admitted that, in
general, it will not survive unless matted up. The new rose-coloured varieties of
this plant produce a good effect, grown in contrast with it. All are propagated by
seeds or cuttings; in height they rarely exceed four or five feet.

78 SUMMER CLIMBERS.

The old Scllya heterophylla, and the more recently introduced S. linearis, are
both very pretty evergreen half-hardy climbers. In the south of England and
south of Ireland, the S. heterophylla is sufficiently hardy to bear exposure against a
wall, with a slight protection in very severe winters. The Sollya heterophylla reaches
the height of five or six feet; S. linearis about four or five feet. Both have bright
blue flowers, those of the latter species being much the largest. Propagated both
by seeds and cuttings.

To the foregoing, we may add the Solanwm jasminoides, an evergreen of rapid

growth, with pink flowers very freely produced. It is usually treated as a
greenhouse plant, but appears to be quite hardy on a wall. At Kew, several plants
have been exposed in winter, with scarcely any protection. And we think that if
the stems were well matted up, and the roots carefully screened from excess of
moisture in autumn, that it would pass unscathed through our moderate winters,
in the midland and eastern counties.
- Among the Conyolvulus tribe, are several very showy, almost hardy plants, the
most generally useful of which is, perhaps, the Calystegia pubescens, remarkable for
producing the only double flowers of the order. We find this plant to be quite
hardy in ordinary winters. It dies down annually, and succeeds best in a good
rich loam, in which its growth is very luxuriant. The flowers are large, and
compensate for any imperfection of form, by their great abundance. A single-
flowered variety has originated at Shrubland, Suffolk, the seat of Sir William
Middleton, but we are not aware if it is yet obtainable through the trade, or
whether it may be looked on as a permanent departure from the original type.

In the allied genus Convolvulus, we have some very interesting species; C.
bryonefolius; CO. chinensis; C. hirsutus; C. emarginatus; and C. ttalicus, are the
most desirable, and are as hardy as the Calystegia. Like that, these are herbaceous
perennials, the stem.-dying down every season. The popular annual known as the
Major Convolvulus, though it is in fact a Pharbitis, is too familiar to need any
extended notice; but one of the perennial species of the same genus claims a few
words, the Pharbitis Learii, the most splendid plant of the whole Order, though
too tender to bear a prolonged exposure in the open air. It will, however, succeed
in warm situations against a south wall in the summer months, where, if its
growth is less luxuriant than in the greenhouse or stove, it nevertheless forms an
exceedingly attractive object. It is readily increased by layers of the bottom
shoots.

The genus Zropewolum brings us to the annual climbers, of which the pretty
T. Canariense, or Canary Flower, is perhaps the most popular, though it contains many
perennial species. We have already figured and described (at page 24) one of the
most interesting of these, the 7. speciosum ; and we avail ourselves of this oppor-
tunity of stating, that it succeeds best against a north wall, and not one of southerly

THE TREE MIGNONETTE. 79

aspect as there advised. Two other species, the 7. pentaphyllum (the Chymocarpus
pentaphyllus of some authors) and 7. tuberosum, are sometimes recommended,
though less remarkable than some others of the family. All the Tropceolums
deserve a trial in the open border, even the most tender of them.

Of the Annual climbers, we have but space to remark that, the most desirable
—in addition to the Tropzolums and Convolvulus, already referred to—are the
Thunbergias, of which there are several species and varieties; the Scypanthus
elegans, belonging to the Loasa family, but without their stinging properties; the
Loasa aurantiaca; and the different annual species of Lathyrus, or Sweet Pea, all of
which, with the exception of the last, require to be raised on a hot-bed, and
subsequently turned into the border in May.

We have by no means exhausted the list, either of annual or perennial climbers;
for the present, however, we must terminate our observations, only remarking in
conclusion, that however beautiful this class of plants may be when well grown and
carefully trained, none are more unsightly when neglected.

THE TREE MIGNONETTE.

Wir little to recommend it in point of beauty, this deliciously fragrant weed—
‘the Frenchman’s darling’—is, we are persuaded, the most ubiquitous of all
cultivated plants. If it were possible for it to become extinct, like the now fossil
creations of an earlier age, its very name would convey to posterity a faithful idea
of the estimation in} which it was once held. Mignonette! how musical and
endearing the sound; Mignon is sufficiently expressive, but how far exceeded by
the diminutive—Mignonette !

We have no intention of occupying our space with any directions for the cultiva-
tion of this, the most easily grown of all annual plants; but as the Tree variety is
less common than it deserves to be, though it presents no difficulty whatever in its
management, we have thought a few hints on its treatment may be acceptable to
some of our readers.

The principle on which the shrubby specimens are formed, is very simple. If an
annual plant is prevented from flowering, its existence may, in some cases, be
prolonged several seasons, always provided that it is,in the case of tender plants,
protected from frost.

The Mignonette does not transplant well, its long fleshy roots being injured by
removal; and for Trees, it is therefore preferable to sow the seeds either singly in
small thumb-pots, or to place three or four seeds in a three-inch pot. In the latter
case, when all of them germinate, the weakest plants should be cut out, one only,

80 INCONSPICUOUS PROPS FOR PINKS, CARNATIONS, ETC.

and that the strongest and healthiest seedling, being left in the pot. As it advances,
all flower buds and all side shoots must be removed, but none of the leaves upon the
main stem, which must be supported by astick. As the pot becomes filled with
roots, the plants should be repotted into one of larger size, in good sandy loam.
The height to which the stem may be trained is entirely a matter of taste; from
eighteen inches to two feet is a common size, and when this is attained, the top
must be pinched off, which will cause the production of a ‘head’ of laterals, which
are in their turn to be ‘stopped’ at their extremities, when two or three inches long.
The result will be a compact bushy head, upon a straight unbranched stem ; and if
the plant has been duly watered and attended to during the summer, it will niet
an abundant crop of flowers through the winter. It is essential that, through the
whole of its earlier stages up to the moment when the head is formed, that all
blossoms should be removed; and in no case ought the seed to be allowed to ripen
after the plant is permitted to flower, or its death will probably result.

INCONSPICUOUS PROPS FOR PINKS, CARNATIONS, ETC.

A Corresronvent of the Gardeners’ Chronicle, with a view to remedy the absurdity
of having props as conspicuous as, or more so than, the plants which they support, has
employed well painted, straightened wires of various lengths and thicknesses. For
Pinks, he uses 24-inch lengths of No 11 wire, which, with two coats of green
paint, are almost invisible, and they have proved perfectly firm and efficient as
supports. For Carnations, he recommends 36-inch lengths of No. 6 wire (about ; of
an inch thick); but wire of this weight would soon become loose in the ground, and
they are therefore fixed into tapering wooden shods or sockets, about 1 inch thick
at the upper end, and 7 inches long. These were drilled throughout their length so
as tightly to fit the wires, the ends of which were passed through them, and
projected about an inch beyond the small ends, which were thus pointed. The
sockets were then dipped in boiling tar, and when this had hardened, the wires
received two coats of green paint. The firmness and efficiency of the props is most
satisfactory, and equally so is their non-appearance. With an annual coat of paint
they will last for years, and their first cost is trifling. ‘Wires made quite straight
by a wire-worker cost me 4d. per lb, which, for small sizes, comes very cheap
per 100. The wooden sockets were made for me by a bobbin turner, at 2s. 8d. per
gross. When painting the wires I put a spoonful of paint into a woollen cloth laid
in the hollow of the left hand, and drew them through it—a plan I find as good, and
much more expeditious, than using a brush.’ We hardly need add that props of any
size may be made on the above principle, and will possess an immense superiority
over those usually employed, as regards neatness of appearance.

Se ae

‘ileal

CYCLAMEN PERSICUM PUNCTATUM.

Spotted Persian Cyclamen.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—MOonoGynIA. Natural Order —PRIMULACEX.

WE believe we shall respond to the wishes of many of our readers in figuring this
month a representative of those very interesting little pets, the Cyclamens. They
are especial favorites with the fair sex; and, assuredly, in no genus shall we find
more fitting types of the virtues which charm us in the feminine character, than
among these elegant, unobtrusive, and deliciously fragrant plants. All the species
are almost of equal interest, and any one of them, taken at random, would have
deserved a place in our pages; but, as a general rule, it seems advisable to select
our illustrations from the less known plants, and we have, therefore, chosen a
variety which is, we apprehend, rather rare. It differs from the original species,
persicum, only in the rosy blotches observed on the petals of the flower; and as the
culture of all the plants included in the genus Cyclamen is similar, if not identical,
our remarks will hold good with reference to any species our readers may
possess.

With the exception of persicum, and its varieties, all the species are quite hardy,
and may, therefore, be cultivated in the borders among the dwarfer plants, where
they will occupy but little room. A partially shaded border suits them best, and a
soil composed of equal parts of leaf-mould, thoroughly rotten manure, loam, and
silver sand, will be desirable ; though, where all these materials are not attainable,
they will succeed in ordinary garden mould of good quality, but not in such as is
of a very sandy texture, or heavy retentive clays; for, although they love moisture
during their growing season, stagnant humidity is very injurious, especially in
autumn. Where there is a peat bed, of turfy texture, for American plants, the
Cyclamens may be planted at its edge; if too sandy, a little good loam should be
dug in before planting the tubers. They bloom at so early a season that, should
severe frost occur, they will experience a considerable check unless covered with
a hand glass; and if the roots are planted together, it will greatly facilitate their
protection. After the leaves are withered, which will be about Midsummer, they
require no water, and should be allowed to remain undisturbed during their season
of rest.

They are, however, more commonly grown in pots, to ornament the window in
spring, where they will produce their blossoms in company with the Narcissus,

82 CYCLAMEN PERSICUM PUNCTATUM.

Hyacinth, and other early-flowering bulbs. They should be re-potted in autumn as
soon as they manifest a disposition to grow in small pots, about double the
diameter of the tuber, which should have its upper surface slightly raised above the
level of the soil. This should be of the nature indicated in speaking of their
cultivation in the open border; and as the pots are placed out in summer, a little
soot should be laid over the draining crocks, not immediately upon them, or it
would be liable to fall through, but with a thin, compressed layer of moss or turfy
peat between. This will prevent the entrance of worms, which would cause much
injury to the root-fibres proceeding from the tuber, which are few in number, and
of delicate structure. After potting, they may be left out of doors as long as there
is no risk of frost, when they should be removed to the window, but little water
being given at first until the leaves are well developed, and the flower buds begin
to rise, when the allowance may be increased. A tuber of moderate size will
produce flowers in succession for two months. The leaves will receive much benefit
from an occasional sponging, which will remove the dust so commonly found on all
plants kept in sitting rooms in the winter season.

After flowering, they require an abundant supply of air, and to be duly watered
until the leaves begin to wither, and all the species but persicum and its varieties,
may be placed at once out of doors; that, however, is too tender to allow of entire
exposure to the spring frosts, and should be retained within until May.

The Botanical characters of the genus Cyclamen are well defined. All the species
agree in having a tuberous root more or less flattened ; leaves springing from the
centre of the crown of the tuber; and flowers borne singly on stalks, generally
much longer than those of the foliage; the petals being reflexed, and more or less
twisted. The most striking peculiarity, however, of these pretty plants, is that
offered by the ripening seed vessel, which may be classed among the most remarkable
of the phenomena of the vegetable world. Whilst the flower is expanded, and for
some little time subsequently, the flower-stalk remains erect ; but after the seed
vessel has increased considerably in size, the peduncle begins to coil itself in a spiral
direction, and the coil is gradually depressed until the seed vessel is brought into
contact with the soil, which occurs about the time that the seed is ripened; and the
fruit thus becomes buried beneath the shade of the leaves of the parent bulb.

The only method of increasing these plants is by seed, which readily vegetates,
if sown as soon as ripe, in pots of light soil placed upon a window, or in a cucumber
frame. The young plants will generally bloom the second season after planting,
and increase annually in size for many years.

The number of species of Cyclamen is not very considerable. We may, therefore,
venture to give a complete list without occupying too much space.

Hederafolium. The only species found wild in Great Britain; but it is somewhat
doubtful if it be really a native of this country. The leaves are heart-shaped

CYCLAMEN PERSICUM PUNCTATUM. 83

angularly finely toothed, their ribs and foot-stalks roughish, and brightly variegated
with white in the middle. Flowers, reddish purple. There are two varieties ; one
with white blossoms, the other with flowers of a deeper purple than the original species.

Europeum. Leaves rounded, heart-shaped, toothed with short horny teeth, with
a large white interrupted circle round it close to the edge, the under surface of a
glossy, reddish purple. Flowers, lilac, red at the mouth; the petals marked
longitudinally with numerous faint lines. Flowers in August. The preceding
is often sold for this plant.

Coum. Leaves round, smooth at the edge, deeply cleft at the base, and without
the white circle so conspicuous in the other species. Flowers, lilac and red;
segments of the corolla much shorter than in the preceding species, and less pointed.

Vernum. Somewhat resembles the preceding species, but the lobes of the leaf
overlap at their base.

Repandum. The leaves resemble in form those of the British Hederefolium, but
are purple on their under surface. Flowers on much shorter foot-stalks than those
of the British species, and the corolla of a uniform red tint. Segments of flower,
long, but rounded at the points. Flowers in spring. A native of Greece.

Latifolium. eaves large, angular, deep green. Flowers red; produced in
March. A native of Greece.

Linearifolium. Extremely rare. Leaves very narrow, with purple flowers,
borne in March.

Persicum. This species, of which our figure is a seedling variety, is perhaps the
best known member of the genus. ‘The leaves are kidney-shaped, slightly toothed ,
with an irregular circle of white, and less deeply lobed at their base than most of
the species.

There are several varieties of this plant, in addition to that now figured. Odo-
ratum, with highly fragrant flowers; Jaciniatum, with leaves deeply toothed or cut ;
albiflorum, with pure white blossoms; ‘nodoratum, which has nearly scentless
flowers, and is therefore less esteemed than the other varieties; and plenum, with
double flowers.

There are four other species known to us only nominally ; they are, Neapolitanum,
said by some writers to be the same as our British Hederefolium ; littorale; Ibericum ;
and Africanum, or robustum. These two last are at present rather expensive plants.

The spiral peduncle of the Cyclamens was too striking a peculiarity to escape the
notice of the older Botanists; and it no doubt suggested the generic term, which is
generally supposed to be derived from hyklos, a circle, in reference to that circum-
stance, though some writers have seen in it an allusion to the form of the tuber.
Notwithstanding the acridity of the fleshy tuber of all the plants of this genus, they
are favourite food of the porcine tribe; and thence the English name Sow-bread,
and the French Pain de pourceau; though we fancy Cyclamen bulbs are a luxury not
often enjoyed, now-a-days, by English pigs.

[ 84]

TRITONIA AURBEA.
Golden-flowered Tritonia.

LInunnean Class —TRIANDRIA. Order —Monoeynia, Natural Order —IR1pacex

Tue natural order of Irids constitutes too important a section of our ornamental
plants to remain long unnoticed in Tue Enetish Frowrr Garpen; and for our
first illustration of this showy tribe, we think a more interesting subject could
hardly be chosen than this beautiful Caffrarian bulb.

The Zritonia aurea was introduced so recently as 1846; it is, notwithstanding,
becoming generally cultivated, and will soon be an accessible plant to all persons of
moderate means. We regret that it is rather less hardy than most of the Gladioli
and some other popular Iridaceous plants; but its cultivation is, nevertheless,
comparatively easy.

It is a fortunate circumstance that, in the treatment of this and many other
plants, an exact imitation of their natural climate is by no means necessary ; for,
were it otherwise, the greatest solar heat ever experienced in this country would be
but a poor substitute for the fierce rays of an African sun,

In its native climate—now, alas! devastated by that great scourge, and greater
crime of the human race, War—the roots of the Zyitonia, and a vast number of
other plants of a similar structure, are exposed for three months of the year to
incessant rains; under whose influence the dormant bulbs start into activity, shoot
up their lance-like foliage and flowering stem, and expand their blossoms at the end
of the rainy season, before the sun’s rays have acquired their greatest intensity,
and whilst the atmosphere retains a portion of its humidity. To this comparatively
brief floral reign follows a long season of rest, the foliage disappearing at an early
period after the ripening of the seed, and the bulb undergoing a prolonged
maturation beneath the parched soil of the karroos.

It might have been imagined that the plants peculiar to such regions would have
been but ill fitted for cultivation in those of an entirely opposite character. A
humid soil and atmosphere during the growth of the plants, are conditions which
may be fulfilled; but the unintermitting solar heat, sustained for months together
subsequently to the production of the flowers, is an element not so easily supplied
in this fickle climate.

Notwithstanding these adverse influences, we doubt if Caffraria can boast of finer
specimens of this plant than many of those to be seen at Messrs. Backhouses, of

TRITONIA AUREA. 85

Fishergate Nurseries, York (to whom we are indebted for its introduction), during
its season of flowering, and which prove how much may be done by skilful culti-
vators to compensate the deficiencies of climate.

It is found to succeed best in a mixture of equal parts of heath-soil, loam, and
leaf-mould, with a small portion of sharp white sand; in short, in the same compost
in which the Gladiolus, Ixia, and most of the plants usually classed as Cape bulbs,
are known to flourish. The bulbs should be potted about October, in well-drained
pots filled with the above compost, and placed in a cold frame, with just sufficient
protection to ward off severe frost; and during the mid-winter months it should be
kept nearly dry. Where there is not the convenience of a cold frame, the pot
might be safely placed on the window of a cool room; and in either situation it may
be retained till May, when it should be stationed out-doors, in a partially shaded
border, upon ashes, to exclude the worms. As soon as the flower scape appears,
the plant may be removed to the window, or a cool greenhouse, where the develop-
ment of the blossoms will proceed more favourably than when fully exposed.

The peculiar membranaceous texture of the leaves of the Zritonia, and some of
the more delicate Iridaceous plants, renders them very susceptible of injury from
the scorching influences of the sun, during their season of growth and bloom; we
do not, therefore, recommend turning out the plant into the border, as, although it
would certainly flower in such a situation, the blossoms would be inferior to those
borne by plants grown as we have advised. If the experiment is tried, a warm but
shaded corner should be chosen, and the soil used must be of the same description
as that recommended for potting. After flowering, the pot containing the bulb
should be subjected to the greatest attainable solar heat, all moisture being withheld,
and during heavy rains it will, therefore, be necessary to shelter the plant. Mr.
Maund has advised the use of a glass cap, which, placed over the plant, would not
only exclude humidity, but also concentrate the sun’s heat, and aid in maturing the
bulb, upon the effectual completion of which process depends the production of
flowers the following season.

The Zritonia aurea may be increased by seed, which is produced by the strongest
flower scapes, if the plants are continued in growth after flowering, and the seed
should be sown as soon as gathered, the young plants being carefully preserved
from frost the following winter. Our own specimen of the plant has exhibited a
somewhat curious habit of growth which deserves notice. The bulb, from which
sprung the last season’s flower scape, emitted from its side towards the close of
the summer a weak, slender, horizontal fibre several inches in length, which became
rooted at its extremity, and has now given rise to a new plant at a distance from
the old bulb, but connected with it.

We have, throughout this notice, employed the word bulb in speaking of the
round flattened body from which the plant is produced; but it is termed by most

86 GARRYA ELLIPTICA.

Botanical writers a corm, and differs from the true bulb in being entirely solid.
The corm, as well as the tuber, is regarded as an underground stem, the true roots
being produced from the under surface of the corm. They contain a considerable
quantity of nutritive starchy matter; and, together with those of the Gladioli and
other similar plants, are often employed as food by the wild tribes of South Africa,
in the absence of more palatable substances.

There are, at least, a dozen or more species of Zritonia, but none are so showy as
the present member of the genus.

The anthers of the plants, composing the order Jridacea, are usually affixed by
their base to the filaments; but in the genus Zritonza, the filaments are attached to
the back of the anthers, near the middle, and, in botanical phraseology, these
are therefore versatile. The direction in which they point varies in the different
species; and, from this circumstance, the genus has been named Zritonia, from
Triton, a weathercock.

GARRYA ELLIPTICA.
Oval-leaved Garrya.

Linnean Class—-Dtccta. Order —TETRANDRIA. Vatural Order—GaRRYACER.

Or the numerous plants introduced from North America by the lamented Douglas,
many were doubtless more showy, but few excited, to a greater degree, the curiosity
of Botanists than the Garrya elliptica.

Its flowers, borne in long pendulous racemes, at once suggest a resemblance to
the catkins of the Hazel, Oak, and other members of the order Cupulifere ; but the
structure of the Garrya differs, in several important points, from the plants just
named, and, indeed, from any other known order.

The most remarkable distinctions between the two orders are, first, the absence
in Garryacee of the concentric zones of the wood, which in the Cupuliferous tribe,
and nearly all other Exogens (7. ¢. plants with reticulated leaves and two coty-
ledons), mark the annual growth of the plant. Further, the leaves are without the
stipules, or leaf-like appendages, to be seen at the base of the foot-stalk of the Beech,
Oak, Spanish Chestnut, and the other members of the order previously referred
to; and instead of being alternate, are in opposite pairs. The female flowers are
also destitute of the ewpule, or cup-like organ, so conspicuous in the fruit of the

SCUTELLARIA MACRANTHA. 87

Hazel and Oak, and are borne on distinct plants from those producing the male.
catkins shewn in our engraving; whilst the Cupulifere have the male and female
amenta on the same plant, though in separate bunches. :

The Garrya elliptica may, therefore, be briefly described as an evergreen shrub,
with opposite wavy leaves without stipules; flowers arranged in pendulous racemes
appearing from the axils of connate bracts. Male flowers composed of four leaves
or sepals; stamens four, not elastic as in the nettle tribe, which the order greatly
resembles. Female flowers, with a two-toothed superior calyx; ovary one-celled ;
styles, two, bristly ; ovules, two, pendulous, hanging by stalks or funiculi as long as
themselves. Fruit berried, not opening when ripe, two-seeded. Embryo very
minute, in the base of fleshy albumen. (The Cupulifere have no albumen.)

The catkins are produced in September or October ; they are often of considerable
length, and have a silky appearance, which adds considerably to their beauty. The
plant producing the female flowers has not, we think, been yet introduced; the
only mode of increasing that we possess is, therefore, by cuttings and layers, which
require the same treatment as those of most evergreen plants. Three additional
species have been recently added to the genus—laurifolia and macrophylla, from
North America, and Je Faudyana, from Jamaica. They are all handsome hardy
evergreens, well deserving cultivation in the shrubbery ; and, although only
recently introduced, they may be procured at a moderate price. All of them suc-
ceed best in peat soil.

The genus was named by Douglas in compliment to Mr. Garry, one of the
officials of the Hudson’s Bay Company, from whom he received much kindness
whilst engaged in his Botanical researches.

SCUTELLARIA MACRANTHA.
Large-flowered Skull-cap.

Linnean Class—DipyNaMIA. Order—GYMNOSPERMA. Natural Order —LABiaTx.

Tuoven less showy perhaps than some other of the Lipworts, many of the Skull-
caps are very ornamental plants, and none more so than the Sewtellaria macrantha.

It is a native of Eastern Asia, and appears to be widely spread, extending,
according to Sir William Hooker, to the great wall of China, where it was detected
by Sir George Staunton. As might have been anticipated it proves to be perfectly

88 SCUTELLARIA MACRANTHA.

hardy, and of easy cultivation and increase. It is a herbaceous perennial, scarcely
exceeding one foot in height, with angular, branching stems, and opposite, entire,
lance-shaped leaves. The very handsome purple flowers are produced in long
terminal spikes, and are larger than those of any other species known to us. The
plant seeds freely, and may be readily increased by these means, as well as by
division of the roots, or by cuttings under a glass, either in the border or frame.
Seedlings usually flower the first season, if sown early, and should be transplanted
from the secd pan while young, as they will suffer less from removal than. at a more
advanced stage of their growth.

With regard to soil, a mixture of good loam and decayed leaves or manure
appears to best suit this plant, though it will probably flourish in any good garden
soil; for many hardy plants, like individuals, possess the happy faculty of adapting
themselves to situations of diverse character, provided that they are not of too
extreme a nature.

To the amateurs of hardy perennials, the Scutellaria macrantha will, we are sure,
prove highly interesting ; for, as we have already intimated, it needs no protection
during the winter, though it is so showy, that there are few plants on which we
would more willingly bestow a little care in preserving it from frost, were it
necessary. It disappears so entirely during the winter months, that it is advisable
to mark its place in the border by a label of some description ; for much injury is
often done to plants of a similar character when the borders are dressed in spring,
from ignorance of the precise locality of their roots.

Sir William Hooker has recommended the S. macrantha as very desirable for
planting in masses; and when sufficiently common it will, no doubt, be employed
for this purpose, as its flowering season is of considerable duration.

There are several other interesting species of Skull-cap which deserve a place in
the borders. The most ornamental are alpina, altaica, Columne, orientalis, pallida,
and grandiflora, all of which are as hardy as S. macrantha, and increased by the
same means. There are several South American and Mexican species of much
interest, which, although not sufficiently hardy to endure exposure in winter, are
desirable summer plants for borders or beds; and it is rather remarkable that it is
only among this more tender section of the genus, that species with scarlet flowers
are found, those peculiar to the more temperate latitudes being generally of a blue
or purple hue, more or less blended with other tints. Orientalis and grandiflora
are however yellow, and pailida has flowers which are nearly white. S. Japonicais a
very pretty species, of dwarf growth, and producing a profusion of showy blue flowers
throughout the whole of the summer. It requires, however, some protection in
winter. The best of the tender species just referred to are, splendens, with rather
small, brilliant scarlet blossoms, from Mexico; incarnata, with deep rose-coloured
flowers, from the western declivities of the Peruvian Andes; and Ventenatz, also

SCUTELLARIA MACRANTHA. 89

with scarlet flowers, from St Martha, New Grenada. They are all strictly speaking
greenhouse plants; but, like many others of that class, succeed in the open air
during the summer months; splendens and incarnata only require to be kept from
frost in a frame or cool greenhouse.
Apart from the interest which the Scutellarias
possess as ornamental plants, they are remarkable for ‘€ *
(NQ@)

the peculiar form of the calyx, which has been sup- : \
posed to bear some resemblance to a helmet, or other ys \
kind of head-dress; and to this circumstance / hye ff,

ZN he

4 allusion is made in the popular appellation of} ¢\“
-—\/ the common S. galericulata in most of the Ree
5 European dialects. Thus in English we have
Skull-cap; in French Ja toque; andin Dutch
fig.2. helms kruid. A tolerably correct idea of this
peculiarity may be formed from the annexed wood cuts,
of which fig. 1 represents a single flower of the S.
macrantha, the calyx of which, it will be seen, is
vaulted, or inflated behind. When the corolla is fallen,
the cap-like form of the upper lip of the
calyx is more evident, as in fig. 2, which
represents a front view of the calyx of S. Colwmne, with the four-lobed
Y/ ovary within it.
y As the fruit increases in size, the calyx closes upon it and assumes a
globular form, thus completely preserving the seeds from dispersion ; so
that the precaution so often necessary with many other plants, of
fy.3. gathering the seed as soon as ripe to prevent its falling to the ground,
will, in this genus, be altogether uncalled for.

The curve or elbow at the lower part of the tube of the corolla is another charac-
teristic feature of this genus which deserves notice; and the disk or gland upon
which the four lobed ovary is seated, as shown in jig. 3, although found in all the
plants of the order, is rarely so largely developed as in the S. macrantha. The
white throat and dark upper lip of the unexpanded flower is singularly suggestive
of the head of some of the serpent tribe; or it may be compared, without much
stretch of the imagination, to that of the swallow.

We will only further add, that the present species of Scutellaria was introduced
by way of St. Petersburgh, through the medium of Dr. Fischer, and that it may be
obtained of most of the London and provincial nurserymen.

peta ces

THE WEEPING CYPRESS.

Cupressus Funebris.

Amone recent importations of hardy ornamental evergreens, calculated to afford
hereafter a new feature in our garden and landscape scenery, there is nothing to
rival this beautiful tree. Graceful in outline, interesting in its foliage, and novel in
general contour, it deserves all the eulogiums which have been passed upon it by all
the most distinguished Botanists of the present day.

The traveller who appears originally to have noticed the Funebral Cypress, or at
least, the first who has left any recorded facts in relation to it, was Sir George
Staunton, when exploring China in the embassy of Lord Macartney. Subsequently,
however, Mr. Fortune—who has, we think, proved by the happy results of his
Botanical researches, that there 7s something in a name—met with it near the
celebrated Tea-country, Whey Chow; and through the interest of that gentleman,
Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot were enabled to import both seeds and
young plants.

In the Gardener's Chronicle of April 15th, 1850, Mr. Fortune says:—The
most beautiful tree in this district is a Weeping Cypress, which I had never met
with in any other part of China, and which is doubtless quite new;’ and he
describes it as a ‘noble looking tree, about sixty feet high, having a stem as straight
as the Norfolk Island Pine, and pendulous branches like the Weeping Willow.
The branches grew at first horizontally with the main stem, then described a
graceful curve upwards, and drooped again at the points. From these main
branches, others, long and slender, hung down towards the ground, and gave the
whole tree a weeping and graceful form. It was also very symmetrical, and
reminded me of some of those large and gorgeous chandeliers which one sees in
public halls in Europe.’ In regard to its effect in scenery, Mr. F. has the follow-
ing:—‘It has a most striking and beautiful effect upon the Chinese landscape;
and I have no doubt, in a few years, to see the same effect produced by it on our
own. It will be particularly valuable for park scenery, for lawns, for the entrance
to suburban residences, and as an ornament for our cemeteries. I have no doubt
that it is quite as hardy as the Cryptomeria Japonica and the Indian Deodar, and
will be a fit companion for both in our parks and pleasure grounds.’ The fact of
its being quite hardy, as conjectured by Mr. Fortune, is now perfectly established.
Messrs. Standish and Noble have hundreds of young plants which have stood
exposed two winters unharmed; and a still more convincing proof is afforded by

WINDOW GARDENING. 91

the fact, that some young seedlings in a growing state were removed from a cold
greenhouse to the open ground without protection, and subjected to eight degrees
of frost in the first week in May, last year, without injury. The plants now
growing in this country are, of course, at present rather small; but as it is a rapid
erower, and of easy propagation, its price is much more moderate than is usually
the case with new introductions.

WINDOW GARDENING.
(Continued from page 75.)

Iw our last number we referred to the principal difficulties attending the cultivation
of Plants in rooms, and we ventured to offer a few suggestions calculated to remove
some of these hindrances to success. We will now notice in detail the most impor-
tant operations connected with pot culture, and endeavour briefly to explain the
principles on which these depend.

Soils.—It is well known that the plants ordinarily grown-in the open air will
not all flourish in the same description of soil, and this is equally true with regard
to those treated artificially in the greenhouse or window. These different require-
ments depend primarily on the varying structure of the root. Plants with fine
hair-like fibres, such as the Azalea, Heath, and Acacias will not succeed in a strong
retentive loam, which would be impenetrable by their rootlets; whilst, on the
contrary, a soil of this nature is indispensable for the Camellia, Rose, and many
other plants. Where, therefore, but one description of soil is attainable, success in
the cultivation of widely different classes of subjects can hardly be looked for; but
happily there are, we imagine, but few localities where a small quantity of any of
the following ingredients may not be procured :—

1. Peat or heath-soil, such as is found where the common heather and ling
flourish wild. This consists usually of soft black particles arising from the gradual
decay of vegetable matter, a varying proportion of sharp white sand, and generally
the roots of those plants flourishing in the vicinity, are more or less abundant. The
best peat is that containing about one-fourth its bulk of sand, and the presence of a
few roots enhances its value. The value of good peat can hardly be exaggerated,
many plants will flourish in nothing else, and there are very few which do not
derive some benefit from the admixture of a small portion with the other constituents
of the soil. When mixed with loams of close texture it renders them less adhesive,
and although we do not wish to speak too positively, we are inclined to think that
its black carbonaccous particles have the same property of absorbing the carbonic
acid, ammonia, etc. of the atmosphere, which pure charcoal is known to possess.

92 WINDOW GARDENING.

Leaf-mould may be employed as a substitute for peat; and it has this advantage,
that it is procurable wherever there is a garden of any extent.

2. Good hazel loam, of a friable nature, from the top of a pasture. It is best
taken off with the turf, and should then be allowed to remain fully exposed at least
a year before use, by which time the grass and roots will be decayed. By good
loam, we understand a soil whose chief constituent is aluminous earth or clay; lime,
sand, and vegetable matter being always present in exceedingly variable pro-
portions. The aluminous earth of the loam may be regarded as the vehicle of
the more soluble substances employed in conjunction with it; they are slowly
absorbed, and require to be constantly replaced to maintain the fertility of the soil,
but the earth to which we have referred undergoes no change.

3. A small quantity of thoroughly decayed stable manure, or, where it can be
obtained, dried pulverized cow-dung. One of these is indispensable for the more
gross-feeding plants, especially the Balsam and Cockscomb; and most plants will
grow more luxuriantly in a compost containing a small portion of this substance.
It must, however, be completely decayed, for in a fresh state it is utterly unsuited
for delicate plants; and it would be better to employ peat or leaf-mould asa
substitute, if the manure is not thoroughly decomposed.

4. A small quantity of sharp white sand. This may be obtained of most iron-
mongers, but cheaper of the nurseryman. When the peat is very sandy, any
addition of siliceous matter will be unnecessary; but a small supply will be found
very useful for striking cuttings of delicate plants.

Of the four ingredients we have named, we would advise that a good bag-full be
procured, if no other source is available, from the nearest nurseryman, who would
certainly be willing to supply them for a small charge. The most indispensable
are the loam and peat; the others, although desirable, are not absolutely necessary,
except in particular cases.

For general purposes a mixture may be made of two parts good loam, two parts of
peat, one part of decayed manure, and unless the peat is very sandy, one part of
white silver sand; but a portion of peat should be kept in its original state, for such
plants as the Azalea, Heath, and Acacia. The ingredients should be well mixed
together with the hand, but on no account sifted, and except for small pots, it is not
desirable to rub it too fine. The compost may be preserved for use in a small tub
or cask, and should be kept neither too wet nor too dry. If the former, it becomes,
during the process of potting, a compact mass, which, contracting as it gets drier,
leaves a space between the interior of the pot and the ball of earth ; if it is too dry,
it prevents for a considerable time the free passage of moisture to the roots; and if
the plant itself be dry at the time of potting, it will often suffer greatly ere it can
receive sufficient moisture to recruit the evaporated juices. Peat soil in particular,
when thoroughly dry, as it is liable to become in summer, repels water in a

WINDOW GARDENING. 93

remarkable manner, and when in this state it should never be used without being
previously moistened.

Potting.—Much of the success in cultivating plants in pots depends upon a proper
method of potting and shifting them. The pots, if not new ones, should be serupu-
lously clean and quite dry; for not only is a dirty pot unsightly, but it materially
affects the health of the plant, and with a clean pot, the ball of earth can be more
readily examined or reshifted when necessary. Every pot should be well drained
with an inch or two of broken crocks, the quantity depending on the size of the
pot. The manner in which the fragments are disposed is not unimportant. The
bottom should not be covered with a flat crock—for in that case the water could not
so readily pass off—but by a hollow one placed so as to form an arch over the drain-
hole, with a few smaller ones placed over and around it, covering the whole with a
layer of turf-peat or moss, to prevent the soil being washed round the larger crocks,
which would obstruct the drainage, and cause the soil to become sour and unhealthy ;
upon this a layer of soot may be disposed, which will often have the effect of
preventing the entrance of worms when the pots are placed out in the summer
season. When a newly rooted cutting or seedling are potted, a larger supply of
drainage is generally required than in the case of older plants, for the young plants
are unable to assimilate so much moisture as those in which the roots are more
numerous,

In potting, the plant should be kept upright in the centre of the pot, the roots
being spread out, and the soil should then be filled in around the plant, shaking it
down at every addition, and taking especial care to keep the neck of the plant at
the surface of the soil. It is a common, but very injurious practice, to bury an inch
or two of the stem of the plant, which cannot be too much reprobated. In summer,
a space of at least an inch or more should be left between the surface of the soil and
the top of the pot, to allow of an efficient application of water; but in winter a
smaller space will suffice, and will indeed be preferable, for the plants will then be
less liable to over-watering. In shifting a plant to a larger pot (one of the easiest
operations connected with gardening) it should be turned downwards upon the
right hand, with the neck of the stem between the fingers. The pot may then be
readily removed with the left hand; if it adheres to the soil, a tap on the edge will
generally be sufficient to separate them ; if this fail, pressure may be applied to the
crocks through the drain-hole. A plant should never be allowed to remain in a pot
until the roots have become a compact mass; in such cases, it is often necessary to
break the pot to insure removal without injury to the plant. When the pot has
been removed, the drainage fragments should be taken off the cone of soil, and the
ball of earth may then be placed in the centre of a large pot, the fresh soil being
filled in around as previously directed for the cutting. Above the broken crocks
employed in drainage, a few fragments of crushed bones and small lumps of charcoal

94 WINDOW GARDENING.

may be added, or intermingled with the lower portion of the soil, with advantage
to many of the more robust plants, such as Fuschias and Geraniums. Their roots
attach themselves greedily to the bones, which yield a gradual supply of stimulating
food for a considerable period, if the fragments are not too small. Pieces of the size
of a small nut are the most suitable. There is one point connected with potting to
which we would call especial attention—the surface of the soil must never be
allowed to form a basin-like cavity round the stem of the plant, but should be
slightly raised in the centre and slope gradually to the rim, which, as we have
already stated, should be an inch or more higher than the circumference of the soil.
It will be evident that it is not the stem of the plant which requires watering, but
the roots, by the spongioles or naked points of which the plant obtains its liquid
food; and these are generally found near the porous sides and bottom of the pot,
through which they doubtless absorb a portion of their atmospheric nutriment—a
circumstance which naturally suggests the inexpediency of employing pots which
are painted or glazed. When the surface of the soil is disposed as we have advised,
the water readily finds its way to the roots without wetting the collar of the plant,
which often receives serious injury from the constantly humid condition in which it
is kept when the water is poured close to the centre of the pot. This naturally
leads us to the subject of

Watering.—Over-watering is, without doubt, the rock on which most window
cultivators split. If, however, every pot be well drained, it will be easy to avoid
this difficulty. All plants should be watered at the top of the pot, and no water
should be allowed to stand in the pans in which they are placed, except in the case
of a few plants, such as the Calla, which being an aquatic plant, during the growing
season may have its pan kept full of water; but this should be occasionally emptied.
In the greenhouse, pans are very properly discarded, but in a sitting room, are a
necessary evil. They should be kept quite clean ; and in order that the pot (from
the bottom of which the delicate spongioles frequently protrude) may not stand in
stagnant moisture, a ring of gutta percha may be placed in the pan, which will
allow the superabundant moisture to escape more readily.

The water used should be soft; this we regard as an indispensable condition to
healthy plants. In those localities in which rain water cannot be procured, spring
water may be rendered more fit for use by the addition of a drachm of carbonate of
ammonia (the sesgw-carbonate of the shops), or volatile salts, to every gallon of water.
The sulphate of ammonia, which is in many places sold at a cheap rate, may be
employed instead, in the proportion of a quarter of an ounce to one gallon of water.
Whether this solution or plain water be used, it should be of the same temperature
as the room in which the plants are placed, and the saline mixture must be made
some hours before use. It should be poured gently on the surface, and enough
should be given at each watering to wet the whole of the soil thoroughly.

(To be eontinued.)

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR KARE PLANTS. 95

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.
(Continued from page 64.)

Cuama@rops Excrrsa. (Palmacee./—Any mention of the Palm tree at once
suggests to the mind’s eye a tropical climate, with all its accompaniments. The
march of Botanical discovery has, however, introduced to us this hardy palm,
which braved, unharmed and unprotected by any sort of covering, the severe
winter of 1850 at the Royal Gardens of Kew. Sent from the north of China by
Mr. Fortune ; and a number of plants have also been imported by Messrs. Standish
and Noble, Bagshot.

Cunysaytnemum Henpersoytr.—This very remarkable variety originated in Italy,
and flowers in the open ground early in September; indeed, so early that it has
ceased flowering before the generality of Chrysanthemums have commenced blooming.
From this peculiar character of the plant, it will probably prove the progenitor of a
new class of these interesting ornaments of the flower garden. It is of dwarf
habit, about two feet in height, and so dense a flowerer, that every morsel of young
wood is thickly clustered with flower-buds; indeed, the whole plant is literally one
mass of well-formed orange-yellow flowers. By having the branches neatly pegged
down in the beds, the whole would look like a fine Ranunculus bed during the
autumnal months. Messrs. Henderson of the Wellington Nursery purchased the
entire stock of M. Pelé, of Paris,

Eueenta Uent. (Myrtacee.)—A beautiful hardy evergreen shrub from South
Chili, having the habit and appearance of our European broad-leaved Myrtle, and
grows from three to four feet high, much branched, and blooming freely. The
flowers are globe-shaped, half an inch in diameter, white, tinged with rose. They
are produced singly in the axils of the leaves of the young shoots. Introduced by
Messrs. Veitch, in whose nursery it flourished out of doors; and the plant will, in
all probability, prove much hardier than the common species.

Gerantum Henpersonu. (Geraniacee.)—The great desideratum so long wished
for, of a perfectly White Geranium, is at length attained in this plant. It belongs
to the scarlet section, and gives very large handsome trusses of elegant white
flowers, the petals of which are not, however, equal in breadth to those of the
Scarlets, but are a great improvement upon the old albiflora. It is an exceedingly
free flowerer, and will form a striking contrast to the splendid scarlet varieties of
these popular plants. Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, St. John’s Wood, pur-
chased the entire stock of this plant from Mr. Franklin, the fortunate raiser.

Geranium Survustanp Prer.—This very beautiful variety will prove one of the
greatest acquisitions to the flower garden, and, as such, will be found indis-

96 BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

pensable to every collection. It was raised by Mr. Beaton, late gardener to Sir
William Middleton ; and in this gentleman’s parterre, Mr. Beaton has described it
as being one of the principal attractions, and the admiration of many hundred
visitors. Its colour is a good crimson scarlet, with sweet-scented foliage. It is
very distinct from any other bedding Geranium, and a compact and most abundant
bloomer.

JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM. (Jasminacee.)—This plant is no longer a novelty, but to
those who have not yet obtained it, we would strongly recommend it for wintering
and spring flowering. The blossoms are copiously produced, and have a salver-
shaped corolla, not unlike that of the Primrose, and are of a beautiful golden yellow.
As the habit of the plant is weak, it succeeds best against a wall, where it. will
soon cover a large space, and prove highly ornamental in the dreary mid-winter,
The leaves are not produced until after the flowers.

Pentstrmon Wricutu. (Scrophulariacee.)—One of the most distinct species of
this charming genus. It is a nearly hardy herbaceous perennial, growing about
two feet high, with opposite, entire, oblong leaves, and long panicles of deep rose-
coloured blossoms. The base of the flower is tubular, as in most of the other
species of Pentstemon; but the mouth is furnished with a flat spreading limb,
giving it somewhat the appearance of the Achimenes rosea, and by which peculiarity
it will be readily distinguished from other species. It flowers in June and July,
and was introduced from Texas to the Kew Gardens, in 1850.

Satvia Nova. (Labiate.)—This plant was recently introduced from Berlin to the
nursery of Messrs. Garraway, Mayes, and Co. of Bristol, of whom we obtained it.
Its price does not exceed that of the commoner species. The flowers are said to
be of a beautiful puce colour, and it appears to be a free grower, and of easy
propagation by cuttings. The foliage resembles that of the Calceolaria, but is less
broad; and it has the black currant scent of the little pink Salvia rosea, a species
which deserves a recommendation for its hardy character; it is, in fact, almost an
evergreen, and flowers from April to November.

Saxe-Gornea conspicua. (Conifere.)—This plant, which has been named in
honour of Royal Highness the Prince Consort, is a very beautiful hardy Evergreen
tree, growing thirty feet high, and, in its foliage and habit of growth, resembling
the common Yew tree. It is, in fact, intermediate between the yew tribe and the
coniferous plants. It is described as a tree of beautiful growth, and will, no
doubt, rank as one of our most highly valued hardy evergreen trees, affording also
a useful timber. It inhabits the Andes of Patagonia, ascending from the summer
snow-line to that of perpetual snow, and was introduced by Messrs. Veitch,
of Exeter.

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SOLLYA LINEARIS.

Linear-leaved Sollya.

Linnean Class —PENTANDRIA. Order—MonoGynIA. Natwral Order —P1tTOSPORACEX.

In catering for our readers month by month, we have now visited every quarter of
the globe. From the North American continent we have culled the Habrothamnus,
Calochortus, Pentstemon, Martynia, Ribes, and Garrya; and the Southern portion of
the Western Hemisphere has furnished our pages with the handsome 7ropeolum,
the Lardizabala, Mitraria, Escallonia, and Cantua. Africa has presented us with
the Ovalis, Grammanthes, and Tritonia; Asia with the Zorenia of matchless tint,
the Dielytra, Lilium, Salvia, Thunbergia, and Scutellaria; whilst of European pro-
ductions, we have selected but the Geranium Unique, the brilliant Potentilla, and
the Alstroemeria, which, as owing their existence to the hybridizer’s art, may fairly
class with the flora of our own clime. There is, however, one important division
of the earth’s surface which has been hitherto unrepresented in our casket of floral
gems ; we refer to Australia, for which noble colony so glorious a future appears in
store. This omission we will now proceed to supply; and we do so the more
readily, that among the Australian plants are many eminently suited to window
culture.

The Sollyas are by no means the most striking features in the vegetation of this
southern California; but they are so neat in their habit, and of such easy manage-
ment, that we think we shall do our readers a service in recommending them to their
notice. The species we have chosen is not the most recently introduced member of
the genus; but we think it is superior to all the others with which we have any
acquaintance, though the S. angustifolia is nearly as interesting. They are all of a
scandent habit, but do not generally exceed five or six feet, and may easily, if
thought desirable, be kept down to two or three feet by stopping. Their evergreen
character gives them an additional value, and their flowers are so freely produced,
from the end of May up to a late period, that we are surprised they are not more
generally seen by the side of the Fuschia and Geranium. The oldest and best
known species is the S. heterophylla, with leaves considerably broader than those of -
linearis, but with smaller and paler flowers. S. angustifolia has flowers resembling
those of heterophylla; but its foliage is narrower, though less so than that of Linearis.
The only other species with which we are acquainted, in addition to the three first

98 SOLLYA LINEARIS.

named is the S. Drummondii, with very small leaves and flowers, much inferior in
interest to those of the other species.

The Sollyas are usually treated as greenhouse plants, where they thrive with but
little attention, and upon the window they will flourish quite as well as in the
greenhouse. They are, however, so nearly hardy, that wherever a south wall can be
afforded them, they will grow to much greater height than in pots, and produce a
profusion of flowers. In the south of England, and also in Ireland, the S. hetero-
phylla has been known to live for several years with very little protection. They
would not, however, resist severe frost, unless well matted up; and even in mild
winters, we would advise the same precaution. When the plants are left out-doors,
it will be prudent to strike a cutting in early autumn, and preserve from frost. As
they are of rapid growth, the loss of a specimen can be easily replaced. The soil
best suited to them is a mixture of peat and loam; some cultivators dispense with
the peat.

When grown as window plants, they require a rather large pot, and plenty of
water during the summer. The plants generally throw up shoots from their base,
the first three or four joints of which, if taken off when a little ripened, will readily
root under a small bell glass or tumbler, and produce flowers the following season.
Seeds are produced freely by all the species, and they may, therefore, be readily
increased by this means.

The structure of the flowers of the Sollyas offers nothing very remarkable,
the sepals, petals, and stamens all being five in number; and the last named
organs adhere so strongly by their anthers, that they may often be detached
together from the flower. This circumstance does not appear to have been referred
to by any Botanical writers whose works have fallen under our notice.

The long seed pods, a group of which is represented in our plate, are remarkable
for hanging upon the plant at least a year before they are ripe, so that the fruit of
the previous year is generally seen in company with the flowers of the current
season. The seeds are surrounded by a resinous pulp, as in most other plants of
the order Pittosporacee, of which the Pittosporums are the type; and from which
circumstance the name of that genus is derived; from pitto, resin, and sporum,
a seed.

The Sollyas are sometimes classed with the Billardieras, plants belonging to the
same order, but which appear to be distinct.

Pee

TACSONIA MANICATA.

Gauntletted Tacsonia.

Linnean Class—MoNADELPHIA. ~* Order—PENTANDRIA. Natural Order—PAssIFLORACEA.

We do not expect often to have the privilege of introducing to our readers so
splendid a plant as the Zucsonia manicata. The Passion-worts comprise some of the
most gorgeous of tropical climbers; but there are few, even of the tender species,
which surpass or equal in beauty this magnificent plant. Its probable suitability
for out-door cultivation increases immensely the value of this introduction; for
had it proved tender, it would necessarily have been confined to the comparatively
few persons possessing a conservatory or stove; whilst, if our anticipations as to
its hardiness are correct, it will, we trust, be grown wherever there is a trellis or
verandah to cover.

Although it is brought to us from equatorial regions, yet the altitude at which it
is found growing (often 7000 feet above the level of the sea), favours the supposi-
tion that it will support: our climate in situations not too much exposed. The
Oxalis elegans from the same localities proves to be hardy; and we have so little
doubt that, with slight protection while young, the Zacsonia manicata will endure
exposure, that we have turned out our own specimen of this plant against a trellis,
with the intention of allowing it to remain through the winter. Should it,
however, be deemed in any case advisable to house this or any other species,
it could easily be effected at the end of the autumn. The plant might be plunged
in the ground, in a very large pot; or if turned out of the pot, the roots should,
at the end of the autumn, be chopped round at a distance of a foot from the stem,
a week or so before’removing it from the ground. If the plant were then carefully
potted with as little disturbance of the soil from its roots as possible, and the stem
cut down to within two or three feet from the ground, it might be safely preserved
in any dry place into which frost could not penetrate. If left exposed, we would
advise that, in addition to a thick double mat over the stem, some means of warding
off heavy rains from the soil in the immediate vicinity of the roots, should be adopted.
And we would even venture to recommend that this precaution should be taken
early in autumn ; for the copious supplies of moisture to their roots, by which their
tissues become gorged with watery juices at a period when the skilful horticulturist
restricts the quantity to those more completely under his control, is the chief cause

100 TACSONIA MANICATA.

that so many plants perish in winter, which, with proper care, might be preserved
many years.

In their habit of growth, the Tacsonias resemble very closely the common
Passion-flowers, being, like most of them, of vigorous growth, the shoots extending
ten or twenty feet in a season, according to the age of the plant.

The resemblance between the two genera, is indeed carried so far, that some of
the most acute Botanists of the present day are unable to give the precise grounds
for the separation of the Tacsonias from the true Passion Flowers.

This leads us to the botanical structure of the plants of this order, which is too
remarkable to allow of being passed over. And as the Tacsonias possess its chief
characteristics, our illustration will serve as the text of our remarks. The
climbing stems (which are somewhat rounded, and not four-sided, as in 7. pinnatis-
tula) and three lobed foliage do not claim any special notice, unless it be to
point out the glands on the upper edge of the leaf-stalks, and which are found in
most Passion-flowers. Occasionally, they are placed at the base of the leaf, near
its junction with the petiole, and sometimes on the back of the leaf. These glands,
although not conspicuous, are easily perceptible to the naked eye, and have the
appearance of small greenish yellow projections rough to the touch. The stipules,
or small wing-like expansions, at the foot of the leaf-stalk, are another peculiarity
of the true Passion-flowers. In Z. pinnatistipula, they are deeply divided, as the
specific name implies; and in 7. manicata, they are toothed in a crested manner.

The chief interest of the plants of this order, however, centres in their elegant
flowers. These are, at a glance, seen to consist of ten segments or divisions, the
lower portions of which are united into a tube, surrounded at its base by three
leaf-like bodies, termed bracts. These bracts, which are shown in our plate, are
common not only to the Tacsonias, but also, to nearly all the other Passion-flowers,
though in a few species they are placed at a considerable distance below the flower,
and are extremely small. In one or two species they are cut into hair-like
segments, and give a very interesting appearance to the flower, as in the P.
eiliata, and P. fetida. These bracts are not much larger in the Z. manicata than
in many other Passion-worts; but from the shortness of the tube, which is almost
concealed when the flower is expanded, ‘it may not unaptly be compared to an arm
thrust into a large loose glove;’ from which circumstance, it is presumed that
Jussieu gave it its specific name of manicate, or gauntletted.

Some difference of opinion exists with regard to the real nature of the coloured
portions of the flower. Lindley considers the five outer segments to be the true
calyx, and the five inner ones as the corolla; whilst others look on the filaments, or
ray-like appendages, as the true petals, and consider all the segments as sepals.
Each segment of the outer series is terminated by a horn-like process, which is, in
fact, a prolongation of the keel-like ridge on the back of the sepals. The inner

TACSONIA MANICATA. 101

segments which we will call the petals, are rather broader, and more rounded at
their ends.

The remarkable appendages arising from the base of the petal, and which are
termed the rays, or crown, vary exceedingly in the different species. In the
Tacsonia manicata, they are very short and tooth-like, and are arranged in two
concentric series; but in some of the Passion-flowers, these filaments are nearly as
long as the divisions of the corolla, and are grouped in four or five rings, the inner-
most series being generally much the shortest. They are regarded as modifications
of the petals, between which and the stamens they are probably intermediate in
their nature. The stamens are monadelphous ; that is, the stalks supporting the
anthers are united into a tube, above which is borne the ovary seated on a long
stalk, which passes to the bottom of the calyx tube. Both the anthers and stigmas are
unusually large, and the pollen or farina from the former, forms one of the most inter-
esting microscopic objects that can well be imagined. Lach grain of pollen appears,
when viewed under a rather high power, as a spherical body covered with a delicate
network, and bursting by opercula, or lids, of which there appear to be four, to allow of
the protrusion of the pollen tubes. The fruit is not the least remarkable part of the
plant. We are not acquainted with that of the Zucsonia manicata, but in the
T. pinnatistipula, it is five or six inches in circumference, spherical, and when ripe,
of a yellow tint, hanging by the very long peduncle to which the remains of the
flower are usually attached. The seeds are surrounded with a pulpy arvllus of an
edible nature, especially in a few species, which are not unfrequently cultivated for
the sake of their fruit, as P. edulis, and P. quadrangularis.

We have so far exceeded our usual limits that we have only space to add, that the
T. manicata may be increased by cuttings either of the old wood in spring, or of
short young shoots in summer, under a bell glass with a little bottom heat. When
grown under glass, most of the Tacsonias will ripen seed from which they may be
readily increased ; but we do not think they will be found to produce fruit in the
open air.

The specific name has been already explained; the name of the genus appears
to be a latinized form of Zucso, that by which the plants are known in Peru.
There are several species besides 7. manicata, those best known being mollisima,
pinnatistipula, princeps, and grandis.

We must not omit to observe that the shoots of the Tacsonias do not require
shortening, but if they are too crowded, they may be thinned out while young.
When the growth is too rampant and sterile of blossoms, a flowering habit may often
be induced by training the shoots horizontally, or nearly so.

Our figure represents the plant about one half its natural size.

BERBERIS DARWINIL.

Darwins’ Barberry.
Linnean Class—-FexanpRIA. Order —MonoGynta. Natural Order —Bexvermace®.

Few gardens are now without an example of the evergreen species of Berberis; and
the general characteristics of this valuable tribe of plants are, therefore, pretty well
known. Less robust in its growth than some others of this genus, and with foliage
inferior in size to the pinnated leaves of the Mahonias, the Berberis Darwinii yet
possesses in its elegant pendant racemes of flowers, an attraction peculiar to itself,
and which fully justifies the high praise bestowed upon it in the principal Horti-
cultural publications of the day.

The Berberries are very widely diffused throughout the temperate regions of the
globe. Those more commonly seen in cultivation are of North American origin;
several valuable species are natives of Asiatic climes; whilst the Berberis Darwinit
comes to us from bleak Patagonia, whose shores are now invested with so melan-
choly an interest from the painful death of Captain Gardiner and his fellow
missionaries. It appears to be also indigenous to the Chilian territory, including
the island of Chiloe. On its native mountains, it is often found growing near the
summer limit of snow, and is therefore likely to prove quite as hardy as the North
American species, which are known to bear our winters admirably. B. Darwinii is
distinguished from nearly all the other species by the ferruginous pubescence of the
young shoots. The leaves, although small, are so thickly disposed upon the
branches, that these are quite concealed.

The beauty of the plant is much enhanced by the purplish tint of the peduncles,
which contrasts admirably with the rich orange yellow of the flowers and deep
glossy green of the foliage. Like the other species, it delights in a free loamy soil,
and may be increased by cuttings, division, or seed.

The Berberries with pinnated leaves, were formerly known as Uahonias, and they
are still classed as such in most of the trade catalogues; but this distinction is not
now maintained by Botanists, the compound foliage being regarded as insufficient
to justify a division of the genus. These plants are now usually divided into two
sections, the true Berberries, with simple foliage; and the Ash-Berberries, with
compound foliage (so termed from the supposed resemblance of the leaves to
those of the Ash). It is, however, worth while pointing out that there are one
or two marks of distinction between these two sections, in addition to the difference

BERBERIS DARWINII. 1038

of foliage. In the true Berberries, there is an appendage at the base of each
petal, sometimes termed a gland; but as it does not appear to be a secreting organ,
it cannot be regarded as a glandular body. In the Ash-Berberries these appendages
are wanting; or to speak more correctly, appear to have been transferred to the
stamens, on the upper part of which, just below the anthers, will be found a
tooth-like projection on each side. They both agree, however, in possessing six petals
and sepals, the latter arranged in two series, the outer ones being the smallest.
The stamens are opposite to the petals, a circumstance which, taken in conjunction
with the structure of the anther, enables us at a glance to distinguish a plant of
the order Berbertdacee. The anther cells of most plants open by simple fissures ;
in a few instances, as in the Heath Order, by pores: but in the Berberries the
pollen escapes by a valve, or in other words, ‘the face of the anther-cell peels off,
except at the point, where it adheres as by a hinge.’ This structure is found in
the Laurel tribe, to which the Sweet-Bay (Laurus nobilis) belongs; but that order
(Lauracee) is without petals.

Everybody is familiar with the singular irritability of the stamens of the common
Berberis (B. vulgaris), which, if touched by any hard substance at a certain stage
of their growth, spring forward, and discharge their pollen upon the stigma. The
fruit of all the Berberries contains a sharp acid, probably the malic, and the bark
and stem of several species are astringent, and yield a yellow dye.

The section with simple leaves, of which the Berberis Darwinii is an example,
are remarkable for the strong pungent spines found at the base of the fascicles of
leaves. These are entirely wanting in the Mahonias, or those Berberries furnished
with pinnated foliage; a circumstance quite in accordance with the views
entertained by most Botanists with regard to the origin of these somewhat formidable
organs.

As most of our readers are doubtless aware, spines are considered to be either
leaves or branches whose development has been arrested, the midrib (in the case of
a leaf), or principal vein, becoming hardened and the parenchyma, or soft portion of
the leaf, being completely absent. Plants, which in their wild state are furnished
with spines, often lose them under cultivation; and we think it possible that the
converse would prove true, that some cultivated plants, if placed in such conditions
as would ensure a stunted growth, might become spinous.

The Berberis Darwin is at present rather expensive ; but many valuable species
are to be obtained at a cheap rate. The Berberis aquifolia should be in every
garden, as its low price places it within the reach of the humblest cultivator, and it
thrives in any moderately good soil, especially if a little shaded. The species
repens, umbellata, empetrifolia, and fascicularis, are all attainable for a very reasonable
sum, and are excellent plants for the shrubbery, and will flourish even under the
drip of trees.

104 BERBERIS DARWINII.

At least forty distinct species of Berberis are now in cultivation in England;
and one of these, of still more recent introduction than the plant we have chosen
for our illustration, is so remarkable that we are tempted to notice it here. We
allude to the Berberis japonica, discovered by Mr. Fortune on his second visit to
China. This magnificent evergreen appears to grow eight feet high, and has
pinnated leaves nearly fifteen inches long, the terminal leaflet being, in one
specimen, quite five inches in length. Mr. Fortune first met with this species in
the neighbourhood of Hwuy-chow-foo, about 150 miles north of Shanghae, and
afterwards near Sunglo, whilst engaged in collecting tea plants and seeds for the
East India Company. It appears that a specimen of the plant was seen by
Mr. Fortune on his journey to the Bohea tea mountains; but, being too large to
transport to Shanghae, he was obliged to content himself with carrying off a leaf,
with the hope of meeting with smaller examples of the plant in his subsequent
travels. On this gentleman’s return from the Bohea tea mountains, it chanced
that he rested a day or two at the house of the parents of his servant, Wang.
Having frequently desired Wang to endeavour to procure him some young plants
of the Berberis, without effect—for the natives of the Celestial Empire can rarely
be persuaded to trouble themselves in any matter in which their pecuniary interests
are not concerned—he one morning called three or four of the family about him,
and showing them the leaf which he had brought with him, promised a dollar to
any one who would bring him a small plant of the same shrub. ‘One of them
went out immediately, and, to my surprise and pleasure, returned in less than five
minutes with a fresh leaf of the plant in question. ‘‘ That will do,” said I; ‘‘ that
is just the thing I want: bring me a young plant, with good roots, and I will give
you the promised reward.” They now held a consultation among themselves in an
under tone, and at last said, that the plant in question had some peeuliar medical
virtues, and that the lucky possessor would not part with it. ‘Sell me this one,”
said 1; “and you will be able to buy a dozen others with the money.” ‘‘ No,” said
they, ‘‘the plant belongs to our uncle; he is rich enough, but he requires a little of
the plant now and then when he is unwell, and therefore he will not part with it.”
This was very provoking; but the Chinese were firm, and there was nothing for it
but to go, as sailors say, ‘‘ upon another tack.’ ‘* Well, at all events,” said I, ‘let
me see the plant: don’t be afraid; I shall not touch it.” For some time they
refused to do even this; but, through Wang’s influence, they were at last induced
to consent, and led the way down to a small cottage garden, completely covered
with weeds. There the beautiful shrub was growing apparently neglected, and left
to bloom unseen. It seemed very valuable in the uncle’s estimation, and he would
not sell it, although I tried hard to induce him to doso. It might be that he
really valued its medicinal properties, but, as it must be common enough in that
part of the country, he could easily have replaced it; it was not unlikely, therefore,

CEANOTHUS DENTATUS. 105

that he supposed I should offer some very large sum to induce him to part
with it.

‘On the following day, another relation of Wang’s came “to me in a secret
manner, and informed me that he was acquainted with another place where the
same plant was to be had, and that, for a consideration, he would go and fetch it.
I engaged him at once, merely telling him that he must bring young plants with
good roots, otherwise they would be entirely useless to me. This he faithfully
promised to do, and kept his word. In the course of the day, he returned with
three good plants, which he sold me, and which I afterwards took back to Shanghae.
These are now safely in England.’* It is, perhaps, only fair to remark, that
although the Chinaman is certainly an adept in the art of driving hard bargains,
and, we might add, in cheating, this peculiarity is, by no means, confined to
those latitudes.

CEANOTHUS DENTATUS.

Toothed Ceanothus.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —Mono@ynIA. Natural Order —RHAMNACEZ.

Iv were hard to say whether the floral or mineral wealth of California is the most
inexhaustible; for although hundreds of plants, of every class, have been thence
introduced of late years, ‘the cry is still, they come.’ We should, doubtless, excite
a smile on the features of some, were we, in such a ‘practical’ generation as the
present, to hazard a comparison of the relative importance of flowers and gold, nor
would we be thought to speak slightingly of the indispensable medium of exchange,
to whose value we are feelingly alive. But we may at least venture to point out
the superior moral influence of the former upon mankind, to that exercised by the
potent yellow ore, at whose shrine all men bow down.

With a few exceptions, the plants of the Buckthorn family are not remarkable
for the beauty of their flowers; the Ceanothes recently introduced to this country
from California will, however, do much to increase the interest attached to this
tribe. The flowers are, individually, very small, but this minuteness is fully

* Forvunn’s Tea Districts of China. Murray, 1852. The three plants above referred to are in the hands
of Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot, with whom they have recently flowered. The blossoms are of a
pale yellow, deliciously and strongly scented with the odour of a Tea rose.

106 CEANOTHUS DENTATUS.

compensated by the profusion with which they are produced. The foliage, too, is
extremely neat, especially in the species selected for our illustration, and which is,
perhaps, the most interesting of the genus. Some fears were entertained that the
Ceanothus dentatus would prove only half-hardy; the specimen from which our
figure was drawn was, however, taken from a plant which had been fully exposed
on a south wall, throughout the last winter, without any protection whatever, and
as its capability of resisting our winters will doubtless increase with the age of the
plant, we trust that this charming species may be considered acclimatized. Like
many other shrubs cultivated in the open air, it would probably suffer considerably
from severe frost; but as the peculiar habit of growth, both of dentatus and most of
the other species, renders it desirable that they should be planted against a wall,
the protection of a matting can be afforded them without entailing much trouble or
expense.

The Ceanothus dentatus is a branched evergreen shrub, growing to the height of
seven or eight feet, perhaps more; for as the plant is of recent introduction, we
have no means of knowing the exact size it may ultimately attain. The whole of
the plant is covered with down, that on the branches being of a rusty colour. The
leaves are very small, the largest scarcely exceeding 2 of an inch in length, with
coarse teeth, a revolute margin, and a pair of small scale-like stipules at their base.
The foliage has a peculiar, but, to us, not unpleasant odour, due to the numerous
minute glands on the edge of the leaves, which are, however, hardly perceptible
without the aid of a lens. These glands are said to be found only on this species,
and they afford, therefore, a ready means of discrimination. The flowers are
produced in stalked heads, sometimes roundish, but in the wild plants much longer.
Although small, the number in each head is considerable, and their bright, bluish-
violet tint, gives the plant, when in bloom, an exceedingly attractive appearance.
A detached blossom is represented on an enlarged scale in the corner of our plate,
chiefly for the purpose of shewing the peculiar form of the petals of the plants of
this order. These, it will be seen, are much longer than the sepals; arrow and
hooded /cucullate) at the tips, in a curious manner, the stamens being inserted
opposite the petals.

With regard to the culture of the different species of Ceanothes from California,
they all appear to thrive in peat, either alone, or mixed with a little loam. Their
growth is somewhat straggling, and the shoots therefore require frequent ‘ stopping’
during the summer; but as the flowers are borne upon the shoots of the previous
year, this shortening process must not be performed late in the season. .‘In the
Osborne gardens the C. dentatus is trained on the horizontal system, and after
flowering, the secondary branches are shortened back to an inch or two of the main

laterals. The specimen in Her Majesty's garden is seven feet high, and nearly ten
feet wide at the bottom.

HYBRIDIZING. 107

The species are readily propagated by seeds, which they appear to ripen freely,
and we expect they may also be increased by cuttings of the half-ripened wood
under a hand glass.

We have selected dentatus as being, on the whole, the most desirable species; but
it forms but one of a group introduced, we believe nearly about the same time, by
the Horticultural Society’s collector, Mr. Hartweg, and which are all well deserving
attention. The C. papiillosus and C. rigidus are scarcely less interesting than that
we have figured, and are a shade more hardy; indeed, we believe they may be said
to be perfectly so. The foliage of C. papillosus is much larger than that of dentatus,
and has its surface covered with pimple-like elevations, to which it owes its specific
name. It is of more vigorous growth than the Toothed Ceanothe, and may be
treated ina similar manner. C. rigidus fully equals in interest papiliosus, but is
less branching in its habit. The only other species deserving general cultivation,
are the C. pallidus and C. euneatus, the first with pale blue flowers, and the second
with white blossoms.

One species, the C. Americanus, is known as the New Jersey Tea, from the
circumstance of its having been used in the American war as a substitute for the
Chinese plant. As we may not soon have occasion to notice this order again, it
may be worth while to remark that to the Buckthorn tribe belongs the Lotus of the
ancients, and the Jujube tree, both of them species of Zizyphus; though the articles
sold as Jujubes probably contain as much of the genuine fruit as the Perfumer’s
Bears’ Grease does of the real Bruin.

As we would not willingly incur the reproach of unfaithfulness, we feel com-
pelled to observe that our artist has represented the leaves of the plant as too
pointed. They are, however, extremely blunt, and, in addition, deeply emarginate.

HYBRIDIZING.

However much the mere Botanist may regret the multiplication of seminal varicties
of cultivated plants, it is undeniable, that to the art of the hybridizer our gardens
are indebted for some of their most striking features. In support of this opinion,
we need only cite the Dahlia, the Pamsey, and the Hollyhock, which in their
primitive condition would hardly be tolerated by cultivators of the humblest aims,
but which, from the immense improvement which has resulted in their form, size,
and colouring, are now justly considered necessary in gardens of the smallest extent.
And even in the case of those plants which come forth from the hand of Nature
arrayed in charms which it were profanity to impeach, much has been done in

108 HYBRIDIZING.

introducing a greater variety of tints, in improving the habit of growth, and
in combining in one plant the perfections of many.

We have no doubt that a few hints on the process by which these results are
attained will be interesting to some of our readers at the present season; and we
offer them the more readily, that the operation is of the simplest character, and
may be performed by any intelligent person, and upon almost every description
of plant.

If a blossom of any plant—one of the Lily tribe for example—be examined, we
observe (in this instance) at the bottom of the flower a green triangular body,
surmounted by a column one or two inches long, and terminated by an enlargement
which, at a certain period after the expansion of the flower, will be found covered
with a clammy secretion. These central organs are the germen, or immature seed
vessel, with its style and stigma. Around them will be found six stamens, also
arising from the bottom of the flower, each consisting of a filament, or stalk, and an
anther, or case, borne at the summit, containing a coloured substance (the pollen),
destined to the fertilization of the ovules or young seeds contained in the germen.
When the flower first opens, the anthers will be found plump and smooth; but in a
short period they will be observed to split longitudinally, and become mealy in
their appearance, from the escape of the pollen.

These pollen-grains, when brought into contact with the neighbouring stigma,
protrude a number of extremely minute tubes, termed pollen-tubes, varying in size
from 55 t0 sm of an inch in diameter, and including within them a portion of the
contents of the pollen grain, which consists of a semi-fluid matter termed the
Jovilla. These tubes, which appear to be formed from the inner membrane of the
pollen grain, are believed to penetrate the loose tissue of the stigma, and to pass
down the style to the ovary, where they exert their fertilizing influence on the
young ovules. The purpose of this paper being, however, entirely practical, we
purposely avoid all further reference to the different theories promulgated on the
manner in which impregnation is affected; it is sufficient to show that, unless the
pollen reaches the stigma, no perfect seeds will be ripened—an assertion easily
verified by cutting out the anthers of the Lily, or any other flower, as soon as it
expands, when the seed-vessel will be found to wither away; and if, in some few
cases, it does become considerably developed, it will either yield no seeds, or only
such as have no reproductive power. If, however, after the stamens are removed,
others from a flower of the same, or of another species, are dusted on the stigma,
the seed-vessel will swell, and eventually ripen its seeds, exactly as in the case of
those blossoms from which their proper stamens had not been artificially removed.
In this consists the whole art and mystery of cross-breeding. But simple as the
actual conveyance of the pollen of one species to the stigma of another may be,
certain precautions are necessary to success, and if we desire to control the result,

HYBRIDIZING. 109

certain laws must be complied with; but which, to speak frankly, we attach less
importance to, as the results are often of the most contrary character. One or two of
these laws are however, so natural, that they cannot give rise to the smallest doubt.

1. No plants which do not belong to the same natural order, can by any
possibility be made to intermingle. The absurd stories related of the origin of
Willmore’s Double Pelargonium (Surprise), which was said to be a mule between
a Geranium and a Hollyhock, and of some other hybrids, need no refutation.

2. No plants, which do not form part of the same genus, can be united by cross-
breeding. ‘This law may at first sight appear to admit of many exceptions; but it is
highly probable that, in many instances in which a reputed union has taken place
between plants of two distinct genera, a further examination would prove that the
two genera had been improperly separated, and did, in reality, constitute but one.
Should, however, the statement with regard to the recently originated Cheiranthus
Marshallii, which is said to be the offspring of the Cheiranthus ochroleucus, crossed
by the pollen of Erysimum Perofskianum, prove true, this law would have to be
relinquished, for of the wide distinction between these two genera, there is no
doubt whatever.

3. Even among species belonging to the same genus, it is only those of similar
structure which will yield hybrids. Thus the Gooseberry and Currant, though both
belonging to the genus Rides, have never been made to unite. It has been supposed
that union can only take place between those species in which the pollen grains are
of the same size; and should this supposition be confirmed, a preliminary microscopic
examination of the two varieties of pollen, would enable us to judge of the
probability of obtaining hybrids between any two species.

Where no natural hindrance exists to the union, the following precautions are all
that are necessary to success.

1. The anthers or pollen bags of the plant which we desire to impregnate
artificially, should be removed immediately on the expansion of the flower; or, if when
this takes place, they are already burst, it will be necessary to open the flower
prematurely, for it is essential to success that the anthers should be cut out before
their pollen is ripe. In some of the Campanulas the anthers burst previously to
the opening of the flower, and also in some of the Cytisus family, and probably in
many others.

2. When the anthers have been thus extracted, the stigma of the flower must be
carefully preserved from accidental impregnation by insects or other means, until it
is in a fit state for the reception of the pollen of the species with which we desire
to hybridize it. This end is best attained by tying a piece of fine muslin over the
branch on which the blossom is situated. It is usually easy to perceive the proper
moment for the application of the pollen, for the stigma, in most instances,
exudes a viscid fluid; and in those plants in which it is divided into lobes at its

110 HYBRIDIZING.

extremity, as in the Fuschia, Geranium, Clarkia, and many others, these lobes,
' which on the first expansion of the flower are commonly undistinguishable, diverge
and spread themselves towards the anthers. In some plants, especially in such
as have fugacious blossoms, the stigma is fit for the reception of the pollen as soon
as the flower has opened; in others, not until a few hours after expansion; and in
the Lilies, neither the pollen nor stigmas are fit for the operation of hybridizing
until after an interval of one or two days from the opening of the flower.

3. The operation should be performed only in dry weather; for when moistened,
the pollen-grains are ruptured and lose their fecundating power. This explains the
injurious influence of heavy rains upon many crops when in flower, as well as upon
fruit trees. In many plants the flowers close in wet weather, apparently with the
intention of preserving the pollen and stigma from injury.

4. The actual operation of hybridizing consists simply in removing the anther,
or, if necessary, the entire flower from the plant with which we desire to cross
another species, and in applying the anther in a dry mealy condition to the stigma,
by bringing them into contact. Some hybridizers collect the pollen with a small
camel’s-hair pencil, but, whenever it is possible, we advise the anthers themselves
to be applied, without any intermediary. As the pollen of most plants is coloured,
its presence upon the stigmatic surface will be easily detected. The quantity of
pollen necessary for the fertilization of the ovules of any plant varies exceedingly
in different species ; it is better, however, to use too large than too small a quantity.
As a general rule, it may be advisable to apply to the stigma of one species the
whole of the anthers of the male flower. When practicable, the anthers should not
only be rubbed upon the stigma, but also be inserted in the centre of the flower,
where the arms of the stigma will often suffice to retain them. The pollen of some
plants may be preserved for a considerable period, especially if kept quite dry, but
in practice it is advisable to apply it as soon as ripe; though where two species,
which it is desired to cross, are not simultaneously in bloom, the experiment may
be tried of preserving the anthers between two pieces of glass until the expansion
of the flowers of the other species.

The stigmas of most plants are sufficiently apparent to render any special instruc-
tions necessary, except in the instance of one or two plants. The stigma of the Iris
is sometimes quite a puzzle to the inexperienced florist; but it is, in reality,
as easily seen as in any other plant. If the petal-like body, usually of a vaulted
form, which covers over the anther, be slightly raised by its bifid lip, a thin
membranous ridge will be observed immediately below the lip, at the point where
it is, when shut, in contact with the true petal beneath it. The whole of this
membranous edging may perhaps act as an absorbing surface for the pollen, which
will generally be found upon it after the opening of the anther; but the central
portion between the bifid lip is no doubt the true stigma. After the application of

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM IN CHINA, lil

the pollen, the stigma either withers, or loses its viscidity—changes which may be
deferred for some days by preserving them, from contact with the anthers. This
well-known fact may be made available for the prolongation of the blossoming
period of most plants, for after fecundation, not only the stigma, but also the
entire flower, rapidly decays.

It is generally supposed that in hybrid plants, the flowers and organs of repro-
duction partake of the characters of the female parent, while the foliage and habit
resemble those of the pollen-bearing plant. This is, however, by no means an
established law, for the plants raised from the same pod of seed, will often contain
individuals, some of which resemble the male plant, whilst others inherit the
leading features of the pistilliferous plant. Hybrid plants usually ripen seed, but
their offspring seldom continue fertile beyond the second or third generation, though
to this rule there are many exceptions. They may, however, be fertilized by the
pollen of one of the parents.

The choice of subjects for hybridization, is obviously a matter for the exercise of
individual taste. Much has been done by the florist in improving some of our
cultivated plants, but an immense harvest remains to be gathered amongst our
hardy bulbs, shrubs, and perennials; and every amateur florist may be assured
that it is fully within his power to originate, in each of these sections, new varieties
which would yield him both fame, pleasure and profit. To such of our readers as
may be induced to try their hand at this interesting art, we earnestly recommend
that a record of each experiment and its results should be kept.

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM IN CHINA.

‘Tue Chrysanthemum is the Chinese gardener’s favourite winter flower, although it
is generally past its full beauty at the Chinese new year. There is no other plant
with which he takes so much pains, or which he cultivates so well. His Camellias,
Azaleas, and Roses are well grown and well bloomed, but in all three we equal him
in England; in the culture of the Chrysanthemum, however, he stands unrivalled.
The plants themselves seem to meet him half way, and grow just as he pleases;
sometimes I found them trained in the form of horses and deer, and at other times
they were made to resemble the pagodas so common in the country. Whether they
were trained into these fanciful forms, or merely grown as simple bushes, they were
always in high health, full of fresh green leaves, and never failed to bloom most
profusely in the autumn and winter.

‘The method of cultivating the Chrysanthemum in China is as follows :—Cuttings
are struck every year from the young shoots, in the same manner as in England.

112 THE CHRYSANTHEMUM IN CHINA.

When they are rooted, they are potted off at once into the pots in which they are
to grow and bloom; that is, they are grown on what would be called by our
gardeners ‘‘ the one-shift system.”

‘The soil used in potting is of a very rich description. About Canton it is
generally obtained, in the first instance, from the bottom of lakes or ponds, where
the Nelumbium or Water Lily grows. It is then laid up to dry and pulverize for
some months, when it is mixed with old night-soil, taken from the manure-tanks
found in every garden. A heap of this kind, after being laid up for some time,
and frequently turned over, is in a fit state for potting the Chrysanthemum.
Manure-water, taken also from the tanks, is liberally supplied during the growing
season, and its effects are visible in the luxuriant dark green leaves which cover. the
plants.

‘In forming the plants into nice compact bushes, which, with due deference to
Chinese taste, I think prettier than animal and ‘‘ seven-storied pagodas,” their
system is as follows:—The plants are trained each with a single stem; this is
forced to send out numerous laterals near its base, and these are tied down in a neat
and regular manner, with strings of silk thread. By having the plants clothed
with branches in this way, and by keeping the leaves in a green and healthy state,
the specimens never have that bare and brown appearance which they often present
in England, when taken into the greenhouse in the winter.

‘ About Shanghae and Ningpo, the Chrysanthemum is still better managed than
it is near Canton; but the success which attends it may be attributed, partly at least,
to the more favourable nature of the climate, the plant being indigenous to the
central or more northern parts of the empire. The system of cultivation is nearly
the same—the main points attended to being those already noticed, namely,
choosing a rich soil, planting at once into large pots, training to a single stem, and
inducing it to send out numerous laterals, and giving liberal supplies of manure
water during the growing season. The Chinese are fond of having very large
blooms, and in order to obtain these, they generally pick off all the small flower buds.

‘In China, as in England, the Chrysanthemum flowers during the winter months.
When in bloom, it is in great request among the people, and is used in the decoration
of court-yards, halls, and temples. It is everybody’s plant, and blooms alike in the
garden of the lowly Chinese cottager, and in that of the red-buttoned mandarin,

Although we are indebted to China for the parents of those varieties of Chrysan-
themums which now enliven our gardens during the dull months of winter, yet,
strange to say, the progeny is more numerous in Europe than in China itself. Some
of those more beautiful kinds raised by Mr. Salter in France would be much admired
even by the Chinese florist. It is a curious fact, however, that many of those kinds,
such as formosum and lucidum, which were originally raised from seed in Europe, are
also met with in the north of China.’.—Forrunn’s Zea Districts of China.

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OXALIS ELEGANS.
Elegant Wood-sorrel.

Linnean Class—DEcANDRIA. Order —PENTAGYNIA. Natural Order—OxXALIDACcE®,

In our first number, we gave a figure of a very pretty species of Wood-sorrel, and
promised to return to the genus. The Oxalis cernua then published, was offered
as an interesting spring-flowering bulb for the window ; the O. elegans now figured,
is an example selected from the summer-flowering species.

In common with most of its congeners, it is produced from a bulb of small
dimensions, and appears likely to prove nearly, if not quite, hardy. The leaflets
are bluntly triangular, generally of a pale green beneath, but, in some plants, of a
bright reddish purple. Judging from our own specimen, we should infer that both
varieties of foliage may be found on the same plant. The leaves are less numerous
than in the O. cernua, and some others; but in the case of full-sized bulbs, are
much larger than in many of the species. The flower scape is about twice the
length of the petiole, supporting a truss of from six to ten blossoms, of a purple
colour, the eye of the flower being of a very intense shade.

The sepals, or divisions of the calyx, are remarkable for four minute linear glands
of an orange tint, at their tips, which, although too small to be readily detected by
the unassisted eye, are easily perceptible under a microscope of low power, such as
the Stanhope or Codrington lens. These glands form an excellent mark of dis-
tinction.

As in all the species, the petals are twisted in the bud, and form, when expanded,
a flat-limbed corolla. The stamens of this, as well as of all the Oxalises, are ten in
number, the five alternate ones being shorter than the others, and all are united at their
bases by the dilated filaments. ‘The five longest of these have frequently a broad
scale at their base; but this is absent in some specimens. An examination of the
uncoloured figure at the side of the plate, will afford an excellent idea of the
arrangement of these central organs, not only of the flower of the Oxalis elegans,
put also of most of the other species. The five styles, it will be observed, are
longer than the stamens, slightly hairy, and terminated by an enlarged stigma, with
a central depression, or, as it is technically termed, umbilicate. In many species of
Oxalis the styles are recurved laterally about the period that the pollen is ripe, but
afterwards assume the erect position of those in the diagram. As the styles are not

114 OXALIS ELEGANS.

unfrequently even longer than those of the O. elegans, it is obvious that, elevated
as they are above the stamens, the process of fecundation could with difficulty take
place, but for the temporary change in their position to which we have referred.

* Notwithstanding this curious adaptation, the Oxalises, like many other plants
removed from their natural habitats, do not generally ripen seed; at least, none of
those we have seen under cultivation, except the little O. rosea. Most of them
produce, however, a large crop of bulbs, by which they may be readily increased.

In speaking of the 0. cernua, we observed that the new bulbs in that species
were formed in a cluster at the extremity of a long fibre, proceeding from the
base of the old surface bulb. In the species now under consideration, this fibre
is very much shorter, the new bulbs being found in the immediate neighbourhood
of the parent root.

In the 0. Bowztei, a very handsome late-flowering species, with crimson. blossoms,
the bulbs are produced at intervals along the radical fibres, in clusters of three
or four; and between the fibre and the base of the young bulbs, there will often
be found intervening a whitish, transparent, fleshy body, occasionally as thick
as the little finger. The precise nature of this curious appendage is not very
clear; nor do we find any notice of it in any modern Botanical writer, but it
is, probably, a variety of the undergrown stem or stipe.

From what has been said of the roots of these pretty plants, one important
practical conclusion may be drawn, viz. that the new tubers require to be dug
up after flowering, as they are produced at such a distance from the surface, that,
unless this precaution is adopted, they will eventually be lost. In the case of
O. Bowitei and other autumn-flowering nearly hardy species, it is advisable to
defer the removal of the tubers until spring, as in severe winters they would be
safer at a depth of some inches; and from the late period at which the blossoms
are produced, the young tubers would suffer from being disturbed in their
immature state. As they do not commence their growth until the following
summer, the month of April will be sufficiently early to replant them.

The bulbs of the Ovalis elegans do not penetrate the soil so deeply as some of
the other species; but they should, notwithstanding, be replanted every autumn,
after the decay of the leaves. The soil best suited to this and most of the
Oxalises, is a light, sandy loam, with an admixture of peat or leaf-mould. A
dry sunny situation should be chosen, for the blossoms expand only under sunshine.

The O. elegans is a very free flowerer, even the small bulbs will generally produce
several umbels. The trusses will need the support of a small rod, to prevent
them from being dashed to the ground by heavy rains; and for this purpose,
nothing is better than the top of a slender, unpeeled osier. These supports are
commonly employed by professional florists, but they are not so generally in use
among amateurs as they deserve to be. Their pale bark renders them very incon-

ACACIA GRANDIS, 115

spicuous, and their freedom from knots or roughness, and tapering form, makes them,
in our opinion, far more desirable than the brittle hazel rods or painted sticks,
ordinarily used for these purposes.

The hardiness of the present species has already been adverted to. It will be
prudent, however, to afford the roots some protection in very severe weather; but
the covering should not be suffered to remain too long, or the bulbs would be forced
into premature growth.

All the Oxalises may be cultivated in pots; and when thus treated, they can
easily be preserved through the winter in a dormant state. Considering the great
interest attaching to this pretty genus, and the showy character of their blossoms,
we are really surprised that they are not more frequently met with. A bed of
mixed species, planted in clumps of eight or ten bulbs each, forms in sunny weather
one of the most attractive objects imaginable. All the half-hardy species which
flower in summer and autumn may be thus grown, and their tubers may be dug up
after the leaves are withered, and preserved in dry sand. Among the most desirable
species, whether for the open borders or pots, are arborea, yellow; spectabilis, pink ;
violacea, violet; caprina, flesh; crenata, yellow; cuprea, copper-coloured ; lobata,
yellow ; Jlastopetala, pink; geniculata, yellow; and variabilis, with its varieties
grandiflora and Stmsii, with white flowers.

There are one or two other points of interest connected with these Oxalises
which we reserve for a future occasion. We have, however, said enough we hope
to show their value as ornamental subjects, and to induce our readers to possess
themselves of such as may be attainable in their respective localities. They are
not generally kept by the provincial nurserymen; but at most of the London
horticultural establishments, from twelve to twenty species may be obtained, and
in a dry state are easily forwarded to any distance.

The Owalis elegans is one of the many importations of Messrs Veitch of Exeter, by
whose collector, Mr. Lobb, it was obtained in the neighbourhood of Loxa. It is
certainly one of the prettiest of these children of the sun.

ACACIA GRANDIS.
Grand Acacia.

Linnean Class—PoOLYGAMIA. Order—Moncncta. Natural Order —Luauminoszx.

Imperium in imperio is an appellation which may be, with great justice, applied to
the Acacias, so large and distinct a group do they form of the highly important and
extensive Natural Order of Leguminous plants.

116 ACACIA GRANDIS.

Some years since, Mr. Bentham enumerated no fewer than 340 species of Acacia ;
and from the numerous subsequent additions to the genus, it now comprises at least
400 species. They are divided by Botanists into two groups: the first includes the
‘species with pinnated leaves; and the second, those in which the true leaves are
absent, their place and functions being supplied by the peculiarly developed leaf-
stalk or petiole, which is furnished with a leaf-like expansion, varying greatly in
form, termed a phyllodiwm. The pinnated species are widely spread throughout the
tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and America; but requiring, as most of them do,
not only the temperature of the stove, but also a greater amount of space than can
usually be afforded them, these tender species are rarely seen in cultivation in this
country. Those of them which adorn our conservatories and greenhouses in spring,
are chiefly natives of New Holland, of the flora of which country both the pinnated
Acacias and the leafless section form one of the most striking features. The
Phyllode-bearing division of the genus, of which the common Acacia armata is an
example, is, we believe, peculiar to Australia, to whose arid climate they are
especially adapted. Both sections contain a considerable number of species,
remarkable for their elegant and graceful habit, and the abundance of their fragrant
flowers. The airy foliage of the pinnated species imparts, however, a charm often
wanting in the leafless section; and it is, therefore, from the first division of the
genus that our illustration has been selected. We hope, however, on another
occasion, to have the opportunity of showing that the other species are scarcely less
attractive in an ornamental point of view, and fully equal to them in botanical
interest.

The Acacia grandis is a recently imported species, and is, doubtless, a native
of New Holland, thought we are unacquainted with its history. It forms a
shrub of moderate size, and flowers freely while small. The stems are angular,
grooved, and covered with long spreading hairs. The leaves consist of two pinne,
articulated at their base, each pinna being about an inch long, and composed
of from eight to ten pairs of linear, alternate smooth, leaflets, the rachis or stalk
to which they are attached being flattened, and terminated by a small leafy point.

At the junction of the pinne with the branch, several curious appendages
arise which deserve attention. First, between the two pinne will be found a
short fhread-like prolongation of the petiole, terminating in a little globular
head: next, a minute gland-like body, which is apparently an abortive flower
bud; then either one or two small cup-like involucres, out of which the flower
stalks arise; fourthly, an articulated woody spine, about half an inch long; and,
lastly, at the base ef the leaf are two bristly stipules, and occasionally a third,
beneath the prolonged petiole first mentioned. The flower heads are generally in
pairs, on smooth stalks about three-quarters of an inch in length, and are very
numerously produced.

&

ACACIA GRANDIS. 117

The beauty of the flowers of the Acacias is entirely due to the long projecting
stamens, the calyx and corolla being so small, as not to be easily distinguished
after the full expansion of the capitule or flower-head. Both the floral envelopes
referred to are composed of five equal divisions, regularly arranged; and, in this
respect, there is a departure from the type of the Order, which, as our readers are
well aware, is chiefly characterized by its papilonaceous flowers, of which those
of the common Pea and Laburnum are examples. In those genera of the Order
in which the flower is regularly formed, we still find the peculiar pod-like
seed-vessel or legume, on which the name of the Order is based; so that the
recognition of the Legwminose is one of the easiest problems for the student of
Botany.

The Acacias, including the species now figured, generally ripen seed; but the
number of legumes bears but a very small proportion to that of the flowers, for
it must be borne in mind, that most of these contain stamens only: of the twenty
or thirty florets composing the capitule, but a very few contain both stamens and
pistil.

In some of the Acacias, the spiny process in the axil of the leaf is so largely
developed, as to be a very formidable organ, and capable of inflicting a serious
wound, as in the A. horrida and A. Cafra; in others, it is altogether absent, as
in the species Julibrissin, lophantha, dealbata, and discolor.

The A. grandis is a most charming window-plant for spring flowering, being at
that season loaded with its golden yellow balls; and at all periods of the year
its elegant foliage gives it an ornamental character.

Its propagation is effected either by seeds or cuttings, usually by the latter
method; they should be inserted in white sand, or very sandy soil, and covered
with a bell glass or tumbler. As they are impatient of damp, they require a little
more care during the rooting process than those of the leafless species; the inside of
the glass should be wiped daily, and as soon as the cuttings are fairly struck, they
must be potted off into sandy peat, and eventually into good fibrous peat containing
less sand. During the summer, the pot may be placed out-doors in a warm aspect,
on a layer of ashes, to keep out those plagues of the gardener, the worms; but in
dry weather, it must be carefully watered, as the foliage of this and similar species
is more delicate than that of the phyllode-bearing Acacias, in which the cuticle is
much thicker, and contains fewer stomata or exhalating pores. In this and other
cases, it will be found an excellent plan to place the pot containing the plant into
one considerably larger, the space between the two being filled up with moss, which
may be kept damp. ‘his will prevent the roots from being injured by long
exposure to the scorching rays of the sun.

As it is essential to the production of flowers the following spring, that the young
wood should be thoroughly ripened, it will be better to remove the plant from the

118 RHODODENDRON LANATUM.

influence of heavy rains about the middle of September ; after which period, it should
receive but moderate supplies of water. In winter, it will require all the air and
light that can be given it, and should be kept in a cool apartment up to the month of
February, after which a warmer room will hasten the development of its beautiful
flowerheads. In case of very severe weather, measures must be taken to secure.
it from frost.

We have introduced this species to the notice of our readers, not only for its
great intrinsic merits, but also as the representative of a large genus of plants,
which, if we except the common A. armata, are rarely seen in cultivation among
that class of amateur horticulturists to which we more especially address ourselves.
This is greatly to be regretted, as they are as easily managed as the plants more
commonly grown upon the window; and flowering, as most of them do, in early
spring, when but few other plants are in blossom, it might have been supposed that
they would have been eagerly sought after.

There are many other mimosa-leaved species fully equal in most points to the
A. grandis; among which may be mentioned pulchella, deaibata, discolor, pubescens,
and spectabilis ; the last named being, perhaps, even more desirable than grandis.
One of the species above cited, pulchella, is sometimes sold for grandis, which it
resembles, differing chiefly in its longer spine and fewer leaflets.

The economical uses and products of the various species of Acacia, are too numerous
and important to be alluded to in the present notice; we reserve them for a future
occasion.

RHODODENDRON LANATUM.
Woolly Sikkim Rhododendron.

Linnean Class—DEcANDRIA. Order—MonoGynIA. Natural Order—ERicacex.

On the north-eastern frontier of the immense continent of India, between the states
of Nepaul and Bhotan, lies the small territory of Sikkim, governed by a native
prince, but under the protection of the Hast India Company. Until within the last
few years, the very existence of this obscure state was, we suspect, unknown to
the majority of the English public; but from being the most neglected, it now bids
fair to become one of the best known of the principalities composing the vast
empire of Hindostan. The country is, of course, wholly mountainous, forming a

RHODODENDRON LANATUM. 119

part of the stupendous Himalayan range, which here reaches, in the peak of
Kinchin-junga, the altitude of 28,000 feet; though the average height above the
level of the sea does not, perhaps, exceed 8 or 9,000 feet.

Here, exposed to the alternate influences of a prolonged tropical summer and the
snows of a Himalayan winter, were found the magnificent Rhododendrons, the
discovery of which has conferred such well-merited fame on Dr. Joseph Dalton
Hooker. This gentleman, whilst employed on a Government Botanical Mission,
detected in the Sikkim Himalaya no fewer than thirty-two distinct and undescribed
species, of most of which he has published figures in a superb atlas of plates, which
must be regarded as a perfect triumph of art, though the price at which it is issued
necessarily places it out of the reach of all but the wealthiest patrons of horticultural
science.

With a view to aid in making these beautiful shrubs still more extensively
known, we have selected one of the most interesting species, though the 2. lanatum
has been chosen less for the size of its flowers, which are exceeded in their
dimensions by those of several other species, than for their yellow tint, which is,
as our readers are aware, uncommon in the genus. Several of the species produce
flowers of such magnitude, that a single blossom would require more space than
we can afford to the entire figure: those of Dalhousie and Edgeworthw are four
or five inches across, and those of Zhomsoni are but little less.

‘ By whatever standard of floral beauty we judge of them, they rank very high.
Every quality which can possibly render plants attractive is combined in them.
Beauty of form, richness and diversity of colour and fragrance, are possessed by
them individually or collectively ; and in foliage, too, they are equally diversified.
Falconeri, a tree thirty feet high, found at an elevation of 10,000 feet, has leaves
twelve or eighteen inches long, by six inches wide. Argentewm, growing to a similar
height, has leaves equal in size, and with large compact globular heads of pure
white flowers. Then there is Zodgsoni, with noble foliage and aspect, having
large ovate heads of pale purple flowers, beautifully and symmetrically arranged.
Others contrast widely with these. Setoswm, a small and elegant shrub, with
flowers resembling a 2hodora, and evergreen box-like foliage; and the interesting
pumilum and el@agnoides, with delicate blossoms not more than one inch across,
will serve as examples. And between these extremes there is a great diversity
in the character of the several species, in height, foliage, and flower. The colours
of the latter vary from pure white, or with the faintest tinge of rose-colour in
Maddeni, Dalhousie, and Edgeworthii—to the richest and deepest crimson, in
Thomsoni and fulgens. The latter is especially attractive, from the intensity of
colour and polished appearance of its blossoms. The flowers of Dalhousie are
remarkable for their thick leathery texture, and for the length of time they
continue in perfection, as well as for their delightful fragrance. For the often-

120 RHODODENDRON LANATUM.

desired. combination of yellow flowers with good evergreen foliage in Rhodo-
dendrons, Wightit, lanatum and campylocarpum, may be mentioned as examples.’

Doubts have been expressed whether the figures published by Dr. Hooker, from
drawings made by native artists in the Himalaya, might not be exaggerated; but
there does not appear the smallest reason for supposing this to be the case, on the
contrary, it is probable that the plants now growing in this country will produce
blossoms exceeding in size those of the plants in their native habitats. In the
first species which flowered in this country, ciliatum—of which a figure appeared in
the Botanical Magazine for May, 1852—the blossoms were fully one-third larger than
those of the wild plant; and as showing the tendency the Sikkim Rhododendrons
evince to produce their flowers ina young state, we may remark, that the species
just mentioned was only seven inches high, and but twenty months old.

In the little work recently issued by Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot, of
which we have given a notice at the end of the present number, we find some
instructions for the cultivation of these Sikkim Rhododendrons, upon which our
readers may implicitly rely, these gentlemen having been very successful in their
treatment, and their plants being the largest in the trade.

Some fears had been entertained by Dr. Hooker, that these noble plants would
prove unsuitable for cultivation in England, less on account of the severity of our
winters, than for the late, cold, and changeable springs which, in many years, are
indeed only a prolongation of the winter. In the Sikkim Himalaya, the mean
temperature of the months of November, December, January and February, differs
but little from that of London; but the increment of temperature which occurs
in the native regions of these Rhododendrons early in March, and which rapidly
excites them into growth, does not take place in this country before the month of
May. The chief difficulty in their cultivation will therefore occur in early spring ;
but in the case of those species which do not flower until June, Messrs Standish and
and Noble are of opinion that they will be found much hardier than was supposed.

‘From the accounts given by Dr. Hooker of their time of flowering,’ these
gentlemen observe, ‘many of them not putting forth their blossoms till June, we
trust they will prove much more valuable as hardy plants than the old arboreum,
which, however beautiful it may be, can only be successfully grown out of doors in
the more favoured situations in Great Britain. Whether they will retain their
late flowering qualities in this county, must for the present remain an open
question; but as the greater part of them are perfectly hardy, if they should be
found to bloom earlier than we anticipate from their natural habits, there are many
situations in the country where spring frosts are but very slightly felt, in which
they may be successfully grown. It is possible that one or two of the species, as
Dalhousie and argenteum, may be better suited for the conservatory than the
American garden under any circumstances. But, whatever situation they may

RHODODENDRON LANATUM. 121

be found best adapted for, any care they may receive will be amply repaid by the
great beauty of their flowers.

‘As regards their cultivation, situations having a great amount of atmospheric
moisture should be chosen. In bogs drained two or three feet deep, they would
succeed well. But it must be remembered that, while they will require a moist
and cool subsoil, it must not arise from stagnant moisture. In the damp climate of
a great part of Ireland, on the southern and western shores of England, and at the
base of the mountains on the western coast of Scotland—situations where there
is always a large amount of atmospheric humidity with little frost—these beautiful
plants will doubtless succeed well. To those already possessing young plants, we
recommend the following course of treatment :—Procure a quantity of peat soil
containing a large amount of vegetable matter, as it is necessary that it should be
very rich, to which add about one-fifth of silver sand; well mix it, and place a
layer of it about six inches deep in the bottom of a frame, in which place the
plants at distances according to their size, allowing each plenty of room, and while
growing, shade from the direct influence of the sun, and keep them saturated with
moisture. Ata corresponding season, on their native mountains they are deluged
with rain; and it is from not affording them sufficient water, that many persons
have failed in their cultivation. From the want of it, the leaves, especially at the
points and edges, become withered and brown.

‘A great point to be attended to in the cultivation of the Rhododendron, especially
when under glass, is never to allow the temperature to get toorhigh, nor the
atmosphere dry. Nearly all the species are natives of cool and moist regions; and
if these (to them) unnatural conditions are allowed to occur, their healthy economy
is sure to be materially deranged.

‘In placing them in the open ground, August will be the best season; rainy
weather should, if possible, be chosen, and the plants should not be less than a foot
high. After planting, boughs should be stuck in and around the groups, to afford
them a partial shade, as well as to prevent evaporation ; and, of course, the plants
will have been gradually prepared for their final removal.

‘From the fact that many of the species were discovered epiphytical on rocks and
trees, it has been inferred that corresponding conditions for their culture must be
secured in this country. But from our own experience, we think that little
importance, in a cultural point of view, should be attached to this circumstance ;
and we are confirmed in our opinion by that of Dr. Hooker, in his very elaborate
paper in Zhe Journal of the Horticultural Society for the present year. The localities
in which any of the species of an epiphytal character were found, were always
excessively humid, often in dense woods. And the same species which there
occurred as epiphytes, became terrestrial in more open and, of course, drier situa-
tions. This character must, therefore, be considered as merely local or accidental, and

122 PLUMBAGO LARPENT.E.

should by no means influence the course of treatment adopted for them in this
country.’

The Rhododendron lanatum is a shrub of some size, flowering in June, and will
probably prove one of the hardiest of the group. It was discovered at an
elevation of about 10,000 feet near Jongri and Chola. As its specific name implies,
it is remarkable for the dense coating of down upon the back of its handsome
foliage.

PLUMBAGO LARPENTA.
Lady Larpent’s Leadwort.

Linnean Class —PENTANDRIA. Order —PENTAGYNIA. Natural Order —PLUMBAGINACEA.

Tue Plumbago Larpenta is now so well known, that we feel an apology is due to
our subscribers for occupying our pages with so familiar a plant; a circumstance due
solely to our having been deprived, by an accidental delay, of one or two of the
drawings intended for this month’s illustrations.

No plant of recent introduction has given rise to so great a diversity of opinions
as the Plumbago Larpente ; by some it has been injudiciously extolled, whilst by
others, less successful in their treatment of it, the plant has been as unduly
depreciated. Its thin fugacious blossoms, and but partial hardiness, doubtless
detract considerably from its merits; but the bright colour of its flowers, and the
peculiar freshness of its ciliated foliage, will always procure it admirers. The late
period at which it blossoms renders it, perhaps, more liable to injury from the
early frosts and autumnal rains, than many plants which are not one whit more
robust.

When treated as a hardy herbaceous perennial, it suffers less from the cold of
the winter months than from the late springs so characteristic of our climate. The
average temperature of the winter at Shanghae (one of the localities where this
plant is found), scarcely exceeds that of the same season in England; but the spring
frosts, so injurious to many of our shrubs and perennials, are unknown in that
latitude, and the summers are not only considerably hotter than our own, but also
of longer duration ; so that the plant is, up to a late season of the autumn, subjected
to a degree of heat by which it is so thoroughly matured, that it is enabled to resist
the cold of the winter months with far more success, than the succulent specimens
produced under the influences of an English autumn.

PLUMBAGO LARPENT.E. 123

The plant may be left in the borders throughout the year, in favourable situations,
upon a dry subsoil; but, as a general rule, we would advise the same precautions
as suggested for several other plants previously figured—protection from long
continued rains in autumn, and a covering of ashes, sand, or dry fern leaves, during
the winter months. But even with these precautions, plants thus exposed will
rarely present so favourable an appearance as those which have been preserved in
a cold frame or dry cellar. When dug up and potted, the tops should be allowed
to remain uncut whilst they continue green; and so long as the soil does not become
quite dry, but little water will be required during the winter. It will be found to
succeed best in peat; but, as a substitute, when this is not procurable, sandy loam,
with a considerable portion of thoroughly decayed leaf-mould, may be used. In
either of these soils its growth is rapid; an abundance of suckers being generally
produced, which, if taken off and struck on a mild bottom heat, will make flowering
plants the same season. It may also be readily increased, by division of the roots
in spring, about the period they commence their growth.

As a pot-plant, its cultivation is remarkably easy. We have observed that it
may readily be preserved in any convenient place, in a half-dry state, through the
colder months of the year. When it ‘pushes’ in spring, it should be repotted ;
and if the specimen is large, it should have a second removal as soon as the first
pot has become filled with roots. Beyond these attentions, nothing will be needed
but free supplies of water, and a few supports for its slender flexible stems.

Without indulging in extravagant encomiums of this plant as a window
ornament, it may yet be said to be of great value on account of the bright blue
tint of its flowers, which continue in perfection for a longer period than when
exposed in the open borders.

As the first plant of the Leadwort tribe which we have yet figured, a few
remarks on the structure of the Order may not be out of place. The Pluwmbaginacee
are distinguished, among all other monopetalous plants, by their plaited or furrowed
calyx, five styles, and superior one-celled ovary, containing a solitary ovule
suspended from the extremity of a cord, which arises from the base of the cavity
of the cell. Although we have used the term monopetalous as applicable to the
Order, several of the genera have their petals distinct, as in the Statices and
Armerias, and in the genus Plumbago, the styles are partially united; but in all
the genera their extremities are distinct, and the one-seeded superior ovary, with
a pendulous ovule, is an invariable feature of the Order,

In the genus Armeria, the mode in which the fertilization of the ovule is
effected is highly curious. We have stated that this is suspended from the end
of a cord, which is attached to, or lies over, the foramen or opening in the young
seed through which the pollen tube has to be introduced. At the moment this is
conveyed from the stigma through the style to the ovary, the cord attached to the

124 WINDOW GARDENING.

ovule slips aside, and allows the fertilizing particles to enter through the
JSoramen.
We have retained the more popular name of the Plumbago Larpente, though, as
many of our readers are doubtless aware, it is now called Valoradia plumbaginoides,
_Leadwort-like Valoradia. Nor is this the only synonyme conferred on it by
Botanists; for its first designation was Ceratostigima plumbaginoides ; and it is
generally regretted that this name was not adopted, alluding as that term does, so
expressively to the minute gland-like processes or horns upon the arms of the
stigmas. It was our intention to have given a diagram of these marks of distinc-
tion between the true Plumbagos and the present plant: but by an inadvertence of
the artist, it has been omitted. We must not forget to point out the fringe of hairs
or cilia at the edge of the leaves, nor the reddish tinge of the chaffy bracteas by which
the heads of flowers are surrounded, nor the delicate veins and minute teeth of the
beautiful heart shaped petals.
We shall avail ourselves of the earliest opportunity of figuring one of the most
desirable of the genus Statice; in the mean time, we venture to recommend, as
fully equal in value to the majority of cultivated plants, the Plumbago Larpente.

WINDOW GARDENING.
(Continued from page 94 )

Warerine /continued).—We observed in the conclusion of the last article, under
this head, that the water should be poured gently, and in a small stream, on the
surface of the soil. If this precaution is disregarded, and the fluid is applied
violently, the result will be that the soil will be disturbed, and, in the course of a
short time, probably a hollow formed around the stem, not only giving the pot a
very unsightly appearance, but injurious to the health of the plant. It was also
advised that the water employed should be of the same temperature as the apart-
ment; but an exception to this rule may be made in the case of Calceolarias,
to which the coldest water may be applied with advantage, these plants being
natives of the Andes, where they are fed by the streams of melted snow.

It frequently happens that plants potted in soils of too open and sandy a texture,
become so dry from neglect, that when a dose of water is given them, it escapes
almost instantly. In such cases, the proper method of proceeding will be to give
the plant only a small quantity of water in the first instance; but after a short
interval a more copious supply may be given, which will then be retained by the
soil.

WINDOW GARDENING. 125

Plants grown in peat soil require some attention to prevent extreme dryness.
When from an oversight this occurs, the peat will become so repellent of moisture,
that it will be necessary to perforate the soil of the pot with a small stick; or, in
some cases, it may be advisable to remove the ball of earth from the pot, and place
it in water for some minutes, or until the entire mass appears to have imbibed the
moisture. It may then, after draining for a short period, be returned to the pot.
In other instances, it sometimes happens that from defective drainage, or too
frequent waterings, the soil of a pot becomes sour and sodden, and remains in this
state even when water is subsequently withheld. As the plant would materially
suffer from a continuance of these conditions, it should be at once examined
whatever may be the season of the year. It will often be found sufficient to shift
the plant to a dry and perfectly clean pot of the same size; and when the mischief
has been caused by insufficient drainage, a larger supply of broken crocks must be
added, the operation being performed as already described at page 98. In extreme
cases it will, however, be better to shake off the old soil from the roots of the plant,
and to pot it in fresh materials. When this is done in the height of the growing
season, it will be necessary to give the branches of the plant a slight pruning.

Another difficulty with which window cultivators have to contend, is the large
size to which some specimens attain, especially the fuschia, and the consequent
inconvenience of pots of a size entirely out of character with miniature gardening.
If these gigantic specimens must be preserved, there is no alternative but to allow
them pots of a proportionate size; for should they become pot-bound, death would
necessarily ensue at an early period. Something may be done, however, by annual
root-pruning in spring, at which period, just before the plant commences its growth,
it should be turned out of the pot, and the largest of the roots cut away ; and if
thought desirable, the crown of the plant may be divided, or reduced in size, so
that the same pot, or one of the like dimensions, may be employed from year to
year, and the plant kept within the same limits.

There are a few plants which flower more freely by being kept in small pots ;
but as a general rule, it is exceedingly injurious to allow them to become pot-bound,
as it is technically termed, in which state the entire ball will frequently be found
a compact mass of fibres ; and when in this condition, even although it should be
transferred to a larger pot, it will rarely be of any avail, unless the soil is shaken
away, and the greater portion of the fibres removed. There are few plants which
do not become shabby at a certain age ; instead of preserving them from year to
year, itis far preferable, therefore, to raise new plants from cuttings: and this
leads us to the subject of

Propagation of Window Plants. —Although this is sometimes effected by seeds,
the most usual method is by cuttings. With a very few exceptions, cuttings of
most of the plants usually grown in the window, such as Acacias, Cactus, Calceo-

126 WINDOW GARDENING.

larias, Cytisus, Ericas, Fuschias, Heliotropes, Kalosanthes, Lobelias, Mesembryan-
themums, Pelargoniums, Petunias, and Verbenas, succeed best when taken in a young
state, at any period between April and September. The Cineraria strikes best from®
cuttings of the suckers; and the Camellia, Myrtle, China and Tea Roses, Sollyas,
from cuttings of half-ripened wood, taken off from June to August. The cuttings
of the Geraniums, Fuschias, Roses, Myrtles, and Camellias may be three or four
inches long ; of the other plants named, shorter lengths will suffice; in all cases the
shoot should be cut close under a joint with a very sharp knife, and the lowest
leaves removed. The object to be kept in view is, to check the evaporation of the
juices of the cutting until it has emitted roots; and the removal ofa portion of the
foliage tends materially to this end, but in all cases the leaves on the upper part
of the shoot must be left. Almost all'the plants we have named will root readily
in sandy loam or very sandy peat; a soil containing a considerable proportion of
sand is indispensable. The pot containing the cuttings should be at least one-half
filled with drainage, and, where it can be procured, a thin layer of small charcoal
fragments may be superposed on this, before filling in the soil. Cuttings which do
not require a glass may be inserted near the side of the pot, but those which are
too succulent to bear exposure must, for the convenience of covering them, be
placed in the centre. In this case, it will be found an excellent plan to have but a
thin layer of soil above the broken crocks and charcoal, so that the bottom of the
cutting nearly touches the drainage.

Another method often pursued is, to invert a small pot inside one several sizes
larger, so that the mouth of the smallest just fits, when inverted, the base of the
largest. The space between the two pots is partly filled with drainage, and upon
this is placed a layer of the soil, the cuttings being inserted round the sloping side
of the bottom of the innermost pot. When a glass is employed, its interior should
be wiped every day, to prevent the cuttings from damping off; an accident which
often occurs with those of a succulent nature.

During the first week or ten days the cuttings, whether covered with a bell glass
or not, should be placed if possible on a window with a north aspect, or at any rate
be shaded from the sun until a callus is formed at their base; after which it may be
gradually exposed to a stronger light, and as soon as the cuttings appear to have
struck, the glass should be slightly raised to admit air, and should be removed at the
earliest period, to prevent them from being drawn.

It is well, however, to bear in mind that many cuttings will frequently elongate
upwards before any roots have been formed. Before removing them from the soil,
it will therefore be advisable to invert the pot, and remove it from the ball of earth,
when, if the cuttings have been arranged round the sides, it will easily be seen
which of them have emitted any fibres. When, however, they have been planted in
the centre of the pot, a single cutting may be carefully removed as a preliminary step.

(To be continued.)

magia |
Arve.

PracricaL Hints on Prantive Ornamentat Trees anp Survups; 200 pp. By
Standish and Noble, Bagshot. Bradbury and Evans.

Tuts little work is so entirely in our way, that we hasten to introduce it to the
notice of our readers, feeling assured that they will thank us for making them
acquainted with a publication every way so trustworthy.

The title of the work, as above given, conveys a very inadequate idea of its
contents; for, in addition to the valuable instructions on planting, it contains a
description of the principal Conifere, and hardy evergreen trees and shrubs, with
remarks on the situation for which each is best adapted. Following these are
chapters on the cultivation of American Plants, and of the Rhododendrons of the
Sikkim Himalayas, to which we have already referred in a previous page of the
present number. ‘To these are added lists of plants especially adapted for particular
soils and situations, which will be of great value to the inexperienced planter.

The following extract has reference chiefly to the Conzfere, but it is also
applicable to every species of hardy shrubs :—

DISADVANTAGES OF POT-GROWN PLANTS.

‘A prejudice exists against plants removed from the open borders; in numerous instances it is a just
one. It has arisen from the fact that many growers do not transplant often enough. The consequences
are, the plants become coarse-rooted, and being removed in an indifferent condition, are often lost before
they can recover the check consequent on their change of situation. But the remedy for this is in the
hands of purchasers ; if coarse-rooted plants cannot be sold, growers will cease to bring them into the market.

‘But the disadvantages of pot-grown plants are, as a general rule, of equal magnitude with the worst
condition of those badly managed in the open borders, for as it becomes a matter of great importance
to nurserymen that their stock of pot-grown plants should occupy as small a space as possible, pot-bound
specimens are the rule, rather than the exception. And for plants intended to be removed to the open
ground as permanent specimens, scarcely a worse condition could exist ; it is superlatively bad.

‘For the purpose of illustration, we will suppose a person to have purchased a plant in the condition
above described. On removing the pot, he is delighted to find coil upon coil of healthy roots. He knows
very well that to commit them to their new situation in an uncoiled state will be highly improper, and so,
with great care, he proceeds to disentangle them. However careful he may be, the loss of many valuable
roots will result, and damage to the remaining will be equally certain. Those in the interior of the ball, from
their size aud woody texture, will not yield at all, and he closes his half-finished labour, with the conviction
that he has seriously damaged his plant. But this mutilation, great as it is, is far preferable to having planted
it with its matted roots undisturbed.

‘A plant which has once been thoroughly pot-bound, never gets so firm a hold in the soil as one whose
roots have never been confined, Instances are numerous where valuable specimens, after years of growth,
have been blown down in consequence of the very slight manner in which they retained their position.
The main roots, when young, had, from pot-culture, acquired a coil-like arrangement, which, during all their
subsequent growth, they adhered to—eularging, but not spreading—increasing in bulk, but contributing
little to the mechanical support of the tree; in fact, they often destroy each other; and in every instance of a
plant which in its young state has been subject to the confinement of a pot, these conditions will be evident.

128 REVIEW.
Of course, new roots strike out, and take a horizontal direction, but they are only of secondary importance,
and will ever remain disproportionate to the proper support of the tree, In short, pot-grown plants have
many disadvantages, without a redeeming quality.

‘The objections to plants grown in the open ground, supposing thent to have been properly managed,
have no real weight. They can always be removed, at proper seasons for planting, to any distance, without
risk of failure from the effects of their removal. Frequent transplanting while in the nursery will have
induced the production of numerous healthy roots, ready to commence their important functions the moment
favourable opportunities are presented. They will at once gain firm hold of the soil; and support will, if
required at first, be quickly dispensed with.’

PROPER SEASONS FOR PLANTING.

‘With regard to the most suitable season for planting, about which so much has been said and written,
and to which so much importance is attached, nothing need be said; so much depends on the state of the
weather, the condition of the plants, and various local circumstances, that advice which would in some cases
be valuable, would in others only mislead. Something will always remain to be decided by the judgment and
discrimination of the planter.

“As a general rule, March is the worst month of the year for removing evergreens. It is generally
accompanied by cold parching winds, the worst possible condition to which newly planted shrubs can be
subjected. A hot dry season is bad, but a cold dry one is much worse. But if the plants to be removed
have been frequently transplanted, and are well furnished with fibrous roots, the operation may be
successfully performed at almost any season of the year.

‘Though a cold dry season, as we have just observed, is the worst possible in which to transplant
evergreens under any circumstances, if the plants are coarse-rooted, from not having been previously
removed, the difficulties are much augmented, and the chances of success decrease in an equal ratio.
Tt will be impossible to remove such without destroying the greater part of their fibrous roots;
and as the vegetative powers of the plant are dormant, others will be but slowly produced. Under such
conditions, the leaves will help to destroy rather than accelerate vegetation. Evaporation from the
leaves of plants is great under ordinary circumstances, and in very dry weather it is much increased; and
when the state of the atmosphere is such that it contributes nothing for absorption, and from the absence
of rootlets no moisture can be sent up from the soil, every drop of sap is quickly drawn from the branches,
the leaves dry, the bark shrivels, and death ensues before new roots can be produced to contribute a fresh
supply. From this it will be readily seen, that for evergreens with large thick leaves, which are coarse-
rooted when removed, a warm moist season, just before they make their young shoots, or when they are
nearly ripe, and while the sap is still in an active state, will be the best season to transplant; and if the
roots are ‘puddled’ when planted, it will greatly assist them; and if their leaves can be kept syringed when
the atmosphere is dry for a fortnight or three weeks after planting, by that time fresh roots will have
been made, and the plants are safe.

‘The evergreen oak is proverbially difficult to transplant successfully ; more failures are experienced with
it than with any other tree, but with good management, it can be effected even under unfavourable
circumstances. Some years since, Mr. Ingram, gardener to Her Majesty at Windsor, moved some large
specimens in the first week of June, and which had not been previously removed for many years. They
were carefully taken up, and the roots well ‘puddled’ when planted, and the weather was moderately moist ;
but when it was not so, a man was kept constantly syringing their leaves and stems for about three weeks.
The plants succeeded well, and are now fine trees.

‘Under ordinary circumstances, evergreens may be safely removed during the latter part of August,
in September and October, or even in April and the early part of May. But under the conditions we
have already detailed, they may be transplanted at almost any season. We have succeeded well with many
in May and June. For deciduous trees and shrubs, it matters little at what period they are transplanted
between the time of casting their leaves and of commencing to vegetate in spring. But immediately after
the fall of the leaf is the most suitable period,’

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DELPHINIUM HENDERSONIL

Henderson's Larkspur.

Linnean Class —PoLYANDRIA, Order —TRIGYNIA. Natural Order —RaNuUNCULACEE,

Ira stately habit, and magnificent flowers of the deepest blue, are to be regarded
as recommendations to notice, then is the Delphiniwm Hendersonti entitled to a
prominent place in our list of choice subjects. It possesses, in a high degree, those
characteristics for which the perennial Larkspurs are so deservedly esteemed. As
one of the chief points by which it is distinguished from most other varieties is
the large size of the flowers, we have preferred to give one or two detached
blossoms, of nearly the natural size (about two-thirds), rather than a reduced figure
of the entire spike, which must, necessarily, have failed to convey a correct idea of
their great beauty. The dark green glossy foliage, cut into acute segments, is
strikingly handsome, as is that of most of the Delphiniums. In common with the
other members of this showy genus, it delights in a rich light soil, in which it
grows from four to five fect high, and is, as might be supposed, perfectly hardy. It
is a hybrid between D. cheilanthum, and D. elatum splendens, and was raised by
M. Chauviére of Paris, of whom Messrs. Henderson of the Wellington Nursery
purchased the entire stock.

The size of the flowers is very remarkable ; but it is, we think, fully within the
range of probability that varieties will, ere long, be raised with yet larger blossoms.
By a very simple process, all our perennials, and, indeed, every description of plgnt
might be greatly improved.

Everybody has heard of the method by which the late eminent Horticulturist,
Mr. Knight, originated many of the superior varieties of the Garden Pea, and other
vegetables. He selected the largest of the produce, and reared from them several
successive generations of plants, employing the finest of each crop as seed for the
succeeding one. By these means he ultimately obtained Peas nearly double the
size of the original variety. Now there can be no doubt whatever that the same
plan may be adopted, with success, in the case of such plants as the Delphiniums,
though it is equally applicable to annuals, bulbs, shrubs, and perennials of every
class.

It must have been remarked by all observant Horticulturists, that the first few
blossoms which expand on any plant, are considerably the largest; and that even
when the flowers are removed as soon as faded, the succeeding ones do not equal
them in size. In such plants as the Potentilla, Enothera speciosa, and many others,

130 DELPHINIUM HENDERSONII.

the flowers gradually diminish in size, until, at last, they are scarcely more than one-
half the dimensions of the earliest ones. It follows, as a matter of necessity, that
the seeds ripened by the flowers first expanded, will be much finer than those
produced by the latest blossoms; and if, instead of permitting the whole of the
buds upon the spike, or raceme, to reach maturity, all but the first two or three are
pinched off, a still further improvement will result ; for the vital forces of the plant
will be concentrated in the development and maturation of a very small number of
blossoms. When the plant produces several flower stems, one may be very well
spared for this purpose. It is not advisable, we think, to cut off the upper portion
of the spike; we would simply pick off the buds, and that at the very earliest
period at which they can be removed, so that none of the strength of the plant be
wasted in nourishing them. The plants raised from seed thus obtained, may be
subjected to the same process; and so on, for any number of generations, with
increasing benefit. It would, however, be necessary to guard against cross
impregnation by any other species of an inferior kind present in the same garden,
as this would tend to modify materially the character of the progeny.

To return from this digression to the Delphiniums, which we must not quit
without a few remarks on the structure of the flowers. Like many other genera
of the Ranunculus tribe, the Larkspurs are remarkable for their coloured sepals, the
true petals being comparatively small. Of the five divisions of the calyx, the
upper one is prolonged into a hollow spur, which varies in length in the different
species. In the true Delphiniums, the petals are four in number; two usually very
narrow, and furnished with spurs, which are included in that of the upper sepal ;
the other two are much broader at their ends, and reflexed downwards over the
stamens. In D. Hendersonii, and many other species, these two petals are covered
with yellowish hairs, about the centre, which communicates to the flower the
appearance of being occupied by a Bee, or other large insect, which may be supposed
to have crawled in in quest of nectar; and thence the popular designation of Bee
Larkspur, applied to D. elatwm, and other species.

The distinct carpels of the perennial Larkspurs should be examined ; they are
very characteristic of the Order, and afford a good idea of the follicle, or single carpel,
opening by one suture. They are generally three in number, and contain one or
two rows of angular seeds.

The annual species have been recently separated by Dr. Lindley from the genus
Delphinium, on the ground that the petals are united into one piece, as may be seen
in the common varieties. They are now, therefore, known as a distinct genus,
Consolida, in allusion to this union of the petals. Their single carpel is also a
feature of distinction not to be overlooked.

Delphinium, from the supposed resemblance of the spur of the flower to a dolphin
(delphinus/).

fri1ss » i}

ANTIRRHINUM MAJUS.
Greater Snapdragon, var. Hendersonii.

Linnean Class—DipyNamiA, Ovder—ANGIOSPERMA. Natural Order —ScroPHULARIACER.

Tue Antirrhinum is one of the very few of our indigenous plants which time, and
the fostering hand of the Horticulturist, have elevated to the rank of Florists’
flowers. Although some improvement has been affected, yet, of late, but little
advance has been made in this subject, and it has with some fallen into disfavour ;
though, with that portion of the public whose early associations are not affected by
the caprice of fashion, the Antirrhinum will always continue a favourite, whatever
may be its deficiencies in the eyes of those Florists who sybject every plant to a
sort of Procrustean bed.

The great ease with which they are cultivated, their adaptability to almost every
description of soil, with their prolonged season of flowering, and the varied hues of
their blossoms, fully compensate for any deficiency of form in some of the varieties.
By judicious management, the Antirrhinum may be had in flower from June to
November; and there are but few hardy plants of which the same can be said.
When the flowers have not been artificially impregnated, the plants raised from seed
are very frequently like their parent; for the peculiar form of the corolla opposes
an obstacle to the ready entrance of the insects, by which, as well as by the agency of
the atmosphere, so many other plants become naturally hybridized. Still, as the
perpetuation of any particular variety by seed cannot be implicitly depended on, it
is usual to increase them by slips taken off in September, which should be inserted
in a sheltered border, under a handglass, though this is not indispensable; a few
evergreen branches placed round them will be sufficient. If the slips are not too
thickly planted, they may remain all the winter where they are struck, and in
March may be removed to the borders where they are intended to bloom. To keep
up a good succession of flowers, the spikes of seed vessels should be invariably
removed the moment the blossoms have fallen. In moderate winters, the Antir-
rhinum has an advantage over many of our hardy plants, in retaining its foliage, so
that it may, without much impropriety, be termed an evergreen. Seedlings raised in
spring under a handglass, will form nice flowering plants the following autumn;
they usually attain a much larger size than those raised from cuttings.

The Antirrhinum Hendersonii is one of the handsomest varieties of this plant

132 CALCEOLARIA HYBRIDA.

raised for some time past, the broad bands of carmine edging the lips being very
striking, and each of the blossoms appears to be an exact counterpart of the others.
It was raised by Mr. George Parsons of Brighton, though the entire stock is now
in the possession of Messrs. Henderson of the Wellington Nursery.

The Antirrhinum is one of a group of Scrophulariaceous plants, ineluding the
genera Linaria, Nemesia, Anarrhinum, and a few others, having what is termed a
personate corolla (from persona, amask), the two lips being closely pressed together,
and the base of the tube either swollen, or prolonged into a spur. The projecting
portion of the lower lip is called the palate. A slight approach to this palatial
prominence is seen in the Mawrandya, a plant belonging to the same section of the
Order, but it is most conspicuous in the Antirrhinum and Linaria. The spur is
most developed in Zinaria and Nemesia; in the Snapdragon and Anarrhinum, it is
short and blunt, and generally termed a heel ; a slight gibbosity is also observable
in the flower of the Lophospermum, a genus closely allied to the Maurandya.

The seed-vessel of the Snapdragon partakes of the irregularity of the other
parts of the flower, the upper of the two carpels projecting beyond the lower one,
over which it is slightly curved. The upper cell opens by one orifice, the lower by
two, all three being ragged at their edges.

The scientific name of the Snapdragon is compounded of anti, resembling, and
rhin, a nose or snout, from a fancied resemblance between the flowers and the
muzzle of some animal. The popular name of this plant in France, muflier, also
alludes to the same peculiarity.

CALCEOLARIA HYBRIDA.
Hybrid Slipperwort, var. Wellington Hero.

- Linnean Class—D1anvRIa. Order—MonoGynia. Vatural Order —ScROPHULARIACER,

Tue singular form of the flowers of the Calceolarias has invested them, from their
earliest introduction, with an interest which the numerous beautiful hybrid
varieties raised of late years, have fully maintained. In common with most
other cultivated plants, the Calceolarias, especially the herbaceous varieties, may be
cited as examples of the improvements that may be effected by the art of the
Horticulturist. The original species, with a very few exceptions, are yellow-
flowered; happily, however, one or two are found with blossoms of a purple hue,

CALCEOLARIA HYBRIDA. 133

(C. arachnoides and C. purpurea) ; and from their admixture with the yellow
varieties, have arisen the splendid specimens which form so attractive a feature in
the early exhibitions.

Our readers will scarcely need to be informed, that the Calceolarias are divided
into two sections, the herbaceous and the shrubby; though many of the newest
varieties are of an intermediate class, the two divisious having become blended by
cross breeding. The herbaceous section, for a long period, monopolized the
attentions of the Florist; but of late years, the superior claims of the shrubby
varieties for out-door purposes, have become apparent; and the result is, that in
place of the small, pea-like, flowers of the older bedding Calceolarias, we now have
shrubby varieties, with blossoms all but equal in size to those of the herbaceous kinds.

The Wellington Hero variety, figured in the present number, is one of the latest
additions to this class; and although, at first sight, it may not appear to possess
greater merit than some others now in general cultivation, when our readers are
informed that the figure represents the flowers of scarcely one-half their natural size,
we think it will be readily admitted to have very high claims indeed. Its rich,
deep golden-yellow flowers, and excellent habit, render it one of the most desirable
of the bedding Calceolarias ; and we anticipate that, in the following season, it will
be extensively grown.

The cultivation of the shrubby evergreen Calceolarias is of the easiest character ;
and they have one important advantage over the fancy varieties, in being much less
liable to the attacks of the green fly. Although they may be grown in pots, yet, as
they are chiefly employed for bedding out in summer, our remarks will have
especial reference to that mode of culture.

The Calceolaria succeeds best in good soil, in situations somewhat shaded. No
plant suffers more in hot, dry, sandy localities; and in gardens of this character, it
should never be exposed to the sun’s influence throughout the day.* During the
unusually warm July just passed, specimens came under our observation, which
received so much injury from the burning rays that, although abundantly watered,
they will probably not recover their healthy appearance. Nor is this surprising,
when it is remembered that most of the original species are natives of the Chilian
and Peruvian Andes, growing often at an elevation of from eight to twelve thousand
feet; and a predilection for cool soils equally mark their progeny.

Their increase is best effected either at the end of the summer, when the plants
are removed from the beds, or in March; but the former period is to be preferred.

At that season the shoots are partially ripened, and the decreased temperature
favours the emission of roots. These two conditions, viz. a cool atmosphere and
ripened wood—are essential to success, and the failure of cuttings taken in summer

* This hardly applies to such species and varieties as have the rigid habit of the old C. rugosa

134 CALCEOLARIA HYBRIDA.

is readily to be explained. The cuttings, or rather siips—for these are best—may
be planted in a shady spot in the open air, in sandy loam, or any soil rendered
tolerably open by an admixture of sand; and it will be an advantage if they are
covered with a hand glass. Occasionally, the procumbent shoots will be found to
have emitted a few roots, and these will require but a short period to make nice
plants. The cuttings may also be planted in pots, of well-drained sandy loam,
and placed in a cold frame, where they may be left during the winter undisturbed ;
and in spring, most of them will be found to be well-rooted, and in a fit state for
potting off. In mild seasons, the cuttings left in the open air will do very well, if
protected from heavy rains and frost.

The Calceolaria is much hardier than is usually supposed ; and in dete localities,
we should have no hesitation in leaving afew plants exposed throughout the winter.
Very sharp frosts would, doubtless, prove fatal; but the loss of the plant could
always be guarded against, by preserving a ae or two ina cold frame. If any of
our readers should be induced to try the experiment, we should be glad to be
informed of the results, with the name of the varieties thus exposed.

The cuttings should be potted off early in spring, in rich loamy soil, and be
transferred to the beds or borders in May. In watering the Calceolaria during the
summer season, whether in pots or the open ground, the coldest water may be
employed ; for, as we recently remarked in an article on Window Gardening, their
fluid aliment, in their native habitats, is derived from the melted snows of the Andes.

The colours of the shrubby Calceolarias are not quite so varied as those of the
Show varieties ; but we see no reason why this should be so; and we hope, before
long, to see the former as beautifully mottled in their tints, as the herbaceous
kinds.

There are already a number of highly beautiful varieties, which will, no doubt,
soon supersede those with small flowers so generally seen in cultivation. We have
been much pleased with the fine yellow variety, swlphurea splendens; not only are
the flowers of considerable size, but the foliage is handsome. The old Viscocissima
is well known. Amplewicaulis is a recently introduced species, with deep yellow
flowers. Of the brownish crimson varieties, the best are Sultan ; and Shankleyana,
Kendles Superb, and the old Kentish Hero, are both very fine varieties. The two
former have the largest flowers. There is a very pretty variety, Vivid, with the
larger lobe of the flower of almost a scarlet tint, the cap of the flower, as it is
termed, being yellow. Nor is pure white altogether unknown, there being one
very interesting species of this colour, alba, or albiflora; which proves to be one of
the hardiest of the genus, and may be had for a very reasonable sum. Messrs.
Henderson and Son of the Wellington Nursery, St. John’s Wood, London—who
very obligingly furnished our artist with the specimen from which our figure was
drawn—have also introduced a striking variety, of a deep rich crimson, and dwarf

CAMPANULA CORONATA. 135

shrubby habit, named by them Zom Thumb. This, and the variety Crimson King,
with small plum coloured flowers, will be in much request when better known.
The older arachnoides and purpurea, both species with purple flowers, appear to be,
at present, quite lost—a cireumstance greatly to be regretted, as that tint would
enable us to impart greater variety to the flowers of those now in cultivation.
Many of the earliest hybrids raised in England would, on account of their colours,
be great acquisitions, could they be now obtained; though, to be sure, much cannot
be said of their forms.

The best Calceolarias for bedding purposes are, we think, those with flowers of a
medium size; unless, indeed, with every enlargement of the corolla, increased
stiffness of stem can be obtained.

As the Calceolarias readily ripen seed, and the plants are raised without any
difficulty in spring, we recommend to our readers a trial of their skill in originating
improved varieties of these interesting plants.

Botanically, the Calceolaria is characterized by its four-lobed calyx, irregular
inflated corolla, to stamens, and two-celled superior ovary. ‘The arithmetical
relation existing between the various parts of most flowers, is, in this genus, well
exemplified, all of them being either two, or a multiple of that number.

The slipper-like form of the blossoms (to which allusion is made in the generic
term, from calceolus, a slipper) is less apparent in those varieties now seen in
cultivation, than in the earliest introduced species, such as corymbosa, and its
allies.

CAMPANULA CORONATA.
Crowned Campanula.

Linnean Class--PENTANDRIA. Order—MonoGynIa. Natural Order—CaMPANULACE,

Amone the floral treasures which Creative wisdom has scattered over the face of
our fair planet with so unsparing a hand, the Campanulas hold a conspicuous place.
Scarcely a country within the temperate zone which does not contribute several
species to this very interesting genus. There general appearance is well known, for
the gardens are few, indeed, in which some Bell-wort is not to be found. In so
extensive a genus, considerable differences of habit would naturally be looked for;
and, accordingly, we find species varying from a few inches in length—as in the

1386 CAMPANULA CORONATA.

elegant little C. pumila—to several feet, as in the equally well known C. pyramidalis.
Some of them are trailers, of which class the C. garganiea, often cultivated as a window
plant, may be cited as an example; but far the greater portion of the species are of
erect growth. A few are annual, and there are about twenty biennial species ;
but the genus consists chiefly of herbaceous perennials. White, and various
shades of violet, blue, and purple, are the prevailing colours; there are, however,
several yellow species, and also a few of a reddish lilac, but none of a distinct
red tint.

There is much to interest in the structure of the plants of the order Campanulacee.
They are distinguished among all other monopetalous plants, by the valvate folding
of the corolla in the bud; dilated filaments; style covered with collecting hairs ;
with an inferior three five-celled many-seeded fruit, and a milky juice. It is of
little moment what species is examined, any of those at — will be found to
answer to the above brief description.

In the genus Campanula, the divisions of the calyx are usually five in number,
and are very often reflexed, so as to cover the seed-vessel.* The corolla is both
valvate and plaited in estimation ; that is, before expansion its lobes are applied to
each other by their margins only, and the body of the corolla is folded lengthways,
so as to present a fluted appearance.

In ©. carpatica, and C. nitida, the mouth of the flower is very wide; and in
C. elatine, and a few others, the limb is almost flat; but in coronata, medium, pumila,
nobilis, and, perhaps, the greater number of the species, the corolla is truly bell-
shaped, although not always cernuous.

The most curious parts of the flower are, however, the central organs, the stamens,
and style. In the greater number of plants, these organs enlarge with the growth
of the corolla, and attain their full development only after the opening of the
flower. If, however, the blossom of any species of Campanula be examined
immediately after its expansion, the three-lobed stigma will be seen protruding,
more or less; but the stamens will be observed at the bottom of the flower ina
shrivelled condition. They will be found, in fact, to have already discharged their
pollen, which will be seen collected around the style below the lobes of the
stigma.

The mode in which the pollen is transferred to the style, may be easily
seen by pulling open a half-grown blossom. At this stage of development,
the long anthers will be found closely surrounding the style, which does not now
exceed them in length. This organ is covered with what are termed collecting hairs,
which are best observed before the pollen is shed. These hairs are of two kinds;
the longest are readily perceptible to the naked eye, and appear, under the

* In the Canterbury Bells (C. medium), the intermediate portions of the calyx, between the lobes, are
prolonged downwards in an ear-like form, so that there appear to be ten divisions, five erect, and five reflexed.

CAMPANULA CORONATA. 137

microscope, as transparent, smooth, blunt tubes, curved upwards towards the point.
Between these are others, much shorter and smaller, forming a sort of underwood—
if we may be allowed the expression—not discernible but with a somewhat powerful
lens. As the style elongates, this double set of hairs brushes out the pollen from
the anther cells, which open inwardly, and carries it upwards, where it is retained
until the stigmas are fit for its reception. At this stage, the branches of the stigma,
on the inner side of which the absorbing surface is situated, are erect; but about
the period of expansion the lobes will be seen to curl back, by which change in
their position the stigmatic surface is brought into contact with the pollen on the
‘style. Nor are these the only provisions for the fertilization of the flower. We
have observed that the longest hairs of the collecting brush are smooth ; in order,
therefore, to enable the pollen to attach itself with greater tenacity, the grains are
covered with small projections. Under the microscope, the grains may be seen
clinging to each other and to the hairs, in a curious manner. After fecundation,
the stigmas gradually return, more or less completely, to their previous position, and
the longest series of hairs disappear.

We must now revert for a moment to the stamens, to point out the dilation of
the five filaments at the base, and the dome-like covering formed by the union
of the five valves over the top of the seed-vessel and the base of the style. The
inferior ovary is usually three-celled, each cavity containing numerous small seeds
attached to the axis, by what is termed a central placenta. The capsule, or mature
ovary, opens in a somewhat unusual manner, viz. by small apertures at the sides,
one to each cell. The mode in which this opening is formed, is not the least
interesting feature in the economy of the Campanulas. In C. Carpatica, which is
to be found in most gardens, the membranous partition forming the cell, is crossed
obliquely by a stiff cartilaginous fibre or process, which arises from the top of the
cell. As the capsule ripens, this fibre curves upwards, and its point perforates the
walls of the ovary and the adherent calyx. When the seed-vessel is mature, this
hook-like body may be plainly seen at the upper part of the aperture by which the
seeds escape. The position of this opening varies in different species; in the
Rampion (C. Rapunculus) it is near the base of the cell.

Such is a brief outline of the structure of the floral organs of the Campanulas.
It only remains to be added, that the very ornamental species, coronata, figured in
the accompanying plate, is a recent importation from Belgium. A blue variety of
the same name was, we believe, figured some years since in the Botanical Register ;
which of the two is the original coronata, we are, at this moment, unable
to state.

The present plant is a hardy perennial, growing about three feet high, and having
foliage closely resembling that of the peach-leaved Campanula, C. persicifolia. The
white calyx, with its green tips, has a very pretty effect, and we strongly recommend

138 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

the species for general cultivation. It is of easy increase by seeds, or division of
the roots in spring.

We have already had occasion to express our great obligations to the Messrs.
Henderson of the Wellington Nursery ; and we are also indebted to their courtesy
for the specimen from which our figure was made.

The derivation of the term Campanula is too obvious to need explanation; and it
must be acknowledged that, in this instance at least, a happy choice has been made,
for the flowers of nearly all the species are eminently suggestive of the form of the
bell. ‘rue, no audible sounds issue from their graceful forms, yet do they praise,
with mute eloquence, the Goodness that has formed all created things. :

CACTACKOUS PLANTS.

Wr have been requested by a correspondent to give some instructions on the culture
of the plants of the Cactus tribe; and as certain of the species are very generally
grown as window plants, a few hints on their management may prove useful to
many other of our readers. And we offer them the more readily, that the most
critical period of the yearis at hand; for upon their treatment in the autumn and
winter season, depends the production of the flowers in the following year. Most of
the plants formerly included in the genus Cactus are now divided into several distinct
genera, or sub-genera, of which the following are the principal :—

Cereus.—The whip-like pendant stems of C. flagelliformis are well known, but
many of the species are of erect growth. All of them are, however, comparatively
slender, round, and with many small vertical furrows, like those of the Creeping
Cereus. The night-blowing C. speciosissimusis now classed with the true Cactz,
which comprises most of the square-stemmed, jointed species.

Echino-cactus.—The species placed here are mostly of a thick, but tapering form,
regularly, and often deeply, furrowed, the ridges being set with numerous sharp
spines. Some of the species attain an immense size. They consist usually of only
one stem, which increases annually in bulk. The flowers proceed from the ribs.

Epiphyllum.—This division includes all those species with thin, flattened, and
jointed, leaf-like stems, indented at the edges, and wethowt spines. Flowers
produced singly from the indentations.

Mammillaria.—This easily recognized genus contains the species covered with small
tubercular nipple-like bodies (whence the name.) ‘There are no ribs; and their
form is generally round, or oblong.

CACTACEOUS PLANTS. 139

Melo-cactus.—Under this name are arranged the globular, melon-like Cacti. They
are mostly flattened on the upper surface, more or less ribbed, and with smaller and
fewer spines than the Lchino-cacti. Flowers produced not from the ribs, but from
the upper part of the surface.

Opuntia —The Indian Fig section, composed of species with jointed stems, the
joints being mostly of an oval-flattened form. Some of them have round, candle-
like stems, and many of them produce yellow flowers. They are, however, very
rarely seen in cultivation as window plants.

This enumeration of the chief differences of the sections will assist our readers
to classify those species in their possession ; but, lest they should be alarmed at the
idea of having to pursue a different treatment in each case, we hasten to add, that
there is but little variation in the culture of the species. Our remarks will,
therefore, be understood as applicable to all the above-named sections.

With a very few exceptions, Cactaceous plants are natives of the most arid and
parched regions of tropical America. Many of them flourish in the clefts of rocks,
especially in volcanic districts, and in localities in which rain seldom falls but
during a brief period of the year. In short, they exist in places where nothing else
will do so, the peculiar structure of their skin enabling them to retain for a long
period the fluid absorbed during the rainy season, and even those species which
assume a withered flaccid appearance during the long droughts, retain their vitality,
and quickly revive when moisture falls.

A consideration of these facts will at once render it evident, that the Cacti
should, at all seasons, be exposed to the strongest light attainable in this country ;
on no account should they be grown in a shaded window.

Another essential point in their cultivation, scarcely less important than the
preceding, is the employment of porous, well-drained soil. We do not think that
the precise nature of the soil is material, provided it be not retentive of moisture.
Sandy loam, with a very little leaf mould, and a few fragments of lime rubbish,
will suit most of the species. A compact strong loam will be improper, as well as
any very rich soil. The pots should be drained for at least one-third of their depth ;
if large, they may be half filled with broken crocks, which may be made small at
top, to prevent the soil from getting into the interstices.

But the chief condition to successful cultivation of the Cacti, is the withholding
of water during the autumn and winter seasons. During the summer months they
may be freely watered, especially when well drained, for in that case all superfluous
moisture rapidly passes off; but from the middle of August the supplies should be
gradually diminished, until the end of September or beginning of October, when it
should be entirely withheld. From October to March they should be kept dry, but
be placed where they will receive the full influence of the sun’s rays. If they
should look a little the worse for this starving process, it need excite no alarm, the

140 BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

first good dose of water in March will restore their plumpness, and they will flower
all the more freely for the season of rest they have enjoyed. They will require to
be kept from frost, but beyond this they will need no artificial heat during the
winter.

In the growing season, it is indispensable to place pans beneath all classes of
plants, chiefly for the sake of neatness; but in winter, they should be removed from
the Cacti, that no one may be tempted to indulge them with a little water.

It sometimes happens, that from over-watering, the lower part of the stems decay.
In this case, the sound portion of the stem should be cut off, and after being allowed
to become dry on its cut surface, may be put in as a cutting, when it will soon root;
and the more readily if it has been laid aside to wither for a few weeks. We might
have said months, for the tenacity of the vital principle in these plants is very
remarkable. It is also an extraordinary circumstance that the cuttings will root
with equal readiness at either end.

The Cactus, Cereus, and Epiphyllum are increased by cuttings; the other sub-
genera by off-sets.

The blossoms of the Cactacee are liable to become infested with the green fly; a
little snuff sprinkled over the buds the moment the insects are seen, will speedily
remove them.

If those of our readers who have hitherto failed in inducing these showy plants
to yield their beautiful blossoms, will make a trial of the plan we have recom-
mended, and which is followed by all successful growers of these plants, we are
assured that the object of their wishes will be attained.

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

Arsutus Maentrica. (Hricacee.)—A truly magnificent variety, said to be a hybrid
between A. procera and A. Andrachne. It grows to a considerable size, and has
large leaves four or five inches in length, entire, not unlike those of the Portugal
laurel, but of stouter texture. The flowers are produced in spring, in very large
pendant compound bunches, of a white colour. It is very hardy, and grows readily
in peat, or in good light garden soil. It may truly be said to be the King of the
Arbutus family, and is, indeed, one of the finest of all evergreens. It is to be had
of all the London nurserymen.

Crrasus Inicrronta. (Rosacee.)—This Californian evergreen plum, or cherry, is
likely to attract considerable attention, though the plants of it in cultivation are at

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS, 141

present too small to produce their flowers and fruit; * and it will probably be some
time before its true merits are known. The leaves are of a rich shining green, very
much toothed, but, in our specimen, quite destitute of the spines so conspicuous on
the holly; and the specific name is, therefore, so far inappropriate. The flowers are
borne in racemes, like those of the common Bird Cherry of our shrubberies, and are
succeeded by blackish fruit, like small plums, which are highly esteemed by the
natives of the country where it is found, and which Hartweg, who discovered it,
describes as having a fine flavour. It is very hardy, but apparently of rather slow
growth. It is highly probable that this valuable shrub will give rise to a race of
evergreen plums, possessing its handsome foliage, with the larger fruit of the
commoner species.

Ecrmanpra Terntriora. (Liliacee.\—A very desirable tuberous-rooted herbaceous
plant, introduced from Mexico to the collection of Sir Charles Lemon some years
since, and which ought, therefore, to have become common by this time. Itisa
greenhouse plant, but does well in the open air during summer, and may be treated like
the Commelina celestis. The flowers are produced in a long spike, in long succession,
five or six being expanded daily during July and August. They are about an inch
across, and of a golden yellow colour. As the plant ripens seed, we are surprised
it is not more generally diffused.

Lrrom Wattrcuranum. (Liliacee.)—This highly-interesting addition to the Lily
tribe, has flowered during the past month at Messrs. Henderson’s of the Wellington
Nursery, and is, we’ believe, the first specimen which has blossomed in England.
The bulb being young, the plant was only of moderate height, with lance-shaped
leaves resembling those of the Japan Lily. The flower is of a delicate primrose,
of very large size, the tips of the segment being curled back, but not to such a
degree as in Lilium lancifolium. The anthers are of a bright red tint; and this
contrast produces a striking effect. Although at present grown in the greenhouse,
there is no doubt that, coming from Nepaul, it will prove as hardy as the Japan
Lily, and most of the other species.

Pavrownra Iwrrrrauis. (Serophulariacee.)—This noble tree has recently flowered
at Bishopstowe, the residence of the Bishop of Exeter. Many specimens of it
exist in this country; but it frequently receives so much injury from the spring
frosts, that it will not succeed well in exposed situations, or far north of London.
It greatly resembles the common Catalpa, having, like that, large heart-shaped
foliage, and erect spikes of flowers of a pale purple colour. They appear rather
before the leaves, which detracts somewhat from its value.

Peytsremon Kerrermannir. (Scrophulariacee.)—This very beautiful plant is a
variety of the Pentstemon speciosum, figured in our second number. The flowers are

* Since the above was written, we learn that some of the plants im the neighbourhood of London flowered
during the present season.

142 CAPE BULBS AS WINDOW ORNAMENTS.

larger, of a better form, and the habit of the plant is dwarfer and more branching.
The blossoms are of a beautiful bright blue, the lower lip of the corolla being
streaked with purple. A group of three or four plants proves very attractive; our
own specimen appears likely to ripen abundance of seed.

Sximmra Japonica. (Aurantiacee./—Another highly interesting hardy evergreen
shrub from Japan and China. In its wild state, it scarcely exceeds three or four
feet in height, but the cultivated plants are taller. The leaves are thick and fleshy,
of a deep green, smooth on both sides, five or six inches long by one and a half
broad, tapering at both ends, and dotted with numerous transparent glands, as in
the Orange tree and Myrtle. The flowers are produced in May, in large dense
heads of a greenish yellow colour, and emit a strong and delicious odour resembling
that of the Daphnes. The blossoms are followed by bunches of bright scarlet
berries, which remain upon the plant some months Messrs Standish and Noble
states that it produces flowers when but two iches high, and fruit at five or six
inches; but we imagine that feet is here intended. These gentlemen further state
that ‘as an ornamental shrub for the lawn, or for the winter decoration of the
conservatory, it has scarcely a rival. No degree of cold seems to injureit. Even
when but a few inches high, and the lower leaves resting on the soil, it is wholly
unaffected by frost.’ It was discovered by Dr. Siebold near Nangasaki, about
12,000 feet above the level of the sea. Notwithstanding its agreeable perfume,
the Chinese and Japanese regard it as a poisonous plant. Svkimi, its native appela-
tion, from which Skimmia is derived, signifying noxious fruit.

CAPE BULBS AS WINDOW ORNAMENTS.

Tue very pretty half-hardy genera of the Natural Order of Irids known as Cape
Bulbs, and including the Lvia, Sparaxis, Trichonema, Vieusseuxia, Babiana, Watsonia,
Tritonia, and some others, are, with the exception of the Zeva and Sparavis, not
usually found in cultivation as window plants.

We are induced to notice them this month, in consequence of having been applied
to by a correspondent for our opinion with regard to their growth in water. The
ease with which the Hyacinth, Narcissus, and other early spring bulbs and corms
may be cultivated in glasses, has, doubtless, suggested the enquiry; but we regret that
we are compelled to express a serious doubt as to the applicability of the system to
the more delicate corms of the Cape bulbs.

We think our correspondent has overrated the difficulties attending on the

CAPE BULBS AS WINDOW ORNAMENTS. 143

cultivation of this class of plants in pots. It is quite true, as he remarks, that very
grievous errors are committed in furnishing them with excessive supplies of water,
and that to this cause is to be attributed the frequent failures to which he alludes.
We have found, however, that the Zz and Sparaxis require only to be planted in
light soil, containing a considerable proportion of white sand, the pot being well
drained; and that, unless very incautiously watered, they will flourish on the window
nearly as well as in the greenhouse.

The employment of the sharp white sand is a sine gud non; it renders the entire
mass of the soil so pervious to the passage of the superfluous moisture, as well as to
the atmospheric influences, that we believe it to be essential to success, and especially
so in the case of the smaller corms. Let our correspondent then make one more
attempt at their growth in pots. A few pints of white sand—or, what will do as
well, very sandy peat—should be procured. If the latter, add to it one-third its bulk
of good fibrous loam, and the same of leaf-mould. If pure sand is employed, then
equal proportions of sand, loam, and peat, or leaf-mould, may be used. We have
succeeded very well with good peat, containing about one-third of sand, without the
admixture of any other ingredients. The materials should be roughly mixed with
the hands, and pots drained one-third of their depth, filled with the compost. The
corms are often planted in groups of three; but we prefer a good clump of them,
from six to ten of the smaller corms, such as those of the Zzia; the larger and
stronger growing species will require to be planted separately. The period at
which the roots are potted depends, in some measure, on the character of the
species; we prefer, however, the end of October for all the spring flowering species,
as, although they are often planted in March, we have found that those potted in
the autumn produced the strongest specimens. Where a succession is required,
a few may be potted at each season; those planted in March will flower in June
or July.

The soil should be in a damp, but by no means moist, condition, at the time of
planting, and but very little water should be given until the stems appear through
the surface; for, until the roots are formed, large supplies of fluid nutriment will be,
of course, superfluous. The pots containing the bulbs should be placed in a sunny
window, but not in a warm apartment ; the most healthy specimens are usually
those which are slowly grown. When they have made some progress upwards, the
supplies of water may be gradually increased, and air should be given them freely
in fine weather. The tall growing species will need a slight support.

The carly flowering genera are but little subject to the attacks of insects; but
those which blossom in July and August are sometimes infested with the red spider,
especially in a very dry hot atmosphere. Whenever the leaves become spotted with
minute yellow specks, this little pest will be sure to be found present; but it is
easily removed by sponging the foliage frequently, or by syringing them out of

144 CAPE BULBS AS WINDOW ORNAMENTS.

doors. After flowering, water should be gradually withheld, unless seed is desired ;
and when the foliage is withered, the pots should be exposed to the sun, to ripen

-the corms. They may be preserved in the pots until the season arrives for replanting
them, or disinterred and wrapped in paper, as convenience may suggest.

Before we enumerate a few of the most desirable species, we would observe that,
in some instances, moss has been substituted for soil, with success. We have not,
at present, any personal experience of its value as a medium, but we are about to
give the plan a trial, and see no reason to doubt its feasibility. The common crocus
is well known to succeed perfectly, planted thickly in moss.

The mosses in a damp state are to be pressed into the pots so as to form a compact
mass, and the bulbs are planted exactly as in soil. As the moss decays and settles
down, fresh portions may be added, either at the top or bottom; in the latter case,
the ball must be turned out, which may be safely done, for the roots so intertwine
with the mass, that it may be moved more safely than the ordinary materials. Of
course, it will be necessary to water the moss at times; but it appears to retain
moisture longer than most soils. Probably nearly all the Amaryllids, Irids, and
Lily-worts, grown as spring plants for the window, might be made to flower in this
elegant substance.

The most interesting of the Cape bulbs for window culture are, first, the

Ixias and Sparaxis.—We class these together, as the only distinction between
them consists in the laceration, in the latter genus, of the membranous spathe from
which the flowers issue. The most desirable Jzxias, are aulica, amethystina,
craterioides, maculata, multiflora, patens, polystachya, and viridiflora, the last is a
very curions species. Of the Sparaxis, the best are tricolor, bulbocodium, grandi-
flora, bicolor, and all its varieties, and versicolor.

Babiana.—This is a very pretty dwarf genus, the best species are rubrocyanca,
Thunbergit, sambucina, plicata, and villosa.

Lrichonema.—Like the preceding, the species are of dwarf habit, and early
flowerers. Bulbocodium, caulescens, and speciosum, are, perhaps, the prettiest.

Hesperantha.—This is a genus of limited extent, but the species are all of
interest. Graminifolia, falcata, pilosa, and radiata, are the principal. The flowers
of all are of a violet tint, and are borne in May.

Antholyza.—This, and the following genera, are of taller growth. A. splendens,
known also as Antsanthus splendens, is a very handsome plant, with scarlet flowers.

Watsonia.—Some of these are very tall, others do not exceed two feet. They
resemble the Gladioli in their flowers, which are very beautiful.

Tritonia.—The beautiful 7. awrea has already received a notice in these pages,
and there are also several other showy species, such as crocata, and longiflora, ard
their varieties, which may be had cheap. The culture of Cape Bulbs in the open
air we are obliged to defer to a future number.

( ae j A -&
bMaAWihMs MA KHOU

/) 5
‘ Bouvatiia aueantiata

a

ay Dae ee
ShlacLrummonda Muye

Res ribere h Pusey, lbed rife

seh , 7 r — se _ —_

LOBELIA HYBRIDA.

Hybrid Lobelia.
Variety. La Belle Pyramide.

Linnean Class—Pentanpria. Order—Monoeynta. Natural Order—Lopeviace®,

Ovr gardens can boast of few more splendid autumnal ornaments than the tall-
growing herbaceous varieties of the Lobelia. With us they are especial favorites ;
and we think that all who should see a bed, or even asmaller group, of some of
the new varieties, would not easily forget the effect of their dazzlingly brilliant
flowers.

The more common occurrence of the Lobelia cardinalis and L. fulgens, both with
scarlet flowers, may have induced the belief that other hues are deficient in the
genus; but, on the contrary, it would be difficult to name a primary tint which is
unrepresented in this showy tribe; and as many of them have become intermingled
by cross breeding, the shades of colour in the Lobelias are now very numerous, and
every season will, doubtless, add to their number.

The variety of habit among the plants included in the genus Lobelia, is as
remarkable as the great diversity of colour: few genera, indeed, contain plants
presenting so striking a contrast in this respect.

Some of the species are well known trailers of the most delicate and diminutive
character, such are the Z. gracilis and L. erinus; whilst others attain the height of
twelve or fourteen feet, and possess quite a shrubby habit. It is, we hope, within
the range of probabilities, that hybrids between the shrubby and herbaceous species
may be eventually obtained ; and in this case, we might anticipate a race of Lobelias,
compared with which the present herbaceous varieties would be mere pigmies.
Meanwhile, we shall be glad to aid in bringing into more extensive cultivation, the
section of which cardinalis, fulgens, and splendens are the type; for, assuredly, the
garden in which these species, or their hybrids, are not to be found, lacks a most
essential feature.

La Belle Pyramide is one of the numerous beautiful hybrids of this genus
recently introduced from the Continent, and is remarkable for the richness of the
colour of its flowers. Its culture, and indeed that of all the Lobelias, is of a very
simple and easy character; and they are equally well adapted for the open air, of
the greenhouse, or window.

Although in some favourable localities they are sufficiently hardy to bear entire

146 LOBELIA HYBRIDA.

exposure in the open ground, yet as the soils in which they best succeed are those
of a moist description, and, therefore, more affected by frost, it is better to remove
the roots at the end of the autumn, and preserve them in pots during the winter
months. They may be placed in small pots, and need not, therefore, occupy much
room, which in the winter season is a matter of some importance. They must not
be allowed to become quite dry; but with this exception, their preservation involves
no trouble, as they may be stowed away in a cellar, or any place into which sharp
frost will not penetrate.

The offsets, or suckers, formed at the base of the stem, are sometimes removed in
the autumn, and potted separately in rich soil; but as they then require more
space, and are less vigorous than when they are allowed to remain attached to the old
stool until spring, we prefer the latter season for their separation. In either case, they
should be potted in rich light soil, consisting of loam, with a large proportion of
thoroughly rotten manure—in a word, in such a mixture as the Balsam, Cockscomb,
and Aster are known to delight in. As they advance in their growth, the plants
should be shifted to larger pots, sinking the ball slightly at each change, for the
stems of the Lobelias throw out roots, which, if encouraged, contribute materially
to their vigour. In May, the plants may be turned into the borders, or grouped in
beds, for which the long continuance of their flowers well adapt them. The soil
should be of the richest description, and of some depth; if very poor, or of too stiff
a nature, it should be either removed, and its place supplied with a prepared
compost, or else a considerable quantity of rotten manure should be thoroughly
incorporated with it. Each plant should be supported by a neat enconspicuous rod,
and this, with abundant watering during the summer, will complete the attentions
requisite to obtain, in perfection, their magnificent flowers. We need hardly observe
that the ‘stopping’ process should never be resorted to in the case of the Lobelias.

Their culture when grown as window plants, will be readily inferred from the
hints already given. To obtain fine specimens, pots not less than eight or ten inches
in diameter, or even larger at the last shifting, must be employed; and pans of
water should be kept beneath the plants during the whole of their growth. Unless
the soil is very rich, an occasional dose of liquid manure will be found bene-
ficial. The Lobelias are rarely infested with insects, and there are few window
plants, in the treatment of which, so small an amount of trouble is entailed.

They ripen abundance of seed, from which, if hybridized, new varieties may be
readily obtained; but when seed is not required, the withered flowers should be
removed. Seedlings usually flower the second year, and as they are readily raised
on a gentle heat, with other half-hardy plants, we hope some of our readers may be
tempted to try their hands on this genus. Cuttings of the lateral shoots root
without much trouble under a glass; they should be taken off when about two or
three inches long, and will generally produce a few flowers the same season.

LOBELIA HYBRIDA. 147

Most of our readers are, doubtless, aware that the Lobelias were formerly classed
with the Campanulas, to which they are very closely allied ; though, at first sight,
this relationship would hardly be apparent.

In the Lobelias, the regular symmetrical corolla of the Bell-worts is replaced by
one of an irregular form, the two upper divisions of the flower being usually much
narrower than the lobes of the lower lip, and the tube of the corolla is split on its
upper side, through itsentire length. The anthers, too, which in the Lobelias are
adherent or syngenesious, are in the Campanulas quite distinct. Both orders are
characterized by their milky juice, but in the Lobelias, this is extremely acrid and
poisonous; that of the Campanulas being comparatively innocuous. The cohering
anthers and irregular split corolla of this order, indicate a near approach to the
Composite, to which it is closely related. If a strap-shaped floret of one of the
Cichory tribe, be compared with the flowers of a Lobelia, the resemblance between
the two orders will be very obvious.

The mode in which fertilization is ensured in the Lobelias, although, perhaps,
less remarkable than in the Bell-worts, is nevertheless deserving notice. When
the flower first expands, the style and stigma are invisible, being concealed by the
tube, formed by the cohesion of the anthers; and as these open inwards, the
pollen is brought immediately into contact with the stigma. As would be antici-
pated, the pollen of the Lobelias is, therefore, destitute of the rough projections
characterising that of the Campanulas, by which, as we recently explained, it is in
those plants enabled to retain its hold on the style when this is carried up out of
reach of the stamens. The tube formed by the united anthers, is, at first, so
completely closed at top, that the escape of the pollen is impossible; but after the
fecundation of the flower is effected, the tube opens, and in specimens grown out of
the reach of the wind, a long streak of yellowish pollen will be observed on the
lower lip, suggesting—if the snuff takers will forgive us for the allusion—a ludicrous
resemblance to the train of ‘ brown dust’ one often sees on the vests of the votaries
of the mull.

Finally, the style elongates and protrudes the two-lipped stigma beyond the
anthers. In many of the species, the stigma will be found surrounded with a
fringe of hairs, often arranged in a cup-like form.

Some Botanists have propounded a theory, that the three primary colours of the
prismatic spectrum are not to be met with in the same genus of plants. To refute
this idea, we need only cite the genus under consideration, in which, as we have
already hinted, not only blue and red flowers are found, but also a few species
with yellow blossoms.

The properties of the plants belonging to the Lobeliacge, are strongly marked,
most of the species containing a powerful acrid juice, which, in some, is so virulent
that the plants cannot be touched with safety. Happily for the Florist, those more

148 GLADIOLUS BLOUETIANUS.

commonly seen in gardens are not of this class, and, practically, they are as
harmless—except when taken internally—as the majority of the other plants
usually cultivated.

The species are very numerous, the annuals and perennials comprising scarcely
less than one hundred, of which only a single species, Z. Dortmannia, is indigenous.

A few are natives of northern climates, but the majority are found in countries in

' which the temperature is considerably higher than in Great Britain. The dwarf
trailers are natives of the Cape of Good Hope and Australia.

The Order and genus take their name from Dr. Lobel, a Physician and Botanist
of the reign of James the First.

With a view to guide our readers in their purchases, we append the following
list of some of the most remarkable of the recently imported varieties :

Agathocles large violet crimson.

Ajax violet plum or damson, fine.
Aurora puce.

La Belle Pyramide plum crimson.

Ceelestis blue.

Cardinalis alba white.

Episcopalis dwarf, good light blue.

Favorite violet, strong grower, fine foliage.
Tnsignis rich intense scarlet, one of the best.
L’ Etoile du Matin violet.

Topaz violet blue.

Vesuvius violet erimson.

Queen Victoria bright scarlet, very fine.

Vierge Marie good white.

GLADIOLUS BLOUETIANUS.
M. Blouet's Corn-flag.

Linnean Class—TRianprta. Order—Monoynia. Natural Order—Inmacex.

Or all the Cape Bulbs the Gladioles are, and will probably continue to be, the
most popular; for, not only are their flowers larger than those of most of their
congeners, but the greater hardiness of their corms renders them more fitted for

cultivation in the open air in this country, than the dwarfer and more delicate genera
from the same localities.

GLADIOLUS BLOUETIANUS. 14y

The number of true species of Gladiolus is considerable, and a few of them are
widely distributed in this country, communis, floribundus, psittacinus, and a few
others being found in almost every garden, however small; but interesting as these
and the other species all are, they will, no doubt, soon give place to the more
beautiful hybrids, which have recently rewarded the attention of our own and the
continental Florists; every season bringing us varieties each more splendid than its
predecessors.

One of the earliest hybrids raised in this handsome tribe, was the G. Colvilliv,
the result of a cross between @. concolor and G. cardinalis; and this variety still
maintains its ground as an exceedingly beautiful flower, and one of the earliest to
bloom. There are two or three varieties of Colvillii, all of them worth growing,
and to be had cheap, their price not exceeding 2s. to 3s. per dozen.

The hybrids raised since Colvilli are now so numerous, and differ so much in
their habit that it has been proposed to divide them into sections, according to
their height and period of flowering.

Section 1—contains the Colviilii varieties, which attain the height of two feet,
and flower early in June.

Section 2—includes blandus, pudibundus, Cardinalis, and their hybrids. Most
of them are under two feet in height, and flower from the end of June to the end
of July. Their colours are exceedingly varied, perhaps more so than those of the
other sections. and they deserve to be more extensively grown. Auguste Hardy,
General Bedeau, distinctus, Rex rubrorum, blush, and Loddigesii, are a few of the
best of this class.

Section 3—comprises the varieties of the Ramosus breed, flowering in August,
and growing about eighteen inches to three feet high. The flowers of most of
them are larger than those of the preceeding sections. The whole of these are
extremely beautiful plants; so much so, that it is difficult to select. Perhaps
Christianus, Beeswing, Lord John Russell, Mehemet Ali, Oscar, Queen Victoria, Rising
Sun, and Von Gagern, are among the most interesting.

Section 4—includes the hybrids of floridundus, Gandavensis, and some others of
a similar habit. They are all truly magnificent objects when in flower, many of
them being from four to six feet high, and bearing flower spikes two feet or more
long, with a large number of blossoms; in the specimen of Jf Blouet, from which
our drawing was taken, there were seventeen, and even this must not be
understood as the maximum number. They are the latest bloomers of the tribe,
a few of them not blossoming before the end of September, and continuing into
October. The oldest of this class are floribundus, psittacinus, autumnalis, and
Gandavensis, all of them now pretty well known, especially the two former.
Gandavensis is an extremely desirable variety, and is also of interest, as being the
parent of many seedlings even yet more beautiful than itself. One of these we have
figured; and although our space does not permit usto do justice to this or many

150 GLADIOLUS BLOUETIANUS,

other subjects, it will be sufficiently evident that a considerable improvement. has
taken place in the form of the flower, the narrow lower segments seen in Gandavensis
being here replaced by divisions nearly as broad as those of the upper part of the
flower. To give an idea of the appearance of the plant when in bloom, we need
only state that each blossom is about three inches across.

There are many other varieties equally splendid, especially Brenchiiensis, with
brilliant scarlet flowers; Fischerianum ; Hamlet ; ignescens, fine scarlet, with broad
white feather on each of the lower segments; and splendens, a superb scarlet, with
very large flowers.

This section, as being the hardiest of the tribe, and producing the largest flowers,
is, perhaps, the most desirable where space does not allow of a selection from each
division. It is, however, a matter for regret that the diffusion of new varieties
of plants of this and the allied natural orders, cannot take place with the same
rapidity as in the case of those plants which can be readily multiplied by cuttings.
The variety we have figured, as well as most of those named in the above paragraph,
is, therefore, at present rather expensive; but each season will considerably
diminish their cost, so that, ere long, they will doubtless be as cheap as psittacinus
and the commonest of the tribe.

We have observed that the plants of the last section are the hardiest: but the
Gladioli are all hardy in soil not retentive of moisture; and if the earlier flowering
varieties need, in some exposed situations, a little protection, it is chiefly on
account of their commencing their growth late in autumn, or at an early period
of the year, at which time the corms of Gandavensis, and its allies, are perfectly
dormant.

The plants of the first three sections should be planted in autumn; those of the
Gandavensis group from February to March. As an easy guide to the proper season
for planting any variety of unknown habits, it will be sufficient to observe that
all those corms which manifest a disposition to protrude their fibres in autumn,
should be planted at that season.

Although the Gladioli are not particular as to soil, they, nevertheless, attain their
greatest luxuriance in rich, well-drained composts. In wet soils, the earth should
be removed to a depth of eighteen inches, and six inches of drainage, composed
of small stones, broken cinders, or crocks be placed at the bottom. The
remaining space is then to be filled in with a mixture of good fibrous loam,
thoroughly decayed manure, and sandy peat, in equal parts; the corm being
planted from four to six inches beneath the surface. In dry poor soils, on a sandy
or gravelly subsoil, the same plan must be pursued, but in this case the drainage
will be unnecessary. During their growth in spring and summer, they should
never be allowed to suffer from drought, which causes the foliage to become yellow
and is a serious obstacle to a successful blooming. All the varieties ripen seed,

ce

BOUVARDIA AURANTIACA. 151

which is generally true to its kind, unless artificially hybridized ; and a considerable
number of plants of any given variety may thus be readily obtained within two or
three years of sowing the seed. Offsets are also freely produced by nearly all the
species and hybrids, but it is not absolutely essential that they should be separated
each season; on the contrary, the corms may be left undisturbed for two or three
years after planting. In very severe weather, it will be desirable to give the
early flowering varieties some protection ; for which purpose, there is nothing
better than a layer of fern leaves, or a few short furze bushes, which will be found
very useful in the garden for this and similar purposes.

Most of the Gladioli succeed well in pots, in the same description of soil as that
already recommended for their growth in the open air. Those potted in autumn
are best kept in a cold frame, or in a very cool airy room; those planted in spring
should have the pots plunged in the ground until the shoots are visible, when they
may be removed to a cool window. Should the foliage betray the presence of the
red spider, which is sometimes troublesome in dry seasons, it should be frequently
sponged with soap-suds, or sulphur and water, and subsequently with clean water,
to remove the stains.

The structure of the flowers of the Gladiolus presents no very marked features,
beyond those peculiar to the other plants of the natural order Jridacee; the
peculiar irregular form of the perianth being the chief distinction between it and
other allied genera. The Watsonias are the only plants at all likely to be mistaken
for them; but in that genus, the three stigmas are each of them bifid or cleft,
so that there appear, at first sight, to be six. The seeds of the Gladwli are also
winged. The crested stigmas present a beautiful appearance under a lens of
moderate power.

The sword-like form of the leaves gave rise to the generic designation of the
plants, from gladius, a sword.

/ / A
BOUVARDIA AURANTIACA.
Orange-Flowered Bouvardia.

Linnean Class—T sv RaNDRIA. Order —MGNOGYNIA. Natural Order—Cixcuonacex.

Tuere is a class of plants, comprising many interesting genera, which, although
they may have been in this country twenty or thirty years, and possess very high
claims to general cultivation, are yet, somehow or other, rarely met with as

152 BOUVARDIA AURANTIACA.

window plants, or among the possessors of small gardens. Of these, the Bouvar-
dias are an illustration ; for, though common enough in greenhouses, and in gardens
of some extent, especially in those in which the bedding system is adopted, they
are yet, as far as our own experience goes, almost unknown to many of that class
of cultivators to whom we more especially address ourselves.

It cannot be that they are deficient in interest, for we are acquainted with few
subjects combining so neat a growth, with so free a habit of flowering; nor does
their price place them out of the reach of cultivators of small means, as they may
be procured for a very moderate sum, and of the humblest provincial Florist ; and
their management and propagation being unattended with any difficulty, we are
at a loss to account for their limited diffusion. The long period during which
their flowers are produced, would alone suffice to give them a high value. As
each head of flowers fade, fresh shoots are formed at the base of the stalk supporting
the truss ; and these, in their turn, put forth others; so that a constant succession
of blossoms results up to the arrival of the sharp frosts, which render it expedient
to remove the plants to their winter quarters.

The species of Bowvardia are not very numerous; the oldest and best known is
the B. triphylla, which has been cultivated in this country for nearly fifty years,
The specific name of this species would naturally lead the inexperienced Botanist to
suppose that the triphyllous arrangement of its leaves was peculiar to it; but it is
by no means distinctive, the majority of the other species, including that now
figured, having foliage. of the same character.

Of the species just referred to, there are several varieties; pubescens, glabra, and
splendens ; though this last must not be confounded with the true splendens, which is
a distinct species, and, in our opinion, preferable to either triphylla or its varieties.
Other very desirable species are, angustifolia, versicolor, Jacquinti, Cavanillesti, and
leiantha, all with scarlet or red blossoms; flava, with yellow; and longiflora, with
white flowers. Letantha and longiflora are natives of Guatemala; most of the other
species have been reccived from Mexico. They are all of comparatively dwarf habit ;
in suitable soil, however, plants bedded out in spring will, by the end of the autumn,
make shoots from two to three feet long, with numerous lateral branches. Where
it is thought desirable to restrict the growth of the shoots, they may be stopped,
which will induce a more compact habit; but this will rarely be necessary. They
are readily increased by cuttings about three joints long, which may be taken off at
any period during the summer, and inserted in light, sandy, soil. A little bottom
heat will materially shorten the time required for the emission of rootlets; but
we have struck them even in August without any such aid. They are rather liable
to damp off, unless the interior of the glass be wiped regularly each day; and as soon
as they appear rooted, the glass should be removed at night.

Trivhyla does not root so readily from cuttings as splendens and some others ; that,

ak.

BOUVARDIA AURANTIACA. 153

as well as most of the species, are sometimes increased by short pieces of the roots,
in spring, which should be planted in pots of light soil, with the ends of the
cuttings exposed above the surface. If placed in a good cucumber frame, they will
soon make nice plants. As, however, most of the other species may be easily
increased by cuttings of the young shoots, we venture to recommend them in pre-
ference to triphylla. Any of them may be purchased for a shilling, or even less,
in some places. They will flourish most in the same description of soil as that
employed for Verbenas, and other bedding plants; but with proper precautions
against drought in summer, they will succeed in most soils, except those of a stiff
clayey kind.

As window plants, they deserve especial attention, the abundance of their flowers,
and their neat habit, render them in our opinion extremely desirable. During
winter they require but little attention, as most of them lose their foliage, and
may be kept dormant, like the Fuschia, Lemon-scented Verbena, and other window
plants. In spring, they should be pruned rather closely and repotted in fresh soil,
with a pot suited to the size of the plant.

Botanically, the genus Bowvardia is characterised by a four-parted calyx, with
intermediate teeth in some species, as shown in aurantiaca, our illustration ; corolla
tubular, from an inch to an inch and a half long, the mouth four-lobed ; stamens
four, included in the throat of the corolla, alternate with the lobes ; eapsule inferior,
with a central depression externally, separating when ripe into two divisions, each
containing many seeds, furnished with a narrow wing or edge.

Among many other interesting examples of the adaptation of the length of the
style and stigma to the position of the flower, so as to ensure fertilization, the
present genus may be cited as an illustration.

In most of the species, the corolla is more or less erect ; in these the style, which
is terminated by a two-cleft stigma, does not exceed half the length of the tube;
and the stigma is, therefore, below the stamens. In versicolor, flava, and aurantiaca,
the flowers are pendant ; and we find, therefore, that the style is elongated so
as to protrude from the mouth of the flower; and by this change, it is brought
within reach of the pollen. As in all the plants of the Cinchonacee, stipules are
observable between the leaves of the Bouvardias, forming, by their partial union,
a kind of sheath round the stem.

Although they have no known economical uses, the order to which they belong
is one of the most important in the vegetable kingdom ; furnishing the various
species of Cinchona, or Jesuit’s Bark, from which the invaluable Quinine is prepared ;
the Ipecacuanha; and the Coffee plant, whose produce, if not more useful, is at all
events less unpalatable, and more generally welcomed.

The genus, Bowardia, was named in honour of Dr. Charles Bouvard, Curator of
the Paris Botanic Garden.

Jaana sak

PHLOX DRUMMONDIL.

Drummond's Phlox.
Variety Mayii.

Linnean Class—PenTANDRIA. Ovder—Mownocynia. Natural Order —PoLEmMoniacem.

Ir we have hitherto figured but few annual plants, it is certainly not because we
undervalue this class of subjects; but rather that the number introduced during
the last few years has been so limited, that we could offer but little novelty, and
illustrations of the older and now well known annuals, beautiful as many of them
are, would we imagine, hardly be acceptable to our readers. We confess, too, that
perennial plants have a larger share of our affections than those of a more transitory
character; though there are many exceptions, and, among them, must be placed
the beautiful Phlox Drummondit, with its endless varieties.

No one of the annuals created at their introduction a greater amount of interest ;
for, independently of the intrinsic beauty of its fragrant flowers, the long period during
which they are produced gave it an immense superiority over many other claimants
for public favour. And as an evidence of its value, we need no stronger proof than
that, notwithstanding the numerous subsequent introductions, it is as popular as
ever, both with professional and amateur Florists.

The plant we figure is certainly a charming variety of the original species; but
many of the others are scarcely less so, especially Leopoldiana, and oculata, both
raised several years since, and seeds of which may be had of any of the Florists.
It is somewhat curious that as these varieties were, we believe, the result of a
natural sport, they should be capable of being reproduced by seed.

The P. Drummondii Mayit has been, during the present season, increased by

. euttings ; but we are informed by Messrs Henderson of the Wellington Nursery—

who very obligingly favoured us with the specimen from which our drawing was
made—that they hope to be able to increase it by seed with the same facility as the
other varieties.

The Phlox Drummondii has, sometimes, been classed with the tender annuals ; but
we have always found it succeed very well in the open ground, though the seeds
require, in the first instance, to be sown on a gentle heat in spring. When, how-
ever, the use of a hotbed cannot be obtained, it will germinate readily on a warm
window. In either case, it is essential that the young plants should be transplanted
singly into small pots, as soon as they are large enough to be handled without injury.

PHLOX DRUMMONDII. 155

In the first stage of their growth, they do not need a rich soil; but in the subsequent
pottings, this can hardly be of too generous a nature. Great care should be taken
that they do not become ‘ drawn,’ which must be prevented by giving the young
plants as much light and air as possible. Those intended for grouping in the beds
or borders, should be gradually hardened before turning out; for which purpose
they should, for a week or two, be exposed during the day, but protected at night.
As the plants are comparatively slender, and not much branched, a better effect is
produced by grouping several together, than by single specimens. They require
rich soil, and abundant watering in dry weather, or the stems are liable to become
naked at the bottom.

When grown entirely in pots, they are very ornamental objects for a long period
during the summer and autumn, especially when not drawn up during their earlier
progress. As the production of seed checks the further formation of flowers, the
seed-vessels should be pinched off, when not required.

Where there are facilities for preserving the seedlings through the winter, either
in a cold frame or cool greenhouse, the seeds are sometimes sown in autumn; in
which case, they flower at an earlier period, and are rather more vigorous in their
growth. In the case of any particular variety which it may be desired to propagate
with certainty, cuttings may be taken at almost any period, and treated in the usual
manner; though this must be regarded rather as a precautionary measure, than as
absolutely necessary, for many of the varieties may be perpetuated by seed.

The perennial species and hybrids of the Phlox family, are among the most
useful of all the hardy herbaceous plants, and no garden should be without several
of them. So numerous have the hybrids become, that, at most of the London
Nurseries, several hundred varieties may be obtained. Madame Frobel, General
Duvivier, Adonis, Conspicua, La Perle, and Napoleon, are a few of the best; the last,
especially, is a very beautiful plant, with blush white flowers, striped with rosy
violet, and of excellent habit.

A very pretty and useful dwarf and nearly hardy variety, raised between
P. Drummondii and one of the perennial species, is the P. depressa, with rosy purple
flowers. There are many other varieties with larger and more showy blossoms, but
none of so compact a habit; it rarely exceeds ten or twelve inches in height, and
produces a profusion of side shoots, much in the same way as its parent the P.
Drummondir.

All the perennial Phloxes require a rich, strong soil, and should be divided every
autumn, and replanted. If this precaution is neglected, they will speedily
dwindle, especially in poor, dry soils.

In a structural point of view, the Phloxes are of less interest than many of the
plants we have figured; but even here something may be found worthy of obser-
vation. The tube of the flower is so narrow, that were the stamens all arranged in

156 HARDY PLANTS OF THE LILY TRIBE.

_ the same horizontal plane, the orifice of the flower wonld be completely choked ;
they are, therefore, placed in different planes, one or two of them being near the
mouth, and the others at various distances down the tube. As the style is gene-

rally shorter than the tube, a part of the anthers being above the stigma and others
below it—the result of this arrangement is that, whatever may be the position of the
flower, (some of the blossoms being vertical, whilst those at the sides of the truss
are more or less reflexed), impregnation readily takes place.

We are unacquainted with the history of the variety of Phlox; we now figure
the original species, Drummondii, is, however, a native of Texas. All the wild
species are, indeed, peculiar to the North American Continent.

The generic appellation of the family is an unaltered Greek term, signifying
flame, in allusion to the brilliancy of the flowers of many of the species.

HARDY PLANTS OF THE LILY TRIBE,

Amone Endogenous plants, no other Natural Order contains so great a number of
interesting hardy perennials as the Liliacee. The Amaryllids are certainly equally
specious, but by far the greater number of them are too tender to bear full exposure
in this climate.

In bringing the Lilyworts under the especial notice of our reader, it is less our
intention to speak of such plants as the Tulip and Hyacinth, and the better known
plants of the Order, than to group together a few of those genera less commonly
seen in cultivation, but which are equally deserving of the attention of all
amateurs of hardy plants.

The noble genus, Ziliwm, would, alone suffice to stamp this order of the highest
value; for they are unsurpassed in grandeur by any other herbaceous or bulbous
plants. A collection of the different species would prove one of the most interesting
imaginable, and the majority of them are readily attainable. Our limited space
forbids our giving a list of the species, all of them, however, are beautiful, and
none more so than the ZL. speciosum and its numerous varieties. This noble plant
is quite hardy, and should be in every garden.

The Fritillaries are scarcely less attractive than the preceding, to which they
are very closely allied, and the species are more numerous than is usually supposed.
Most of them are valuable on account of the early period at which they bloom.
With the exception of the 7. imperialis (Crown Imperial), they are all of dwarf
growth, not exceeding twelve or eighteen inches.

HARDY PLANTS OF THE LILY TRIBE. 157

Far less common than the above is the Agapanthus umbellatus, or African Lily.
This plant being a native of the Cape of Good Hope, is generally treated as a
green-house subject ; but as it is dormant in winter, if planted from eight to twelve
inches deep in a sheltered border, it will succeed admirably, and flower far more
abundantly than in pots. It does best in rich sandy loam, and is easily increased
by suckers. The flowers of the species are blue; but there is a white, and also a
variegated variety.

The Funckias are very ornamental, and their flowers are deliciously fragrant,
Two species, ovata and cwrulea, have blue flowers; those of undulata, Sieboldiana,
and lanceolata, are lilac; and in albo-marginata, they are also lilac, but beautifully
edged with white. Their average height is about eighteen inches, and most of them
flower during the summer months. As they may be had at a cheap rate at the
London and most provincial nurseries, we strongly urge those of our readers who
may not be already in possession of some of the species, to add them forthwith
to their collections. They prefer a dry situation, and are all increased by
division.

Allied to the above are the species of Hemerocallis, one or two of which are old
inhabitants of our gardens. Java, graminea, disticha, and speciosa, are the most
desirable species, far more so than fulva, the species most usually seen. All
those we have named have yellow or orange flowers produced in May, June, or
July.

Closely associated with the two preceding genera, are the species of Anthericum,
of which Liliastrum and sulphwreum are hardy. The first is by no means rare; it
grows rather more than a foot high, and has white flowers of some size. Their
relationship render it probable, that this and the previous genera would intermingle
by hybridizing.

The Blue variety of Ornithogalum pyramidale, or Star of Bethlehem, is a beautiful
plant when in flower, and the white species are also desirable from their hardiness.
We notice this rather common genus, however, chiefly with a view to draw the
attention of amateurs to the possibility of obtaining hybrids between the hardy
white species, and the more tender yellow ones from the Cape of Good Hope. We
have very little doubt that these would live in the open ground, if slight protection
were afforded them, and their beauty renders them fully worthy of a little extra care ;
but even should they prove too tender, their hybrids with the common white species
would certainly bear our winters, and be a valuable addition to our hardy bulbs,
The only one of the yellow Ornithogalums readily attainable, is awrewm, which may
he had of some of the London Florists; we have seen it in the catalogue of Messrs.
Henderson, Pine Apple Place, Edgeware Road.

Scilla.—These are among the prettiest of the dwarfer section of the Order. The
majority have blue flowers, of various shades; but there are white, pink, and lilac-

158 HARDY PLANTS OF THE LILY TRIBE.

flowered varieties, which form a charming contrast when grown with the others.
The bulbs are all to be procured in a dry state of the Florist at this season of the
year, and may be planted in patches near the edges of the border. Jtalica, amena,
Siberica, precox, imperialis, Peruviana, and campanulata, are among the best of the
blue-flowered species, and of nearly all of those named, there are white and flesh-
eoloured varieties.

The Allium azureum, A. moly, and A. acuminatum, notwithstanding the ideas
usually associated with the Onion tribe, are very handsome plants; the last named
is at present rare, but azwrewm and moly we have found in most of the Seedmen’s
lists of bulbs. There are also several other interesting species, but they are very
scarce, and confined to private collections.

The Gageas, a genus allied to Ornithogalum, are pretty hardy yellow-flowered
bulbs worth cultivation; the @.Jutea is an indigenous plant; but it is less orna-
mental than G. glauca, bracteolaris, and some others.

Of more interest is the Calliprora flava or lutea, an extremely neat little plant
flowering in July and August, with yellow blossoms of some duration. It is quite
hardy, and increases very freely by offsets, which flower while small. It does best
in a rather shaded border of peat or other light soil.

More interesting still is the Zriteleia lawa, with beautiful blue flowers, produced
in July. This charming plant ripens seed freely, and ought, therefore, to have
been by this time within the reach of everybody; but it is still comparatively
scarce. Mr. Groom of Clapham Rise is the only party, to our knowledge, in
possession of this bulb, though it is, doubtless, in the hands of other Florists. It
is not quite so hardy as the Calliprora, but will need bnt little protection, except in
severe weather. There are two or three other species, but we are ignorant whether
they are to be procured in this country.

The Brodicas are no less deserving of general cultivation than the two preceding
plants. There are two species, grandiflora and congesta, both with bluish-purple
flowers; and like the Calliprora, they are best grown in heath-soil, or in sandy
loam, in which old leaf-mould has been incorporated. The B. congesta is the
hardiest of the two species; both of them may by procured for a very
trifling sum.

The splendid genus Calochortus has already been noticed in our pages. They are
all, with the exception of C. luteus, too tender to permit of being classed with
hardy bulbs; that species, however, succeeds with very slight protection in ordinary
winters, especially if sheltered from autumn rains. The allied genus Cyclobothra is
more hardy, but alba is the only species readily obtainable. This may be had of
nearly all the London Florists, and will please all lovers of bulbous plants. It
ripens abundance of seed, and may be quickly increased in. that way, as well as by
the buds, or gemma, which are produced on the stem. Should any of our readers

ae

THE ANEMONE. 159

be in possession of the other species of this genus, we should be glad to be
informed.

For the present, we will conclude our list of Hardy Lilyworts with a reference
to the highly ornamental genus Zritoma. Perhaps, after the Lilies and Agapanthus,
these are the most ornamental of any of the plants we have named. There are
four species in cultivation: Burchelliit, media, pumila, and Uvaria. The two last
are the hardiest, as they flower during the latter part of the summer; media
produces its blossoms at a later period, and its activity during the cold season
renders it, therefore, more susceptible of injury from frost. They will all be safer
with a little protection, such as that afforded by a layer of fern leaves, or cut furze;
media should have a few evergreen branches placed round it. Their flowers,
produced in a long spike, are very numerous, and of a bright orange tint.

THE ANEMONE,

Tux Order Ranunculacee furnishes us with two of the most valuable of the plants
usually denominated Florist’s flowers—we allude to the Anemoneand the Ranunculus.
The latter has many admirers, and if its beauty alone be considered, it equals, and
perhaps surpasses, its rival; but for general utility, and adaptation to the purposes
of the amateur, we think it is much its inferior.

By judicious successional planting, the Anemone may be had in flower at least
six months of the year; it is perfectly hardy, less liable to the attacks of the wire-
worm, and the varieties are capable of being perpetuated by division, without
degeneration, for a long period; it may, in fact, be cultivated successfully by the
veriest tyro, and of the Ranunculus this can hardly be affirmed.

There are very few gardens in which the double scarlet varieties are not grown ;
but the crimson, blue, rose, white, and variegated varieties, although equally
beautiful, and lending, by their contrast, an additional charm to the ‘scarlets,’ are
much less common.

To grow, in perfection, the double Anemone (and it is of that only that we shall
now speak), it is requisite that the soil in which it is planted should be changed
each season; unless this is done, the blossoms, even of the finest varieties, will
speedily dwindle to an inconspicuous size.

The soil best suited to this plant is a good light loam, containing a cousiderable
proportion of thoroughly decayed cow-dung. Anemone growers differ somewhat in
their opinion with regard to the mixture of the manure with the soil, some of
them advising that the cow-dung should be placed in a stratum, at a distance of
six inches from the surface, whilst others recommend that it should be thoroughly
incorporated with the soil.

160 THE ANEMONE.

The last is that adopted by Mr. Tyso, of Wallingford, one of the most successful
cultivators of this plant and the kindred Ranunculus. In following this plan, it is
desirable, however, that the manure should be at least twelve months old, and by no
means in a fresh state. If it can only be procured in this moist condition, it will
be indispensable to place under and around each tuber at the time of planting, a
handful of dry sandy loam; or the first method may be followed of removing the
soil entirely to the depth of six inches, and arranging at the bottom the layer
of manure, which in this case may be used fresh, as the roots will not be in immediate
contact with it. When the manure is incorporated with the soil, a depth of at least
ten inches should be allowed for the bed.

The best period for planting the roots is from the middle to the end of October ;
those planted at this season produce finer blossoms, and in greater abundance than
others committed to the ground in the early spring. For a succession of blooms,
the root should be planted at several periods; those planted in October will flower
in May; others planted in February or March will bloom at a later period.

When arranged in a bed, the roots should be placed at least six inches apart, and
about two inches below the surface. The best method of planting is to rake off the
entire surface of the bed, place the roots in rows at the distance we have named,
pressing them gently down, and then return the mould over them. Some
cultivators, however, still adopt the older plan. When the bed is composed of
different sorts, the most harmonious effect will be produced by planting the strongly
contrasted tints at opposite extremities of the bed, and blending them by inter-
mediate rows of lighter shades.

Although quite hardy, the roots will bloom much finer if protected, in severe
weather, by dry fern, clean straw, or furze; and should sharp frosts occur while in
bloom, it will be highly desirable to place over them at night a mat, supported by
sticks, two or three feet high. In dry springs they will require watering, as
nothing interferes so much to prevent fine blooms, as a deficiency of moisture at this
period.

After flowering, however, they should be screened from heavy rains, and as soon
as the foliage has decayed, the roots should be dug up, and gradually dried off. Care
should be taken at this stage, that the different sorts do not become mixed.

The following are a few of the best now in cultivation :—lwes.—Azure incompa-
rable, Count Rossi, Fontainbleau, Imperator, Euphrosyne, Ornament de la Nature,
Lord Liverpool. Rose.—Beauté Supreme, Coeur tendre, Exquisite, Pallas, Rose
surpassante: Crimson.—Emperor Alexander, Henrietta Sontag, Josephine, Prince
Albert. Scarlet—Feu Superbe, Evéque d’Amboise, Cramoisie Royale, High
Admiral. White.—Grandeur 4 merveille. Variegated.—Gertrude, Henri Quatre,
Miss Wright, Virgilius. All the above may be procured of Mr. Tyso and other
Florists for a very moderate sum.

MNtcrorteerma Aatlontorted

lb nethe th! fvctMialit tladt Wwe antied

[ 161 ]

PENTSTEMON GENTIANOIDES
ATRO-CEERULEUM.

Gentian-like Pentstemon. Tybrid Variety.

Linnean Class—DinyNaMIA. Order —ANGIOSPERMA. Nutural Order —ScroPuuLARIACEZ.

We have, on several occasions, expressed the high opinion we entertain of the value
of the genus Pentstemon for ornamental purposes, and in our second plate we
figured one of the blue-flowered species. We now return to this interesting family,
for the sake of introducing one of the latest hybrids, of a somewhat different colour,
although nominally it is classed with those of cerulean tint.

It is a matter of regret, that among a certain class of Florists there is a strong
disposition to give a fictitious value to their productions, by attaching to them
high sounding titles, scarcely warranted by the circumstances of the case; sometimes
a plant differing only in the smallest degree from many other kindred varieties, is
dubbed splendidissima, and enjoys a short-lived reputation, at the expense of that of
its sponsors; while in other cases, a really valuable plant is sent out with a name
greatly calculated to mislead the inexperienced purchaser with regard to its tint.

The Pentstemon now figured is an illustration of this objectionable system of
nomenclature; although termed dark blue, our readers will see that it has but
small claims to such distinction. It is, however, a handsome variety of the
original gentianotdes, and, as such, merits a place whatever this very desirable genus
is cultivated. It was raised at Lille by M. Pellier, between gentianotdes and
Hartwegii, and is now in the hands of most of the principal Florists in this country.
It is of much dwarfer habit than the true gentianoides, and also a much freer
flowerer ; in this respect equalling the Hartwegii and its varieties.

There exists considerable confusion with regard to these two species, which are
often confounded together under the name of gentianoides. This species is of a very
tall habit, frequently reaching the height of six feet, or even more, and its blossoms
are of a dull lilac-purple, the tube being nearly horizontal. They are numerously
produced, but the plant does not remain long in flower. It is singular that
Hartwegii and its varieties, now so common in our gardens, should ever have been
mistaken for the preceding; for, although its foliage is somewhat similar, the habit
of the plant is very different, and also the colour and form of the flowers, which
are pendant, and of various shades of scarlet and purple-crimson. ‘The whole of

-

162 PENTSTEMON GENTIANOIDES ATRO-CRULEUM.

these are amongst the most valuable bedding plants we possess; and among hardy
bedders they are indeed unrivalled, flowering from the beginning of July to
October, or even later, if they are prevented from ripening seeds.

There are a considerable number of varieties of this species, which shows a strong
tendency to ‘sport’ its colours. Among the best are gigantewm elegans, scarlet with
streaked throat; Bucki, large scarlet with pure white throat; diaphanum, rose
with tube nearly transparent; and Salterii, with white tube variously streaked
with rose and red; we believe this last is also sold under the name of mutabile:
All of them are of the easiest propagation, by short side shoots, inserted under a
hand-glass in a shady place. A readier method of increasing them is by layers,
which root with great facility during the summer months, and indeed at almost any
season. CGentianoides, Hartwegit, and all their varieties, are quite hardy in most
localities ; in wet soils, especially in the northern counties, a few cuttings or rooted
layers should be preserved through the winter season, out of the reach of frost,
as a precaution against loss.

Although for general purposes the Pentstemons we have named, are the most
valuable of the genus, there are many other very beautiful species of great interest.

The P. atro-purpureum is an extremely handsome plant, with dark purple
flowers, and somewhat slender stems, the foliage narrow and toothed. It is less
hardy than some others; but although the stems are often killed by sharp frosts,
the roots preserve their vitality, and the plant shoots again the following season.
It is so ornamental a species, that it deserves a little protection; where it is
found too tender for exposure, a shoot or two should be layered, and when rooted,
potted off and protected in a frame. It also ripens abundance of seeds. This
plant is by no means rare; we have seen it in nearly all the London Florist’s Lists,
and its price does not often exceed one shilling.

The P. Murrayanum is another fine species, from Texas, with beautiful glossy
scarlet flowers. Both these and the foliage are larger than in the preceding
species; and it is also of rather taller habit. It will need the same precautions
to preserve it through the winter.

The P. Wrightii is a charming plant, and will, we have no doubt, be a great
favourite. This species is described at page 96. It is not yet, we believe, in the
hands of the trade, but will probably be so by next season. There are several
comparatively dwarf species, which would be useful as edgings to beds of the taller
kinds, or they would form very pretty groups by themselves for the borders; such
are miniatum, gracile, hirsutum, pruinosum and procerwm, the first with vermilion
coloured flowers, the remainder with blossoms of various shades of purple, and all
of them from nine to eighteen inches in height. A new shrubby species, described
as very fine, is the P. californicwn, but we have not at present any personal
knowledge of it.

MICROSPERMA BARTONIOIDES. 163

The distinction between the Pentstemons and the genus Chelone, have been
already explained at page 24; to which we refer the reader for some other particulars
relative to this delightful family of plants.

MICROSPERMA BARTONIOIDES.
Bartonia-like Microsperma.

Linnean Class—Po.LyY ADELPHIA. Order —P OLY ANDRIA. Jatural Order-—LoASAcEd.

Amone plants remarkable for their curious structure, the Zoasa tribe occupies a
conspicuous place; and many of them being, in addition, showy plants, they would
deserve to be generally cultivated, but for the unfortunate stinging properties of
some of the species. Happily, these are chiefly confined to the true Loasas, the
other genera of the Order possessing it only in a very slight degree, and in some
it is entirely absent.

The Bartonia aurea, and the allied plant we now figure, are of this number,
as well as the Scypanthus elegans; and the pretty Blumenbachia insignis, although not
entirely destitute of stinging properties, is so harmless, that none need be deterred
from its cultivation.

This plant (the Blumenbachia) is one of the prettiest of the hardy annuals, and
should be grown by every body, once at least, for the sake of the opportunity it will
afford of examining its highly curious flowers. Its habit is somewhat trailing, and
it is therefore suitable for the front of the borders. Although classed as an annual,
it will live more than one season, if preserved from frost, in a cold frame. Flowers
white and yellow.

The Scypanthus elegans, or Cup-Flower, is rather less hardy than the preceding,
but is fully as interesting. Itis a twining plant, growing about four feet high, with
yellow blossoms, and requires no care beyond that of raising the seeds in a gentle
heat, and planting them out, when a few inches high, where they are to bloom. The
snails are very fond of this plant, and must be well looked after, or they will speedily
strip it of its foliage. Like the Blumenbachia, the Scypanthus is perennial if pro-
tected during winter.

Both are remarkable for the pouch or boat-like form of the petals; and this is also
seen in the true Loasas. In all three genera, the stamens are arranged in five very
distinct bundles, each of the bundles being, at the time of the flowers’ expansion,
enclosed within the cavity of a petal. When the anthers burst, the stamens

164 MICROSPERMA BARTONIOIDES.

spring in succession from their horizontal position, and are applied closely to the
style; in those blossoms which have been some days expanded, the petals will be
found empty, all the stamens having become erect. Between each fascicle of fertile
stamens will be seen a curious appendage, generally looked upon as a modified petal,
haying one or two abortive stamens attached; these are very conspicious in the
Scypanthus and Loasas, and the spirally twisted seed-vessel of the latter, and also
of the Blumenbachia, are well deserving of attention.

The Bartonia and Microsperma, although belonging to the same Order, differ
considerably in their structure from the genera we have just noticed. The Bartonia
aurea is well known as one of the most ornamental of the numerous North American
annuals, and we dare say but few of our readers are unfamiliar with its brilliant
yellow flowers. We have always treated it as a hardy annual, sowing the seed where
it was intended to bloom. It does bestin light rich earth, or in a mixture of sandy loam
and leaf mould, in which a good patch makes an exceedingly showy appearance.

The Microsperma now figured, is closely allied to the Bartona, from its
resemblance to which it has derived its specific name. It isa native of Mexico, and
was introduced into this country from Hamburg in 1849, under the name of Zwenida
bartoniotdes. Itis a succulent annual, growing about a foot high, with ovate, lobed,
and serrated foliage. The flowers, which are nearly two inches across, are terminal,
and produced either singly or in pairs. The petals are obscurely toothed, of a
sulphur-yellow above, but much paler beneath. The stamens are arranged in five
fascicles or bundles, the filaments of each fascicle being united at the base, and
attached to one of the petals; the stamens arise in two distinct rows or series from
the point at which they are united. The filaments are very long, bearing a roundish
flattened anther, opening by its margin. The style is about the same length as the
stamens; stigma undivided, but with five longitudinal furrows at the extremity.

The seed-vessel is one-celled, many-seeded, opening at the top by five valves.
Seeds attached to the walls of the ovary, in five longitudinal ridges or placente.
They are very numerous and minute, of an oblong form, and with several spiral
furrows, which are visible, however, only under the microscope. In the Bartonias,
the stamens, although fully as numerous as in the I/icrosperma, are not divided into
fascicles as in that genus.

The cultivation of the Ifcrosperma involves a little care; for, although it is quite
hard enough to bear the open air, its succulent nature renders it liable to injury in
all stages of its growth from any excess of moisture, whether in the seed-pan or the
borders. It may be raised in the spring on a gentle heat, in pots of well-drained
sandy loam. ‘The seeds should be thinly sprinkled on the surface of the soil, and
then gently pressed in, they will germinate with greater readiness than if covered
more deeply. In raising these and other small seeds, it is a good plan to cover the
rim of the pot with a piece of glass, which will greatly retard the evaporation from

CNOTHERA PROSTRATA. 165

the soil, and obviate the necessity of frequent watering ; but as soon as the seedlings
are above the soil, the glass should be partially removed, as too much care cannot
be taken to preserve them from damping off. When sufficiently large to transplant,
they should be potted two or three together in four-inch pots, using a mixture of
sandy loam and leaf-mould or peat; good drainage must be ensured by a handful of
crocks. In May the plants may be transferred to the borders, with their balls of
earth entire. We are inclined to think that the seed might be sown in the open
borders about the middle of April, if the soil is light, and a hand-light can be placed
over the patch, for the first month or so. The plant may also be grown in pots for
the window, or green house ; and in this situation it will be more likely to ripen seed.
than in the open ground.

The generic term, Microsperma, has been applied in reference to tho smallness of
the seeds, from micros, small, and sperma, seed; but it cannot be said to be very
appropriate, inasmuch as these organs, although comparatively minute, are far less
so than in many other plants.

C(NOTHERA PROSTRATA.
Prostrate Evening Primrose.

Linnean Class—Ocranpria. Order—Monoeynia. Natural Order —ONAGRACER.

Unprr the name of CG. riparia, this pretty dwarf Evening Primrose is now some-
what generally known. Its flowers are by no means the largest or handsomest of
the tribe; but as it appears to be well adapted for bedding purposes, or as an
edging to groups of taller plants, a figure of it will, we hope, be acceptable to some
of our subscribers.

The coarse habit of the common C4. biennis excludes it from most gardens of any
pretensions ; but among the dwarfer species, are to be found subjects which scarcely
yield in interest to any other of our hardy border plants. Who that has once
grown the beautiful CZ. speciosa, taraxictifolia, cespitosa, or macrocarpa, has ever
willingly discontinued their culture ?

The first of these, speciosa, with white flowers, has been supposed difficult to
preserve. We know not what can have given rise to such an impression, for with
only the commonest attention, this beautiful species will live through our severest
winters in the open border, and no plant is more readily increased by cuttings.
The short side shoots slipped off, root in two or three weeks if placed in sandy
loam under a bell-glass or tumbler, without the aid of bottom heat. It also throws

166 (ENOTHERA PROSTRATA.

up numerous offsets at a distance of from six to eighteen inches from the parent
stem, which afford a still easier means of increase. In loose soils these offsets are
so deeply rooted, that some care is requisite in digging them up, and it is better to
let them remain undisturbed until spring. If, however, it should be necessary to
remove them in autumn, in order that the bed or border may be dug over, it should
be done early, that they may, after replanting in a clump, become well rooted
before the arrival of winter, or they might suffer from severe frosts. For the same
reason, cuttings should be struck in summer, that they may become strong plants
by autumn; if not taken off till that period, the cuttings should be preserved in
a cold frame or window during the winter months, and planted out in spring.
Speciosa is of erect habit, not often exceeding eighteen inches or two feet in height;
in the early part of its flowering season, the blossoms are fully three inches
across.

The Gi. Taraxicifolia, or Dandelion-leaved, has flowers even larger than those of
the preceding species, and of the same hue, but without its yellow eye. This
species is remarkable for the length of the tube of the calyx, which often exceeds
eight or ten inches, especially in the flowers at the bottom of the stems. It is very
readily propagated by cuttings, and from its procumbent habit, as well as for the
abundance of its flowers, is well adapted for bedding purposes. Being a native of
Chili, it is perhaps a shade less hardy than speciosa, but will only need the
protection of an inverted pot in the severest weather.

The G2. cespitosa, or tufted Ginothera, is an equally desirable, but less known
species, also with whitish flowers. Its habit is dwarfer and more compact than
than that of speciosa, and the calyx tube is much longer. Messrs Lane of
Berkhampstead are in possession of this species; and also, we believe, Messrs Low
and Co. of the Clapton Nursery.

Of the yellow flowered species, the finest and most remarkable is, undoubtedly,
the G4. macrocarpa, a plant which no garden should be without, its large blossoms
making it a very conspicuous object in the borders throughout the summer.
This species usually ripens seed, by which, as well as by cuttings, it may be
increased without difficulty. If the shoots are pegged down they speedily emit
roots at their joints, and perhaps this is the best and easiest method of propagating
this, and all other species of similar habit. The macrocarpa is quite hardy, and
will thrive in any moderately good friable soil.

The Ci. prostrata, which we have figured, if much less conspicuous than the
species just named, is, nevertheless, a very desirable plant, and will often be found
available for purposes to which the macrocarpa is, from its more robust habit,
totally unfitted. As an edging to a bed of the blue Salvia patens, or Scarlet
Geraniums, it produces an interesting effect. It is, perhaps, more easily increased
than any other of the perennial species, rooting at the joints of the branches,

CENOTHERA PROSTRATA. 167

like a Verbena; and it may also be multiplied indefinitely by cuttings at all
seasons. Its narrow, almost linear foliage, gives it a very neat appearance ; and in
this respect it is inferior to no other plant of our acquaintance. In ordinary soils
it does not exceed six inches in height, but extends horizontally to a considerable size
in the course of a single season; and being perfectly hardy, it will soon become
one of the best known of all the species.

Besides those we have named, there are many others in no way inferior, which
we may notice on another occasion.

The popular designation of this genus, Evening Primrose, is inappropriate to all
the species, many of them expanding their blossoms during the day; the speciosa
and prostrata are both of this number, and indeed most of the perennial species.

The mode in which the flowers of the Cinotheras expand, has attracted the
attention of most Botanical writers. The four segments of the calyx adhere so
strongly by their tips, that in nearly all the species, the petals escape from their
green envelope by bursting one side of the calyx. In prostrata, taraxicifolia, and
some others, the sepals are prolonged beyond their immediate point of union, into
horn-like processes.

All the parts of the flowers of this Order are either four in number, or multiples
of four; thus the sepals and petals are each four; the stamens eight; the lobes of
the stigma four; and the cells of the capsule four ; and this circumstance, taken
in conjunction with the seed-vessel being i/ferior, or below the flower, affords
a ready means of distinguishing them from those of any other Natural Family.

The pollen of the Ginotheras is remarkable for its stringiness, all the grains being
connected together by a fine thread-like body. This cohesion is perceptible to the
naked eye, but is better seen under the microscope. The grains themselves are
very interesting microscopic objects, being in most of the species of a triangular
form, with black opaque spots at the angles. It is rather singular that the form of
the pollen should be found to vary in the species of the same genus; but this fact
must be known to all who have made these interesting bodies their study. Between
the pollen-grains of the Clarkia pulchella, and C. elegans belonging to the same
order as the Evening Primrose, there is a considerable difference, and it would be
worth while to ascertain whether these two species would mingle by hybridizing.

The long tube of the calyx of several of the species of (inothera generally arrests
the attention of the tyro, especially those of macrocarpa and taraxicifola; and the
large winged seed-vessel of the first species is no less curious.

Whilst on the subject of Onagraccous plants, we will notice a recent introduction
belonging to this order, the Gauwra Lindeniana, or Lindheimeri ; the plant is sold
under both names, which is the correct one, we haye been unable to ascertain.
It is a tall growing herbaceous plant, four to five feet, with white flowers, produced
in profusion throughout the summer and autumn. Before expansion, the buds have

168 GELASINE AZUREA.

a pinkish hue, the calyx being of that tint. Although not a first-rate plant, it will
yet prove of value in the mixed borders; for any other purpose it is unfitted by its
tall habit of growth. It is not, we fear, quite hardy, a plant we exposed last winter
having perished, but on this point further information is required; in any case, a
few cuttings taken off in autumn will be sufficient to preserve the stock from year
to year.

To return for one moment to the (inotheras, we may observe that, in common
with nearly all the other plants of the Order, they are destitute of any marked
properties ; the roots of @. diennis have, however, been used for food, and there is
presumptive evidence that none of this tribe are in any way deleterious.

Some difference of opinion exists with regard to the derivation of the term
@nothera. According to the more generally received explanation, it is compounded
of oinos, wine, and thera, imbibing; the roots of biennis, one of the earliest known
species, being supposed to be an incentive to wine. Zhera also means a wild beast;
and according to an ancient writer, the (Znothera, or a plant bearing the same
name, when steeped in wine, possessed the property of rendering savage animals
more tractable. It may not be improper to point out, that in the word Ginothéra,
the accent falls on the penultimate, or third syllable.

GELASINE AZUREA.
Azure Gelasine.

Linnean Class—TRianpDRIia. Order—Monoeynia. Natural Order—Iniwacex.

Now that hardy bulbs are beginning to be more sought after, any addition to their
number will be likely to be favourably received, especially when possessed of flowers
of so attractive a tint as those of the Gelasine azurea.

This pretty plant is, we suspect, but very little known; indeed, we have recently
seen in a popular Dictionary of plants a fear expressed that it was lost; and it is
partly with a view to remove this impression, that we are induced to give a figure
of it. Wemet with the plant at the nursery of Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Sons,
St. John’s Wood, and we believe that these gentlemen are at present the only
possessors of it. Its price is extremely moderate for so rare a plant; flowering bulbs
may be had for about 1s. 6d.

The Gelasine azwrea was first introduced into this country in the living state
in 1837, having been sent from Boston, U. S., to the collection of the lamented Dean

GELASINE AZUREA. 169

of Manchester at Spofforth, where it flowered and ripened itsseed. It is a native
of the Banda Oriental and the province of Rio Grande, where it occurs in stony
places. It is sufficiently hardy to bear exposure in this climate, especially if
covered with a few dry fern leaves, and like some of the Irises, retains a part of its
foliage through the winter. It is readily raised from seed, and young plants will pro-
duce flowers the second season; so that it will, we hope, soon be classed among the
commonest of our hardy bulb. The seeds germinate most freely when sown as
soon as ripe, on a gentle heat, and the seedlings should be kept growing through the
winter. The plant also produces offsets, by which it may be increased.

Our drawing is necessarily much reduced, at least, as far as the stem and foliage
are concerned, and we will therefore give a brief description of the plant. It grows
from eighteen inches to two feet high, the flower stalk being furnished with four
bracts placed at regular distances, the upper one being leaf-like. The leaves are
from one to two feet in length, and about one inch in breadth, pointed at their ex-
tremities, and plaited, as in the case of the Tiger flower (Zigridia Pavonia. ) The
flowers are produced from a spathe, which is shorter than their foot-stalks. The
funnel-shaped limb of the blossom is divided into six regular segments, alternately
smaller, which are united at the base into a tube; each segment is marked with
white at its base, on which are several black spots, the segments themselves being of
a deep blue tint. The three filaments are united into a short tube, in other words,
monadelphous, the anthers tapering upwards, and opening by their sides. Style
simple, divided into a three-lobed stigma. Capsule egg-shaped, opening when ripe,
at the top by three valves. Sceds angular, flat at top, tapering downwards. One of
the divisions of the flower, and also the monadelphous filaments, are shewn
separately in the plate.

The G. azurea is, we believe, the only species yet cultivated in this country ; but
several others are known to exist and were named respectively by Dr. Herbert,
from dried specimens, G. Purruchuchana, of which there are two varieties;
G. grandiflora ; G.punctata; G. nuda, and G. Tecana; the two last, however, are
somewhat doubtful.

The genus is closely allied to Wemostylis of Nuttall, the chief difference being in
the non-adhesion of the stamens, and the division of each of the three stigmas into
two lobes, in the latter genus. It is also related to the better known genus
Trichonema.

The term Gelasine is derived from gelasinos, a smiling dimple. Paxton’s Botanical
Dictionary gives it as derived from Kelas, late ; in allusion to its season of flowering;
but this is evidently an error.

Before quitting this subject, we are desirous of calling the attention of our readers
to one or two other very interesting genera of Iridaceous plants, not commonly seen
in cultivation. One of these is the Cypella Herbertii, a beautiful bulb from Buenos

170 PROTECTION OF HALF-HARDY PLANTS IN WINTER.

Ayres, nearly hardy, and certainly less tender than the Tiger flower, which it
somewhat resembles. The flowers are large, and of a vermilion tint. It is a
summer flowering bulb, and may be treated exactly as the Zigridia; that is, planted
in April in the open border, and dug up in autumn when the foliage is decayed.
This plant may be purchased in a dry state at this season, of most of the London
Seedsmen, at a maximum price of 6d. per bulb. Herdertii is not the only species ;
but the others, if introduced into this country, are very rare.

The other genus to which we have alluded is Homeria, which comprises several
species of much interest. The best of those that are attainable is the H. lineata,
a plant growing about two feet high, with foliage somewhat longer, and producing,
in long succession, numerous star-shaped flowers of a delicate bright red colour,
spotted in the centre with yellow and green. They are very handsome, and we are
surprised that the plant is not more generally cultivated. It is a half-hardy bulb,
and may be planted in the open ground in spring, in a mixture of sandy peat and
loam ; after the flowering season, and when the leaves are decayed, it must be dug
up, unless planted six inches deep and covered with leaves; in which case it would
probably out-live ordinary winters. We do not like to particularize seedsmen,
but as we are desirous of enabling our readers to procure such of the plants we
name as are not commonly met with, we will for once depart from our usual rule,
and state that Mr. W. Denyer, 82, Gracechurch Street, has a supply of this
beautiful bulb, and it may be had, we believe, for about 4d a root. A group of
three bulbs would produce a very showy effect.

We hope to figure both the Cypella and Homeria, when their flowering season
arrives; in the meantime, some of our readers may perhaps be induced by our
recommendation of them to procure the roots, now they may be had in a dry
state.

PROTECTION OF HALF-HARDY PLANTS IN WINTEL

Tae mellow tints which are stealing apace over hill and dale, and the rapidly falling
leaves in the grove and shrubbery, announce the near approach of Winter and his
train; and admonish us, before yielding up the garden to his withering hand, to
make the requisite preparations for guarding from the effects of frost such of the
more tender plants as it may be necessary or desirable to expose.

We have, on several occasions, when treating of plants not in the strictest sense
hardy, given hints as to their management in the winter season; but it may be

PROTECTION OF HALF-HARDY PLANTS IN WINTER. 171

advisable to bring together, into a connected form, the more important of these
directions.

There can be no doubt that the list of plants capable of out-door culture through-
out the year might be greatly extended, provided a proper system of protection
were employed; and that many plants which are now rarely seen in any but a
restricted form, would, under such treatment, attain a luxuriance rivalling that
exhibited by them in their native haunts. Among many others, the Zropa@olum
tvicolorum, or Tricolored Indian Cress, occurs to us ; this plant is, we believe, never,
or at least’ very rarely, seen cultivated except in pots, in which we admit,
however, it makes, when well grown, an exceedingly ornamental appearance ; but
when planted out against a wall, and the tuber protected in winter, the difference
in the size attained is scarcely credible. It is true these results are not
attainable without a little care; but the splendid display made, by this and many
other exotics during their flowering season, is a rich reward for. the pains
bestowed.

For the greater convenience of treatment, plants which it may be desired to
protect may be classified in three or four groups: Ist, Wall plants; 2nd, Shrubs,
or Half-Shrubby plants; 8rd, Herbaceous plants ; 4th, Bulbs. The first division
includes a large number of beautiful subjects, such as the Habrothamnus fasciculatus,
Tacsonias, Sollyas, Mandevilla, Myrtle, and Clianthus puniceus. In protecting these,
and indeed all other plants, it must be borne in. mind that, in many cases, it is not
so much a low temperature that is to be dreaded, as its association with sodden soil
and unripened tissues; could these last conditions be guarded against, the
protection of many plants would be comparatively an easy task; our endeavours
must, therefore, be directed to preserving the soil around their roots in as dry a
condition as possible.

The Zucsonia manicata, figured and described at page 99, appears likely to fulfil
our anticipations of its comparative hardiness. Our specimen is planted against
a wall, and has covered a considerable space. We intend to place over its roots
a semicircle of wood, eighteen inches wide and an inch thick, the straight edge of
the board to be placed against the wall, and a small notch cut out for the stem of
the plant. The board will be raised above the soil, by two or three cube-like feet,
and the space between it and the ground stuffed with some dry material, hay or
fern. The stems themselves will be left exposed as long as the weather is mild;
on the first approach of frost they will be cut down to within four or five feet from
the ground, and the whole be gathered into a bundle, around which will be
wrapped one or two thicknesses of bast-matting ; this, however, being so liable to
become soaked by heavy rains, in which state it would be worse than useless, will
be covered with a piece of waterproof calico, or oil cloth, the top or end of the
bundle being also tied over with this material. Thus the bast will act as a

172 PROTECTION OF HALE-HARDY PLANTS IN WINTER.

non-conducting medium, and the waterproof calico will preserve the whole in a
dry state. With these precautions we fully believe that the Zacsonia will take no
harm, even with the thermometer as low as 18° or 20° F; such of the surface roots
as extend beyond the wooden semicircle may perhaps be killed, but the plant itself
will not suffer. The Mandevilia may be treated in a similar way, and all other
deciduous climbers requiring protection.

The Habrothamnus will need little more than the covering at the roots we have .
recommended for the Zacsonia; on a west wall, where its shoots will receive but
little excitement from the sun’s rays, this beautiful shrub will bear some degree of
frost uninjured, without any protection, especially in dry soils; some provision
should be made, however, for covering it in severe weather, as the flowers are
produced at the ends of the branches, and these are precisely the portions of the
plant which would first suffer. We know no better plan of affording this temporary
shelter than by placing in front of the plant a frame covered with matting, or old
carpeting, and sufficiently large to extend some inches beyond the plant on all
sides.

Such a frame may be made in any style, and with any materials, from smooth
deal splines put together secundum artem, to rough poles cut from a coppice, and
tied at the corners with strong cord. These last may be made to answer every
purpose, and need not be more than one inch in diameter, except for large frames.
The size of the frame will, of course, vary with that of the plant to be sheltered; it
will be a good plan to prepare several of them differing in dimensions. One of
five or six feet in height, and the same in breadth, will be found very useful, and if
made of light poles, will not be too heavy for even a lady to remove. The covering
for the frame may be bast-matting, old carpet, floor-cloth, tarred canvass, or, in
short, any fabric capable of being securely fastened. The tarred canvass will be
found an excellent material, on account of its waterproof qualities, and strips of
floor-cloth are equally useful; but these will need nailing to the frame, and should
overlap each other. When placed before the plant, the frame will, of course, be
arranged in a‘slanting position; and if necessary, may be secured by a short hooked
stake driven into the ground at the foot, and at the top by a staple and cord.

Tt will be understood that these frames are only to be employed when frost
threatens; in mild, open weather their use would be injurious to most of the shrubs,
and likely to cause a premature growth, which must be carefully guarded against,
as much of the success in preserving the more delicate of this class of plants during
winter, depends on their energies being kept quite dormant. It is for this reason,
that when the shoots are well ripened, they often suffer less in mid-winter than in
early spring, when they commence their growth.

We have referred only to the Zacsonia and Habrothamnus, but our suggestions
are equally applicable to all other wall-plants of a tender character. Armed with a

PROTECTION OF HALF-HARDY PLANTS IN WINTER. 173

few of the portable frames, the amateur Horticulturist will be able to preserve many
greenhouse plants, usually supposed to be too tender to endure our winters, such as
the splendid Clianthus, the Pittosporums, the Acacias, Photinias, Camellias, Mag-
nolias, Myrtles, and many others.

Tender shrubs and half-shrubby plants.—The protection of this class of subjects
involves, perhaps, a little more care than the preceding, but the same principles
must be kept in view. A great point will be gained if the roots of shrubs can be
screened from the heavy rains so characteristic of our autumnal seasons; and this
can be accomplished without difficulty, by applying two of the wooden semi-circles,
referred to in the previous page, around the base of the stem, so as to forma
complete disc. In many cases, such a protection applied early, would so materially
check the production of young wood, and assist the ripening of the shoots, that it
would alone be sufficient to prevent injury by subsequent frosts.

There are a few plants, however, which will need a covering of some description,
and of this number is the Tree Peony (Jfoutan). This splendid plant, our readers
are aware, does not die down annually, but possesses a shrubby habit, and, like the
herbaceous kinds, commences its growth in early spring, while frost is yet rife. It
is at this period that protection is chiefly required; and it may be afforded by
driving a few upright stakes around the plant, and arching over these two stout
osiers, placed cross-wise, their ends being secured to the stakes by tarred strings.
Over the top a piece of waterproof material can be thrown at night, and secured
with string to the stakes. The same kind of covering may be used for all tender
evergreens of large size, such as the Rhododendron arboreum, and the other species
that are likely to suffer from full exposure. It is not only during actual frost that
this protection will be needed, but also whenever the cutting east winds are preva-
lent. In the latter case, it is often advisable to protect with the canvass only that
side of the shrub next the wind, the other being left open. Some of the Cistus
family are liable to perish in winter if the soil is wet, or the situation is very
exposed, and to these beautiful shrubs the kind of covering here suggested is very
suitable. In dry soils, a few branches of fir, laurel, or other common evergreens,
will often be found a sufficient protection for many dwarf shrubs and half-shrubby
plants.

Where it may be occasionally necessary to completely cover half-hardy plants of
moderate size, such as the Cantua dependens and Mitraria coccinea, a cylinder,
formed of two or three hoops connected by a few upright rods, and covered with
tarred canvass, will be found of great service. If preferred, the skeleton of the
frame might be constructed of galvanized or painted iron wire, which would last
many years, if strongly made. A top to the cylinder will be essential; and this
being separate, will allow of air being admitted in mild weather without disturbing
the entire protector. If additional warmth is required—and for the two plants we

174 PROTECTION OF HALF-HARDY PLANTS IN WINTER.

have named it will be desirable—the cylinder may be covered with a piece of matting,
before attaching the outer canvass; this last should invariably be tarred or painted,
or it will soon rot; in its stead oil-cloth may be used, but the canvass is consider-
ably the cheapest. The cost of such cylinders as we have described, three feet
high and eighteen inches in diameter, need not exceed 6d. each; and they may be
constructed by any person possessing the smallest modicum of mechanical genius, and
in any locality where a few stout osiers, a bit of canvass, and a little tar are attainable.

Herbaceous and bulbous plants.—Practically, these two divisions may be classed
together, and their protection is very simple. In most cases, an 8-inch pot
filled with hay will be a sufficient protection for such roots as the Salvia patens,
Cuphea strigillosa, Anomatheca cruenta, and nearly all the Cape Bulbs.

It is usual to employ in these cases a mulching of half-rotted manure, but this is,
in our opinion, very objectionable, as it soon becomes saturated with moisture, which
itretains for a long period. Leaves are open to the same objection unless they can be
kept dry, which may be done by placing a slate or tile over them: this will not
only keep the leaves in their places, but afford in itself additional protection.
Small heaps of coal-ashes are sometimes placed over tender roots, and if screened from
wet by covering them with a large pot, these are very efficient protectors. We
have scen sawdust used for the same purpose; but no worse substance could be
employed, unless it is kept dry by covering; when exposed to wet, it loses entirely
its protective character.

For bulbs or plants requiring only slight protection, a furze branch or two, peg-
ged down, is one of the best and simplest coverings ; and this material will be found
exceedingly useful for beds of half-hardy bulbs, as well as for placing between
patches of autumn-sown annualsin severe weather. It is, however, very important
to observe that, in the case of bulbs or roots which commence their growth early in
the spring, the coverings should be partially removed, and their place supplied with
an empty pot.

We have by no means exhausted the subject, but sufficient has been said to guide
our readers to successful results. It must be borne in mind, that a sudden increase
of temperature must be as carefully guarded against as severe frosts, especially in
the case of wall plants, which are often exposed in early spring to the alternate
influences of bright sunshine by day, and sharp frosts by night; the injurious
effect of these sudden changes must be prevented by keeping the screens entirely
before the plants during the prevalence of such weather, removing it only in dull
days. In all cases, protective coverings should be cautiously withdrawn on the
approach of spring, and never entirely dispensed with at night, in the case of
delicate plants, until the end of April, when they may be placed aside in their
summer quarters until again,

‘ Autumn’s yellow lustre gilds the scene.’

fe MAZE wl

WINDOW GARDENING,

(Continued from page 123.)

Ovr last observations under this head had reference to the treatment of cuttings,
and logically we ought, therefore, to resume the subject, with the subsequent
management and training of young plants. A few suggestions, however, on the
winter treatment of the plants usually cultivated as window ornaments will, we
think, be more seasonable and acceptable, especially as their management, at this
period of the year, involves points of more importance than is usually supposed.

The successful treatment of most plants, depends mainly on the practical
recognition of the fact, that al/ plants, without exception, as well evergreens as
deciduous, have their season of rest, during which any attempt to keep them in a
growing state will be infallibly attended with injury ; and it is chiefly owing to the
neglect of this important feature in their economy, that so many plants refuse to
yield their flowers. The period of the year at which this dormant condition
prevails, of course varies; in the case of the Cyclamens, Cape Bulbs, Hyacinths, and
many other endogenous plants, it occurs in the hottest months ; but in the majority
of plants commonly seen in windows, it takes place during the cold season.

As both these classes of subjects are commonly grown in company, one difficulty
with which the amateur of gardening en petit, has to contend with in winter, is the
existence, on the same window sill, of plants requiring opposite modes of treatment ;
the deciduous Fuschia, which should be kept dry, being generally seen side by side
with the Cyclamen, Lachenalia, and Chinese Primrose, in full growth. This, in
itself, would be unimportant in a cultural point of view, if water were withheld
from such plants as were at rest; but, unfortunately, most of them being at this
season kept in a room artificially heated, they are stimulated into growth, and the
soil being rapidly dried, unless water were given they would be greatly injured. The
obvious remedy for this state of things, is the complete separation of those plants
which are dormant, from others in a growing state; and this is the more desirable,
that the first named are, with a very few exceptions, auy thing but ornamental in
their appearance, and their removal will allow room for a larger number of winter
flowering plants.

All window plants may be divided, with reference to their winter management,
into three classes.

The first includes all plants which either die quite down, as the Achmenes,
Begonia, and Japan Lily or which lose their leaves, as the Fuschia, Heliotrope,
Lantana, Lemon-scented Verbena. These, and all others of this class, should be

176 WINDOW GARDENING.

stowed away in a closet, or wherever they will be out of the reach of frost; but
provided that is excluded, the cooler they are kept the better. Light is by no
means essential, and the windows may therefore be spared for other subjects.

The second class of plants consists of those which, although requiring no fire-
heat, and only occasional watering, yet need a window of good aspect. This
includes the evergreens, such as the Myrtle, Heaths, Geraniums, Verbenas, Cadla
athiopica, Cinerarias, Roses, Calceolarias, Limulus, Cantua dependens, Mitraria coceinea,
Crassula, Cacti, Aloes, Mesembryanthemums, and all other succulents. The whole
of these require to be exposed to a good light, in order to preserve them in a healthy
condition; but they must be kept as cool as possible, and all the succulents will do
perfectly well without a drop of water from November to February. The Cinerarias,
Mimulus, Geraniums, and Heaths, however, will need an occasional watering, more
especially the two former, as they continue to grow throughout the winter. The
Calla may be kept nearly dry, and should have only sufficient water given it to
keep its leaves erect. This beautiful plant should never be exposed to the
excitement of a warm room in winter ; it will bear any amount of cold above actual
frost, and will flower more freely the following season, from being kept at this low
temperature. The Camellia is not unfrequently grown in the window, but it will
not absolutely need a sunny aspect, although the weak rays of the winter sun will
do it no harm. It must, however, be kept at an equal temperature, or the blossom
buds will fall, and therefore a warm sitting room will be objectionable. This plant
will require to be watered more frequently than most of the other plants we have
named; the soil should be kept thoroughly moistened, but not wet.

The third class of plants contains those which may be preserved in a moderately
warm sitting room without receiving much injury; they consist chiefly of the
Acacias, Chinese Primrose, Cytisws racemosus, Cyclamens, Lachenalias, Hyacinths,
and other early bulbs. To these may be added the common dwarf Chrysanthe-
mums in the present month, and the Cinerarias at a later period, when they are
about to bloom. The beautiful Zorenia asiatica figured in our first plate, will
require to be kept in a warm room, as it will not live at a low temperature, and it
will be preserved in a healthier condition if pruned in, and covered with a large
bell-glass. We do not mean to affirm that no other than the plants we have just
named may be kept in a heated apartment ; but we are persuaded that all those we
have given under the second class, and which are very commonly allowed to remain
in warm rooms, will be far better in a cool window. An exception may, perhaps,
be made for the Geraniums; but even these, the least delicate of window plants,
receive much injury from the dust created by coal-fires.

Many of the plants which require to be kept cool in the early winter months
may, however, be removed to a warmer room later in the season ; among these may be
cited the Cinerarias, Ixias, and Mimulus. The subject will be resumed in our next,

rl i aad

HARDY SHRUBS,

Ir would not, perhaps, be too much to affirm that of all classes of ornamental plants,
the most generally useful are the Hardy Shrubs. They constitute, in fact, an indis-
pensable feature in all well-arranged grounds; for while, on the one hand, it would
be easy to conceive of a garden composed entirely of shrubs, which should
scarcely yield in interest to those of a more mingled character, it is hardly possible
to imagine an effective arrangement in which shrubs should be completely
excluded.

From their larger size, they impart a boldness to the ensemble, for the absence of
’ which the gaudiest colours will scarcely compensate; and form, also to the smaller
gems of the garden a ‘ setting,’ which greatly enhances their charms.

A considerable number, too, both of evergreen and deciduous shrubs, produce
flowers of so much beauty and interest, as to make them conspicuous objects even at
those seasons, when these fragile creations are scattered around us with a lavish
hand; and in the dreary winter months,

‘ When the winds whistle, and the snows descend,’

the garden may be said to owe its chief attractions to the cheerful evergreens which
glisten on, as if to keep alive the interest of their possessor until the return of spring.

Another, and by no means the least recommendation of this class of plants, is the
very slight amount of trouble they entail ; beyond a little care in planting, and an
occasional pruning, they require no attention, each returning season, witnessing a
more copious display of blossoms than its predecessor.

Few shrubberies, however, present that variety which is one of the greatest
Charms of gardening; they are too commonly, either occupied by old-fashioned
shrubs of little interest, or the number of each kind is too large to allow of that
diversity so easily attainable. In gardens of limited extent, we ceftainly think
that, as a general rule, only one plant of each species should be permitted,
which would allow of the introduction of a considerable number of interesting
subjects.

Our limited space forbids our giving a complete list of hardy shrubs, which would
be of little use, if unaccompanied by note or comment; and we shall therefore
content ourselves with making a selection of the best of each class, both of ever-
green and deciduous shrubs, which will, we hope, be of some service to such of our
readers as may be desirous of extending their acquaintance with this valuable
section of ornamental plants.

178 HARDY SHRUBS.

The EvERGREENS constitute the largest and most important division; and we,
therefore, give them precedence.

Andromeda.—This genus includes a considerable number of highly interesting
species, all of them remarkable for their neat habit, and pretty white or pink
flowers. Where there is room for only one species, none is more desirable than the
A. floribunda, which, whether grown as a single specimen on a lawn, or in a group
with other Americans, forms an extremely beautiful object when in flower. The
blossoms are pure white, appearing in early spring ‘before the swallow dares.’
Acuminata is another beautiful species also with white flowers. Those of polifolia
and its varieties, are pink; this species is of dwarfer growth than the preceding, and
is very suitable for the front of the shrubbery or the edge of the peat bed. They
succeed best in heath mould, and will do well in partially shaded places; in
very dry soils, such situations should be chosen for them, as they suffer from
drought.

Arbutus. (Strawberry Tree.)—This justly popular genus necds no eulogium
from us, all the species being among the most beautiful of our hardy evergreens.
Perhaps the species ordinarily met with in gardens, 4. unedo, is as handsome as
any; but the whole of them are very desirable. For the sake of contrast, the very
handsome variety, Croomii, which has large red flowers, should be grown in
company with it. Croomi? must not be confounded with rubra, which, although of
the same colour, has smaller flowers and leaves. The A. magnifica, noticed ina
previous page, is remarkable for flowering freely whilst small, a characteristic
which—in conjunction with its fine foliage, so distinct in form, from that of wnedo
and its varieties—will, doubtless, make it a favorite. This species, or rather
hybrid, blooms in the early spring months, about the same time as the Andromeda
floribunda.

Aucuba japonica. (Spotted Bay.)—But for its somewhat slow growth, this well-
known shrub might be classed as one of the most valuable of evergreens; and,
notwithstanding this drawback, its large mottled foliage, contrasting so well with
that of other shrubs, makes it very desirable. It has an advantage over some other
evergreens, in its greater capability of bearing the air of towns; and it will also
succeed very well in shady places, but not where there is stagnant moisture.

Berberis.—The whole of the evergreen section of this genus, especially those with
pinnated leaves, formerly termed Mzehonias, are amongst the most useful, and
generally available of hardy shrubs. No garden should be without the B. aquifolia,
which, notwithstanding the many species introduced during the last few years,
remains without a rival, at least, among those species at present attainable by
amateurs of moderate means. For a notice of the remarkable B. japonica, and some
others, the reader is referred to page 102.

Cistus.—The beautiful, but fugacious blossoms of the Gum Cistus, C. Jadaniferus,

HARDY SHRUBS. ; 179

are among the greatest attractions of the shrubbery in June; and those of most of
the other species of this esteemed genus are almost equally showy. When old, they
are liable to become naked and unsightly at the base, an appearance which may be
prevented if the plants are pruned while young. C. ladaniferus produces the
largest flowers; and where only one species is grown, it should be preferred; where
there is room for a larger selection, populifolius, laurifolius, venustus, and villosus, may
be grown; the last has purple flowers, the others are similar to those of the first
named species. Few shrubs are more easily increased by cuttings; those of the
Gum-Cistus will strike in autumn without a hand light, and as young plants are so
readily raised, it is advisable to remove the old ones when they become scrubby.
Besides the species we have named, there are a considerable number of dwarfer
kinds, adapted for the front of the shrubbery; among the best of these are
acutifolius, white ; creticus, purple; platysepalus, red; Ledon, white. These dwarf
species are rather less hardy than the larger kinds, and as a precaution against loss,
a cutting of each should be preserved from frost in a pot.

Coronilla glauca.—We are somewhat at a loss to understand why this pretty
evergreen is not more generally cultivated in the open borders, as it is certainly
quite hardy, although classed with greenhouse plants by most-Botanical writers,
and forms, when raised from seed, much handsomer specimens than those usually
seen in pots. At the Gold-Rood, a villa near Ipswich, an example of this plant
may be seen in the open ground, and which is said to have been in its present
situation nearly twenty years—a length of time abundantly sufficient to test its
hardiness. As far as our experience goes, we may state that a seedling plant in
our possession has been exposed two seasons, and is now, in the middle of November,
covered with a considerable number of flower-heads. It may be necessary to warn
our readers, that the plant does not flower very freely until it has been exposed one
or two seasons. If, however, after it has reached its full height (three or four feet),
the shoots, which often form so dense a head that the stem is hidden from view,
are rather severely thinned, there will be no subsequent lack of its bright yellow
flowers; in fact, an established specimen is seldom without blossoms.

Cytisus racemosus.—We have no doubt the appearance of this species in a list of
hardy shrubs, will excite surprise in some minds, the plant being usually treated as
a greenhouse subject, and is very often grown as a window plant, for which it is well
adapted. It will, however, bear full exposure, and in the open ground attains a
much larger size than in pots; but its flowers are, of course, produced at a later
period of the spring than when cultivated under glass. When in bloom, it forms a
most interesting object, and loads the air with its delicious perfume. It is best
raised from seed, which may be procured of most seedsmen, and it will, perhaps, be
desirable to preserve the seedlings from frost the first winter. It may also be
increased by cuttings, but these make smaller plants. The C. sessiliforus is a

180 HARDY SHRUBS.

desirable evergreen species, of larger growth than the preceding; but may easily be
kept dwarfer, by ‘stopping’ the shoots while young.

Daphne.—Few of the evergreen species of this genus produce showy flowers,
but their delicious fragrance make them desirable additions to the shrubbery. One
of the oldest and best known, is D. pontica, a very neat species, from three to five
feet high, with broad foliage terminating the stems. It will succeed in the shade,
or beneath trees. The little D. cncorum, a trailing species, with pink flowers, is a
general favorite. It does best in peat, and in a cool situation. The D. japonica, a
recent introduction, is a beautiful species, which we would specially commend to all
lovers of hardy evergreens. Its foliage is handsomely variegated, and its flowers
very fragrant. It requires only ordinary soil, and is a fast grower in almost any
situation. Another very desirable species is the D. hybrida, with purplish flowers,
and large glossy leaves ; it is the D. dauphinit of some writers.

Escallonia macrantha.—This beautiful shrub has already been noticed in these
pages (see p. 49), and the strong recommendation there given has been fully justified
by subsequent experience. It is, in short, so highly ornamental, that it must be
regarded as indispensable; and its price is now so low, that none need deny them-
selves the gratification of possessing it. It is easily increased by cuttings, and
succeeds in almost any soil. In those parts of England in which the winters are
very severe, it will, perhaps, be advisable to plant it either at the foot of a wall, or
else surround it with other evergreens, which will afford it some shelter.

Garrya.—tThe G. elliptica has already received an illustration in these pages; our
figure, however, gives but a very imperfect idea of the beauty of the long catkins,
which impart so much interest to this plant. It deserves to be in every shrubbery,
and may be had at a very reasonable cost. See the notice on page 86.

Laurus nobilis. (Sweet Bay).—It is to be regretted that this interesting plant, the
Laurel of the Roman Poets, is liable to suffer in exposed situations in severe
winters. With a view to guard against the effects of frosts, it should be planted
in a sheltered part of the shrubbery, or a warm corner, and will then receive but
little harm. In winters of more than ordinary severity, it well deserves a covering;
for when seriously injured, it recovers with difficulty, and its symmetry is not
unfrequently much impaired. There are several varieties of the common Bay, of
which the best is that termed Jatifolia. All do best in a light friable loam. A new
species, the Z. regalis, has been recently introduced from California, which is perfectly
hardy ; but it will not, we fear, be common for some years.

Leycesteria formosa.—This plant is by no means so common as it deserves to be,
although quite hardy in the midland and southern counties, and, probably, even in
the north, in all but the severest winters. We have never known it to be seriously
injured by frost in our own neighbourhood ; and even if it were killed to the
ground, it would shoot again. The flowers are not very conspicuous, but the habit

HARDY SHRUBS. 181

of the plant is very graceful, and in autumn the deep purple tint of the bracts and
berries adds greatly to its beauty. In good soil, it will reach the height of five or
six feet; but it will succeed very well in any ordinary soil. It is a fast grower,
and readily increased by seeds or cuttings.

Piptanthus Nepalensis—Here is another leguminous shrub, rarely seen in gardens,
but which is eminently deserving a place in even the smallest. It is sufficiently
hardy for all but the most northern counties; but will succeed on a wall, in any
part of Great Britain. The flowers are yellow, of some size; and although lasting
but one day, are produced for some time in succession, and make a very showy
appearance. It is easily increased by seeds or cuttings, and grows from five to six,
or eight feet high, in any common soil.

Ruscus. (Butcher’s Broom.)—The plants of this curious genus are very rarely
seen in cultivation, though, from their dwarf, compact habit, and indifference as to
soil or aspect, they merit attention. They will succeed under the drip of trees,
and, when in fruit, are very ornamental. There are several species, one of which,
aculeatus, is a British plant; but is less desirable than 2. racemosus, sometimes
termed the Alexandrian Laurel, which is of taller growth, and has larger foliage
than aculeatus. They are both readily increased by suckers, and will thrive in
any moderately good soil.

Xanthorhiza.—This curious and interesting plant—for there is but one species,
apiifolia—is, perhaps, one of the rarest of shrubs; but its singular foliage and
flowers are always attractive from the contrast they afford to other plants. The
leayes are much divided, and, as the specific term implies, somewhat resemble
those of the Parsley. The flowers are rather small, but numerously produced in
large panicles, and are at first of a green tint, which changes after a few days to
purple. It rarely exceeds three or four feet in height, and will grow in any good
soil. The plant belongs to the Ranunculus tribe, and is one of the very few
shrubs included in that order. It is cultivated by Messrs. Loddiges of Hackney,
and is by no means expensive.

We have omitted many of the commoner evergreens, as being too widely diffused
to require notice; and we have also been obliged to exclude most of the plants
termed ‘ Americans,’ requiring a peat soil, such as the Kalmia, Ledum, Rhodo-
dendron, and others, which, with their allies, will be noticed in an early number.

Among the pEcrpvovus shrubs now in cultivation, many are of great beauty; but
there are, however, fewer novelties in this class, than among the evergreens, and
most of those we have named below are now well-known plants.

Adenocarpus.—The species now included under this head were formerly classed
as Cytisus; from which they differ, in having a small yellow waxy gland on each side
of the seed near the Ailum. The only one commonly found at the nurseries is the
A. intermedius, a somewhat slender shrub three or four feet high. The pea-like,

182 HARDY SHRUBS.

blossoms are yellow, spotted, produced in June: and if after flowering, the shoots
bearing the pods are clipped off, a second crop of blossoms often follows in
autumn.

Caragana.—This genus belongs to the same natural order as the preceding. The
species are, with one exception, all yellow-flowered shrubs of rather low growth,
and are somewhat rare in gardens. They are all handsome, especially frutescens,
Chamlagu, Redowski, and spinosa, which are generally grafted on C. arborescens.
C. jubata has pink flowers. All of them flourish in sandy loam, and may be
increased by seeds or grafting. One species, C. Halodendron, will be referred to
under the head of Halimodendron.

Clethra.—The C. alnifolia is found in most nurseries. It is a pretty shrub of
moderate growth, bearing white, Arbutus-like flowers in autumn, and requires
peat soil. There are several species all worth growing, one of which, Meaicana,
is an evergreen.

Crategus. (Hawthorn.)—Some species of this beautiful and extensive genus
should be in every garden, and none are more beautiful than the numerous varieties
of the C. oxyacantha. Although most of the species grow naturally from ten to
twenty feet, or more, high, all of them may be grafted on low stems of the common
Hawthorn. The double scarlet-flowered and golden-berried varieties of oxyacantha,
with the species flava, odoratissima, and tanacetifolia, are among the best, and are
generally kept by nurserymen.

Deutzia.—This genus is nearly allied to the Syringa, and comprises several very
desirable shrubs. Scabra, the earliest introduced, is now pretty well known, and
has taken a high rank. It produces an abundance of white fragrant flowers, and
small plants blossom freely. The other species are corymbosa, staminea, sanguinea,
and gracilis. Corymbosa we have never been able to flower, although we have tried
it in a variety of soils. Gracilis, the most recently introduced species, is a
charming little plant, and with D. scabra should be procured by everybody. Both
may be had very cheap and are quite hardy. They are increased by cuttings.

Forsythia viridissima.—A very beautiful shrub, and valuable on account of its
early flowers. It is sometimes grown against a wall, but is hardy enough for a
standard in all but the most northern counties. The blossoms are large, of a
yellow tint, and copiously produced along the previous year’s wood; the shoots
should, therefore, never be shortened until after flowering. It will grow ten feet
high, but may be kept dwarfer by pruning.

Gordonia.—In warm situations, one or two species of this genus will succeed.
They belong to the Camellia tribe, and produce large white or yellow flowers; those
of lastanthus are of the latter tint; pubescens, which is more common, has white
blossoms. Where a wall can be afforded them, they will do better than in the open
shrubbery.

HARDY SHRUBS. 183

Halesia tetraptera. (Snow-drop Tree.)—Although this interesting plant may be
procured for a small sum, it is seldom seen in the shrubbery. The flowers, which
are white, appear before the leaves, and are succeeded by a fleshy-winged fruit. It
is very ornamental, and deserves more extensive cultivation.

Halimodendron.—A. most beautiful leguminous shrub, or small tree, with pink
flowers in drooping bunches. It may either be grown on its own roots or grafted
on the Laburnum, or Thorn-Acacia. On a lawn it would make a very handsome
appearance. It flowers in May.

Ribes.—The varieties of the 2. sanguinewm are now as common as the Gooseberry;
but the beautiful R. nivewm, and many other species equally interesting, are far less
widely diffused. The snow-white flowers of this plant are very attractive, and so
are those of speciosum, Gordonianus, aureum, and floridum, all of which should
be obtained. To keep the plants of a compact form, they should be closely pruned
in autumn, as in the case of the common Gooseberry, and will then flower more
freely. The largest collection of Rides in this country is that of the Messrs.
Loddiges, where all of those we haye named, and many others, may be obtained.
At most nurseries, however, several species are kept.

Spirea.—The Spireas are rather numerous, and all are pretty. There are
three species which we would recommend for a small garden, Douglassti, ariefolia,
and the double-flowered variety of prunifolia. The first has rosy-flowers, produced
from the end of July to September, and grows about four feet high; ariefolia is a
very elegant species, producing in June large drooping bunches of whitish flowers,
which have a charming effect; prunifolia flore-pleno is, perhaps, one of the most
desirable of deciduous shrubs, on account of the early period at which it flowers,
generally in April, and its double blossoms of pure white, with here and there a
spot of green at the tips of the petals, are always much admired.

Virgila lutea.—This handsome shrub, or rather small tree, is another of those
subjects too rarely seen in cultivation at the present day. If its merits alone are
considered, it ought to be as common as the Laburnum, which it resembles; but its
flowers are produced a month or six weeks later than those of that well-known
shrub. It is perfectly hardy, and will attain the height of fifteen feet, but may be
trained to a dwarfer form by stopping the leading shoots while young. This
beautiful plant is not often kept by nurseymen, but may be had of Messrs. Loddiges.
Its classical associations alone would make it a desirable plant, even were it less
ornamental.

Weigela rosea.—Few of Mr. Fortune’s Chinese plants have become'so popular as
this interesting shrub, for nothing can exceed the beauty of its appearance in spring,
when covered with its large pink and white flowers. In good soil (and so fine a
plant deserves to be supplied with a generous compost) it grows five feet high,
forming a handsome bush. It is quite hardy; although in very exposed situations,

184 NOTICES OF NEW OR BARE PLANTS.

it sometimes suffers from frost, after it has commenced its growth in spring. The
soil, in which it is grown, should be easily penetrable by the roots; if of close
texture, a little peat, or leaf mould, should be dug in before planting. It will
flower more freely, if the shoots are shortened in early spring. In poor, sandy
soil, it does not grow so large, but it blossoms more abundantly, we think, than in
richer materials.

In the preceding lists we have taken care to enumerate only such shrubs as are
procurable for a moderate sum, and which, with a few exceptions, are generally
kept by nurserymen. All of them are suitable for gardens of limited extent; and
although, did our space permit, the list might be greatly extended, the shrubbery,
which includes those we have named, will present attractions of no common order.

In our next volume we hope to figure many of the recent introductions in this
class of subjects, which, from their comparative rarity, and consequent high price,
we have omitted in the foregoing pages.

NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

ABELIA UNIFLORA ( Caprifoliacee.)—A recently introduced evergreen shrub, of low
growth, from the north of China. The flowers are about an inch in length, stained
with violet. It is said to be perfectly hardy. The old 4. floribunda is also much
hardier than is usually supposed, and in most localities, would bear our winters
with slight protection.

Forrunn’s Dovste YELLow, or Wanc-sanG-ve Rosr.—This beautiful plant was dis-
covered by Mr. Fortune, in the garden of a rich old Mandarin at Ningpo, where it
completely covered an old wall; and the profusion of glowing yellowish salmon-
coloured flowers produced a striking effect. ‘Seldom,’ write Messrs. Standish and
Noble to the Botanical Magazine (from which we extract these particulars), ‘has a
really beautiful flower remained so long, comparatively unknown, as this. Few per-
sons have seen a blossom, and those who have not, believe it worthless. In fact, there
exists a deeply-rooted prejudice against the plant, caused, no doubt, by the very
unfavourable report circulated when it first bloomed in this country. Yet nothing
can be more beautiful as a flower, nor can anything exceed it in delicacy of tint.
Imagine a gamboge-yellow ground on which is thrown a tint of crimson lake, and
you will obtain an idea of its colour. The centre petals have generally a predomi-
nation of lake, and the outer ones are strongly marked; but there is a beautiful
clearness about them, which must be seen to be appreciated. The flowers are

LACHENALIAS. 185

produced from the wood of the previous year, as in the Persian Yellow and
Banksian Roses, and the shoots should, therefore, never be shortened in spring, but
only thinned; itis, doubtless, from ignorance of this peculiarity that many cultivators
have been unsuccessful in blooming it. It is a very rapid grower, and is well
adapted for either wall or pillar, and it may also be budded on the ordinary stocks
and grown as a standard. In hardiness, it equals any other Rose; we have never
seen it injured in the severest weather.’ Plants may be procured at most of the
nurseries for a very reasonable sum.

Mecoyopsts Watutcntt /Papaveracee.)—A highly interesting herbaceous perennial,
with handsome blue flowers, introduced from Nepaul to the Kew Gardens, by Dr.
J. Hooker. In its pubescent foliage and general habit, it greatly resembles many
other of the Poppy-worts, the chief novelty being in the colour of the flowers,
which are of a tint very unusual in the Order. If it should prove hardy, as is
supposed, it will be an acceptable addition to our herbaceous perennials.

Rusvs srriorvs (Rosacee).—A very handsome bramble, introduced by Messrs.
Veitch and Sons, from Nepaul. It is of very tall growth, often reaching the height
of ten or twelve feet; and its stems being covered with a very white pulverulent
substance, it forms a conspicuous object. The flowers are white, produced in May
or June, and are, as the specific name implies, generally in pairs. They are
succeeded by a deep amber-coloured fruit, as large as the Raspberry, which, when
young, is enclosed in the erect calyx, but as it ripens, the segments become reflexed. .
It is not only a very ornamental species, but will probably prove valuable for its
fruit.

LACHENALIAS.

We know no spring-flowering bulbs more worthy the attention of window gardeners
than these very pretty, though somewhat common plants. Their culture is so
exceedingly simple, that it is almost impossible to fail; and they increase so fast,
that the offsets from two or three bulbs would, in a couple of years, be sufficient to
fill several pots.

Their habit, too, is extremely neat and unobtrusive, and the spotted foliage of
most of the species gives them additional interest. They succeed quite as well on
the window as in the greenhouse, and, during the six months of the year in which
they are dormant, they require no attention whatever.

The most common species is Z. tricolor ; but, where procurable, pendula, quadri-

186 EXTRAORDINARY SPECIMEN OF DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS.

color, pustulata, and their varieties are to be preferred. These are not to be met with
at every provincial nursery; but they may be had in a dry state of most of the
London Florists and Seedsmen.

Pendula is of very graceful drooping habit, and its leaves are beautifully blotched
with black; its flowers resemble in their tints those of tricolor, but are larger, and
produced upon a stouter scape. The flowers of quadricolor resemble those of
pendula, but are much brighter in their tints; those of pustulata are purple and
green, and the leaves of this species are curiously blistered. There are also a few
species with pale blue flowers; of these, pallida and mutabilis are the best. The
former is sometimes kept by the Florists: we observe it in the Bulb Catalogue for
the present season of Mr. J. Carter, Seedsman, 238, High Holborn, who has, too, eight
or ten other species on sale. Those we have named are all spring flowers, blooming
from February to May.

They usually commence their growth early in autumn ; and when it is necessary
to divide the clusters of bulbs, it should be done before the roots are protruded.
Three or four full-sized bulbs may be placed in a four-inch pot; and the soil most
proper for them is a mixture of leaf-mould and sandy loam; they are not, however,
very particular in this respect, almost any light, porous soils will suit them, but
those of a heavy, close, retentive character must be avoided. The pots must be
well drained with broken crocks, and in planting, the bulbs should be placed one or
two inches below the surface. For a month or six weeks they may be left exposed
out-doors, if placed on some hard material, but this exposure is not essential.
During the early stages but little water will be required; when the leaves are far
advanced, larger supplies may be given, but care should be taken that the heart of
the plant is kept dry, or the embryo flower-stalk may be injured. After flowering,
water should be gradually withheld; and when the leaves are quite withered, the
pot may be placed away until the return of autumn. It is not necessary to divide
the bulbs each season, but the cluster should be, in any case, repotted in fresh
soil. The bulbs of the Lachenalias are nearly hardy, but they can not be
recommended for cultivation in the open border, unless protected when in flower.

EXTRAORDINARY SPECIMEN OF DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS.

A corrEsponpENT of the Floricultural Cabinet gives an account of a remarkable
example of this beautiful plant, growing in the garden of a gentleman, at Lexden
Heath, near Colchester. It was planted in 1850, and was then only a few inches

EXTRAORDINARY SPECIMEN OF DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS. 187

high. During that, and the following season, it flourished wonderfully, but this
year it reached a size and form surpassing anything of the kind yet seen. In the
middle of August it became necessary to cut it down on account of its enormous
size, to prevent it from destroying some neighbouring roses ; and it then measured
upwards of thirty feet in circumference, and five feet in height! Between April
and August, it frequently bore upwards of two hundred perfect spikes of flowers at
once; and it had not a single stem or branch broken by the wind, although in a
very bleak and exposed situation. This luxuriance is attributed to its being
planted in soil of the richest kind. In the same garden, there are also extraordinary
specimens of the Myoporum tenuifolium, the two sorts of Vinca, and of the new
Cantua dependens, said to be of a size far beyond anything yet attained in our best
managed greenhouses.

It would be difficult to exaggerate the value of the Dielytra, which is assuredly
one of the most valuable hardy plants ever introduced; but we think there must be
some error in the size attributed to the above mentioned specimen—a diameter of
ten feet for a single plant seems hardly credible, even in these days of progress.
We can but wish it may be true; for what has been once done may be repeated,
and, at all events, this much is certain, that a group of four or five specimens would
make a highly attractive object.

We find the Dielytra to be of very easy increase by cuttings; not only may the
terminal and side shoots be taken off and struck, but every joint of the stem will
make a plant, provided it be furnished with a leaf and axillary bud. They root
readily without bottom heat, under a tumbler or bell-glass, at almost any season of
the year. It is necessary, however, to plant them in very sandy soil, well drained,
and also to wipe the interior of the glass each morning, or they are liable to
damp off.

We observe that a suggestion has been made in the pages of a contemporary
with regard to the cross-impregnation of the plant with the D. eximia. We would,
however, hint that far more striking results would be obtained by hybridizing it
with the pollen of some of the yellow species of Corydalis, to which genus it is
nearly related. All the Dielytras have pink flowers, and spectabilis being by far the
finest species, we do not think any great improvement would be obtained by
intermingling the inferior one with it. The flowers of most of the Corydalis are
small; but their yellow tint offers a chance of some great variation in colour,
supposing that the two genera will hybridize. When the flowering season for
these plants arrives, we will make a suggestion as to the mode in which the
operation should be performed.

END OF VOL I.

PLANTS FIGURED.

Acacia grandis
Alstroemeria Van Houtteii
Antirrhinum Hendersonii
Berberis Darwinii
Bouvardia aurantiaca cd
Calceolaria Wellington Hero
Calochortus venustus
Campanula coronata
Cantua dependens
Ceanothus dentatus
Clematis ccerulea
Cyclamen persicum punctatum
Delphinium Hendersonii
Dielytra spectabilis
Escallonia macrantha
Garrya elliptica

Gelasine azurea .
Gladiolus Blouetianus
Grammanthes gentianoides
Habrothamnus fasciculatus
Lardizabala biternata
Lilium colehicum

Lobelia hybrida

Martynia fragrans ‘
Microsperma | bartonioides
Mitraria coccinea
(Enothera prostrata .
Oxalis cernua

Oxalis elegans
Pelargonium Unique
Pentstemon gentianoides
Pentstemon speciosum
Phlox Drummondii Mayii
Plumbago Larpente
Pompon Chrysanthemums
Potentilla Menziesii
Rhododendron lanatum
Ribes albidum

Salvia bicolor

Sollya linearis

Tacsonia manicata
Thunbergia alata alba
Torenia Asiatica

Tritonia aurea

Tropeolum speciosum .
Viola pyrolefolia 4

PLANTS NOTICED.

Abelia uniflora

Acacia verticillata

Arbutus magnifica

Cerasus ilicifolia

Chameerops excelsa
Chrysanthemum Hender sonii
Collinsia multicolor

Cypella Herbertii
Desfontainea spinosa
Echeandia terniflora

M.

INDEX,

New Plants, List of

a -

PAGE
mies Eugenia Ugni 95
to face page 113 Fortune’s Yellow Rose 184
im 33 | Gaura Lindheimeri . 167
* j29 | Geranium Hendersonii_ . 95
“s 97 | Geranium Shrubland Pet 95
sf 145 | Gynerium argenteum 63
- 129 | Holbéllia acuminata 63
is 17 | Homeria lineata 170
i 129 | Jasminum nudiflorum 96
ys 49 | Lapageria rosea 64
be 97 | Lilium giganteum 64
- 33 » Wallichianum 141
fs 81 | Meconopsis Wallichianum 185
, 129 | Cnothera czespitosa 166
e ‘eel a macrocarpa 166
“i 49 | ot speciosa 166
i 81 ag taraxicifolia 166
2S 16] | Paulownia imperialis ‘ 141
ms 145 | Pentstemon Baccharefolius 64
‘s 17 a Kellermannii 141
17 yee Wp oo 96
“ 65 | Rubus biflorus 185
ng 49 | Salvia candelabrum 64
“3 145 »» nova : 96
F 33 Saxegothea conspicua 96
i 16] | Skimmia japonica 142
x 65 | Lropeolum pendulum 64
s 161 Viburnum macrocephalum 64
i 161 MISCELLANEOUS.
th 1 | Anemone, the Culture of 159
Os 161 | Cactaceous Plants, their Winter Management 138
" 17 | Cape Bulbs as Window Ornaments 142
S 145 | Chrysanthemum, the, in China : 111
5 119 | Cupressus funebris, or Weeping Cypress 90
4 65 | Deciduous Shrubs, Select List of ‘ 181
3 33 | Disadvantage of Pot-grown Shrubs 127
ae 113 | Evergreen Shrubs, Select List of 178
a 1 | Extraordinary specimen of Dielytra spectabilis 187
ss 49 | Hardy Plants of the sel tribe 156
‘8 97 | Hardy Perennials 29, 45
Fe 97 | Hardy Shrubs 17
FS 33 | Hybridizing, Process of 107
1 , Inconspicuous Props for Plants 80
- 81 | Lachenalias, Culture of 182
. 17 | Microscope, the, and Flower Garden 15
9 65 | New Cutting Glass 34

" 62, 95, 140, 180
Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Practical Hints

184 on Planting, by Messrs. Standish and Noble 127

63 | Proper Season for Transplanting

140 | Protection of Half-hardy Plants in Wint: Yr
140 | Rhododendrons, Culture of ‘
95 | Seeds, their structure and functions

95 | Shrubs, hardy, evergreen, and deciduous

63 | Sikkim rhododendrons
169 Summer climbers
63 | Tree mignionette .

141 | Window Gardening

BURTON AND CO., PRINTERS, IPSWICH.

138
170
61
58

“¥8, 91, 124, 175

Cy By

Chrmuatta’ wiubefolee
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Be Y a ; a

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SS emerruas _leftoneae Bepunal Yell age

THE

Caglish Flower Garden:

A NON TELY MAGA ATTN E

F

HARDY AND HALF-HARDY PLANTS,

BY. Wei FH OMPSON.

LONDON :

7omrkIN, MARSHALL, AND CO., STATIONERS’ HALL COURT.

MDCCCLIII,

IPSWICH

PRINTED BY J. M. BURTON AND co.

PREFACE.

‘Tue first year’s existence of a serial publication will to its projector
always be, even under the most favourable conditions, a season of great
anxiety—in our own case, it has been peculiarly so; but we indulge the
belief that, thanks to the fostering care of a generous public, the seedling
will speedily become a thriving plant, and that our future path amid the
flowers may be strewn with fewer thorns.’

Such were the words, gentle reader, with which we concluded our first
preface; the result has, however, hardly justified our anticipations; but if
the hopes there expressed have been but partially fulfilled—if the struggle
of the past season has been scarcely less arduous than that of the previous
one—we have, at least, advanced some steps nearer the goal to which our
efforts are directed; and we trust that the termination of another volume
will be accompanied by the announcement that that goal is at last reached.

We believe that most of the promises made twelve months since, with
regard to the improvement of the work, have been kept, and that in
quality, certainly in quantity, it will be found to be superior to its predecessor ;

in one point only haye we occasionally afforded our Subscribers ground for

1V PREFACE.

complaint—we allude to the late hour at which the numbers have, more
than once, been published; a circumstance we have deeply regretted, and
which has been owing to the great difficulty we have experienced in obtaining
coloured drawings at a sufficiently early period of the month—a difficulty
which, we hope, is now happily at an end.

To those who have encouraged us thus far in our progress we tender
our grateful thanks. Although our labours have not hitherto won us the
pecuniary recompense we should most prefer, we have, at least, the satisfaction
of knowing that they are not unappreciated; and we trust that a little

longer patience and perseverance will bring a more substantial reward.

THE

ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.

COLLINSIA MULTICOLOR.
Many-coloured Collinsia.

Linnean Class—DipynamiaA. Ovder—AnoiospeRMA. Natural Order—ScROPHULARIACES.

Wuo does not remember the enthusiasm excited among Florists of all classes on
the first introduction of the Collinsias and other Californian annuals by poor
Douglass! They may, indeed, be said to have created a new era in Decorative
Horticulture; and although their beauty has been, to some extent, eclipsed by
the numerous showy perennials since brought into cultivation, it is very doubtful
whether they do not yet constitute the most valuable class of plants for early
summer flowering that we at present possess.

Every gardener knows how difficult it is to keep up a gay appearance during the
sort of interregnum which succeeds the flowering of the spring bulbs, and before
the majority of the herbaceous perennials and bedding plants are in bloom. For
filling this void, the autumn-sown Californian annuals are unrivalled; and, indeed,
a succession of sowings would produce throughout the season an effect but little
inferior to that obtained by the employment of any other plants.

Tt affords us therefore great pleasure that we are enabled to commence our
second volume with a figure of the charming Collinsia multicolor, a species which
will, we are sure, obtain as large a circle of admirers as any of those previously
introduced. It is quite as robust in its habit as the well-known C. bicolor, growing
from twelve to eighteen inches or more high; and its flowers are, we think, the
largest and handsomest of the genus, though their colour is less intense than in one
or two older species. The foliage is larger and more coarsely toothed than
in brcolor ; but it is chiefly by the purple tint of its floral leaves or bracts, which
add greatly to the beauty of the plant, that it is distinguished from most, if not all
other species. The bracts beneath the lowest whorl of blossoms are cordate,
bluntly toothed, and pointed; the middle ones are much narrower and without

1

2 COLLINSIA MULTICOLOR.

teeth; the upper ones quite abortive. The flowers are on rather long pedieels,
which, as well as the calyx, are almost free from glands. The segments of the
calyx are very narrow, shorter than the corolla, and three-ribbed. The lower
lip of the corolla is lilac, but the pouch-like cavity of the middle lobe is crimson,
though externally this tint is hardly visible. The upper lip of the flower is also lilac,
but with a large quadrangular white spot in the centre, speckled with bright
rosy purple. ’

The pouch-like cavity of the lower lip is an interesting feature in the Collinsias,
and distinguishes them from the Bartsias and Euphrasias, to which they are
allied. Within this cavity lie concealed the stamens and style ; when irritated by
heat, it is said, in some of the species, to open occasionally for an instant.

The cultivation of the Collinsia multicolor is, as may be inferred, of the easiest
description. It is only necessary to sow the seed thinly, in patches, in the open
border where the plants are to bloom; and this may be done any time between the
beginning of March and the end of April. As the seeds are comparatively small,
they must not be too thickly covered with earth, especially if of a heavy, adhesive
nature. In soils of this character, it is a good plan to cover the seed with a little
pulverized sandy loam.

The very unfavourable springs of the last few years have, however, rendered
autumn sowing more than ever desirable; most of the hardy annuals, such as the
Clarkias, Collinsias, Leptosiphons, Godetias, Limnanthes, and others, if sown in
September in poor thin soil, will stand the winter, make finer plants, and flower
much earlier than any sown in spring. ,For this purpose, a small patch of reserve
ground is necessary, and the poorer and drier it is the better, because in soil of this
description the growth of the plants will not be so luxuriant, and they will be less
liable to receive injury from severe frosts. In any case, they will need in hard
weather the protection of a few bushes, and in spring they may be transferred in
patches to the richer soil of the beds or borders. To many cultivators, however,
spring sowing may be more convenient, and in favourable seasons the results are
nearly as satisfactory, though the flowers are necessarily produced at a later period.
Many of the failures with annual seeds are due, we believe, to their being sown at
too great a depth; and in other cases, to the sharp frosts which often occur during
their germination, and which effectually arrest all further growth. In most
instances, a few furze bushes over each patch would be sufficient to obviate this
cause of failure, and every garden should have a supply of this very useful protector.
The bushes must, however, be removed as soon as the growing plants are an inch
or two high, or their growth will be weak; and at that stage of their progress there
is little or nothing to be feared from frost.

Besides the C. bicolor, that most.gencrally met with, there are several very pretty
species deserving cultivation. One of these, the C. verna, we desire especially to

BOMAREA ACUTIFOLIA. 3
recommend to our readers. It is less robust than bzcolor and multicolor, but the
deep blue tint of the lower lip of the blossoms renders them exceedingly attractive.
This species produces less seed than some others, and it is, doubtless, to this
circumstance that its relative scarcity is attributable. The beautiful colour of its
flowers suggests the expediency of attempting to hybridize with it, the larger but
paler-flowered species. Could the lilac of the blossoms of C. multicolor be deepened
by the admixture, to purple, its beauty would be greatly enhanced ; and we see no
reason to doubt the success of the experiment. The cross-impregnation of annuals
is, as far as we are aware, a thing very rarely thought of; but we believe that
improvements as important could be accomplished in this class of plants as any
which have been effected among the perennials.

The principal other species in addition to those already named, are grandiflora,
heterophylla, parviflora, sparsiflora, and tinctoria; the two first are of some interest,
and may be grown where a large selection of annuals is required; tinctoria, so
named from the numerous glands covering the calyx, communicating a yellow stain
to the fingers when touched, is not yet, we believe, in the hands of the trade.

The C. multicolor is one of Messrs. Veitch’s numerous importations, and although
introduced from California but a very few years since—not longer ago, we think,
than 1848—it will, as well as the C. bartsiefolia, another interesting species
obtained by these gentlemen from the same locality, be offered for sale the present
season by the principal seedsmen; so that our readers will speedily be able to
possess themselves of this truly handsome annual.

The genus, Collinsia, was established by the American naturalist, Nuttall, in
honour of Zaccheus Collins, Vice-President of the Academy of Natural Sciences,
Philadelphia.

BOMAREA AOUTIFOLIA.

Acute-leaved Bomarea.
Linnean Class—JL1EXanDRIA. Order—Monoeynta. Natural Order ~AMARYLLIDACEX.

Iv can hardly excite surprise, that of the immense number of exotic plants
introduced into this country, many of the older ones should at times be overlooked,
and become eventually so rare from neglect, as to need resuscitation and reintro-
duction to public notice. The Bomarea acutifolia is an interesting example of
these neglected plants. We believe it has been several times imported as a
novelty, but is still comparatively little known; and as one of the objects of the

4 BOMAREA ACUTIFOLIA.

Enerish Frowrr Garpen is the illustration of old plants possessing merit, as
well as those of more recent discovery, we are induced to give it a place
among our ‘gems.’

The Bomareas are very closely allied to the Alstreemerias, and were formerly
included with them. They differ, however, from the latter in their twining stems,
and several details of their floral structure. In the genus Alstremeria, the two
upper segments of the perianth differ generally from the others, either in form or
colour, so as to give the flower an unsymmetrical appearance. In Bomarea, it is
destitute of this irregularity, the two series composing the flower, although
differing slightly from each other, being composed of segments uniform in shape
and colour. ©

The two upper divisions of the flowers of the Alstrcemerias have their margins,
from the middle to the base, turned inwards, so as to form a sort of channel or
tube, which secretes a sweet fluid. Inthe Bomareas, al] the three divisions
composing the inner series are, more or less, tubular and nectariferous, though this
peculiarity is not so marked in acutifolia as in hirtella and some others. To these
distinctions we may add that the flowers of the Alstroemerias are more spreading
than those of the allied genus. In both genera, the seed-vessel is six-angled in its
green state; but when ripe, that of Bomarea becomes triangular, the intermediate
angles being obliterated. It is also important to remark, that there is, as our
figure will shew, a great difference between the upper and under sides of the leaf
in Bomarea, whilst in <Alstremeria the two surfaces resemble each other very
closely.

We trust these details will not be altogether without interest. We have
hitherto adopted the course of pointing out all the most remarkable features in the
ceconomy of the plants selected for illustration; and believing, as we do, that a
garden very inadequately answers its end when it ministers only to the senses, we
shall continue the same mode of treatment so long as it meets with the approbation
of our subscribers.

The Bomarea acutifolia is a tuberous-rooted plant, with twining stems, growing
in the open ground to the height of six fect or more. The leaves are, as the
trivial name suggests, long and pointed, smooth, and dark green on their upper
surface, but paler, and strongly nerved on their under side, the nerves being
clothed with numerous hairs. A curious feature, common however to all the
species, as well as to the Alstroemerias, is the twisted petiole or leaf-stalk, by
which the position of the leaf is reversed. It would seem as if Nature had, ina
careless mood, originally attached the leaves upside down, and afterwards corrected
the error by the yery simple expedient of twisting the foot-stalk. The flowers are
produced in an umbel, terminating the stem, and vary in number from six to
twelve blossoms, which are borne singly on a pubescent foot-stalk, and furnished at

BOMAREA ACUTIFOLTA. 5

the base with a many-leaved involucre. Their general form will be seen by a
reference to the figure, which represents them about two-thirds the natural size.
The inner segments, which are slightly the broadest, are of a pale orange; the
outer ones of an orange-red, with a green spot at the tip. They are usually
produced in September, and as each root throws up several flower stems, a
succession of blossoms is maintained until the arrival of the autumnal frosts.

The plant luxuriates in a rich sandy loam, and when the soil is naturally heavy
and retentive, a considerable proportion of sand should be mixed with it before
planting the roots. In low, moist situations, it will also be highly desirable to
place a few inches of drainage beneath the soil on which the tubers rest. This
will give them a much better chance of enduring frost, for it is only in dry soils
that they can be considered hardy. The tubers should be planted at least six inches
deep, in a warm aspect; if at the foot of a south wall, the plant will flower finer
than in more exposed places.

When grown against a wall, the stems of the plant may be secured to a narrow
trellis; in other situations a neat stick will be requisite. In those localities in
which there may be some risk in leaving the tubers in the ground throngh the
winter, they should be carefully dug up soon after the stems have died down, and
be preserved in pots of sandy loam, in a dry place until spring. It is not advisable
to remove the soil entirely from them, or they will shrivel, and perhaps decay.

The increase of the B. acutifolia may be affected by division of the tubers, or by
seeds, which are usually ripened freely. Like those of some other Endogenous
plants, the seeds are apt to become so hard by keeping, especially if in a very dry
place, that they will only germinate after a long interment, unless sown as soon as
ripe, which is not always practicable or desirable.

This dessication may be prevented to some extent by burying the seeds in a pot
of sandy loam, which should be preserved in a dry, cool place. It is usual to sow
them on artificial heat in spring, but stronger plants are obtained by sowing in the
open borders under a hand-glass, about the middle of April. Soil ofa hght porous
nature will be indispensable, and when the plants appear above ground, air must be
admitted, but they must be covered at night, as long as there is any danger of frost.
The snails and slugs are very partial to this genus, as well as to the Alstroemerias,
and should be watched for, or they will eat off a batch of seedlings in a single
night. Some of the strongest plants may be expected to flower the second year, but
generally blossoms are not produced until the third season.

The B. acutifolia is a native of the temperate parts of Mexico, where several
other species are found. There is a spotted variety, punctata, which is very pretty,
but it exists, we fear, only at the Kew Gardens. The principal others, are jurtella,
which is rather more hardy than acutifolia, with red, yellow, and green flowers; ovata,
a half hardy Chilian species; and simplex, from Peru, with pink blossoms. JB. salsilla

la

6 SKIMMIA JAPONICA.

and B. edulis are both stove plants; the tubers of the latter form an article of food
in some of the West India Islands. ‘There are several other interesting Peruvian
species, but they have not, we believe, yet been introduced in a living condition to
this country.

The genus, Bomarea, was first separated from Alstremeria by the French
Botanist Mirbel, and has since been confirmed by Dr. Herbert ; the name appears
to be commemorative of some Spanish Botanist ; but for this we have no exact
data. In enquiring for the Bomareas, our readers must bear in mind that they are
more generally known by their older appellation. The B. acutifolia is kept by
Messrs. Lane, Berkhampstead, and seeds may be procured at some of the London
seed shops, certainly of Mr. Carter, High Holborn, and Mr. Charlwood, Covent
Garden.

SS

sKIMMIA JAPONICA.
Japanese Skimmia.

Linnean Class—PoLyGaMIA. Order —MONECIA. Natural Order—AURANTIACE.

How great are the privileges enjoyed by English Horticulturists of the present
day! For their gratification every quarter of the globe yields up its choicest
productions, and the fruits and flowers of many a widely separated clime are
gathered together on our shores, to minister in rich abundance to their wants and
pleasures, and to testify to the love and bounty of the Great Creator.

We have already figured in our previous volume many evergreen shrubs of
much beauty, but few of them equal in interest the remarkable addition to our
exotics, which we now have the good fortune to introduce to our readers.

The Orange-tribe is usually associated in our minds with pictures of the balmy
south and ever smiling skies ;

‘Kennst du das Land wo die Citronen blishn ?’

and with regard to the greater part of the plants composing the Order, these
impressions are perfectly correct, all of them, with we believe only one exception,
being natives of warmer latitudes than our own, and that exception is the
Skimmia Japonica. Loaded in spring with deliciously fragrant flowers ; in winter
studded with berries, rivalling in the brightness of their tint those of the Holly,
and possessing evergreen foliage, which would alone make it a great acquisition
even without its fruit and flowers, can we doubt the reception this truly orna-
mental shrub will meet with among Florists of every grade =

SKIMMIA JAPONICA. 7

The Skimmia japonica was first discovered by Thunberg in Japan, but it is found
also in China and the Himalaya. The plant from the region last named, has been
long known to Botanists under the name of Limonia laureola; but recent
investigation has shewn it to be one and the same with the Japanese plant.
According to M.M. Siebold and Zuccarini, it grows throughout Japan among
the mountain forests, but always in scattered specimens; from which circumstance
it is comparatively rare. It was found by Siebold near the port of Nangasaki,
about 1200 feet above the level of the sea. In our notice of this shrub at page 142
of our previous volume, this height is, by a misprint, given as 12,000 feet. In
the wild state it scarcely exceeds four feet, but the cultivated plants are said to
attain a greater height. The largest specimen in this country is not, however,
at present more than eighteen inches high. It is of very compact growth, the
lower branches being somewhat procumbent. The foliage is thick and fleshy, of a
rich deep green colour, five or six inches long by one and a half broad, pointed and
tapering at both ends, smooth on both sides, and disposed in tufts of three or four
each. They are said to remain attached to the plant three or four years, and their
age may be distinguished by the length of the interval between the different
groups. In the wild plant, the leaves are more actte than in the cultivated one.

The flowers which appear in April and May, are of a pale greenish yellow tint,
and are disposed in dense terminal panicles; occasionally the buds have a pale
tinge of rose just before expansion. They are deliciously fragrant, especially in
the evening, the odour resembling that of the Daphne indica. The same plant
produces both perfect and imperfect flowers, that is to say, flowers containing both
stamens and pistil; others producing stamens only; and a few in which these are
abortive, the pistil alone being perfect. The calyx is divided into five persistent
segments ; the corolla into five deciduous petals. Ovary superior, four-celled, each
cell containing a single pendulous ovule, and surrounding the base of the ovary,
is a four-lobed fleshy disk. Style very short, with a thick four-lobed stigma.
The berry is at first fleshy, but afterwards becomes a dry four-celled fruit, with
cartilaginous cells, each containing one pendulous seed. The berries are ripened
in October, and remain attached to the plant during the greater part of the winter;
at the moment we write, those on Messrs Standish and Noble’s plant appear more
beautiful than ever.

Although it is at present scarce, the abundance with which they are produced
will soon enable it to be increased a thousand-fold; it will, therefore, in the course
of one or two seasons, be, we hope, within the reach of most cultivators. It is also
multiplied by cuttings, and succeeds well in a mixture of peat and loam.

In our previous notice of this plant, we stated that it was said to produce
flowers when only two or three inches high, and fruit at six inches; and although at
the time we imagined this to be an error, it appears to be perfectly correct, its

8 SKIMMIA JAPONICA.

fortunate possessors having personally confirmed this statement. This tendency to
blossom and fruit in so young a state is very remarkable, and would prove an
additional recommendation were any required.

As to its capability of bearing entire exposure, Messrs. Standish and Noble
informs us that they have no doubt that it will prove perfectly hardy in this
country; and this will readily be believed when it is known that, on the Himalaya,
the plant is often found at elevations where it is covered with snow during a part
of the year. It is said to require some protection in Holland, where it was first
introduced ; but this statement needs confirmation.

The true affinities of this remarkable genus have only recently been detected.
It has been, by some Botanists, classed with the Holly-worts (Aquifoliacee) ; and
the resemblance of its bright red berries to those of the Holly, appears, at first
sight, to favour such a supposition. But the fleshy disc surrounding the ovary of
the Skimmia, and its dotted leaves, distinctly point out its relationship with the
Orange-worts, to which family it was first referred by De Candolle. The trans-
parent glandular spots of the foliage are hardly perceptible, however, in the
cultivated plant, though they are very evident in the wild specimens. It differs
from most other plants of the Orange tribe, in the absence of the winged petiole
generally present in that Order, and also in its seeds containing albumen in con-
siderable quantity, surrounding the greenish embryo. Its place is certainly at the
extreme limits of the Order, and it may be regarded as a connecting link between
it and the Rue tribe.

It is difficult to believe that any of the Awrantiacee possess hurtful properties,
but according to the best authorities, the Chinese and Japanese regard the berries as
poisonous, and the native term Svkimz, from which Skimmia is derived, signifies
noxious fruit. The leaves have an aromatic, but slightly acrid taste. The Japanese,
with whom the plant is a great favourite, have a cultivated variety, producing
white berries, but it has not yet been introduced to this country.

The Skimmia japonica is one of Mr. Fortune’s numerous introductions, having been
sent by him from the north of China to Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot,
on his second visit to that country. We learn that this gentleman is about to
proceed on a third mission to the Chinese territory, to procure tea-plants for the
East India Company ; and we can but wish him, not only a prosperous voyage and
safe return, but also, that the same good fortune may attend his Botanical researches
as on his previous visits. Notwithstanding the rich harvest already gathered, we
have no doubt that there are many valuable plants yet to be discovered.

We have to express our great obligations to Messrs. Standish and Noble for
affording us an opportunity of figuring this beautiful plant, as well as other interest-
ing Chinese subjects which we hope speedily to place before our readers. The list
of exotics is now so rich in hardy evergreens, that to those possessing gardens of only

FORTUNE'S DOUBLE YELLOW CLIMBING ROSE. )

limited extent, selection has become a difficult task. If, however, there be one
shrub, the merits of which entitle it to a place in even the smallest collection, that
plant is undoubtedly the Skimmia japonica. Our figure represents the plant about
one half the natural size.

a rs
FORTUNE’S
DOUBLE YELLOW CLIMBING ROSE.
Linnean Class—IcosanDRIA. Order —PouyGYNIa. Natural Order—Rosacex,

Atrnoven the restricted limits of our plate render it impossible to do adequate
justice to this remarkable rose, the comparative rarity of the yellow varieties of this
peerless family, induces us to select it for our first example of the ‘Queen of flowers.’
Its peculiar tints are scarcely imitable by art, but some idea of it may be formed
by those acquainted with the variety of the China rose, called Ophirée, to which,
however, it is very greatly superior.

Its history affords us an instructive example of the errors of cultivation, resulting
from inattention to the habit of plants; and many other instances could be cited of
valuable subjects condemned as worthless, owing to ignorance of the true mode
of treatment.

Of the origin of the Wang-jang-ve rose—for such is its Chinese designation—
nothing is known; it is, however, in all probability only a variety, and not a true
species. It appears likely to ripen seed in favourable seasons, and may therefore be
the means of introducing yet further diversity of tint among the already varied hues
of this unsurpassed genus of plants Its flowers are very large, our figure representing
them less than one half the natural size; and are also very double. The purplish
tint of the leaf stalk contributes not a little to the effect of the whole.

Our readers will be glad to learn that its price does not exceed that of the roses
more generally grown, and we anticipate therefore, that its great merits will soon
give it a place wherever fine flowers are esteemed.

We have been obligingly favoured by Messrs. Standish and Noble, of Bagshot,
with the following remarks on its culture; and as these gentlemen were the first to -
discover its value, and to point out the treatment best suited to it, their hints will
doubtless be properly appreciated by our readers. .

‘Although this beautiful plant has been cultivated in our gardens for several
years, its merits remained comparatively unknown till the past season. It was first
received by the Horticultural Society of London, from Mr. Fortune, who discovered
it, on his first visit to China in 1845, in the neighbourhood of Ning-po. From
some cause, attributable either to the mode of treatment it received, or to the

10 FORTUNE'S DOUBLE YELLOW CLIMBING ROSE.

situation it was placed in, it did not justify the expression of a favourable opinion
when growing in the Society’s garden at Chiswick. In other localities, and under
different treatment, it assumed, however, quite another appearance; 80 much s0,
indeed, that all who saw a plant of it in full blossom, were charmed with its
beauty. Nor could it be otherwise ; for the profusion with which its flowers are
produced, and their novel and beautiful colour, are qualities eminently calculated to
command admiration. In the past summer we had two large specimens in our
nursery, which we had grown as specimens, literally covered with flowers. They
were striking objects, and attracted much attention. The comparatively little
success which has attended its cultivation, has arisen, in a great measure, from its
economy not having been understood ; most cultivators having, from ignorance in
that respect, destroyed by injudicious pruning the flowers they were anxious to
produce. The secret in its successful management consists almost wholly in the
mode of pruning. If the branches are closely cut in, no flowers—or at least, but a
few weak and ill-formed ones, will be produced; and from this circumstance, many
who attempted its management and failed, pronounced it to be an inferior kind, and
not worthy of cultivation. The flowers are produced directly from the wood of the
past season, in the same manner as the Persian Yellow, and Banksian Roses ; and
the mode of pruning employed successfully with them, must be adopted with the one
now treated of. Whether trained to a wallor kept as a standard, the great point
is, to encourage the production of healthy shoots, thinning but not shortening them, or
only slightly, and affording them every facility to become properly ripened. This
being secured, an abundance of flowers will follow as a natural consequence.

‘With regard to soil, it is in no way particular; where the ordinary kinds of
roses succeed, this will flourish equally well, in fact any common garden mould
seems to suit it.’

‘ Although it is not, perhaps, readily classed among our cultivated Roses if the
numerous divisions into which they have been broken are recognised, yet, with
reference to its period of blooming, it is essentially a summer Rose. It, however,
commences blooming at a very early period in the season, earlier than most others,
and continues to produce a good succession of flowers, which remain a long time in
perfection. The colour is a rich yellow, inclining to bronze, the outer petals
often being strongly marked with lake; though the tints of the individual flowers
on the same tree vary much. Those fully exposed have the colour alluded to,
while others in the shade are paler, and exhibit a strong tint of lake. In
conclusion we may say that no rose is of more easy culture, but though forming a
very good plant on its own root, it is much best, and flowers with greater profusion,
when budded on the stock in ordinary use. Cuttings of the half-ripened wood root
very readily. A well-grown standard treated as we have described, forms a most
beautiful object, and will not fail to be greatly admired.’

HARDY ANNUALS. 13

HARDY ANNUALS.

We have hitherto given this interesting class of plants far less attention than their
merits entitle them to. This apparent neglect has not, however, arisen from any
doubt of their value, but rather from an impression that they less needed the aid of
illustrations than many other plants of slower increase, the abundance of seed ripened
by most annuals generally ensuring their speedy diffusion.

The adoption of late years of the bedding system in most gardens of any extent,
has contributed somewhat to the disuse of annual plants; but although their
blossoms may lack the brilliancy and duration of the Scarlet Geranium and Verbena,
they are exceedingly useful, as we have elsewhere remarked, at that early period of
the summer when no bedding plant is in flower. How bald is the effect produced
by a bed of verbenas when first planted out! Now this might be almost if not
entirely obviated, by filling the bed in spring with autumn-sown annuals, trans-
planted from a reserve ground. These would many of them be in flower by the
middle of May, and the Verbenas or other plants with which it was intended to
occupy the bed for autumn flowering, would, if planted between the annuals, receive
that protection which they so often need in our changeable spring weather. As the
bedding plants advanced in growth, the annuals could either be thinned out, or
entirely removed, as circumstances might dictate.

To cultivators of limited means, the small cost at which a display of flowers may
be effected with annuals, forms no slight recommendation ; and we know no class of
subjects which so well deserve to be termed emphatically plants for the million.
We intend figuring in the present volume several new and interesting species; and
in the meantime, the following list of some of the most showy and desirable of those
now in cultivation, may be of service to such of our readers as are inexperienced in
this class of plants.

A few of those in our list such as the Schizanthus, Calendrinia, and others, are
often treated as half-hardy annuals; but they succeed much better when sown in the
open borders, the protection of a furze bush being afforded them in the earliest stage
of their growth, as suggested at page 3 of the present number.

HEIGHT IN FT, COLOUR, HEIGHT IN FT, COLOUR.

Anthericum annuum . # Yellow Calliopsis Drummondii . 2 Yellow & Brown
Argemone grandiflora. . 3 White Campanula Lorei . . . % Blue & White

Ms speciosa . . 2 Yellow Centaurea depressa . . 1 Blue
Bartonia aurea. . . . 2 Yellow Clarkia pulchella . . .2 Pink
Blumenbachia insignis trails White & Yellow “ a alba . 2 White
¢Calandrinia discolor . . 14 Bright Rose | Centranthus macrosiphon, 13 Pink & White
+ rf umbellata , Crimson Collinsia bicolor . . . 14 White & Lilac

1
4
p speciosa. . 2 Crimson », Multicolor. . 13 Lilac& Crimson

12 NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

HEIGHT iN FT. COLOUR. i HE!GHY IN FT. COLOUR.
Collinsia verna . . . 1 Blueand Purple , Lupinusnanus. . . .1 Blue and Rose
Dracocephalum canescens. 2 Blue | Malopa grandiflora . . 3 White and Rose
Erysimum Peroffskianum 13 Orange | Nemesia versicolor, . . 15 Various
Eschscholtzia compacta . 2 Orange | Nemophila insignis gran-

55 » alba = Cream diflora,. .... . trails Blue
Eucharidium concinnum . 3 Pink Nemophila maculata . ,, White and Violet
Eutoca viscida . 13 Blue and Rose | Nolana prostrata . . ,, Blue
Gilia tricolor , 13 White, Lilac, & | » grandiflora alba ,, White

Purple | Oxyura chrysanthemoides 1 Yellowand White
Godetia Lindleyana 2 Whiteand Rose | Platystemon Californicum 4 Sulphur
» Wildenovii . 2 Violet | Podolepis chrysantha . ,1 Yellow
», Lansfordii . 13 Violet » grtacilisalba . # White
+Heliophila trifida . . 3 Blue and White | +Schistanthe peduncularis 14 Rose and Violet
Hibiscus calisureus 1; Pale Yellow and | +Schizanthus pinnatus . 13 Various
Purple | yi 5)~—S Priestii.. 12: White
+lonopsidium acaule . . 4 White and Violet Sphenogyne grandiflora. 1 Yellow
Kaulfussia amelloides alba 4 White | +Tagetes tenuifolia . . 13 Orange
Leptosiphon densiflorus = Lilac Tropzolum perigrinum climbs Yellow

45 androsaceus % White and Lilac | Viscaria oculata’ . . . 1 Rosy Purple

Limnanthes Douglassii . 3 White & Yellow - a). BLE! (eee eae Wuirte

fr rosea . . 4 Pale Rose

Wherever there is room, the above fifty species and varieties should all be grown.
We have selected none that are not generally kept by all seedsmen. The dwarfest
should be sown at the edge of the borders, the others at a distance varying with
their height. Unless the season should be very mild, it will not be advisable to sow
the seeds before the beginning of March; and those marked + will be safer if deferred
till the end of March, unless they can be protected by a hand-light. Half-hardy
annuals requiring a hot-bed, will be noticed in our next.

NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

CALCEOLARIA CHELIDONIOIDES. (Scrophulariacee)—A very pretty half-hardy annual from Peru,
introduced to this country by Isaac Anderson, Esq. of Edinburgh. Most of our readers are
acquainted with the old pinnata, which is, we believe, the only other annual species besides the
C. chelidonioides. This latter is a dwarf plant, of decumbent branching habit, clothed with viscid
hairs, leaves pinnated, with lanceolate incised divisions. Flowers in pairs, from the axils of every
one of the upper leaves, on slender stiff stalks. The corolla is comparatively small, but of a brilliant
pure yellow. Its treatment is that of other half-hardy annuals, but when planted out, it requires
rather a moist situation, and does best in peat. It flowers abundantly during the summer and
autumn, and would form a pretty contrast to the dwarf blue Lobelias. (Journal of Hort. Soc, Vol.
7. Part. 4.)

NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS. 13

CEANOTHUS vERRUCOSUS, (Rhamnacee.)—This species proves to be a hardy evergreen of the best
kind. It forms already (i. e. the specimen in the Chiswick Garden) a large bush, and will probably
become a tree, with long stiff rod-like branches, covered in winter with multitudes of large oblong or
roundish brown buds. The leaves are opposite, roundish oblong, either slightly notched or entire at
the end, scarcely an inch long, flat, deep green, shining, with grey hairy pits distributed over the
under surface. Occasionally, when the plant is young they are coarsely toothed, but that is an
exceptional state. At the base of each leaf is a pair of stipules, which gradually lose their thin
extremities and change into soft fleshy conical prickles. The flowers are very pale blue, produced in
great abundance in dense corymbs at the end of very short stiff lateral branches. This shrub is
among the most easy of plants to grow, and seems indifferent to climate or soil. It may be increased
by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, placed in sand under a hand-glass in a north aspect about the
end of August, but is best propagated by layers in autumn. It flowers in June,

GAURA LINDHEIMERI. ( Onagracee. )—W e noticed this new herbaceous perennial at page 167 of our
last volume, and we now recur to it for the purpose of stating that it isa native of Texas, which will
account for its being only half-hardy, It has been advised in one or two of our contemporaries that
it should be treated as a half-hardy biennial, as seedlings do not flower the first year. We have
grown it two seasons, and therefore venture to repeat our recommendation, that it should be increased
by cuttings off the side shoots, taken off in August or September, and struck under a glass in a pot of
sandy soil. In the spring they may be potted off, and turned into the borders in April or May. We
doubt if the plant will ripen seed in this country, those sold by the trade being imported from France-

Lysimacu1a canpmpa. (Primulacee.)—A pretty, hardy herbaceous perennial with white flowers,
growing about a foot high, and therefore likely to be very useful for bedding, or clumping in the
borders. It blossoms profusely, succeeds in any soil, and as it ripens plenty of seed will, we hope,
soon be common. Unfortunately, this class of plants receives but little attention from nurserymen ; at
present we believe the plant is only to be met with in the gardens of the London Horticultural
Society. It is a native of China, having been raised from the soil contained in a box in which other
plants had been forwarded to England.

Linum cGRranprrLorum, (Linacee.)—A very beautiful hardy annual from Algeria, with brilliant
crimson flowers. It grows about a foot high, and produces an abundance of flowers in succession,
They are rather more than an inch across, bright crimson, with five white wedge-shaped spots at the
base of the petals. We think it likely that seeds of this handsome annual will be in the hands of
some of the London Scedsmen this season, but if it should not be yet procurable of them, those of
our readers who may feel disposed to take the trouble of sending to Paris can obtain it of Messrs.
Vilmorin, Andrieux and Co., 30, Quai de la Mégisserie, Paris. We hope to be able to give a figure
in a few months, as these gentlemen have forwarded us a pinch of seed. It is necessary to state that
there is also a perennial species with large blue flowers, sold as grandiflorum.

Mynica Carirornica. ( Myricacee. )—An interesting hardy evergreen, raised from seeds collected by
ILartweg, near Monterey in California, where it grows twelve feet high. It was originally discovered
by Menzies on the North-west of America, and was also found by Douglass at Paget Sound. It forms
an eyergreen bush, with dense narrowly lanceolate, slightly serrated leaves, covered, especially on the
under side, with transparent glossy sauccr-shaped sunken scales, of microscopical dimensions,
consisting of a layer of wedge-shaped cells, placed obliquely round a common centre. The flowers are
green and inconspicuous, in short axillary spikes which eventually bear from one to three small
globular fruits, whose surface is closely studded with fleshy, oblong obtuse grains of a dull red colour,
and astringent flavour. It flowers in July, and ripens its fruit in September. Its leaves are fragrant
like those of the Sweet Gale (Myrica gale) of our English moors. It grows freely in any good
garden soil, and is increased by seed or layers. (Journal of Hort. Soc., vol. 7.)

14 MISCELLANEA.

Nemesia Versicotor. (Serophulariacee ).—A very pretty hardy annual of erect, branching habit,
well deserving cultivation from the long succession of its flowers. It grows about twelve to eighteen
inches high in good soil, but begins to flower when only half that height, and continues in blossom
until very late in the autumn. The flowers are about the size of those of Linaria Cymbalaria, but the
variety of colour found in the same patch of seedlings compensates for their comparative smallness.
In some the upper lip of the corolla is a bright blue, in others it is lilac streaked, and in many it is
clear yellow, the lower lip being in nearly every instance white. It is, strictly speaking, a perennial,
but is best treated as an annual. The seeds are very interesting microscopic objects, the outer coat
being formed of a beautiful reticulated membrane, furnished with a wing or edging of the same
character. It requires only to be sown in the open borders in March or April, with the other hardy
annuals. A native, we believe, of the Cape of Good Hope.

See SE SS

MISCELLANEA,

THE ENGLISH AND THE TROPICAL FLORAS.
Turret has been (as “ R. T.” suggests) much exaggerated writing about tropical scenery. The
delight which a naturalist experiences in exploring the tropical regions, arises almost entirely from
the novelty and apparently boundless variety of forms with which he meets—not from anything
striking in either the grouping or the colouring of the masses. A traveller on the Amazon and its
tributaries, with no taste for any branch of natural history, would at first be struck with admiration
by the immensity of the rivers and forests; but after the first novelty had worn off, he would find
both exceedingly monotonous. The gorgeous tropical flowers, which the eye takes in at one view in
our European conservatories, are here so widely and rarely dispersed, that a traveller may spend years
in the search, and not come across a tithe of them. Then, all tropical plants of moderate size may
be much improved by cultivation. Shrubs of straggling, inclegant growth, putting forth flowers few
and far between, will be, in the gardener’s hands, reduced to compactness and regularity, and made
to flower equally and copiously. The mere protection from winds and storms, which English glass-
houses afford, is alone sufficient to insure greater perfection of development. In the great
Conservatory at Chatsworth, I recollect being much struck with the noble bearing and symmetry of
the Bananas and other Musacee. Here, they are still noble and striking objects at a distance; but
viewed more closely, their growing leaves are seen to be torn and ragged, and their slimy stems are
half hidden by the pendant semi-putrid, decaying leaves; which latter, as everything else unsightly,
it is the gardener’s care to remove. What a magnificent sight it is, too, in the Orchid-houses at
Chatsworth and Kew, to see fifty or more species all in flower at once; each individual plant tended
as carefully as a new-born infant, and repaying that care by exhibiting a degree of beauty and
symmetry scarcely ever attained in its native forests. Here, it is rare to see at once three species of
Orchidez in flower; and the masses of bulbs are universally the refuge of hordes of ants, which tear
to pieces the flowers as they expand, or eat off the young peduncles, so that no flowers are ever
produced. How exquisite to sight and smell is a profusion of Passion-flowers, proceeding from a
single plant, trained so as to almost cover the glass roof of a hothouse! I have seen nothing like
this here, There are, perhaps, no flowers more obnoxious to the effects of insects than Passion-
flowers. Legions of caterpillars attack the flower-buds ere they can expand; and, though I have
gathered here several species of these lovely plants, I have not been able to obtain thirty perfect
specimens of any one of them, So fully am I convinced of the improvement effected by cultivation

=? Sa

THE ENGLISH AND THE TROPICAL FLORAS. 15

on all plants that can be submitted to its influence, that I am compelled to dissent from many of the
remarks in Humboldt’s Aspects of Nature; especially where, in the last paragraph of the
‘“‘Physiogonomy of Plants,’ he says, that “individual plants languishing in our hothouses, can give
but a very faint idea of the majestic vegetation of the tropical zone.” In truth, taking the plants
as they at present exist in our hothouses, they give an exaggerated idea of tropical vegetation :
though this might possibly not be the case thirty or forty years ago. I will admit that we may never
reproduce in Europe the Eriodendrons, Bertholletias, Hymenzas, and various Laurels, whose
enormous development sometimes exceeds anything that European forests can show; but of these it
is not the beauty which strikes the traveller with admiration. We have trees in England quite as
handsome, or handsomer. It is their inordinate size which astonishes.’
+I do not wish it to be understood that there is never anything gay or beautiful in these forests,
that would be going to the contrary extreme; but when flowers occur in masses, so as to enter into
the landscape, they are almost always extremely evanescent. The flowers of most myrtles and
Melastomacee last only a day. When I look out in a morning over the forest, I sometimes see it
variegated with round masses of snowy white—the flowers of scattered trees of some species belonging
to one or the other of these tribes; and I know by experience that if I do not secure the flowers that
very day, I shall, in all probability, lose them. Some of these myrtles remind me much of our own
hawthorns; but they rarely approach the hawthorn in beauty as individuals, and they never occur in
such continuous masses as to be at all comparable to an old hawthorn hedge in full bloom, or to the
venerable hawthorns which, in the spring time, form such striking objects in (for example) Castle
Howard Park, and many other localities in England. The campos of Santarem were at their gayest
in the month of June, when a low-spreading leguminous tree (Bowdichia pubescens), growing
solitary, like most trees here, yet in some abundance, was completely clad with flowers of the
brightest amethystine blue. Later on, in the month of August, a taller tree of the same family (a
new species of Lonchocarpus), put forth long spikes of purple flowers which were certainly very
beautiful. Neither of these trees was more handsome than the laburnum, but they are the only
approach to vivid colour, 2 masses, that I have seen on the Amazon; and from the distance between
the individual trees, the general effect was much inferior to that of an English orchard in spring;
and not at all comparable to a field of flax, or sainfoin in full flower. In the virgin forest, nothing
of the sort is ever seen. I repeat, with ‘‘R. T.” that ‘the general impression of tropical vegetation
has nothing to do with gay colour”; its striking and truly admirable features are (speaking of
equinoctial America) the blending of almost every form and family of plants into a mass, which the
eye takes in at one view; the immense variety and noble aspect of the palms—the arborescent
grasses—the enormous forest trees, decked with parasites on a scale as gigantic as themselves—and,
perhaps above all, the abundance and strangeness of form of the twining plants, whose stems vary in
thickness from the slenderest threads to huge python-like masses, are now round, now flattened, now
knotted, and now twisted with the regularity of a cable.’
‘Mr. Ellis’s rejoinder to R. T. (Athen. No. 1215.) involves a series of misconceptions. Where—
The sun shines for ever unchangeably bright,’

I suspect the only colour will be white,—as in the burning deserts of Africa. To apply such an
expression to this, the rainiest region in the world, is absurd. Even at Para, throughout the dry
season, a shower is expected every afternoon as a rule. Here, at Sao Gabriel, I am so near the
actual Equator that I sometimes in my excursions cross it twice in the day :—the climate is perhaps
the most inconstant on the face of the earth. As to the quantity of rain that falls, and the rapidity
with which a shower brews up, on any day of the year, and at any hour of day or night,—the
variableness of the English climate (so much complained of) is constancy itself in comparison.
Humboldt says, that on the upper Rio Negro it rains eleven months in the year :—he made a mistake

16 MISCELLANEA.

of but one month—he should have said érelve. The consequence of this constant supply of moisture
is, an abundant and perennial leafiness, exceeding even that of the Amazon. It has also been said
that ‘the darkest green prevails over the leaves of tropical plants.’ I had gathered so many plants
with pale green leaves that this assertion quite startled me, and I had only to lift up my eyes from
the paper to see its complete refutation. Before my house were the common tropical weeds—
peppers, mallows, nightshades, Cassias, Triumfettas, ete.—all with pale, and many with hoary,
foliage. My gaze then extended over the islands in the foaming rivers, the plains and round hills
beyond, and the picturesque sierras in the distance, all (save the steepest escarpments of the latter),
clad with unbroken forest; and though various shades of green were distinguishable, I looked in
vain for a tint so deep as that of our holly and arbutus. I need scarcely add, that since entering the
tropics I have never seen anything comparable to the Stygian green of our yews and Scotch-firs.
Again, in looking over my list of plants collected, what will it be supposed are the predominant
colours of flowers therein noted? White, greenish-white, and green. So very inconspicuous are
the flowers of many trees, that sometimes when I ask the Indians the time of flowering of a species
which I have just gathered in fruit, I am laughed at for my ignorance. ‘Such a tree,’ they will
say, ‘never puts forth flowers—it bears its fruit at once, na mais.’ It is sometimes said, that in the
tropics, the loftiest trees are adorned with the largest and handsomest flowers. I have met with
some instances of this, but none excelling in beauty the horse-chesnut.

In conclusion, I have only to express a hope that nothing which I have above said may be
construed into speaking ‘disrespectfully of the Equator.’ It would be easy to fill a volume with
the relation of the wonders of nature on the Equator, nor would it be necessary, in order to exalt
them, to depreciate the handiwork of the same nature in any other clime or latitude.—<Abridged
from a Letter of Mr, R. Spruce ry No. 1305 of the Atheneum.

FLORISTS’ TRICKS.

A popular contributor to the Cottage Gardener writes :—‘I was among strangers the other day,
of whom some were gentleman Florists, but none of them knew me. I had on my Sunday clothes,
and I was a little more spruce than usual, so one of them took me, or rather mistook me, for a
half-pay officer, and out of him I got the grandest secret yet out about Pansies; I think I could
now win a prize with them myself. Like all great secrets, it is very simple when you know it.
Grow your Pansies as large as it is possible that any one can do in rich free soil, with doses of
liquid manure, thinning out flower buds, and stopping the shoots (all this is as necessary for the
Pansey as it is for the Grape Vine); then, two days before the show, the plants must be allowed to
flag for want of water, even the shoots ought to droop, and the flowers be collapsed. This is the
moment to pick them for the show; then is no blood or sap in them, so you can handle them as you
would Indian rubber lace; then, with a pair of compasses, draw a lot of circles on a sheet of paper”
or pasteboard, and fit the dried flowers with mathematical precision. When you have them all
exactly in the right way, make dots on the paper where the foot-stalks join the blade of the flower,
then a hole for every dot for the stalks to pass through; now put your pasteboard over a vessel full
of water, and the footstalks of the flowers will dip into it, and feed the flowers till they are like to
burst; they are then fit for exhibition, and the prize will be according to your dexterity in drying,
ironing, (!) and final damping.—Cottage Gardener for July, 1852.

Our object in giving the above extract is certainly not that our readers may be enabled to gain a
prize for Pansies by such a procedure, but rather to express our great regret that so respectable an
authority as the writer in question should have lent his countenance toa practice so utterly unworthy
of the dignity of Floriculture. Could these lovely creations become vocal, how would they protest
against being made the accomplices of such deception.

; -

gegen” Ae;
ht ab |

= 2 Sag
ry” y _\ he
Arm ttea CMaathtit”

Sm
atu venitdteime

Crnnbey Sk Baagey, ctl ob ape ny

PRIMULA STUARTII. isd!

PRIMULA STUARTII.

Stuart’s Primrose.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—Monoeynta. Natural Order—P RiMuLACER,

Wuorver loves the modest primrose of our shady banks and groyves—the flower for
which our affections never grow old—will be ready to welcome another beautiful
sister from the far east.

The Primula Stuartii is remarkable among nearly sixty species for its considerable
development ; though perhaps this would hardly be guessed from our meagre figure,
and we must therefore endeavour by words to convey an idea of its proportions.
The height of the flower stalk is about sixteen inches, and the leaves are mostly
from ten to eleven inches long. They are, as in all the species, radical, and are
broadly lanceolate, with acute points, smooth and shining above, but covered below
with the yellowish mealy powder so characteristic of many species of this genus.
The margins of the leaves are closely set with sharp teeth, which are generally
curved downwards. The flowers are, as our figure shows, salver-shaped, with a tube
twice as long as the calyx; this tube is narrow about the middle, and then expands
in a somewhat campanulate manner near its union with the limb, where it is again
contracted; the limb, or expanded portion of the flower, is of an orange tint towards
the centre, as in the case of the common Primrose. The calyces, as well as the
upper half of the flower-scape, are covered with the pale sulphur-yellow farina found
on the leaves.

This fine Primrose is a native of Northern India, where it has been found, both
in Nepal and in the Himalaya, at an elevation of 9,000 feet, and, according to
Royle, it communicates a rich yellow glow to those regions. It was introduced in
1845, by seeds from Major Grant of the 9th Lancers, and proves to be perfectly
hardy, having stood several winters without any artificial covering, even so far
north as Edinburgh. It requires, however, like most of the species, to be planted
in a cool border, where it can be preserved from the effects of drought in summer;
and with this hint, we might safely leave the plant in the hands of the amateur.
But in treating of a genus which contains so many species exclusively natives of
mountainous, and often, snow-clad regions, a glance at the conditions in which
such plants must necessarily exist, may not be without interest, and may serve as a
guide to the successful treatment of Alpine plants in general.

It is hardly necessary to observe, that the elevation at which they mostly occur,
secures to them a comparatively low temperature, even during the warmest part of
the year. The snow with which they are often covered during the winter months,

18 PRIMULA STUARTIT.

not only protects them at that season from those variations of temperature to which
plants of less elevated regions are often liable, but what is equally, if not more
important to observe, preserves them by its permanently congealed condition (often
for several months together) from the excess of humidity so common in this climate
during the winter months. In the summer season this condition is completely
reversed: the melting of the snow supplies them with abundant moisture (which,
however, on account of the generally small depth of the soil, rarely becomes
stagnant), and their roots are thus kept cool during the whole of the growing
season. We do not wish it to be understood that al] Alpine plants are subject to
these conditions; they apply chiefly to the genus now under consideration, and to
some others of the same Order.

From this it will be seen, that the chief essentials to success in the cultivation of
Alpine Primulas and other plants of this class are, comparative dryness in winter,
with some protection from sudden changes of temperature, especially in early
spring, and a cool, shaded, moist situation in summer. This last condition can,
without much difficulty, be secured; but the character of our winters is such that
the first is hardly attainable without some covering. For this reason, they are
generally grown in pots, and preserved in a cold frame through the winter months,
but a cool window is quite sufficient; and if they are allowed abundance of air,
they will succeed admirably, provided a fire is not kept in the apartment.

It is a singular anomaly in the character of this interesting family, that although
‘children of the free air,’ they yet endure a smoky atmosphere better than most plants;
and in large towns they will not only exist, but even thrive for years, if treated as
we have suggested. The pots must be well drained, and should be rather wide,
than deep, for the roots of Alpines extend but a short distance below the surface.
A mixture of loam and peat, or thoroughly decayed leaf-mould, suits the greater
number.

Many of the species require, however, no more care than the Polyanthus; and of
this number is the P. Stwartdi, although it may, if thought desirable, be treated as
a pot plant, like the dwarfer and more delicate of the species.

Since the introduction of the P. Stwartii, several interesting additions have been
made to this genus, one of which, the P. skkimensis, is perhaps even more desirable
than the plant we have figured. This, too, is a Himalayan species, first detected by
Dr. Hooker, and styled by him ‘the pride of all the Alpine Primulas.’ It inhabits
wet and boggy places at elevations of from 12 to 17,000 feet at Lacken and Lachlong
in the Sikkim-Himalaya, covering acres with a yellow carpet in May and June.
The flower stem rises from one to two feet high, bearing an umbel of seven or eight
large yellow flowers. It is, like the P. Stuarti?, herbaceous, dying down to the
ground in winter, and re-appearing in spring. It is quite hardy, although too rare at
present to be fully exposed in the borders.

PRIMULA STUARTII. 19

The Primula involucrata is another gem, of rather dwarfer growth than the pre-
ceding, with pure white flowers; and this, with the P. Munroi, also with white
blossoms, should be in every collection of Alpines. Both of them are kept by all
the principal Nurserymen.

But even these fine species must yield the palm to a plant which, if it be not a
true Primula, was at first classed as such, and is, at any rate, very nearly allied. We
allude to the Cankriena chrysantha of De Vriese (the Primula imperialis of some
Botanists) found hitherto only in the island of Java, and there only on the summit of
the extinct volcanic mountain called Manellawangie, at an elevation of about 9,000
feet. This noble Primrose—for such we will still term it—produces a flower stem
often three feet high, the blossoms of which are borne in three, or sometimes four,
verticils or whorls, one above the other. The flowers are, as the name indicates, of
agolden yellow, and in form campanulate, somewhat resembling that of the P. nivalis,
but with a much wider tube. The plants of Java are most of them too tender for
open-air cultivation in this country, but the elevation at which the Cankriena is
found, renders it more than probable that it will prove hardy in these latitudes.
Dr. Junghuhn, its discoverer, states that on the borders of the stream, in the im-
mediate neighbourhood of which the plant was found growing, he often detected
thin ice, and the mean temperature did not exceed 50° Fah. It isa remarkable fact
in vegetable geography, that this beautiful plant should be found only in a single
isolated locality, and there only within a range of 300 feet of altitude and 1000 feet
of diameter, though the case is by no means unique. We are not aware whether
this fine Alpine is yet introduced in the living state to this country, but we hope the
collectors will not lose sight of it.

Before concluding the present notice, we are desirous of calling the attention of
all lovers of herbaceous plants to another highly interesting genus of this Order,
we mean the Dodecatheons, or American Cowslips. They are all perfectly hardy,
and of the easiest cultivation in any situation not too much exposed to parching
influences in summer; a moist peat border suits them admirably. As they die
down in autumn, a label of some kind should be inserted close to them, or they
may receive injury when the borders are dug. All the species and varieties may
be obtained at a cheap rate; the best are gigantea and Meadia elegans.

The Androsace lanuginosa is another of the Primulacee which should be in every
collection; and the same may be said of the charming Soldancllas.

We will merely add, as a matter of form, that Primula is derived from
primus, first or early—in allusion to the early period at which most of the species
flower.

20 PENTSTEMON WRIGHTI.

PENTSTEMON WRIGHTII.

Dr. Wright's Pentstemon.
Linnean Olass—D1IDYNAMIA. Ordév-—ANGIOSPERMA, Natural Order—ScRoPHULARIACER.

We very recently noticed this ornamental genus; but the beauty of the Pentstemon
Wrightii is so great, that we feel persuaded no apology will be needed for intro-
ducing it to our readers.

It is decidedly one of the most distinct of all the species ; the peculiar form of its
corolla being, we believe, quite unique, and the rich rosy-carmine of its numerous
flowers is very remarkable.

It is a native of Texas, and will therefore probably require a little protection in
winter, for most of the plants of that province are somewhat tender; but this will
hardly prove an obstacle to its extensive adoption, in an age when hundreds of
green-house plants are employed for open-air decoration.

We have no doubt, from what we know of this charming species, that it will be
very readily raised from seed; and it is even probable that, if sown early, the
young plants would flower the first season. It grows from two to three fect high,
and bears a very long branching panicle of flowers. The lower leaves are
spathulate, and lengthened at the base into a narrow petiole; the upper ones
are almost heart-shaped and sessile; all of them are smooth, and with margins
destitute of serratures. The corolla is remarkable for its spreading limb, and has
been compared, not inaptly, to that of the Achimenes rosea, which it also resembles in
colour. The intense rosy-carmine of the flowers, which are borne in June and July,
is quite unrivalled in the genus, especially for a few days after expansion ;
subsequently this tint loses a little of its depth, but this rather adds to, than
detracts, from the general effect.

It was introduced to the Royal Gardens at Kew in 1850, and flowered the
following season. We believe it will be in the hands of the trade this spring, and
as it produces seed plentifully, it will soon grace by its presence our parterres.

It is to be regretted that, in an establishment like the Royal Gardens, supported
by the public money, no better provision is made for the dissemination of the nume-
rous treasures sent to it from all quarters of the globe. As nothing is sold at the
Gardens, the only way in which new plants in their exclusive possession can reach
the public, is through the leading Nurserymen, who are, we believe, allowed the
privilege of exchanging rare plants in their possession for any of those at Kew; but
there are, doubtless, many who are unable to comply with this condition.

For notices of several other species of Pentstemon, see pages 22 and 161 of vol. I.

LILIUM VENUSTUM. 21

LILIUM VENUSTUM.
Beautiful Lily.

Linnean Class—Hexanpria. Order—Monocynts. Natural Order ~—Livtacem.

To those cultivators (and they are, we suspect, a numerous class,) who may be
desirous of enjoying the sweets of Floriculture, without incurring the labour and
constant attention to details necessary in the treatment of many plants, none of our
hardy exotics are more deserving of notice than the Lilies. Once planted in suit-
able soil, they will flourish for years with annually increasing vigour, demanding
absolutely no attention, beyond that of being allowed to remain undisturbed, and
perhaps an occasional watering in summer.

We can imagine few objects that would be more interesting than a bed of
Lilies; and the species are now so numerous, and of such varied colours, that
ample materials exist for forming an exceedingly attractive group. The noble
Lilium giganteum, more than once referred to in these pages, would form a most
appropriate centre-piece for such a bed; around it might be arranged the species
of more moderate height, and those of dwarfer growth would constitute a fitting
edging to the whole. To produce the greatest possible effect, some care would be
necessary in selecting only such species as flowered simultaneously ; but the mag-
nificent coup d’eil afforded by such an arrangement, would more than repay any
amount of trouble. The comparative brevity of the flowering season of most of the
Lilies, will, perhaps, prove a drawback to their employment as bedding plants;
this objection might be obviated to some extent by mingling the early and late
flowering species, by which, if some of the effect were sacrificed, it would be en
revanche, much prolonged.

It is, however, only in gardens of considerable extent that this system of cultiva-
tion can be adopted; but happily the merits of this popular genus are such, that
in whatever situations they may be grown, their beauty cannot be hid.

The Lilies are by no means particular as to soil; they will grow in almost anything
except very sandy loams, and even in these they will succeed if not fully exposed to
the sun. They flourish most, however, in rich mellow loam, of strong texture, and
will also thrive in turfy peat.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable and best known of the species, is the lance-
leaved Japan Lily, L. speciosum, and its varieties. Until recently, this elegant plant
was supposed to be too tender for full exposure, but it is now proved to be per-
fectly hardy in the neighbourhood of London, and we have no doubt that it will

succeed out-doors anywhere south of the Tweed. Experiment only can test its
2a

22 LILIUM VENUSTUM.

hardiness ‘over the border,’ and we shall be glad to be informed of the result of any
which may be made.

The interesting Lilium venustum, figured in our plate for the present month,
although less remarkable than the one just noticed, is eminently deserving its
specifie appellation of ‘beautiful,’ the bright orange tint of its large blossoms being
particularly attractive. Like the Z. speciosum, it is of Japanese origin, and is very
nearly related to LZ. Thunbergianum, for which it is sometimes sold; but it differs
from the true species of that name in having its lower leaves linear and not oval.
It is also of dwarfer growth than LZ. Zhunbergianum, and, unlike that species, has
smooth petals which are slightly stalked. The stem, which scarcely exceeds two
feet in height, is rough, and stained with brown at its lower part, and covered near
the summit with soft hairs. The upper leaves are ovate-lanceolate, arranged in a
whorl of four or five; the lower ones are much narrower, and all are smooth and
strongly nerved. The blossoms are of considerable size, very much expanded, and
slightly reflexed at the edges. They are remarkable, as we have already observed,
for their brilliant orange tint, which immediately arrests the attention of the
observer, even among many rivals. The stamens, and especially the anthers, are
much longer than in the Z. Thunbergianum, and this offers an additional mark of
distinction between the two plants; but compared with those of most other species,
these organs present nothing extraordinary.

The Lilium venustum is one of the many valuable introductions of Dr. Siebold,
and appears to have been first brought to this country about twenty-five years
since, from the Belgian Gardens. It is perfectly hardy, and may now be procured
of most of the London nurserymen and seedsmen.

Like all the dwarfer species of this genus, it may be grown as a pot plant, and is
very ornamental in the window when in flower. Full sized bulbs will require a
large pot, which is the only objection to the general adoption of this, and many
other beautiful species, as window plants, where there is room but for a few.

Among other comparatively little known members of this genus, the LZ. excelswm
deserves to be mentioned. As its name implies. it is a tall growing species, with
very large drooping flowers, of a pale orange tint, and very fragrant. This plant is
sometimes sold as testaceum and perigrinum, but it is certainly distinct from either
of those species.

In our notice of the Z. colchiewm (page 54, vol. I.), we referred to the small
bulbils formed on the stems of several of the species; and we would now point
out a characteristic of the Lilies which can hardly have escaped the attention of the
most inobservant cultivator, viz. the long nectariferous furrow or gland at the
base of each petal. This is present in all the species, but is most conspicuous in
those with reflexed flowers, especially in the Z. speciosum. When the flower first
expands, the furrow is dry, but gradually becomes moist, and at the end of a few

MECONOPSIS WALLICHII. 23

days, will be found filled with an intensely sweet fluid. This honey-pore is also
well seen in the Crown-Imperial, and other species of Fritillary; but in that genus
it is generally of a circular form. ‘In the Cyclobothras, which are closely allied to
Fritillaria, the nectary is bearded in the interior, and is placed at some distance
from the base of the petal.

The bulbs of several of the Siberian Lilies, especially those of Z. pomponium, are
used as articles of food by the inhabitants of northern Asia, and we have no doubt
that the bulbs of all the species might be similarly employed—a hint which may be
of service to any future Robinson Crusoes we may chance to have among our readers.

Some other remarks on this genus will be found under the head of Lilium
colchicum, in our first volume.

SS

MECONOPSIS WALLICHII.
Dr. Watticu’s Deconopsis.

Linnean Class—PoLyaNDRIA. Order —MonoGYNIA. Natural Order—P APAVERACE.

Frew plants are more easily recognised than the Poppyworts, to which our present
illustration belongs; for, notwithstanding the important distinctions between the
genera composing the Order, there is a striking general resemblance running
through the whole, which enables even those entirely ignorant of Botany to
distinguish them at a glance. This applies chiefly to those usually found in gardens,
such as the different species of Papaver, Argemone, Meconopsis, Glaucium, Esch-
scholtzia and Hunnemannia, for a few of the genera more rarely met with so
nearly approach other orders in their structure, that their relationship is less
obvious.

Every body is familiar with the leading characteristics of the true Poppies, the
type of the order; the two sepals, which fall off as soon as the flowers expand ; the
four crumpled petals; numerous stamens; broad, radiating stigmas, seated directly
upon the top of the seed vessel, and the milky narcotic juice, are features which
will readily recur to the memory. The most unvarying character of the Order is
the deciduous nature of the sepals (generally two in number, but in Argemdne three),
which, taken in conjunction with the milky narcotic juice, effectually distinguishes
the Papaveracee from all other plants. he character of the seed vessel is much
more inconstant; in the Horn-poppies (@lauciwm), and also in the Zschscholtzia, it
approaches in form the pod or siligua of Cruciferous plants; and in the curious little
annual, Platystemon californicus, which forms the connecting link between the Poppy-

24 MECONOPSIS WALLICHIT.

worts and the Ranunculus tribe, the carpels of which the fruit is composed are only
partially adherent by their inner edges, and separate when ripe. In the genus
Weconopsis, the departure from the type of the Order is less important, the chief
distinction being that the stigmas, instead of being sessile on the ovary, as in
Papaver, are borne on a short thickened style.

Most of the plants of this family are of a showy character, and deserve cultivation;
all of them, with scarcely one exception, being hardy. Some of the dwarf annual
Poppies are very handsome, particularly the species amenwm, from the north of
India, with bright vermilion flowers; and setigerwm, a European plant, with white
blossoms, deeply stained with purple near the base of the petals. Among the
perennial species, orientale is remarkable for its brilliant scarlet flowers ; bracteatum
(red) and nudicaule, the yellow Norway Poppy, are also both desirable plants for
the mixed flower border. They are all readily raised from seeds; and even the
perennials will generally flower the first year.

The prickly Poppies (-Argemone) are less commonly grown than they deserve to
be, though few plants are more ornamental than the A. grandiflora, where sufficient
space can be afforded it. The flowers of this species are pure white, and often
four inches across; the ring of yellow stamens and the purple stigmas, contrast
very prettily with the white petals. This fine species is a perennial, but will
flower the first season from seed. ‘There are two other species with whitish
flowers; Barclayana, also a perennial, but less hardy than grandiflora; and
albiflora, which is annual. The only others we have any knowledge of are
Mexicana, and ochroleuca, both annuals, with pale yellow flowers; they all deserve
to be grown once at least, and are of the easiest management.

The Eschscholtzias are too well known to need any description ; and we refer to
them only for the purpose of calling the attention of our readers to the new white,
or more correctly, cream-coloured variety of E. californica. Its flowers are rather
smaller than those of the species, but it is very pretty, especially when grown in
contrast with the yellow one.

The horn-Poppies /Glaucium), so termed in reference to their long secd-vessel,
also merit attention, especially the G. fulvum and G. pheniceum, the first with
orange, and the last with purple flowers; fulvum is strictly speaking a perennial,
but is best treated as a hardy annual.

The Hunnemannia fumariefolia is occasionally found in the Seedsmen’s lists. It
very much resembles the Zschscholtzia ; but the two sepals are not united into the
ealyptra-like organ, which is so remarkable a feature in that plant.

The other genera of the order we must defer to a subsequent occasion ; but before
noticing the Meconopsis Wallichii, which has given rise to these remarks, we must
spare a line for the Platystemon californicus, and Platystigma lineare. Although
pretty, they are less remarkable in an ornamental point of view than for the

MECONOPSIS WALLICHIT. 25

curious structure of their fruit, which well merits examination ; both require only
the ordinary treatment of hardy annuals.

The handsome Jfeconopsis, figured in our plate, is remarkable as being one of
the very few plants, if not the only one, of the Order, with blue flowers. It was
discovered in the Sikkim Himalaya, by Dr. J. D. Hooker, who sent seeds to the
Royal Gardens, which produced flowering plants in June, 1852. The plant attains
the height of two and-a-half to three feet, and is everywhere of a pale, glaucous
green, covered with long reddish bristle-like hairs. The root leaves are very large,
often twelve to eighteen inches long, or more, stalked, and much lobed, and cut.
The stem-leaves are small, and without stalks. The flowers are rather numerously
produced from the axils of the upper stem-leaves, on short drooping peduncles, and
are of some size; the ring of yellow stamens round the seed-vessel contrasts
charmingly with the pale blue colour of the petals. The seed-vessel is more elongated
than in the true Poppies, and is densely clothed with erect bristle-like hairs or
sete ; the stigmas, as we have already remarked, are elevated on a thick cylindrical
style, as long as the ovary, as shown in our plate.

The mode in which the capsule of the Poppies opens, viz. by pores or valves
immediately beneath the disk-like stigmas, is no doubt familiar to most of our
readers. In the JDeconopsis Wallichii, and the other species of this genus, the
capsule also opens, when ripe, by six or seven valves at the top of the style, which
appears to be rather a mere elongation of the ovary, than what is generally under-
stood to be a true style. The numerous seeds are arranged as in Papaver, or thin
membranaceous ridges, radiating from the inner walls of the capsule.

This very ornamental plant has been too short a time in cultivation in this country
to authorise us to speak with confidence of its hardiness, especially as the last
winter was comparatively mild. Judging, however, from the locality in which it
was found, there is scarcely a doubt that it will prove quite hardy, and in that
case it will take a high rank among our herbaceous perennials. At present it is, we
believe, confined to the collection at Kew; but will doubtless be procurable, through
the trade, in the course of another season.

The genus contains a few other species, one of them, the If. Cambrica, being
indigenous to this country. Two others, WZ crassifolia and W. heterophylla, both
with orange-coloured flowers, are natives of California; and in addition to the
species now figured, two others have been found in Northern India. One of these,
the IL. nepalensis, with yellow flowers, is in the possession of Mr. Stark, Nurseryman,
Edinburgh, who has also a considerable number of the rarer herbaceous plants.

The name of this genus is derived from mekon, the Greek term for a poppy, and
opsis, like, in allusion to the close resemblance between the two genera.

The narcotic properties of the plants of the Order Papaveracee are too well known
to require noticing. It may, however, be worth while pointing out the singular

26 HALE-HARDY ANNUALS.

fact, that the seeds of most, if not all of the species, are entirely destitute of this
property, and yicld by expression a large quantity of bland oil. In the North of
France the Poppies are extensively grown for this purpose, and the oil is there in
general use for domestic purposes, its price being considerably lower than the
olive-oil for which it is employed as a substitute.

HALF-HARDY ANNUALS.

We gave in our last number a select list of such annuals as are sufficiently hardy
throughout England to allow of being sown in the open borders, and we now
complete the subject by appending a list of those which usually require the aid of
a hot-bed. It is obvious, however, that the distinction between the two classes
cannot be very clearly defined; some of those commonly termed hardy annuals
succeed best when treated as half-hardy, and, on the other hand, a few of those in
the following list, such as the dwarf Lobelias, Marygolds, Arctotis, Callichroa,
Cuphea, and Clintonia, will, in favourable seasons and situations, do very well in
the open border.

Considerable latitude must therefore be allowed to the judgment of the amateur,
though to the inexperienced we venture to recommend, that all the plants named
below should have some artificial protection. For the greater number, a good hot-
bed is indispensable, if anything like perfection is desired, and especially for early
flowers. The localities are few in which this is unattainable; in most cases, one
good frame and light will be sufficient to contain a pot or two of each of the seeds
enumerated, and the materials for forming the bed are generally procurable, even in
towns. In the early spring, a larger quantity of manure will be necessary than
later in the season, for the low temperature generally then prevalent checks the
fermentation, and, if the bed is too small, a single sharp frost will often entirely
arrest it. For this reason, where a sufficient supply of manure is not available early
in the season, it will be far better to defer the construction of the hot-bed until
March; though in any case, enough will be needed to form a mass at least two yards
long, one-and-a-half wide, and four feet deep, or it will lose its heat in a week or
two, and leave the young seedlings exposed to a serious reduction of temperature in
case of severe weather.

Where a large supply of leaves is available, they will form an excellent adjunct
to the manure, but they are generally too much decayed when left exposed to the
weather during winter, to be able to furnish much heat. Even if the manure can
only be procured by purchase, it will be worth the expenditure, as when thoroughly
decayed it will prove available for renovating the borders.

HALF-HARDY ANNUALS. PG

It may appear trivial to attempt to explain so simple an affair as the formation
of a hot-bed, but the novice in Horticultural matters may need to be informed, that
the manure should on no account be at once made up; before being finally arranged,
it should be turned and shaken at least twice, at intervals of two or three days ;
this will prevent too violent a fermentation, which would not only prove injurious
to the seeds, but also very quickly subside. It should be from nine inches to a foot
larger every way than the frame, and should be stationed, if possible, in a sheltered
situation, open to the south. When the bed is constructed, the frame may be at
once placed on it, and if on settling the surface becomes unequal, a little fresh
material should be added.

As soon as the first violent heat has slightly subsided, a layer of sandy soil about
six inches deep must be placed over the surface of the bed, and it will then be fit
for the reception of the seed-pans. Nothing is more common among desultory
gardeners, than a light in which the broken squares are at least as numerous as the
whole ones, but in these days of cheap glass, such a state of things is inexcusable.
Even a cracked pane should be replaced, for the rain would surely find an entrance,
and cause the destruction of the seedlings beneath.

The seeds may be sown either in pots or pans; the last are preferable, and would
be still more so, if they were made with an opening at the bottom. Whichever are
used, they should be filled to one-third of their depth with broken crocks, and then
nearly to the top with sandy loam, in a moderately damp state. The surface of
the soil should be slightly pressed, and the seed sprinkled thinly upon it, and
finally covered with a very thin layer of fine soil; very small seeds will be
sufficiently covered by being gently pressed into the surface. Before placing
them in the frame, they must be carefully watered from a very fine rose; and to
avoid the necessity of the too frequent use of this, it is a good plan to cover the pots
with a thin compressed layer of damp moss. During the first week or ten days,
the frame may be kept closed, but as soon as the young seedlings appear, air must,
be cautiously given, if the weather be mild. In severe weather it will be necessary
to provide some covering for the frame at night; a thickness or two of matting
with a piece or two of old floor-cloth over it, will in most cases be sufficient.
When the seedlings are two or three inches high, they should be potted off into
pots of light soil, and gradually inured to a full exposure, previously to
turning out.

We can easily imagine that some of our readers may be unable to command the
use of a hot bed; and in this case, we know of no better substitute than a box or
trough of spent tan, in which small pots may be plunged, and placed upon a warm
window. Many of the seeds will even vegetate in such a position, without the aid
of the warmth generated by the tan; but the Thunbergias, Portulacas, Cleome, and
a few others, will not succeed without the aid of artificial heat in the early stages of

28 HALF-HARDY

their growth.

ANNUALS,

With the exception of those we have named, they will even

succeed in the open borders, if the sowing be deferred till April; but the same
degree of success must not be expected, unless in very favourable seasons ; by the
use of hand-lights, however, much may be done. More than one of the plants
named in the following list, is a perennial, but flowering the first season, they are

conveniently treated as half-hardy annuals.

HEIGHT IN FT, COLOUR,
Ageratum mexicanum 2 Blue
=n » album,, White
Alonsoa incisifolia . . . 135 Scarlet
Arctotis breviscapa (new) 1 Orange & brown
Aster, German quilled . 2 Various

Brachycome iberidifolia , 1 Blue |
9 r alba,, White
Calceolaria chelidonioides
(LEW) Fei vet erat 3 Yellow
Callichroa platygloss ull en
Centaurea Americana 2 Red
» involucrata .,, Yellow
Cheenostoma polyanthum 4 Lilac |
33 fastigiatum » Pink |
Cleome rosea . . . 2 Rose |
Clintonia pulchella . 4 Blue white and |
yellow |
Cosmanthus fimbriatus . 3 White
Cosmea bipinnata . 2 Purple
Cuphea silenoides . 1 Purple and rose |
»» purpurea * 1 Purple
Didiscus cceruleus 2 Blue
Dolichos lignosus climbs Purple
Kthulia corymbosa 2 Yellow

Grammanthes gentianoides + Orange
Helichrysum bracteatum . 2 Yellow

*n macranthum 2 Rose
Tpomea hederacea 5 Blue
Dicksonii (fine) . 5 Red and blue
rubro-ceerulea climbs Red and blue
purpurea. . . Various
Crimson

”
”

” ”

ne » Burridgii ,,
Tsotoma axillaris 3 Blue
Loasa Herbertii . . . 4 Dark or
Lobelia heterophylla major 3 Deep blue

» Erinusmaxima . ,, Azure blue
Lophospermum scandens . 4 Rose, spotted

HEIGH! IN FT,

Lophospermum erubescens 4

Martynia fragrans . ,
op lutea .

Manulea violacea .

Microsperma Bartonioides
(Syn. Eucnide Barton-

1oides;)" 2 ai ‘
' Mesembryanthemum _ tri-
color". =. ok
< pomeridianum

| Nierembergia intermedia

Nyctarine capensis
Pentapetes pheenicea

| Petunia pheenicea

(All the varieties.)
Phlox Drummondii
» oculata
Portulaca striata
Thorburnii .

% Thellusonii
Rhodanthe Manglesii
Salpiglossis sinuata atro-

purpurea. ws
coccinea .

as picta
Scypanthus elegans
Sedum azureum .
Senecio elegans . . .
(All the varieties. )
Tagetes patula (Dwarf

French marygold) .

=p erecta (Double

African) .
Thunbergia aurantiaca

5) alata alba. .
Tweedia coerulea
Zinnia elegans . . . +
(All the varieties.)

”

”

A

mie

13

bo we

ws)

b

no

(|= to)— [

ore

ine)

te 1[e

Bi6 Bie Sl Sie

Ble Sik BIR

COLOUR.
Rose spotted
Purple & yellow
Yellow
Violet

Yellow

Cr. w. & y.
Yellow

Dark purple
White & yellow
Scarlet

Various

Various

”
White & crimson
Yellow
Crimson
Pink

Purple
Scarlet
Various
Yellow
Pale blue
Purple

Orange & brown

Orange
Orange & purple
White & purple
Blue

4 Various

CAPE BULBS. 29

CAPE BULSS.

Axurnoucn the number of half-hardy Irids of this class, capable of successful
cultivation in the open border, is very considerable, they are, with the exception of
the Ixias and a few others, so rarely seen in gardens of only moderate size, that it
is difficult to resist the conviction, that to a large class of amateurs, the treasures
of this beautiful tribe are comparatively unknown.

As the season for planting most of them is arrived, a few hints on the best species
and their treatment, may prove useful.

They are usually grown in beds; and this arrangement affords great facilities for
protecting them in severe weather, the majority being too tender to endure full
exposure during frost. There is little or no danger, however, to be apprehended
when the bulbs are not planted till February or March; and in that case, the
question of beds or clumps may be left to the taste and convenience of the amateur.

The question of soilis more important; it may, indeed, be termed the chief point
on which their successful cultivation hinges. They will not do well in poor, sandy
soils, which afford them too little nourishment, and stunt their growth ; neither
will they succeed in the strong, tenacious loams so peculiar to many districts; and
even peat, in which they are so often grown, is less desirable than a compost in
which it forms but one ingredient. By far the best results are obtained in a
mixture of white sand, good fibrous loam, and turfy peat, in about equal proportions.
In such a compost, the whole of the Cape Ivids will flourish, whether in the open
borders, or in pot. The ingredients should be well chopped together, and mingled
with the hands, but not sifted, as this would remove the fibrous portions, the
presence of which is essential to the porosity of the whole. When the peat and
white sand cannot be procured, a mixture of decayed leaf-mould and sandy loam
may be used as a substitute; but leaf-mould is so generally infested with insects,
that it cannot be recommended for this purpose. Any Nurseryman will supply a
small quantity of all three ingredients for a trifling sum.

When the bulbs are grown in clumps in the mixt border, the soil should be
removed to a depth of from 12 to 16 inches. At the bottom of the cavity thus
formed, three or four inches of broken sherds must be placed, as drainage, and the
remaining space may then be filled with the compost of peat, loam, and sand. The
largest bulbs should be planted from four to six inches, and the smaller ones about
three inches deep. Single bulbs, especially of the smaller species produce so little
effect, that they should always be planted in patches, of at least three bulbs of each
kind. In severe weather, and also during very heavy rains, it will be advisable
to cover each patch over, even before the leaves appear, with an empty pot.

30 CAPE BULBS.

When grown in a bed, the entire surface may easily be covered with furze, and
in the case of bulbs planted in spring, this will afford them all the protection they
are likely to require.

As they progress in spring, the only further attention they will need will be
an occasional watering in dry weather; and the little trouble entailed in the pre-
paration of a proper compost, will be amply rewarded by the greater vigour of the
plants, and the superior character of the flowers. But that none may be deterred
from the culture of these interesting plants, we would add, that in almost any good
garden soil, of not too heavy and moist a nature, they will succeed, and even in the
case of soils of the most adverse character, a single barrowful of the peat and loam
would suffice for ten or twelve good clumps of bulbs.

After flowering, water should be withheld, unless seeds are required, in order
that the bulbs may be ripened carly. This will, in general, be accomplished soon
after the foliage is completely withered, but their removal from the ground is a
matter to be left entirely to the taste of the cultivator. If allowed to remain, they
will vegetate earlier than those removed and preserved in a dry state, and in
mild seasons they will flower earlier the following spring; but on the other hand,
they will require more attention during the winter to pxiteot them from frost.
When sufficient protection can be afforded them—and this is comparatively easy
in the case of those planted in clumps—we think that there is some advantage in
allowing them to remain undisturbed for two or three years at least, by which
time most of them will have increased so much by offsets, as to require division.
If they are kept out of the ground during winter, the smallest offsets frequently
wither and perish.

We have only room for a brief list of a few of the best species in each genus.
The Gladioli, Watsonias, and Antholyzas are the tallest; most of the others are
comparatively dwarf.

Gladiolus psittacinus, insignis, emicans, Queen Victoria, and eniloclali Gandavensis,
and all its varieties. (See page 148, vol. I.)

Watsonia fulgida multiflora, pyramidalis, and aletroides, are easily procurable.
They resemble the preceding, but are not quite so hardy.

Antholyza Ethiopica, and its varieties, prealta coccinea, and Cunonia, are very
beautiful, and may be had for about 6d. a root.

Morea papilionacea, plumaria, tricolor, and miniata, ave extremely interesting.
They are not often kept, but the species named may be had this season of Mr.
Carter, 238, High Holborn. Allied to the Iris, but flower more freely.

Vieusseuwia pavenia, the well-known Peacock Iris, and the equally common
V. glaucopis, are very cheap, and easily managed.

Homeria lineata, miniata, and aurantiaca, are generally kept by Seedsmen, and
should on no account be omitted; they are nearly hardy.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE OAK TRIBE. 31

Ivia and Sparaxis, may be classed together; all the species should be grown,
including the curious L. viridiflora.

Babiana rubro-cyanea, sulphurea kermesina, ringens, and speciosa, are very shewy,
and not expensive. These, too, may all be had of Mv. Carter.

The Anomatheca cruenta is desirable, on account of its flowering throughout the
summer, and is easily raised from seed, which will flower the first year. Should
be thickly planted.

The Bobartea aurantiaca is a pretty hardy bulb of this class, but requires to be
planted in autumn, as it is an early flowerer.

The Pardanthus Chinensis is also hardy in most places, and is very desirable. Its
blossoms resemble those of the Tiger-flower.

To these may be added Ferraria undulata, the Tritonias, and Ovieda corymbosa.

The whole of the above are admirably suited for pot culture, for which sce the
notice at page 142, vol. I.

re eee

MISCELLANEA,

DEST ULLON ORs THR Ou IR TBR:

‘Tr the reader should happen to be acquainted only with our own indigenous Oak, though he would
recognize in it a vegetable form, which from olden times has continued the symbol of strength, and
the prize of civic virtue, yet he would not derive from it any conception of the rich variety of
appearances, which the tribe of Oaks developes in its distribution over the surface of the globe.

Up to the present time about 230 species of Oaks are known, belonging principally to the northern
hemisphere. To the south of the line they occur only on the Sunda Islands, among which, at
Sumatra, crossed by the equator, and at Java, in lat. 8° south, there exists a numerous and highly
remarkable group of Oaks, It is a striking fact, that they are entirely wanting in the temperate
zone of the southern hemisphere, f. i., in New Zealand (35—45° §.), in Van Dieman’s Land (42° 8.),
in southern Chili, Patagonia, and Terra del Fuego (45—54° S.); the more so, because forests are
found there of Beeches, which in Europe ordinarily accompany the Oak, and which count the
majority of species in those very parts of the southern hemisphere.

‘With respect to the distribution of the species, only 2 (3) Oaks are found in Europe, north of the
Alps. To the south of these, in the southern Europe, bordering in the Mediterranean, there are
18 species. That portion of western Asia which approaches nearest to the Mediterrancan has 14
species. The eastern temperate zone of Asia has 25 species, out of which 20 belong to Japan ;
India has 21, and the Islands of Sunda 37 species. The northern coast-lands of Africa possesses
seven sorts, the Canary Islands (Madeira) one sort; but none is met with in middle and south
Africa, or the Islands belonging thereto. New Holland and Australia have no Oaks, nor South
America, south of the line. Thus Europe counts 20, Asia 97, and Africa 8 species. But since
several of the South European Oaks occur again in Asia Minor and the adjoining countries, and in
northern Africa, the sum total of Oaks in Europe, Asia, and Africa, must be reckoned at 110
gpecies,

‘From America 101 species of Oaks have already been described ; which number, however, will

32 DISTRIBUTION OF THE OAK TRIBE.

probably suffer a not inconsiderable reduction, when the species are critically revised. I venture,
nevertheless, to assert, that the American Oaks surpass in number the aggregate amount from all
other parts of the world, with reference only to the forms preserved in the herbaria of Europe—nay,
to those only which are at present in my hands,

‘Tt is deserving of notice, that while other parts of the world have several Oak-species in common,
the case is not so as regards America, where not one single species exists from thence. The cause
of this is to be traced, partly in the circumstance, that neither in America nor Asia do the Oaks
extend so far north, as to be able to migrate from one quarter into another, where the transition is
shortest; and partly in the extraordinarily brief vitality of the acorn, by which the ocean is pre-
vented from transporting them in a living condition, from one part of the globe to the other,

‘As in Europe, north of the Alps, the Oaks are deciduous, and continue leafless during all the
winter, while in the Mediterranean they are evergreen; so also do we find, that, in North America,
to the north of the equator, and as far as a considerable difference exists between the temperature
of summer and winter, the Oaks are deciduous ; while those in its tropical and subtropical zone, are
evergreen.

‘It has hitherto been a prevailing notion, that the Oak-form is peculiarly characteristic of the
temperate zone. But whether we look to the number of species, the beauty of the forms, or the size
of particular organs (leaves, fruits, cups), we shall find their maximum in the tropical zone, that is, in
the Sunda Islands of the Old World, and tropical Mexico in the New, It must be admitted
however, that, in the hot zone, it is especially at an elevation above the sea enjoying a temperate
climate, that the Oak predominates; though with this express reservation, that, ordinarily, the
conditions of vegetation are far more favourable in the temperate mountain region within the tropics,
than in the temperate zone, which has commonly been placed on a parallel with the former; for
neither in the seasons, nor between night and day, is the difference so great in the temperate region
of the tropical zone, as in the temperate zone; and the quantity of rain, that important condition of
vegetation, is far more considerable within than without the tropics, and increases much at mountain
elevations in tropical countries.

‘Moreover, it must not be supposed, that it is in the temperate zone, where the Oak developes
itself most favourably, with regard to the appliances of its wood for useful purposes; or where its
trunk attains the greatest size. There are as mighty Oaks in the torrid zone with perhaps higher
trunks, though scarcely of greater diameter; and as regards the hardness of its wood, many of the
Mexican species greatly exceed those of the temperate zone in that respect, so that the wood is hardly
to be wrought by means of ordinary tools; nay, on account of its iron-hardness and toughness it is
converted into tools, which in other parts are made of metal.

‘Tt is known that there are Oaks in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and in northern Africa
with edible fruits (Quercus esculenta, Ilex, Ballota); the acorns being sold like our filberts and
walnuts. Rich as America is in Oaks, not a single esculent species was known until within the last
few years. Captain Fremont became acquainted with such a species among the indigenous Indian
tribes of the western slope of the Upper-Californian Cordilleras, who collect the acorns for winter
store, and to a great extent are supported by them. The species is Quercus Hindsii, described
already by Hooker and Arnott in the collections brought home from Captain Beechey’s Expedition ;
though the use of the fruit as an article of food was unknown before the jowney of Fremont.

‘A small group of deciduous Oaks, not ripening their fruit until the second year, is peculiar to
North America. To it belong Q. Phellos, Banisteri, rubra, coccinea, tinctoria, palustris, and others.
Likewise some species, whose leaves become blood-red towards the fall, thereby imparting to the
forests in autumn a magnificent appearance; among these are Q. coccinea and rubra,—From
Hooker's Journal of Botany, translated from the Danish of Professor Liebmann.

g

A P Mlfigtotetda Cocttmeit/
CLERMAATAL CUAALEA s e 27 ‘4 C ‘O CO
f /

C

ABELIA UNIFLORA. 33

/ re
ABELIA UNIFLORA.
Large-flowered Abelia.
Linnean Class —PENTANDRIA. Order—Monocynta. Natural Order —CapRiroliace®.

Our scientific Botanists are not, it must be admitted, always happy in their choice
of names for the various novelties brought under their notice; and the Abela
uniflora is a case in point. Its specific designation, wniflora, would, of course,
suggest the idea that the flowers were produced singly, or but one on each foot-
stalk ; it appears, however, that the peduncles are generally two-, and not un-
frequently three-flowered, as an inspection of our figure will shew—the name is,
therefore, singularly infelicitous. The misnomer may perhaps be explained by
the circumstance that all the parts of the plant are rather variable in their
character, and it is probable that the specimen from which the species was
named, possessed only one-flowered peduncles. The leaves, for example, are
opposite, usually in pairs, but sometimes ternate, or three ina whorl; and whilst
some are toothed at their edges, others are nearly or quite entire; the sepals
also vary in number from two to four, and the character of the pubescence is
inconstant.

But whatever may be the fitness of its present appellation, it is not likely to be
confounded, especially when in flower, with the other species in cultivation, from
which it is very distinct.

It is an evergreen shrub of somewhat slender habit, the branches partially
decumbent. The leaves are broadly lance-shaped, pointed, dark green on the upper
surface, but pale beneath. The flowers are produced from the axils of the leaves,
and, as already stated, vary in number from one to three on each peduncle. The
corolla externally is white, tinged with pale purple, with a yellowish throat, and
resembles in its form that of many plants of the order Scrophulareacee, especially
some of the Pentstemon family ; it is singular that this resemblance extends even
to the arrangement of the stamens, which, instead of being five in number, as in
the other species of the genus, and most of the Caprifoils, are didynamous, as in the
Order just referred to. It is scarcely necessary to add, however, that there is no
real relationship between the two Orders.

The genus, Adelia, thus affords us a striking example of the advantages possessed
by the Natural system of Botany over that founded by Linnzeus; for although the
different species agree in every essential point of their structure, yet the exigencies
of the Linnean system would require that the present plant should be arranged
with the Didynamia; whilst the others being pentandrous, would, of course, be placed
in the fifth Class.

3

34 ABELIA UNIFLORA.

The calyx, or at least its free portion, is also a noticeable feature in this plant.
Its tube adheres to the seed-vessel through its whole length, producing what is
termed an infertor ovary, which is fluted, and slightly hairy; and at its base will
be observed three small leaf-like bodies termed bracts; the limb or spreading
portion consists of two broad wing-like sepals, nerved, and of a reddish-brown
colour; in a few of the flowers they are three or four in number. The fruit is a
three-celled dry berry, one of the cells containing only a single seed, the others
being polyspermous; this peculiarity is common, however, to several genera of the
Order. In the other species of Adclia it is only the solitary seed which ripens,
those of the many-seeded cells being abortive; but we are unaware whether it is
the same in the present plant.

This pretty shrub is another of the Chinese importations of Messrs. Standish and
Noble of Bagshot, to whom it was sent by Mr. Fortune. Some of the specimens
at Bagshot have borne exposure three winters uninjured, and it may therefore be
looked upon as perfectly hardy ; at all events the question will be speedily settled,
for the present rigorous season will subject it to a severe test, and we will endeayour
to keep our readers informed of the result.

Its cultivation is unattended with any difficulty; it thrives in peat and loam,
and may be increased by cuttings of the half-ripened wood; like the other Abelias,
it is benefitted by occasional ‘stopping.’ In the open ground it flowers about July.
The exact height it will ultimately attain we cannot state, but it will probably not
exceed three or four feet. Although so recently introduced, it will shortly be
obtainable at a very moderate price, but such plants will be, of course, of somewhat
diminutive size.

Most of our readers are acquainted with the A. floribunda, a Mexican species,
with long narrow tubular blossoms of a rosy-crimson, generally cultivated in the
greenhouse, where it flowers for some weeks during the spring and summer;
although less hardy than the A. uniflora, it would probably bear our mild
winters in dry soils; this species is also known under the name of Vesalia
Jloribunda.

There are three other species; but only one of these, the A. rupestris, is, we believe,
yet in cultivation. It is a nearly hardy plant, of weak trailing habit, with pink
and white flowers of an agreeable fragrance ; we believe it will be found hardy in
the southern countries.

Of the two remaining species, one, the A. serrata, is said to be nearly related to
the A. uniflora, but at present only dried specimens are known in this country;
the other, 4. triflora, from India, is supposed to be distinct, but our information
on this plant is scanty.

The Abelias are named in honour of Dr. Abel, a physician, who accompanied
Lord Amherst on his memorable embassy to China.

ARNEBIA ECHIOIDES. 30

The Order, Caprifoliacee, comprises some of our most desirable hardy shrubs.
Not to speak of the various species of Honeysuckle, with their charming poetical
associations, it will be enough to name the beautiful Weigela rosea, the Leycesterva
formosa, the Laurestinus, and other species of Viburnum. Of the Weigela we need
say but little, as it is now well known as one of our handsomest deciduous shrubs ;
a new species or variety, the W. Middendorfiana, with yellow flowers, has been
recently introduced, but it has not yet blossomed in this country, and its merits
are therefore unproved.

The genus, Viburnum, has recently received several highly interesting additions
from China, but they are of sufficient importance to merit a notice by themselves,
which we hope soon to afford them.

= ——— =

i /
ARNEBIA ECHIOIDES.
Echium-like Arnebia.
Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —MonoGynta. Natural Order —BoRAGINACcEz.

Tux flowers of many plants of the Borage tribe are so ornamental, that it cannot
but be regretted that the general coarseness of their foliage opposes itself to their
extensive adoption in our mixed flower borders. This objection must not, however,
be exaggerated, for in many of the species ;the characteristic in question is by no
means so obtrusive as to justify their exclusion, and in proof of this, we need only
cite the the beautiful Pulmonarias; the yellow Onosmas; the Alkanets, so valuable
from the abundance of their large blue flowers; the neat little Omphalodes verna,
and Myosotis azorica; and last, but not least, the very pretty plant whose name
stands at the head of the present article.

The perfectly hardy character of nearly all the plants composing the Order will
be a powerful recommendation to some cultivators ; and although they will, like
most other plants, vary in their luxuriance, according to the nature of the soil, the
majority of them will flourish in earth of only ordinary quality.

In speaking of the Arnebia, it will be necessary to point out the features which
distinguish it from the other plants of the Order, and it may therefore be advisable
first to note the leading peculiarities of the Boraginacee. If a flowering specimen
of any plant of the Order be examined, for example, one of the Alkanets (Anchusa),
though almost any other will do equally well, it will be seen that the corolla is
monopetalous, or composed of only one picce, the limb or edge being divided into
five equal lobes; that the stamens are five in number, placed in the tube of the

36 ARNEBIA ECILTOIDES.

flower, alternately with the lobes; that the seed-vessel is so deeply divided as to
appear to consist of four distinct nut-like bodies, from the midst of which the style
arises; and, further, that the leaves are placed alternately on a round stem.* The
arrangement of the flowers on one side of a spike, curled inwards like a crook,
a form of inflorescence termed by Botanists gyrate or scorpioid, is another peculiarity
which will not be overlooked.

These are not the only features which will mect the eye in the Alkanets, but
those we have named are common to nearly all the plants of the Order.

The distinction between the different genera consists in the presence or absence
of connivent scales at the mouth of the tube; in the greater or less expansion of
the limb of the flower, and in the presence or absence of perforations at the base of
the nut-like lobes of the ovary.

In the Alkanct, the throat will be found closed with five converging shaggy scales,
or lamine ; and these are present also in the different species of Borage, Bugloss,
Myosotis, Cynoglossum, and Symphytum. In our native Comfrey, Symphytum
officinale, the scales are of a somewhat different character to those of the Allanet,
being edged with glittering, semi-transparent callosities, which in a strong light
have a very interesting appearance.

In the Echiums, Pulmonarias, and Lithospermums, these scales are absent, the
throat of the flower being quite open; and it is to this section of the Order that the
Arnebia echioides belongs.

This plant has been bandied about from one genus to another by different
Botanical writers, until it has acquired a somewhat lengthened list of synonymes.
By Linneus it was termed Lycopsts echioides, but in that genus the mouth of the
flower is closed by scales, and the nuts are hollowed at their base ; by Bieberstein
it was classed with the Alkanets, but these too have the throat furnished with
scales, as we have already seen; and by Fischer and Meyer it was placed among
the Lithospermums, under the name of L. erectum. It is with this genus that it
has the greatest affinity, and there seems indeed no good reason for removing it
thence. -The genus Arnebia is doubtless sufficiently distinct from Lithospermum,
the two-lobed stigma of the latter being replaced in the former by one with four
lobes of a subglobose form. But it is singular that this feature, which is almost
the only point of difference between the two genera, is absent in the species under
consideration, its stigma being bifid. The flowers are larger than in most of the
Lithospermums, and the corolla is rather more salver-shaped, but these differences
appear insufficient to justify its separation from that genus.

What its exact affinity may be, is, however, a question in which perhaps our

* In the Lipworts (Labiate) the ovary is also four-lobed, but they are very readily distinguished from the
Borage tribe by their square stem, opposite leaves, and irregular flowers, which have the stamens didynamous.

ARNEBIA ECIHIOIDES. 37

readers will find but little interest. That it isa very attractive plant when in
flower, will be obvious from our figure, especially when cultivated in a good-sized
clump. Its fusiform woody root resembles that of the Alkanet, but the stems do
not exceed six or eight inches; they are erect, and covered with short hair, as are
the leaves. These are all sessile, the lower ones of some size, the upper ones
becoming gradually smaller. The calyx is deeply cut into five blunt, narrow
segments ; the corolla is almost salver-shaped, with a hairy tube, and five rounded
lobes, alternating with which are five well-defined purple spots. These spots
sometimes disappear under cultivation, and this is most likely to occur in soils of
a stimulating nature. The stamens which are nearly sessile, are placed at various
distances down the tube, as in the Phloxes and Verbenas.

The plant is a native of the mountains of Caucasus, and also of Armenia; it was
introduced to the Kew Gardens a few years since by Dr. Fischer of St. Petersburg.
It is quite hardy, and may be grown either in the open ground or in a pot; the
flowers are produced in June and July. Increase is best effected by seeds, which
are generally ripened, its tap-roots scarcely admitting of division.

The Lithospermum canescens is an allied plant deserving mention; and although
its flowers, which are also orange-coloured, are much smaller and less showy than
those of the Arnebia, yet, as it will grow in hot sandy soils where few other plants
will thrive, it may perhaps prove equally acceptable. It is a North American
species, and is the Batschia canescens of some authors.

Our indigenous Lithospermum purpureo-ceruleum is a favourite plant with many
amateurs, and it may easily be raised from seeds, which are kept by the London
Florists. It is a very suitable plant for rock-work, and succeeds well on a wall.

The Onosmas are also well adapted for the sunny side of the rockery, on which
they make a pretty appearance.

Reference has already been made to the Lung-worts or Pulmonarias, so called
from their spotted leaves, which have been fancifully supposed to bear some resem-
blance to a diseased lung; the best species are sibirica, virginica, and maritima, the
last a native of Great Britain ; they require a light soil.

The Azorean Forget-me-not, Myosotis azorica, is a very beautiful little plant, but
we regret to say it is only half-hardy ; it may, however, be kept through the winter,
in a pot on a window, in the absence of any better accommodation. In too rich a
soil, its foliage becomes coarse, and overpowers the flowers. It is increased both by
seeds and division.

The Echiwms are many of them exceedingly handsome, but unfortunately the
best species require protection in winter, and they are therefore rarely seen; seeds
of the £. grandiflorum, a pink-flowered species, are, however, generally to be met
with at the Seedsman’s, and it is well worth cultivation. The hardy annual 2.
violacewm is more generally known, and is of very easy treatment.

34

38 GENTIANA BAVARICA.

The several species of Anchusa, to which reference has so frequently been made,
are desirable for the back row of the mixt border, or for the scar ; dtalica,
incarnata, Barreliert, and paniculata, are among the best.

There are some other desirable hardy plants in this Order, but enough i been
said to show that they are by no means deserving the neelebt which they have
experienced since the introduction of the modern style of gardening.

The Boraginacee are destitute of any marked properties, and the whole are
believed to be innocuous; they are of some value in an economical point of view,
the roots of several of the species, especially the Anchusa tinctoria, Lithospermum
tinctorium, and Echium rubrum, yielding a red colouring matter, much used for
colouring oils, and also in dyeing; the first-named plant is largely cultivated for

this purpose,
~~

GENTIANA BAVARICGA.

Bavarian Gentian.
Linnean Order —PENTANDRIA. Class—MonooGynta. Natural Order —GENTIANACER,

Tue Gentians are usually supposed to be difficult of cultivation, and it must be
confessed they are rather more fastidious in their requirements than some other
plants; but with a trifling amount of care there are few localities where they will
not succeed, except, perhaps, in the heart of a crowded city. In towns of only
moderate size we have, however, seen the Gentiana acaulis flourishing perfectly,
and that too in soils of the most diverse character. They are impatient of stagnant
moisture, especially in winter, and they suffer from full exposure to the mid-day
sun during the hottest months of the year; it is probable that inattention to these
points is the chief cause of failure in their cultivation, and of their consequent
rarity in our gardens.

With regard to soil they are by no means so particular as is commonly supposed.
They will thrive in peat; in a mixture of peat and loam; and also in friable loam
containing a little sand. Rich highly-manured soil is objectionable, and in wet
adhesive loams they will live but a short time; but in either case it will only be
necessary to supply a small quantity of the compost of peat and sandy loam, with
drainage beneath it, in order to place the plants in the condition requisite to
ensure success.

The exposition should be such that the plants are screened from the sun during
the hottest part of the day, only the morning and evening rays being allowed to
reach them, especially in dry arid soils; but the situation should be as light and airy
as possible—they will neither bear to be smothered by other plants, nor endure the

GENTIANA BAVARICA. 39

drip of trees. During long continued rains in autumn and winter, it will be a good
plan to cover the clumps with a large pot, as they are more impatient of wet than
cold; but they should not be kept covered longer than is necessary.

With these trifling precautions all the species may be grown to perfection, and
the beauty of their flowers will well repay a little care in the selection of soil
and site. ’

The genus is chiefly represented in our gardens by the dwarf Gentian, G. acaulis ;
but the species are so numerous, that Dr. Griesbach, who has written a monograph
of the Order, enumerates no fewer than 154 as known to Botanists. Of these,
however, not more than fifteen or twenty species are kept by English Florists, and
even that number could hardly be obtained without some trouble.

They occur in nearly every part of the world, Africa and New Holland excepted,
chiefly in the temperate regions, and at some elevation, often near the limits of
perpetual snow. The few species in cultivation in this country are nearly all
natives of Europe or North America.

Those indigenous to great Britain form a group by no means the least interesting
of the genus. The G@. Pnewmonanthe is one of the most charming plants of our
English Flora, and well deserves to be transferred to the borders by those who are
fortunate enough to discover it in their botanical rambles.

Another little gem is the rare G. nivalis, found only in Scotland, in a few
localities. This species, and the G. Amarella, G. Germanica, and G. campestris, are
but of annual duration; the three last are far more generally distributed than
nivalis, being found in most of the English counties.

The G. verna, also indigenous, but rare, is a beautiful species, not unfrequently
met with in cultivation, and is sometimes kept by the Florist. It is quite dwarf in
its habit, and resembles in this respect, as well as in the colour and form of its
flowers, the G. Bavarica figured in our plate.

We have chosen this species as an example of the genus, not only for its intrinsic
beauty, but also from its being one of those least known. It is not, as its name
would apparently imply, confined to Bavaria, for it is found in most of the alpine
regions of the South and Centre of Europe.

Our readers will observe that the form of the corolla differs considerably from
that of the better known G. acaulis, that of the latter being bell-shaped or
campanulate, whilst the former is salver-shaped or rotate; the foliage is also very
much smaller, and it belongs, in fact, to a different section of the genus. The
flowers are produced singly at the extremity of the shoots, and are of the most
intense blue, with a well-defined whitish spot at the top of the tube, where the
divisions of the limb unite. The small thyme-like leaves are of a bright glossy
green, those at the lower part of the stem being very closely placed. In the
G. verna, to which we have already observed, the plant is related, the inferior

40 GENTIANA BAVARICA.

leaves are more dilated, so as to form a sort of rosette at the base of each stem.
It is a very beautiful little plant, and cannot fail to become a favorite when more
extensively known and cultivated. Like all the dwarfer species, it requires to be
planted in clumps to produce much effect, or it may be used as an edging to small
peat beds.

The @. bavarica is somewhat rare; the only nurseryman, to our knowledge, in
possession of it is Mr. R. Stark, of the Edgehill Nursery, Edinburgh, of whom the
G. verna, alpina, gelida, and several other interesting species, may also be obtained.

Some of the taller species of Gentian are very ornamental, perhaps even
more so than the dwarfer ones, and they are less rare than bavarica. Of those
found in Europe and Asia Minor, septemfida, cruciata, asclepiadea, and purpurea may
be recommended ; and to these may be added Catesbea and Saponaria from North
America, all with blue or purple flowers; they vary in height from one to two
feet, and flower at a later period of the summer than acaulis, verna, and bavarica,
which gives them an increased value. Of Saponaria, asclepiadea, verna, and
Pneumonanthe, there are white flowered varieties, which produce a pretty effect
grown in contrast with the true species. The yellow Gentian, G. lutea, is a
handsome plant, taller than any of the species yet named, and is easily cultivated ;
there are also several other species with yellow flowers, and one, G@. dncarnata,
with pink blossoms, but the last is exceedingly rare; with this exception, all the
species we have named may be obtained of one or other of the London Florists.
The whole of them may be easily raised from seed when procurable. The Gentiana
lutea is the Astereas luteus of some Botanists, but the grounds of distinction are not
generally recognised as sufficient to justify its separation from the true Gentians.

The flowers of the Gentians present several features worthy of remark. In some
of the species, five small segments, or teeth, alternate with the five larger divisions
of the limb of the corolla. In G. asclepiadea and G. ochroleuca, these intermediate
segments are short, rounded, and undivided; in G. verna, G. Catesbea, and others,
they are bifid; while in the handsome @. septemfida (so named from its corolla
being usually seven-lobed), they are prettily fringed. Others have the throat of
the flower bearded, as may be seen in G@. caucasea, and the indigenous species,
G. Amarella and G. campestris. The pollen of most of the species forms a pretty
microscopic object, being generally composed of three grains, or occasionally three-
lobed.

The leaves of many of the Gentians are strongly three-nerved, but there are so
many exceptions to this rule, that it can hardly be depended upon as a mark of
distinction from other plants; in all the species they are opposite, and quite
destitute of lobes or teeth.

The bitter tonic properties of the plants of this genus are well known, and it is
remarkable that almost every member of the Order shares them to a great degree.

SALPIGLOSSIS COCCINEA. 41

The G@. lutea furnishes the roots used medicinally in this country, but many of the
other species fully equal it in their tonic properties, and are successfully substituted
for it in the regions to which they are indigenous.

The name of the genus is probably derived from that of Gentius, a King of
Illyria, who is said by Pliny to have discovered the virtues of some of the
species.

/ /
SALPIGLOSSIS COCCINEA.
Scarlet Salpiglossis.
Linnean Class—D1IDYNAMIA. Ordér—ANGIOSPERMA, Natural Order—ScropHuULARIACEE.

Among the numerous striking phenomena displayed by the vegetable world, one of
the most interesting to the Florist is the remarkable tendency exhibited by many
plants to ‘ sport’ tneir colours; in other words, to produce seed which gives rise
to plants bearing flowers of different tints to those of the parent. The inducing
cause of this variation is, and will probably remain, one of those insolvable
mysteries before which our limited intelligence must bow; all that we know is,
that in some genera and species the disposition to ‘sport’ is manifested more
strongly than in others, and that advantage may be taken of this by the Florist to
increase the variety of tints prevailing in such species. We do not here refer to
the change of tint produced by hybridization, whether natural or artificial, but to
the spontaneous variations in colour which are known to occur in some plants,
when all possibility of cross-impregnation is removed.

The Salpiglossis sinuata (and under this head we include the so-called species,
picta, straminea, atro-purpurea, and Bareclayana, which by Dr. Lindley and Mr.
Bentham are regarded only as varieties of s¢mwata,) is one of those plants in which
this mutability of hue is strongly developed. Already the varieties in cultivation
included examples of nearly every imaginable tint, but red or scarlet has hitherto
been wanting among them; this colour is now attained, affording us another proof
of the incorrectness of the theory propounded by some Botanists, that the three
primarytints cannot be evoked in the same species.

The Salpiglossis coccinea is, without contradiction, a most valuable addition to our
list of half-hardy annuals, and will, we hope, form a permanent variety ; though
we confess our inability to explain how it is that the result of a ‘sport’ should
itself assume a constant character. In its general habit and characters, it resembles
the other varieties; like them attaining a height of one-and-a-half to two feet, with

42 SALPIGLOSSIS COCCINEA.

erect branching stems, clothed with clammy hairs. Its colour is ‘a clear vivid
tender scarlet,’ relieved by darker veins of the same tint.

Its cultivation is precisely that of the other varieties; the seeds require the aid
of a hot-bed, and are best sown in March, in pots of light sandy loam; they should
be thinly distributed, and as soon as the seedlings are an inch or two high,
abundance of air should be admitted if the weather is sufficiently mild to allow of
it, for the Salpiglots are by no means tender, and will not bear ‘coddling.’ When
the young plants are large enough to handle without injury, they may be transferred
in small patches to larger pots of light, rich, but well drained soil. If, however,
the seedlings have come up thickly, they will need transplanting separately, or
thinning out. In either case they should, when repotted, be returned to the
hot-bed, and be kept close for a few days; after which, about the end of April, they
may be placed in a cold frame, and gradually hardened off before planting out in
May. A light rich soil, composed of a little leaf mould and thoroughly decayed
manure, mixed with sandy loam, suits them best. They will form a very beautiful
bed, where the ‘ massing’ system is adopted, but are equally valuable for planting
in clumps in the mixt borders, and will flower through the summer.

We have termed the Salpiglossis coccinea an annual; but although it may be
treated as such, there can be but little doubt that it is, with the other varieties,
really of perennial duration, and, like the Petunias, may be perpetuated by cuttings.
The Salpiglossis picta and atropurpwrea have been preserved through the winter in
the open ground, covered by a pot during frost; but unless in very favourable
localities, they would hardly survive any but our mildest winters. Where the
means of preserving the seedlings through the winter, either in a cold frame or
greenhouse, are at hand, the plants will flower earlier and stronger if raised in
autumn.

The older varieties, of which we have spoken, especially picta, are not a whit
less interesting than coccinea ; there are also yellow and blue-flowered varieties, and
one with pure white flowers, which is very pretty; seeds of this, as well as of
coccinea and all the varieties named, may be had of the principal London Seedsmen.

The Salpiglots form a connecting link between the Scrophulariacee or Fig-worts,
and the Solanacee or Night-shades; the tendency to a didynamous arrangement of
the four perfect stamens shews their relationship to the first Order, whilst the
presence of a fifth stamen, in a rudimentary form, it is true, marks its near
approach to the latter.

The generic term, Salpiglossis, is derived from salpiggos, a trumpet, and glossis
a tongue; in allusion to the trumpet-like form of the flowers, and flattened style.
The wild species and varieties are natives of Chili.

= —— =

THE GENUS AQUILEGIA. 43

THE GENUS AQUILEGIA.

Tur rage for novelty which possesses certain classes of Florists, and above all, the
‘bedding’ mania, threaten with extinction many of our most interesting herba-
ceous subjects ; for whatever may be the beauty of a plant, it has, now- a-days, but
little chance of meeting with attention unless it happens to be a continuous flowerer.

We are persuaded, however, that there are many whose love of flowers is
uninfluenced by these conventional considerations and other caprices of fashion ;
to such we venture to recommend, among other plants to be hereafter mentioned
whose merits have equally been overlooked, the very pretty herbaceous genus
Aquilegia. A few of the species are of sufficiently recent introduction to satisfy
even the greatest stickler for novelty; but it is rather on their beauty, hardiness,
easy management, and adaptability to every situation, that we would found their
claims to attention.

Of the numerous species now known, nearly the whole are of sufficient interest
to merit a place in the borders; but as our space is limited, we must content
ourselves with noticing a few of the best; these are, we think, alpina, Sragrans
glandulosa, jucunda, leptoceras, and Skinnert.

Alpina, the first named, is perhaps one of the finest species of the genus, at least
it produces the largest and most showy flowers; they are as much as three inches
across, with very spreading sepals, and of the deepest blue; the plant is compara-
tively dwarf, and the foliage rather small. It is a native of Switzerland.

Fragrans is one of the few yellow species, and is a beautiful plant, with sweet-
scented blossoms, as its name implies. It does not much exceed a foot in height,
and requires to be kept somewhat dry in winter, by having an empty pot turned
over it. It is a Himalayan species.

Glandulosa resembles alpina, but has its petals more acute; there appear,
however, to be several varieties sold under this name; the true glandulosa has
self-coloured blue flowers, without any admixture of white, and is a very fine
species; being a native of Siberia, it is quite hardy, but likes to be dry in
winter.

Jucunda—and most truly is it named joyous-looking—is one of the finest of the
group. It is allied to the preceding, but differs from it in having white, or nearly
white petals, the sepals being deep blue; they are further distinguished by the
shape of the petals, which in yucwnda are much less acute than in glandulosa. This,
too, is a Siberian species, and-is injured by excessive wet in winter, though in
summer it requires to be freely supplied with moisture.

Leptoceras is a beautiful North American species, remarkable for the length of its

44 BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

spurs. The flowers are as large as those of alpina, but produced in a panicle ;
they are of a creamy white, with a tinge of blueish green. There is another
species in cultivation under the same name from Siberia, with violet and straw-
coloured flowers, but it is dwarfer, and we think less handsome than the North
American plant.

Skinnert is one of the very few South American species, being a native of
Guatemala, and it is therefore likely to suffer in very severe weather. It may,
however, easily be grown in a pot, and plunged into the borders, which will allow
of its being removed and protected during hard frost. It is a very handsome
species, the flowers with very long spurs, of a brilliant red colour at the lower
part, and green tips.

To these may be added many of the varieties of the common 4. vulgaris, some
of which are almost equal to the preceding species, and they include every shade
of blue, brown, purple, white, and pink.

All the species succeed best in rich sandy loam, though they will grow in
anything worthy to be called garden-soil. The finest plants we ever saw had
sprung up, self-sown, in an old anemone bed, in which a good layer of cow-dung
had been originally buried; and although they were only varieties of vulgaris, they
made a most effective display of flowers, in masses two or three feet across. Single
specimens, whether of these or any other plants, produce but a meagre effect.

The Columbines are so inclined to sport their flowers, and intermingle so freely,
that it is almost impossible to raise them true from seed when they are grown
together ; for this reason, if the true species are required, it is best to purchase
roots, which may be had of most Florists. The varieties raised from seed are,
however, quite as ornamental; and it is certain, that, with a little attention, many
might be originated between the different species which would be even more
highly coloured and attractive than those at present in cultivation. All of them
will flower the second year from seed, which may be sown in the open borders in
April.

es a

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

ALSTROMERIA PLANTAGINEA. (Amaryllidacee).—A very fine species introduced from Brazil some years
since to M. de Jonghe of Brussels. It is a herbaceous plant, with simple erect stems one-and-a-half
to two feet high, bearing a large umbel of bell-shaped flowers of deep orange, lined with yellow, tipped
with green, and spotted with dark brown bars. It is sufficiently hardy for cultivation in the open
air, at least during the summer months, and requires only the treatment of the other species.
Currrantuus Marsnatiu. (Crucifere).—This beautiful plant is no longer a novelty, and is,
doubtless, already in the possession of many of our readers. ‘To such as have not acquired it, we
venture strongly to recommend it as one of the most desirable of spring flowers. Its blossoms are

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 45

produced in long spikes, and are of a beautiful orange colour, rather paler than those of the Ery-
simum Peroffskianum, one of its reputed parents. They are deliciously fragrant, with a strong
scent of violets ; and on this account it will be a favourite pot-plant for the window in early spring.
It is as easily increased or cultivated as the common wall-flower, and may be purchased for a trifle
of any Nurseryman. Strange stories have been told of the origin of this plant, its introducer affirming
it to be a hybrid between Cheiranthus ochroleucus, and the annual Erysimwmn Peroffskianum ; but it is
extremely improbable that two genera so distinct in the structure of their seeds, will hybridize, and
we therefore attach but little credence to the statement, until it shall be confirmed by fresh
experiments.

CoMACLINIUM AURANTIACUM. (Compositee).—A very beautiful half-hardy perennial, with the
general appearance of an African Marigold, but with large scarlet flower-heads, resembling those of
the Zinnia. It was raised from seeds found in the earth accompanying a lot of Orchids from
Central America, by Mr, Ortgies, foreman in Mr. Van Hontte’s hot-houses. It flowered last autumn
in the open air at Ghent, and will therefore be likely to prove useful for summer decoration. We
observe that it is already in the hands of English Florists, but its price is at present rather high.
Tt appears in some catalogues under the name of Tithonia splendens..

Dretyrra Curysantua. (Fumariacee ).—If less striking than the beautiful D. spectadilis, this
novelty will be a very acceptable addition to our hardy perennials. The foliage is much more
divided than in spectadilis, and is of a glaucous tint, resembling that of the Garden Rue. The
flowers are produced in stiff erect branching panicles which rise above the leaves; they are very
numerous, rather more than an inch in length, and of a bright golden yellow colour, but are less
drooping in their habit than those of spectabitis, many of them, are indeed, almost erect. It has been
raised from Californian seeds by Messrs. Veitch, of Exeter, and flowered in their nursery for the
first time last September. If it proves to be an autunm flowerer, its value will be increased. We
may also hope that hybrids between it and spectadilis will soon be obtained. It is figured in Paaton’s
Flower Garden for January of the present year.

Leprosiruon LuTEvs (Polemoniacee).—Although the name of this very pretty annual is to be
found in most of the Botanical dictionaries, it does not appear to have been actually introduced to
this country till very recently. Messrs. Veitch of Exeter have had the good fortune to obtain it through
their collector in California, and we may therefore hope its brilliant yellow flowers will, before long,
be familiar to our readers. One of the varieties produces pale lemon-coloured blossoms, in another
they are as dark as an orange. It is as easily cultivated as the common L. androsaceus.

Maxcormra urrrorra (Crucifere).—Every body knows the little Maleolmia maritima, or Vir-
ginian stock, though why it should have received this name is not very clear, secing that the plant is
a native of Europe. The Malcolmia littorea is a much finer species, recently introduced from
Portugal by Mr. Wellwitzsch. It is probably a biennial, but in this country is best treated as an
annual, as it will hardly endure our winters. It grows about a foot high with narrow, blunt,
stalkless leaves, which, as well as the stems and branches, are covered with a whitish pubescence.
The flowers are large for the genus, and are produced in terminal, many-flowered racemes, of a bright
pink-purple, varying in depth in the different stages of development as in If. maritima. It may be
treated as a hardy annual, and will flower during the summer and autumn, It is found not only in
Portugal, but also as far north as Nantes, and southward it extends along the western shores of the
Mediterranean. It has also been detected in Barbary and Morocco. [Figured in Bot. Mag. for
September, 1852.]

Sanvia urans (Labiate).—The Salvia hians is by no means new to this country, but, like many
other species, it is very rare; and we are therefore glad to find that seeds of it have been lately introduced
by Major Madden from Simlah, to the Glasnevin Botanic Gardens. It is a beautiful hardy herba-

» At

tT,

46 BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

ceous species, producing terminal and lateral spikes of violet flowers, with a pure white centre to the
lip. Mr. Bentham considers this plant to be the 8. plectranthifolia ; but, according to Dr. Lindley,
the differences between it and that generally known as S. Aians are so slight, that at most it can only
be regarded as a variety of that species. [Figured by a woodeut in Paxton’s Flower Garden for
January, 1853.

—— -
MISCELLANEA.

HOGG’S EDGING TILES FOR GARDEN WALKS.

Tur expense of the dwarf box in gardens of any extent, and the frequent attention it requires, have
often suggested the expediency of employing some more permanent material as an edging. Several
attempts have been made to produce a substitute in earthenware, but none of them have met with
success, as well from the comparatively high price of the tiles, as from the difficulty of keeping them
in their position.

Mr. Hogg has devised an edging which is free from both these objections. He states :—

‘ have had experience of them for nearly twelve months, and I
have found them answer all the purposes an edging is intended to
supply, and that, too, at a cost more than one-half less than dwarf-
box, and nine-tenths less than many other edgings. They are
composed of the same clay, and are manufactured at the same
works as the patent hollow bricks, and, from what I have seen of
them, they appear to become harder on exposure to the weather.
Cheapness is another great qualification. They can be supplied in
any quantity at 10s. 6d, per hundred, or about 14d, each, They
allow the borders to be cultivated close to them, and any extent of
the soil disturbed or removed. The shoe which passes under the S

walk being covered with four inches of gravel, when that becomes “pound,” the tiles are literally
immovable, and no wheel-barrow or roller can displace them. They also afford ample drainage for
the walks, and under no pretence whatever do they harbour slugs.’

The tiles are 42 inches broad, 65 inches deep, and 123 inches long. In forming curves, very
short lengths of the same kind are employed. Dr. Lindley recommends them as being “ hard, good-
looking, a good colour, and cheap.” The accompanying fig. will give a tolerably correct idea of one
of the tiles, It will be understood that the tile is sunk to the shoulder, so that only about 25 inches
of its depth appear above the surface. It is necessary to observe that the article is “registered.”
Mr. Hogg’s address is 13, Gelston Road, Brompton.

THE NEW DAHLIAS FOR 1852.

Haying seen the following varieties, which were sent out last May, under several systems of treatment,
and also having grown the most of them myself, I will record my impression of their merits. First,
in the estimation of all should stand Annie Salter, a chaste and beautiful shaped variety, delicate
peach lilac, and has the advantage of being constant. Sir R. Whittington comes next, a noble full-
sized crimson, with great depth of petal. Triumphant, a capital flower, the habit being very fine,
but has not the boldness of petal of the two former. Dr, Frampton, a Radziville flower, is very
good, but somewhat undersized, In shape it is undeniable. The same may be said of Lizzy, which

FORMATION OF WOOD BY ROOT BUDS. 47

is more attractive in colour, yet uncertain as well as small. Edmund Foster, crimson, is liable to the
thrip, therefore the centre not clean at all times, but is of first-rate form, and of the right stamp.
Sir F. Thessiger, is good late, the early blooms come ribbed, of medium size. Scarlet King isa little
too open, particularly if grown strong, is too flat on the face. Douglas J errold, yellow tinged, good
habit, petals want width ; but the worst fault as a show flower, is, the back goes before the centre is
up. Malvina disappointed me early, but late it is a desirable flower, the same with Morning Star,
which promises yet to bea favourite. White Defiance is a good formed flower, and tolerably constant,
but low in the centre, and pencilled, not pure white. Tom has a good stout petal, and appears con-
stant, but was too late to speak to its general character. Queen of Whites can be improved upon ;
yet taken for all in all, is the best white up to the present time. George Villiers is a good acquisition
to the dark purple class, and is very constant. Alice, so much looked to, has been a failure, inasmuch
as two-thirds of the plants produced single, or semi-double flowers, but when a good bloom was
caught, it was exceedingly striking, yet there is too much centre for the size of the flower; and
although the outline is perfect, the face is flat. Sparkler and Albert, will not do as show flowers, the
latter may as a border variety. Niobe is a large promising flower, white and lavender. Louisa
Glenny, although good, is small, and too uncertain for general use. Ariel is also too uncertain.
John Davis, large and very coarse without novelty. Victoria, neat and pretty, but not enough of it.
Absalom, a passable orange salmon, which must be grown again. Granta’s Gem, large salmon buff,
too quilly, but caught at times. Beauty of Versailles, purple, is behind the flowers of the present day.
Aurora, too thin and uncertain. Una, blush, too open. Compacta, small salmon rose, but very
uncertain. Robert Montgomery and Phantom, but indifferent. Of Fancies there is not much to
say. Glorie de Kain is a great acquisition ; white, striped and spotted with purple ; very constant,
and good shape. Spectabilis is also a good striped variety, yellow buff ground, stripedred. Laura
Lavington, although not always tipped, is a good variety, the shape being fine. Miss Ward is of the
yellow ground class, good in form and full, not always tipped. Mrs. Merry, showy, but coarse.
Nancy, good quality, but thin and hard eyed. Cricket, good quality, of indistinct colours and queer
centre, Kossuth, good shape but rather too uncertain. Miss Bathurst, much too thin. Flora
M’Ivor, a good useful flower. Lilliput Von Bayreuth, red and white, a good flower for exhibition.
La Peon, striped of average form. Claude, a useful flower, between Mrs. Wallis and G. Clayton.—
J. Epwarps, Wace Cottage, Holloway, in The Scottish Florist and Horticultural Journal.

FORMATION OF WOOD BY ROOT BUDS.

Tur mode in which the wood of plants is formed has often been the subject of discussion; by some
botanists it has been regarded simply as a deposition of matter between the bark and the old wood ;
by others it has been held, that it is formed by the downward descent of bud-roots between the bark
and the previously formed wood. This view is now very generally adopted, explaining, as it does
not only the growth of exogenous plants, but also that of endogens; and it offers, in addition, the
only rational explanation of our modes of propagating plants by budding. That this theory is the
correct one is proved by the economy of the Ficws Benjamina, and that of the true Banyan. Both
of these plants are remarkable for the profusion of roots thrown down from their branches. The
main stem of some of them does not form one solid mass, as in other trees, but is a congeries of thick
branching roots, which come down from the lower end of the large branches surrounding the original
shoot or stem. The long horizontal main branches have not so conical a shape as in other trees; for
the roots which are thrown out by each bud, instead of being sent down between the bark and the,
previously formed wood, are thrown out along the whole course of the branch, in masses which resemble
enormous horse-tails ; and hence the necessity which the branches of such trees have for the supports
which are formed by those roots when they reach the ground.

48 GREEN-IIOUSE VENTILATION.

FUMIGATION WITH TOBACCO AND CAYENNE.

During the last few years fumigation by cayenne has been occasionally referred to in our Gardening
periodicals; but we do not remember to have seen any practical instructions for its use, or any
authenticated successful results. The following extract from the Garden Companion will,
therefore, probably prove useful to many of our readers.

‘Provide a strong aqueous solution of nitre, in which soak sheets of stout brown paper, and, after
drying it slowly, cut it into lengths of convenient size, the largest 18 inches by 12. Next procure
some strong tobacco, strew it thinly over the paper, and then with a coarse pepper-box dredge a coat
of good common cayenne pepper over the tobacco ; wrap up all rather loosely, exactly as in making
a cigarette, paste the end over, and when dry, it is fit for use. Two or three of these suspended in a
green house, or cold frame, and lighted at each end, will very quickly settle the account of green fly
and thrip. Instead of a green house, a small room, with the apertures closely stopped, may be
used to hold the plants. By using cayenne much less tobacco is required, the expense being reduced
nearly three-fourths, and the effeet of the two combined is most deadly ; for it is impossible for
insects to live in an atmosphere so thoroughly impregnated with the elements of suffocation.’ We
presume that by common cayenne ground capsicum pods are intended ; much of the fine cayenne of
the shops is adulterated with salt, red lead, ete., most abominably; but the coarse capsicum powder
is too cheap to make it worth while to sophisticate, and is, therefore, to be got in a genuine condition.

In fumigating, care should be taken that the foliage of the plants is dry, or the smoke will haye
but little effect on the insects. Where there is neither a green house nor cold frame in which to
conduct the process, and it is inconvenient to employ a room, a closet, or even a large tub, well
covered, may be used for the purpose; but in these cases the cigarette should be kept at as great a
distance from the plants as possible, to prevent the scorching of the leaves, and a small one,
containing at most a quarter of an ounce of tobacco, will be quite sufficient. The amateur should
remember, that in this ease, as in all others, prevention is better than cure, and on no account should
the fumigation of a plant be deferred until the fly has thoroughly taken possession of a plant; the
moment a few are discovered, the plant should be taken out of doors, and a soft brush applied gently,
by this means they may often be easily kept down; if this proves incffectual, smoking should be at
once adopted. After fumigation, the plant should be allowed to remain covered and undisturbed
until the following day, by which time any aphides remaining may be readily shaken or brushed
away, or removed by a slight syringing with clean water.

SEED SOWING,

As the season for sowing the hardy annuals is close at hand, a hint or two on the subject may
prevent some failures. We believe that many seeds are sown at too great a depth, and in heavy
soils this alone would be sufficient to prevent their germination. Small seeds only require to be
pressed into the surface, but it must be admitted that in this case they are liable to be washed up by
heayy rains; to prevent this the patches should be covered with a layer of moss, or, as this would
require to be covered with a pot to prevent it from being scattered, perhaps a compact furze bush,
cut to suitable form, will be preferable; it should be secured to the ground by a peg. This will not
only ward off the dashing rains, but also afford a material protection against frost, at the same time,
that it allows air to enter. The hardiest annuals are unable to resist the effects of a sharp frost in
their earliest stage, and it is no wonder, therefore, that many of them disappear soon after emerging
from the ground. It is important, however, to observe that the furze bush should be removed early
to prevent the seedlings from being drawn. The slugs and snails often commit sad havock among
seedlings; they may easily be trapped with slices of the common white turnip, which should be laid
along the borders, and examined every morning ; hundreds may thus be destroyed in a few days.

LL MOM.

L444.

lt ZI CE
z

FORSYTHIA VIRIDISSIMA. 49

FORSYTHIA VIRIDISSIMA.
Deep green Forsythia.

Linnean Class—DIanpRIA. Order—MonoGyYNIA, Natural Order—O.enacem.

Aone the numerous valuable plants discovered by Mr. Fortune on his first visit
to China, and subsequently introduced to this country, two are remarkable for the
profusion of their large yellow flowers, produced, in the case of one, in the very
heart of winter, and in that of the other in early spring. Our readers will
readily understand that we allude to the Jasminum nudiflorum, and the Forsythia
viridissima.

It is doubtless some drawback on the merits of these fine shrubs, that in both
the blossoms appear before the leaves; but winter flowers are so acceptable, even
when, as in these instances, unaccompanied by their usual foliar attendants, that
this circumstance has not prevented them from attaining a considerable place in the
estimation of the public.

Both are highly ornamental objects for a wall, when this can be spared; for
although the shrubs themselves are quite hardy, the flowers of the Forsythia
sometimes suffer from severe frost, when grown as a bush or standard, as in the
case of many winter-flowering plants; and the shoots of the Jasmine are of such
tenuity, that some support is rendered necessary by this circumstance alone.

But, great as may be the value of the latter, it is not our text on the present
occasion ; and we must therefore now dismiss it, and confine our remarks to the
plant selected for illustration.

The Forsythia viridissima is a free growing shrub, reaching ultimately the height
of eight feet, or even more, with somewhat angular branches, which when mature
are of a dark brown tint. The leaves are opposite, generally lance-shaped, acute,
and toothed at the margin from the middle upwards, but entire near the base ;
they are, when full grown, of a clear, deep green colour, to which circumstance
the specific name alludes. In the axils of each leaf, a small bud is formed, which
as the autumn advances becomes gradually more conspicuous, until, when the
leaves have fallen, these buds assume so prominent an aspect, as to form a marked
feature in its winter physiognomy. They remain dormant until March, when they
gradually unfold themselves, and disclose a profusion of large bright yellow blossoms,
emitting a delicate balsamic odour, in which respect: they have an advantage over
those of the Jasminum nudiflorum, which are scentless. The flowers are produced
sometimes in pairs, but often singly, on short foot-stalks so slender, that the blossoms
are generally drooping ; they are, as already intimated, of considerable size, somewhat

4

50 FORSYTHIA VIRIDISSIMA.

campanulate in form, with a short tube plaited within, and a limb cleft into four
spreading obtuse segments. The stamens are two in number, with filaments so
short, that they are quite concealed in the tube.

In the diandrous character of its flowers, the Forsythia, and, indeed, all the plants
of the Olive tribe, approaches the Jasmines, the two tribes having been formerly
united ; but the pendulous ovules of the Oleacee sufficiently distinguish them from
the latter, which have, moreover, a five-cleft corolla, and seeds containing but a very
small quantity of albumen, whilst those of the Olive tribe abound in this
substance.

The Forsythia is easily cultivated, and as easily increased, the most ready mode
of propagating it being by layers; but cuttings of the ripened wood, about a foot
or more long, taken off in autumn, and planted in sandy loam, will root freely.

A soil of this character is also best suited for established plants; in rich moist
earth it produces long-jointed shoots, and continues its growth later in autumn than
is compatible with the due maturation of the wood. A situation against a wall
is to be preferred for it, because in this position the shoots will be subjected
to a greater amount of heat, which will materially assist the ripening process.
It cannot be too often repeated that in this consists the whole art and mystery
of acclimatizing the plants of warmer regions than our own, though in this
instance we have to deal with a plant from a district where the winters are
certainly much severer than in any part of Great Britain. The summers are,
however, of an equally extreme character, and the shrubs and other plants of
the North of China are therefore well prepared by the roasting they undergo,
to endure the subsequent reduction of temperature. Asa further illustration of
this principle, we may remark that in the neighbourhood of New York, where,
as our readers know, the winters are of a rigorous nature, the Forsytha flowers
freely as a bush or standard; and this is to be attributed solely to the elimination
of all watery juices by the warmth of an American summer.

This mention of Standards reminds us that the Forsythia is grown in this form
by Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot, and probably by other Nurserymen.
When in flower, these trees have an extremely interesting effect, especially if
planted amidst shrubs of an evergreen character. When grown as a bush, an
exposed situation should be avoided; a warm corner, or a south exposition,
sheltered by tall evergreens, will protect the flowers from the cutting March
winds, and preserve them in beauty for a longer period.

All the plants of the Olive tribe succeed when grafted on each other; and it
appears worth suggesting whether some advantage might not be obtained by
grafting the Forsythia on one of the dwarfer species of Ash, or even on the
Phillyreas and Fontanesia.

The Forsythia blooms whilst comparatively small, and may now be had cheap

ECHEVERIA RETUSA. 51

at almost every provincial nursery. It was introduced, as we have already stated,
from China, in 1845 by Mr. Fortune, who discovered it in company with the
beautiful Weigela rosea, in the garden of a Mandarin, near Tinghae, and subse-
quently, growing wild in the province of Chekiang.

One other species is recorded in books, the F. suspensa, from Japan, but it is
very little known, and we are even ignorant whether it exists in this country.
It was on this species that the genus was first founded, in honour of William
Forsyth, a Horticulturist of some note, formerly Gardener at Kensington Palace.

ECHEVERIA RETUSA.

Blunt-leaved Echeveria.

Linnean Class—Decanprisa. Order—Pentacynta. Natural Order —CRASSULACER.

Ir would be difficult to suggest a class of subjects better adapted to the purposes
of the Window Gardener than those included in the three natural families,
Cactacee, Mesembryacee, and Crassulacee, which, with a few other plants, are
popularly grouped together under the general denomination of Succulents.
Differmg considerably in the structure of their flowers, the plants of these
three Orders yet agree in the possession of a cuticle of so dense a character,
and containing so few exhaling pores, that the atmosphere of a sitting-room,
so injurious from its aridity to most others, is borne by them with absolute
impunity. For the same reason, they are much less liable to suffer from
neglect in watering; it is certainly easy, as in the case of most other plants,
to injure them by too frequent supplies of fluid nutriment, but it is difficult,
especially in the winter season, to give them too little. But, however accom-
modating in this respect, there is one point on which they are inexorable—
in demanding the sunniest exposition that can be afforded them, and that, in
this climate, will, after all, be mere moonshine, we were going to say—in
comparison with that many of them are accustomed to at home.

Of the orders to which reference has been made, one, the Crassulacee, or
House-leeks, contains three genera which are especially deserving of the com-
mendation bestowed on the entire group—we allude to the Crassulas, Larocheas,
and Echeverias; the two first are old-established favorites with all cultivators,
but the last, if we except the Z. secunda, which is not unfrequently met with,
are less common. Several of the species have the additional recommendation
of producing their flowers in winter, and of this number is the Echeveria retusa

52 ECHEVERIA RETUSA.

which is not only one of the most recently introduced, but also, we think,
one of the handsomest species.

In its general habit, the 2. retusa agrees with the other members of the genus,
but the radical leaves are neither so regular in their form, nor arranged in so
perfectly rosette-like a manner, as in secunda and most others. When young, they
are acute, but become ultimately extremely blunt and irregularly scolloped or
crenate, and bordered with brownish-purlpe

The flower stem, which is also stained with purple, but of a brighter tint, grows
from a foot to eighteen inches high, the blossoms being produced at its summit
in a dense, drooping, branched panicle, which becomes gradually more erect as
the flowers develop themselves. These are externally of a rich crimson-scarlet
colour, covered with a delicate bloom, and internally if an orange-yellow; they
continue expanded some days before fading, and as strong plants will produce
several flowering stems, a succession of blossoms is maintained for two or three
months in winter, a season when flowers of much inferior interest to the. retusa,
are generally highly valued.

Its cultivation is of the simplest character; sandy loam, enriched with a little
leaf mould, or even sandy loam by itself, if not of too sterile a nature, will be found
sufficient for its requirements; it is hardly necessary to state that the pots should
be well drained to one-third of their depth at least, for this is an indispensable
condition to success in the treatment of succulents.

It may be more important to observe that the flowers of the Zvheveria retusa
being produced in winter, it will require more water at that period than those
species which flower in summer and autumn; during its period of growth, which
succeeds that of blossoming, it may also be kept in a moderately moist condition ;
but after this is completed, which will occur about the end of July, water should
be withheld, and to facilitate the ripening process, the plant may then be stationed
out of doors in a sunny corner, for a month or six weeks at least, but must be
protected from rain, though slight showers will do no harm. ‘This exposition will
be but a poor imitation of the dry season of the tropics, but it will at any rate be
more conducive to the production of flowers, than a permanent occupation of the
window. If the plant be then removed about the middle of September to the
sitting room, and cautiously watered, it will hardly fail, after the lapse of a few
weeks, to throw up its flower-stems.

Increase is easily effected, either by the offsets, which may be severed and treated
as cuttings, or by the stem-leaves, which are readily detached, and will root freely
if, after being dried for a day or two, they are pressed into a pot of sandy soil.
The leaves of some of the species will throw out fibres from the back if simply
laid on the soil, as in the case of the Gloxinia, and other plants; and it is to be
presumed that those of retusa will root in a similar manner. Flowering plants are,

ECHEVERIA RETUSA. 59

however, produced more speedily from offsets, and as these are formed in some
abundance, the leaves need only be employed when a considerable number of young
plants is required; in either case, they are best taken in spring, or early summer,
so that the whole of the warmest months of the year may be available for the
rooting process.

In addition to those features common to all the plants of the House-leek
tribe, the Echeverias are remarkable for some peculiarities too curious to be
overlooked.

The most striking of these is seen in the mode of attachment of the stem leaves;
in all the species they are so slightly adherent as to be easily removed, but in the
E. retusa this peculiarity is carried to a climax, the leaves being hinged only by the
skin of the upper surface, the base at the under side being quite free; this is very
evident while the stem is incurved in its early stage, the base of the leaf situated
at the bend, projecting in a heel-like form.

The inequality of the sepals, or divisions of the calyx, is another noticeable
point in the Z. retusa; but we believe this anomaly exists in most of the
Echeverias. The other characteristics of this genus, besides a five-parted spreading
calyx, are a corolla composed of five petals, cohering at the base, so as to forma
monopetalous flower; ten stamens, the five which are opposite the petals having
their filaments dilated at the base ; and five distinct carpels, each of which termi-
nates in a short tapering style.* At the base of each of these carpels, a fleshy
protuberance or gland occurs, which communicates a swollen appearance to the
exterior of the base of the flower; these glands are seen in nearly all the plants of
the Order; they probably contain some starch-like matter, which becomes soluble at
the time of the maturity of the flower, and serves to nourish the carpels and young
ovules, and perhaps the stamens also.

The species of Echeveria are not very numerous, and but few are kept by pro-
fessional Florists, though several of them are highly ornamental when in flower.

One of the most remarkable is the Z. grandifolia, a species of a far more robust
character than retusa, the flower-stem often reaching the height of four or five feet,
with radical leaves a foot in length; the whole plant except the flowers, which are
reddish yellow, is of a pale glaucous blue tint. The ZF. gibbiflora, not unfrequent
in private collections, resembles in its habit and aspect the preceding, and grows
fully as large; its foliage is, however, much broader and more blunt, and is covered
with a white pulverulent substance. The Z. coccinea is a handsome plant, with
flowers of a brighter red than either of the species just named, and like them,

* This correspondence in the number of sepals, petals, and carpels, is a distinguishing mark of the House
leek tribe, and, with their distinct carpels and fleshy leaves, makes their recognition an easy matter. The
stamens are usually twice the number of the other parts of the flower.

54 CAMELLIA JAPONICA.

flowers in autumn; but it is one, we fear, our readers will not be able to procure
through the trade. The other species are mostly of dwarf habit, and are all more
or less ornamental; though, with the exception of Z. secunda, they are by no
means common, at least among window gardeners.

The FE. secunda, and other summer flowering species, will succeed on rockwork,
or in a dry sandy border ; but none of them are sufficiently hardy to endure entire
exposure, and they are therefore generally treated as pot plants.

With one or two exceptions, all of them are natives of Mexico, from which
country the ZF. retusa was introduced about seven years since, by the collector
Hartweg, who transmitted seeds to the London Horticultural Society ; we believe
the plant may now be procured of most of the principal Florists for a moderate sum.

The genus was named by De Candolle, in honour of M. Echeveri, a Mexican
Botanical artist.

CAMELLIA JAPONICA.

Japan Camellia.
Var Fra Arnoldo da Brescia.

Linnean Class—MoNADELPHIA. Order—PouLyANDRIA. Natural Order—TERNSTROMIACER.

As a general rule, it is not our wish to admit more than one window-plant, properly
so called, into each plate; but the scarcity of hardy subjects at this season obliges
us, for once, to depart from our usual plan; and we could scarcely make an
exception in favour of a more worthy subject than the splendid Camellia Fra
. Arnoldo da Brescia.

The noble genus of which it is so fitting a representative, might fairly have
claimed an earlier notice in these pages, for of the hundreds of exotics which now
grace our collections, the Camellia stands confessedly without a rival. It is not to
be denied that the most perfect control over its growth and management are attain-
able only with the aid of a greenhouse or some closed structure, but if window-
grown specimens cannot compete in all points with those produced under more
favourable conditions, it is nevertheless certain that, with only moderate care, such
results may be obtained, that the window-gardener need not envy the possessor of
a greenhouse, unless it be for the greater space enjoyed by the latter, and the
consequent facilities for the growth of a larger collection.

The greenhouse treatment of the Camellia we leave to those of our contemporaries
more especially devoted to that branch of Horticulture; the following remarks
will therefore have reference solely to its management as a window plant, though

CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 55

we scarcely need add that in all essential points, the treatment is the same in both
cases. Put into a synoptical form, the different stages of its culture may be thus
briefly expressed: period of flowering—interval of rest—growth of shoots—forma-
tion and setting of flower-buds—potting—comparative rest.

We will suppose the plant to have passed the first or flowering period, upon the
window of a moderately warm apartment. As soon as the flowers have fallen, the
pot should be removed to a cool airy room, without a fire, and allowed to remain in
a comparatively dry condition, until the leaf-buds manifest a tendency to commence
erowing. This will occur naturally about the end of April, and the plant must
then be removed to a warmer room, and supplied freely with pure water. At this
stage a moist atmosphere will be of great assistance to it, though in a sitting room,
or indeed in any ordinary apartment, it is difficult to obtain a medium that is at
once both warm and damp. Something may be done by sprinkling the plant
frequently with water, and if the surface of the soil in the pot is covered with moss,
kept constantly damp, the dryness of the air of the room may be to a great degree
counteracted. The plant must on no account be placed where it will receive the
direct rays of the mid-day sun, from which the young and delicate leaves would
receive injury ; a window of south aspect will therefore be objectionable, but almost
any other will do. If no other can be had, then the plant must be removed from
the front of the window when the sun shines brightly, or in some way or other
screened from its influence.

All this may involve a little trouble; but is is really only at this period that the
window gardener will labour under any disadvantage, and once the annual growth
of the plant accomplished, the rest of the treatment is of the easiest description.
The development of the new shoots generally occupies six or eight weeks, at the
end of which time the flower-buds will be formed, and the further growth of the
plant must then be checked, by removal to a cooler apartment, or the open air. If
after the blossom buds are formed, a high moist temperature is still maintained, the
plant will be stimulated to make a second. growth, the incipient flowers will in fact
produce a fresh crop of leaves and shoots; our object must now be to assist in
maturing the flower buds, and ripening the wood already produced. This will be
best effected by placing the plant either under a north wall or hedge, or in some
other situation where it will receive an abundance of air, little or no direct sunshine,
and free supplies of water, both at the roots and overhead. The pot should on no
account be placed on the bare ground, a tile, slate, or layer of ashes should be inter-
posed to prevent the entrance of worms.

There is a considerable difference of opinion among Camellia growers as to the
best period for potting, some preferring the spring before the plant commences its
growth, whilst others, and we believe the greater number, consider that this operation
should be postponed until after the shoots and flower-buds are formed, For

56 CAMELLIA JAPONICA.

ourselves, we believe the question is unimportant, and may be left to the convenience
of the amateur; at no intermediate period, however, should the roots be disturbed ;
it must be either before any active growth occurs, or not until after its completion.
In the latter case, this will be about the month of August, when the plant has
already been exposed for a few weeks to open-air influences.

The soil best suited to the Camellia is a fibrous loam, such as would be
produced by the decay of turves from a good pasture; but any loam of a
friable mellow character may be used: for old, strong plants, it may be employed
in an unmixed state; but for young plants, a third of sandy peat or heath-
mould should be added, and the same compost may also be successfully adopted
in all cases; some eminent cultivators are of opinion that they flower most
freely in peat and loam. If the peat does not contain a considerable proportion
of sand, a handful or two should be added to the compost. The pot in which
it is intended to transfer the plant should, if possible, be new, or at least
perfectly clean, and a size larger than the old one; at the bottom over the
opening one good hollow crook should be laid, around it a number of smaller
ones, and over these half an inch of fragments of the size of large peas; to
prevent the particles of soil from filling up and obstructing the drainage, a
layer of moss may then be arranged over it. The plant should next be removed
from its previous receptacle, and the old drainage fragments taken off the ball
of earth; the roots should then be carefully examined, and any of them which
appear black and decayed pruned off; a little of the surface of the soil should
also be carefully pared away if the plant has not been repotted the previous
autumn, otherwise this will be unnecessary, except at the top of the ball.
The plant may then be placed in its new pot with fresh soil beneath and
around it, taking care to maintain the stem in a perpendicular position, and
the collar of the plant at its previous level.* After repotting, it may be
allowed to remain in open air until frost becomes possible, that is to say,
about the end of September. We have named the month of August as the
best for repotting, but a later period may be chosen without any bad results,
especially for those intended to flower in March or April. In either case,
from the end of September, their proper place, in the absence of a cold frame,
will be a room of cool, equable temperature, for the Camellia will not endure
sudden changes, and any attempt to accelerate the expansion of the flower-buds,
by remoying it at this stage to a warm apartment, will cause the buds to drop.

This naturally leads us to the remark that early flowers, generally so much
coveted in the case of the Camellia, can only be obtained by stimulating the

* Tn the care of large plants annual potting may be dispensed with ; it will be sufficient to top-dress them
with a little fresh soil, which should contain a portion of decayed manure. The drainage must, however, be
ample.

CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 57

growth of the plant in its first stages. The earlier the shoots and blossom-buds
are formed, the earlier will be the expansion of the flowers; and to this end,
the plant, instead of being allowed to rest after flowering as we have already
advised, should be at once excited into growth by a warm moist treatment ;
by shortening more or less the interval of rest, any desired succession of blossoms
may be obtained. We do not, however, recommend the mere window gardener
to excite his Camellias into premature growth, unless he has at command a
good forcing pit, and need not therefore further enlarge under this head.

From the time of the removal of the plant from the open air, not only should it
be kept at an equal temperature, but also uniformly moist. We have as yet said
nothing of the use of liquid manure, but it is now time to remark, that from the
period of repotting to that of the expansion of the flowers, and during the whole
season of blooming, this may be used with great advantage; some growers advise
its use at all stages of the plant’s progress, but we think nothing is gained by its
employment previous to the setting of the flower-buds ; nobody thinks of giving
his rose-trees liquid manure before the flower-buds are visible. The kind of liquid
manure is unimportant, but it should not be too strong; from October till the
flowering period, it may be given once a week, and that, in a cool room, will be all
the fluid nutriment the plants will require.

The most critical period in the management of the Camellia occurs when the
flowers are about to expand. It is well known that the simple transference of a
plant in bloom from a cool greenhouse to a warm over-heated apartment, will often
cause many of the blossoms and buds to fall prematurely, and the same result takes
place if the temperature is suddenly lowered to any extent. When, however, the
plant has passed the autumn in a room, there is less risk of this occurring, for it
becomes in some sort acclimatized, and might be safely removed from a room
without a fire, to one a few degrees warmer. A change of temperature is not the
only cause of the dropping of the flowers; if the soil becomes too dry the same
result follows, and more especially if the buds are very numerous or crowded.

We had intended to have added a few remarks on the treatment of sickly
Camellias, but are reluctantly compelled to defer them until our next number.
We must, however, find space for a word or two on the beautiful novelty selected
for illustration. It is a recently-imported Italian variety, having been raised by
M. Lechi, one of the most successful of continental Camellia growers. Our figure
is much reduced, and it is therefore necessary to add that the flowers are full-
sized; the imbrication is of the most perfect character, each series of petals being
traversed by a marbled stripe. The leaves are comparatively small, and are remark-
able for the unusual length of their slender petioles; as is general in the lighter
varicties, the colour is a pale, but pleasant green. It is not yet in the possession

of all the Florists, but may be had of most of the London ones.
4a

58 WULFENIA CARINTHIACA.

We will take the earliest opportunity to give a short list of the best of the older
varieties; in"the meantime, we hope the foregoing outline of the management of
these splendid shrubs may be of some assistance to those of our readers who are
fortunate enough to number a Camellia among their window plants.

———

WULFENIA CARINTHIACA.
Carinthian Wulfenia.

Linnean Class—Dianpria. Ordery—Monocynia. Natural Order—ScroPuHuLaRiaceZz,

Tue number of newly-introduced plants of all classes is so considerable, that we
are sometimes tempted to forget that a part of our duty is to assist in making
known the most interesting of the older inhabitants of our gardens.

Among these, there are not many possessing greater claim to attention than the
beautiful little plant whose name appears at the head of our page. To some of our
readers, the Wulfenia carinthiaca is probably, an ‘old familiar face,’ but it is much
less extensively grown than might, perhaps, be inferred from the mere date of its
introduction. In the front ranks of the mixed border, its spikes of bright blue
flowers produce a charming effect, especially when grown, as it may be, in a good
patch, or if several plants of it are grouped together. It may be termed a spring
flower, for it usually commences blossoming in May, and continues in bloom until
July.

The Wulfenia carinthiaca is a perennial plant of dwarf habit, its foliage, which is
all radical, not exceeding six inches; the flower scapes, however, often grow to the
height of from twelve to sixteen inches, or more, before the blossoms are all
expanded. The leaves are obovate, blunt, with doubly crenate margins, and when
full grown, are spread flat on the ground; the small leaflets attached to the flower
scape are more acute and sessile, with their margins rolled back.

The spike of flowers is at first drooping, but afterwards becomes nearly erect,
though there is generally a slight inclination to one side. The flowers are bright
blue, with a yellow throat, on short peduncles, closely arranged, and are somewhat
remarkable for their oblique position ; the calyx is five-parted, with unequal acute
segments; the corolla is ringent, or gaping, two-lipped, the upper lip short, and
generally entire, the lower one bearded in the mouth, and three-lobed, the side
lobes being the largest. The stamens are but two in number, and are inserted in
the tube, with their anthers closely pressed against the upper lip.

It will succeed in any light rich soil, free from stagnant moisture, which is
injurious to it, especially in winter, In severe weather it should be covered with

BEDDING PLANTS. 59

an empty flower-pot, and in long-continued rains in winter, the same precaution
may be adopted with great advantage. In unfavourable localities it may even be
advisable to pot it in autumn, and preserve through the winter in a cold frame, or
turf pit, though this precaution will hardly be necessary south of the Tweed. It
may be increased by division in spring and autumn, and also by seeds which it
generally ripens ; if a few of these are saved annually, its protection will then be a
matter of less importance, as young plants are readily raised from seed, and, like a
large proportion of the Scrophwariacee, will often flower the first season.

Tn our last number, we had occasion to point out one of the grand defects of the
Linnean system of Botany, that of associating, as it does, in the same class plants
of the most opposite affinities, whilst on the other hand, it sometimes separates
those belonging to the same genus. No two plants can be more diverse in their
character than the Wulfenia and Forsythia, figured in the present number ; though
being diandrous, they are, as our readers will see, both members of the second
Linnean class.

There is one other species in cultivation, the 7. Amherstiana; but not having yet
seen the flowers, we defer for a month or two any appreciation of its merits. The
genus is commemorative of 7. Wulfen, a German Botanist, author of a work on the
plants of Carinthia.

BEDDING PLANTS,

Ovr readers will have already gathered from some remarks in the previous numbers
of this work, that we are by no means very zealous partizans of what is now by
common consent termed, ‘the bedding system’; for however well adapted such a
style of planting may be to grounds of large extent, its adoption in small gardens is
incompatible with that variety which, in our opinion, constitutes one of the most
interesting features in any collection of plants.

That there is less variety in a given space is not, however, the only objection
that might be urged; it is evident that the larger the mass, the more important it
becomes that the plant or plants of which it is composed should flower throughout
the season, or at least during several months, for any interruption of bloom would
leave a blank far more conspicuous than in the case of those plants disposed in
smaller groups; this necessarily precludes the cultivation in large masses of all
those plants which are not continuous bloomers, and thence has arisen the disuse of
an extensive class of highly interesting subjects, many of them of great beauty, but
which ‘ will not pull well in harness.’ Tried by the standard by which bedding
plants are now-a-days judged, the splendid Cantua dependens, Mitraria coccinea; and

60 BEDDING PLANTS.

even the Dielytra spectabilis—three of the most brilliant of recent introductions,—
would be found wanting; for although the last will bloom for a considerable period,
it is generally out of flower at the time most of the autumn bedding plants are in
their glory.

Now, it is one of the advantages of the mingled bed or border system,
that it excludes no class of plants from cultivation; all are available, from
the earliest bulb which tells us spring is born, to the Chrysanthemum, ‘the
last rose of summer,’ and contribute in their turn to the interest of the scene.
It is true that the beauty of some of our early flowers is often shortlived,
but

‘The fading of one hope’s delight’
is quickly followed by
‘ Another’s gentle birth’ ;

and if the arrangement of a bed of mixed subjects, in such a manner that no
vacancy to any extent shall occur throughout the entire summer and autumn,
may be even more difficult than the harmonious distribution of colours on a
larger scale, it will we think be admitted, that not only a combination of
this kind is quite attainable, but that, if properly made, it would produce
an effect which, if inferior in a mere colorific point of view, would be far
more interesting to the true amateur, than an acre of scarlet geraniums or
verbenas.

It is, however, rather against the abuse of the bedding system, than the
principle on which it is founded, that we venture to raise our yvoice—for
that a better effect is produced by groups of some size than by single specimens
of any plant, is incontestable; but this principle may be carried out without
necessarily sacrificing three or four square yards to a single variety or species,
and is as applicable to the mixed border as to the geometrical parterre.

For small gardens, we therefore venture to recommend the adoption of clumps
or masses of only moderate size, whether the plants be arranged in a mixed
border, or form part of a smaller bed. We have given in our previous numbers
lists of the best hardy and half-hardy annuals, suitable either for the beds or
borders, and we now append a supplementary list of some of the most desirable
plants for clumping; in addition to the more tender ones usually employed for
this purpose, it comprises some valuable hardy subjects, and will therefore be
useful to those of our readers who may be enquiring for a selection of these.

Abronia wnbellata.—This is a very protty Californian perennial, nearly hardy, with heads of pale
purple flowers, of a vanilla-like fragrance. It is of weak, procumbent habit, but does not succeed
so well when allowed to trail on the ground as against a wall or dry bank; in such situations it
will give satisfaction. Requires sandy peat, and is increased both by seed and cuttings; flowers in
August and September; seedlings will bloom the first season.

BEDDING PLANTS. 61

Alonsoa incisifolia—A well known half-hardy herbaceous plant, anda very free bloomer ; flowers
orange scarlet, height one to one-and-a-half feet; increased readily by cuttings or seeds; the last
sown early flower the same season.

Alstremeria.—This is a beautiful genus of plants, the most useful and generally procurable
varieties are those known as Van Houttes; they vary considerably in tint, but are mostly of an
orange yellow colour ; are quite hardy, and grow two to three feet high ; increased by division of the
tubers, and by seeds ; rich sandy loam. See a figure in the March number of our first volume.

Antirrhinums.—These we need only name, the varieties are endless, but none are more striking
than the beautiful A. Hendersonii, figured in our September number, which will be within the
reach of most amateurs this season.

Anagallis.—Everybody knows the Pimpernels; they are very useful trailing plants, with blue or
red flowers; of the latter, rubra grandiflora (Parksii) is the best, and of the former, Phillipsit,
Brewerti, and cerulea grandiflora. Seeds or cuttings ; ordinary soil.

Armeria.—These are not unfrequently classed with the Statices, but are distinguished by their
flowers being collected into globular heads. The A. cephalotes, alias A. pseudo-armeria, is a
beautiful hardy plant, with pink flowers, and is easily raised from seed, which often ripens, and is,
at any rate, always to be had of the Seedsmen. It will do in any ordinary soil, but likes a rich,
free loam. It does not bear transplanting, and the seedlings, raised on a window or ina gentle
heat, must, when an inch or two high, be planted at once where they are to remain. A. plantaginea,
another fine species, has white flowers. This may be had of Messrs. Low and Co. of Clapton
Nursery.

Bouvardias.—These are, in our opinion, among the most desirable of summer plants, from their
long continued habit of flowering ; splendens and aurantiaca, both with orange-scarlet flowers, are
two of the best, and where these cannot be procured, the old triphylla may be used. They do best
in peat; or sandy loam and leaf mould, and grow from one to two feet or more high. Increased
by cuttings of young shoots, and also by cuttings of the roots.

Colestina ageratoides.—This is best known as an Ageratum, from which it can hardly be distin-
guished, except that the latter are all annual; this is a half-hardy perennial, with heads of layender-
coloured flowers pleasantly scented ; one of the best plants of a neutral tint, very prolific of flowers,
and increased with the greatest ease by cuttings.

Calceolarias, shrubby.—The habit and treatment of these is well-known. They like cool and
damp situations ; increased by cuttings and slips in autumn: the following are good and cheap :—
Albiflora, pure white; amplexicaulis, lemon, fine ; sulphwrea splendens, one of the very best yellows ;
Shankleyana, large crimson-brown, good; Swltan, same colour, very fine; Kentish Hero, rich
brown, an old variety, but an excellent bedder. A Calceolaria, name at present unknown, has stood
the late severe weather without any protection, in a garden near our own.

Campanulas.—Carpatica is much praised by some, but the white variety is more interesting; they
are both quite dwarf, hardy, and flower the first year from seeds. Nobilis and N. alba are good
hardy plants, the first with blueish purple flowers. Coronata, figured in our number for September
last, is a first-rate hardy plant for the border, but does not keep in bloom sufficiently long for
bedding. C. Vidallii is also a fine plant, but is not quite hardy; flowers cream-coloured. C.
Persicifolia and its white and double varieties, are good plants ; and there is a very common species.
rhomboidea, also, with white double flowers.

Convolvulus Sibthorpti.—This is a beautiful hardy perennial twiner, of rather dwarf growth, with
rose-coloured flowers and handsome foliage. It is not much known, but should be in every garden;
it is sometimes sold as C. Italicus, and is very nearly allied to C. Altheoides, which is quite equal to it,
and more common ; the latter is also quite hardy in dry soils, or with the protection of a few leaves.

62 BEDDING PLANTS.

Cuphea.—The flowers of these are small, but they are esteemed for the length of time they keep
in bloom. Platycentra, miniata, and strigillosa, are half-hardy perennials ; silenoides and lanceolata
are annuals with comparatively large purple flowers. We recommend to the notice of our readers
the new ©. purpurea, ahybrid between miniata and viscosissima ; seeds of which may be obtained of
most of the Florists; Carter, 238, Holborn, and Waites, 181, Holborn, both possess the variety,
which may be treated as a half-hardy annual.

Delphinium.—The perennial species of this genus are all highly interesting plants, with flowers of
the deepest blue, and often a rich metallic lustre. The whole are quite hardy, and of erect habit, but
vary in height. We prefer the single-flowered varieties, but tastes proverbially differ. Barlowii is an
excellent old dwarf variety; grandiflorum and its white, pale blue, and double varieties are good and
cheap. Of the newer and more expensive kinds, Hendersonti, two feet, Wheeleri, three to four feet,
and magnificwm, are all first-rate plants.

Dielytra spectabilis.—We have already pressed this remarkable hardy plant on the attention of our
readers, and will therefore only repeat that it is one of the most desirable of all herbaceous plants.
Easily increased by cuttings, which may be planted in sandy loam, in the shade under a handglass,
or in pots; likes a free rich soil, in which it will grow luxuriantly, and flowers from June to August :
it ought now to be procurable everywhere at a low'rate. :

Dodecatheon.—All the species and varieties of this genus are beautiful dwarf, hardy, perennials,
flowering in spring, and well adapted for clumping in the front of the borders or beds. A moist
situation and a mixture of peat and loam, suits them best. The best are D. Meadia, and D. integri-
folium gigantewm, but all are desirable.

Dracocephalum—The D. speciosum is a fine, erect-growing hardy perennial, producing an
abundance of large rosy flowers in summer; it is really a good plant for the borders. The other
species have nearly all flowers of a blue or purple-blue tint; one of the best is a variety of
D. argunense, termed eximium; superbum and altaicum are also desirable species, readily increased
by sceds, and succeed in any ordinary soil.

Funckia grandiflora.—A comparatively new species, with beautiful fragrant white flowers, produced
at the end of the summer. It is a frst-rate plant, quite hardy, and requires only good garden soil ;
cost about 1s, 6d. Albo-marginata and c@rulea are two older species, which should also be obtained
the first has lilac, and the second blue flowers.

Fuschias.—Too well known to need further notice ; for the open air the old species and varieties
are the best; such as coccinea, gracilis, and Riccartonii ; the new globosa perfecta is a great advance
on the original species of that name, and the two miniature varieties, Pet and Darling, are beautiful
little plants for bedding.

Gaillardia,—Shewy hardy perennials, with orange and yellow flowers, of the Composite order.
Moderately rich soil suits them best, as they are apt to run to leaf. Aristata and coronata are as
good as any we have seen, though there are many varieties.

Geraniums.—The number of these is so great, that the amateur is likely to be at a loss to select
the best. For small gardens, or any other indeed, there are none better than the old Punch, Tom
Thumb, Tom Thumb’s Master, and Frogmore, which are all of dwarf habit and scarlet flowers. Of
the salmon-coloured varieties, Judy and Beauty of the Parterre, are the best; they are both dwarf,
and the latter has handsome foliage. Of the pink ones, Ingram’s Princess Alice, Pet Superb, and
Tom Thumb’s Bride, are three good varieties. Flower of the Day and Henderson’s Golden Admi-
ration, are scatlets, with handsome variegated foliage, that of the latter edged with yellow. The
new Amazon is a fine plant for the centre of a group or bed. Geraniums do best in rather poor soil,
and should not be allowed to flower before turning out; up to that period they should be constantly
stopped.

(To be concluded in our next.)

APPLICATION OF ERICSSON’S ‘REGENERATOR’ TO GREENHOUSES. 63

MISCELLANEA.

RECTIFICATION ON THE SUBJECT OF THE SKIMMIA JAPONICA,

In our account of this beautiful evergreen shrub, at page 6 of the present volume, we stated, on
the authority of Dr. Lindley, that it was identical with a Himalayan plant described by Dr. Wallich
under the name of Limonia Laureola. We have since learned that the Skimmia japonica of Messrs.
Standish and Noble is quite distinct from that from the north of India; the two plants both
belong, however, to the same genus, Shimmia lawreola being now substituted by Dr. Lindley for the
former name of the Himalayan species, This latter, although introduced some years since, has never
yet flowered, whilst the Skimmia japonica blossoms freely when only two inches high, and fruits at
siz inches, as we stated in our article. The two species may be readily distinguished by their
leaves; those of S. japonica are, as our figure shows, ‘lanceolate, rather wavy, and acuminate’; those
of 8S. Lawreola (alias Limonia Laureola) are of a flatter form, pointed, but less tapering ; the scent of
the foliage is also distinct—that of japonica emits, when bruised, an apple-like fragrance, but in
Laureola the scent resembles that of Rue and Fraxinella, The rectification of the error is of some
importance, as we gather from Messrs. Standish and Noble’s communication to Dr. Lindley in
Paxton’s Fiower Garden, that some Nurserymen are selling 8. Lawreola for the S. japonica, a substi-
tution which, if ignorantly made, would not the less cause great disappointment to the purchaser,

APPLICATION OF ERICSSON’S ‘REGENERATOR’ TO THE VENTILATION OF

GREENHOUSES.

Although the E. F, G. is addressed chiefly to those who are presumed to be without a greenhouse,
we think it quite probable that the following communication of a highly respected friend may
prove interesting to many readers, on account of the principle involved. The due ventilation of
plant houses is justly regarded as one of the most important points in their management, supplies of
fresh air being indispensable to a healthy and vigorous vegetation among all but Cryptogamic plants.
During the summer months this can be afforded without difficulty, but in the winter and spring
seasons, the incautious admission of cold air from the exterior is often attended with an injurious
reduction of temperature. This is sometimes prevented by allowing air to enter only by apertures
over the flue surrounding the house, by which it is warmed before coming into contact with the
plants, but even where this arrangement exists, it is probable that other ventilators might be
employed with advantage, when the external temperature is not sufficiently low to render fire-heat
necessary. What follows we give in our correspondents own words.

‘It is with theview of realising the important floricultural desiderata above mentioned (of fresh air, unac-
companied by too great a reduction of temperature), that I am induced to propose the application to such
buildings, of the very simple and beautiful philosophical contrivance which is now so well known, on account of
its intimate association with the Caloric Ship, and which has been called by Ericsson the “ Regenerator.” It
consists of a number of lamine of fine copper or iron gauze, placed in opposition, so as to constitute any
required thickness; Ericsson employing a thickness of a foot, or foot and-a-half, for the series which form
the “ Regenerator” of his Caloric-Engines. Much fewer plates would, however, suffice for the purpose to
which I refer; indeed, not more than a hundred united lamina of moderately fine copper-gauze would, I
conceive, be required. Now, the principle of the “Regenerator” is simply this :—the heated air in passing
through the innumerable interstices presented by the metallic nettings becomes robbed of the whole, or nearly
the whole of its caloric: whereas, the cold air entering to supply its place, takes up or receives the amount of
heat previously thus abstracted, and consequently, but a very small quantity disappears, or is practically lost.
Suppose then, the roof of a greevhouse to be fitted with such a “ Regenerator,” and it follows, that while
sufficient air might be admitted to afford the necessary ventilation, an equal temperature would also be
established in the building. For as it has just been stated, the heat lost by the air in passing out, would

64 CALLA ZZTITIOPICA AS A HARDY PLANT,

be recovered by the atmospheric current enteriug the greenhouse to restore the equilibrium. And I would
here anticipate an objection which will probably occur to some, viz. that in the “ Regenerator,” as applied
to the Caloric ship, and I may add, in Jeffries “ Respirator,” the principle of which is identical with that of
Ericsson’s machine, the two currents of air are forced alternately through the series of gauze, whilst as applied
to ventilation, both this motive force and alternation would be wanting. To which I would reply, that
although the impulsion of the air through the ventilating gauzes might be less forcible than in the case of the
Caloric ship, it would be quite as much so as in the “ Respirator,” where the gentle action of the lungs is the
only expelling power. That there will be two opposite currents of air through the same set of gauzes can
hardly be doubted, for in almost every instance ventilating apertures give passage to two diverse streams of
air. It would, however, be essential I think to the success of the experiment with the gauzes, that all
apertures and chinks should be as closely stopped as possible, in which case the vacuum caused by the escape
of the heated air through the gauze ventilators, could be supplied only by the entrance of cold air through
the same medium.’

PERILLA NANKINENSIS.

Some of our readers may have met with the above name in the Seed Lists of the present season,
but as no information respecting it is given, we think that the few particulars which follow may
prove of interest. On the authority of Messrs. Vilmorin-Andrieux and Co., Paris, the eminent
Seedsmen, we learn that the Perilla Nankinensis is an annual belonging to the Lipworts, growing two
to three fect high, and producing, in October and November, flowers of a rosy violet colour. It is,
however, chiefly remarkable for its foliage, which is of a blackish purple tint, with a brilliant metallic
lustre, and from which peculiarity it forms a striking object, above all when contrasted with paler
foliage. The seeds are best sown on a hot-bed, and should be planted out in May. As it flowers
very late, it may be desirable to plant it where it will receive plenty of sun, or it may fail to ripen
its seed. We believe many of the Seedsmen have seeds of this plant, but to save our readers some
trouble, we will state that it can be procured of Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, Wellington
Nursery, St. John’s Wood, and of Mr. Carter, 238, Holborn.

CALLA XTHIOPICA AS A HARDY PLANT.

Ir cannot be too widely known that this beautiful plant, the Richardia ithiopica of modern
Botanists, succeeds admirably in the open borders, and appears, indeed, to much greater advantage
under such circumstances, than when its roots are confined in a pot. Although a native of the Cape
- of Good Hope, it is hardier than is usually supposed, and if planted deep (.¢. from eight to ten or
twelve inches below the surface), and covered with a heap of ashes in winter, its tuberous roots will
rarely suffer from frost. ‘To succeed with it, whether in pots or the open border, it is sufficient to
remember that it cannot have too much water in summer, or too little in winter. Although, therefore,
it will grow in any good garden soil, it will be most luxuriant in moist localities; where the soil is
dry, the roots should be planted deep, and a shallow basin, or hollow, formed around the base of the
stem for the reception of its daily supplies of water in summer; and in warm weather this must be
given with an unsparing hand. In return for this attention it will throw up a much greater number
of flowers than it can ever be persuaded to do in a pot; but they will be produced at a later period
than when grown under glass, as it remains dormant until the spring; and it is important that it
should do so, for otherwise it would be destroyed by frost. In the open air it generally ripens its
seeds, when permitted to do so, and may be easily increased by them. In situations where it would
be difficult to preserve through the winter in the open air, it might be planted in a large pot, and
plunged in the border, the edge of the pot being kept two or three inches below the surface of the
soil; on the approach of the cold season, the pot might then be removed to any place where it
would be out of reach of frost, and would require no attention whatever through the winter months.

“ / Bhaatited
se PR MA ttttth ld 4

£ Inf

MALVA INVOLUCRATA. 65

MALVA INVOLUCRATA.
Involucred Mallow.

Linnean Class—MoNADELPHIA. Order—PoLYANDRIA. Natural Order —MAtvacEx.

Tux frequent changes of nomenclature have long been the opprobrium of Natural
History in general, and of Botany in particular ; and there can be no doubt that
these incessant variations, together with the unfortunate propensity of some
Botanists to attach to newly discovered plants names of the most barbarous and
dissonant character, have done much to retard the study of the science. Let us,
however, at once admit that these changes, although occasionally the result of caprice,
are mainly due to the necessarily imperfect and progressive nature of all human
acquirements. Thus it sometimes happens —and when the number of inde-
pendent observers in the same field of science is considered, this will excite
no astonishment—that the same plant is discovered by different Botanists, each of
whom claims the honour of conferring its distinctive appellation ; in other instances,
two observers appear to have been equally possessed by the desire of perpetuating
the memory of some individual eminent for his attainments in, or services to science,
and have, unknown to each other, affixed his name to different plants, as in the
case of Hugelia, named in compliment to Baron Hugel, which, in this country, has
been applied by Bentham to a plant of the Phlox tribe; but in France, was
bestowed by Reichenbach on one of the Umbellifere, known here as the Didiscus
ceruleus. Not unfrequently it is found, on a close examination, that plants
previously included in the same genus, differ in some of their characters; and where
this is really the case, no one can question the propriety of separating them,
whatever may be the inconvenience attending on a change of names; but as
Botanists are by no means agreed in their estimation of the value of minute
differences, it often happens that distinctions which, by one authority, are considered
sufficiently important to justify a separation, are by others regarded as of no value ;
or it may be, that while the difference is recognized, the name itself is ignored as
inappropriate and another attached to it, the result beg that the same plant is
found in our catalogues under four or five different synonymes, to the infinite
bewilderment of all but he adept in botanical studies. Even when the new
genus may have been at first adopted, the subsequent discovery of some intermediate
species has often shewn the separation to be untenable, and the old name has been
finally reverted to as the most appropriate.

The history of the genus Vuttallia (commemorative of the distinguished

American Botanist, Nuttall) affords us an illustration of some of the above remarks.
5

66 MALVA INVOLUCRATA.

This name was first applied by De Candolle to a plant belonging to the Holly-
worts, though this application of it was but little known, and scarcely recognised ;
it was afterwards bestowed on certain North American plants of the Mallow tribe,
which appeared to differ from the true Mallows in the absence, or deciduous nature
of the involucre found beneath the calyx of those plants; but this genus having
been, by general consent, abandoned in its turn, the name is now conferred upon a
group of Rosacee, of which one species, the WV. cerasiformis, a Californian shrub,
with white flowers, has been already introduced to our gardens.

The interesting plants hitherto known as Nuttallia pedata, N. digitata, N. papa-
veracea, N. cordata, N. grandiflora, with the plant now figured, are therefore
transferred to the genus IJalva, from which they differ in no essential point. The
whole of these North American Mallows are exceedingly interesting plants, but
from various causes they are yet scarce in this country. In fact, with the exception
of pedata and grandiflora, which are kept by a few Nurserymen, the others, as far
as we can learn, are only procurable from private collections. This scarcity may be
in part due to the difficulty with which cuttings are obtained, and partly to their
being natives of the Southern States, and, therefore, liable to perish in severe
winters.

The present species, cnvolucrata, is from Texas, but is likely to’ prove quite hardy,
It produces from a central root several decumbent branches, eighteen inches to two
feet long, the extremities of which have a tendency to grow erect. The leaves are
all on long petioles, and deeply divided, and from the axils of the upper ones are
produced numerous showy flowers, on erect stalks. Beneath each flower is an
involucre, composed of three narrow lance-shaped spreading leaflets, about two-
thirds the length of the calyx, by which this species may be readily distinguished
from the other plants hitherto known as Nuttallias, which have no inyolucre. The
calyx itself is divided into five narrow acute segments, and as well as all the
other parts of the plant is very hairy. The petals are broad, wedge shaped, blunt»
and slightly jagged at the extremity; of a deep reddish-purple colour, with a
whitish yellow spot at the base of each, which forms by their union a cream-
coloured ring in the centre of the flower.

In all this there is nothing remarkable, nor in what follows, beyond what is
common to the other Malve ; but, as the first plant we have brought under the
notice of our readers belonging to this Order, we may appropriately point out the
staminal tube formed by the cohesion of the numerous filaments, a feature so
characteristic of this Order, and the slender spreading styles and stigmas of the
same number as the carpels composing the ovary. This consists in the genus
Malva, of a number of small compressed bodies, each containing a single seed,
arranged around a central axis; forming aggregately a flattened disk-like fruit
(the ‘cheeses’ of our younger days) which separates, when ripe, into distinct

MALVA INVOLUCRATA. 67

portions. Sometimes these carpels are fewer in number than in Malwa, as in
Hibiscus, where they are only five, and contain not one, but several seeds each ;
and in the shewy annual Malope trifida, the one-seeded carpels, instead of being
disposed in the same plane, are collected into a spherical head; but in all the
genera, the monadelphous stamens effectually distinguish the plants of this Order
from any others likely to be met with in the open borders.

Mais revenons d& nos moutons, or rather, our Malva involucrata, on which we have
yet a word or two to say. This plant is at present confined to the Kew collection,
but as we may hope that it will before long be in the hands of some of the
Florists, and thence reach the public, it may be worth while to state that the
Mallows of this section prefer a moist but drained peat soil, or at least one con-
taining a portion of peat. Such of them as ripen seed—and we hope the MU.
involucrata will be of this number—may be readily increased by them; those of
them which do not mature seed, can only be propagated by dividing the crown of
the root in spring, the divisions being potted in light peaty soil, and placed on a
gentle heat to cause them to emit roots. The whole of them should be afforded
a slight protection, especially in very wet or severe winters, and as they are
deciduous, the roots might even be taken up and potted with but little trouble.

The trivial name, énvolucrata, of the present species, was given whilst it
was still known as a Wuttallia; and as the plants so-called were mostly destitute
of this organ, it was more appropriate than atpresent, now that the plant is united
to a genus in which the possession of an involucre is the rule, and its absence the
exception.

Our gardens are indebted to the Mallows tribe for a considerable number of
ornamental plants, some of which are of great interest. Of this number, are the
stately Hollyhocks (Althea rosea), the various species of Hibiscus, of which
Moscheutos and roseus are quite hardy, but require a moist situation to induce them
to flower; and the plants included in the genus Adutilon, which although usually
treated as greenhouse subjects, succeed in the open borders during the summer
months, and flower abundantly. The varieties of the Malope trifida are also well
deserving of cultivation, and the annual JDalva mauritiana is scarcely less shewy.
The M. campanulata, ahalf-hardy perennial species, may also be treated as an annual,
for it will flower the first year from seed, if they are sown early on heat. There is
one plant of this Order which we have sought for in vain, and notice here for the
sake of drawing the attention of our readers to it; it is the Aitaibelia witifolia, a
native of Hungary, growing about five feet or more high, and having large foliage,
in form resembling that of the vine. The flowers are large, white, and produced
during the summer and autumn. It is said to be a very picturesque plant, and
would be valuable for the back of the borders or the shrubbery. Possibly some of our
subscribers may be able to put us on the track of this stranger from Magyar land.

68 SOLDANELLA MONTANA.

SOLDANELLA MONTANA.
Mountain Soldanella.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —MonOGYNIA. Natural Order—PRIMULACER.

In the association of such frail and diminutive forms as the Soldanellas and other
plants of the mountain’s side, with the Titanic grandeur of Alpine scenery, it
would seem as if Creative wisdom had designed to impress us with the truth, that
its power is as strikingly displayed in the organization and economy of these
minute existences, as in the colossal majesty of the ‘everlasting hills.’

Modest as are the dimensions of the Soldanella montana compared with the other
subjects of our plate, we shall find that it fully equals them in interest; foliage
and flower, corolla, stamens, and style, all present something worthy of notice ;
the first for its neatness, the latter for their curious structure. The leaves, as our
figure shows, all spring from the root, and are of a kidney-like form, with several
strong diverging nerves or ribs, and footstalks, densely clothed with short white
hairs; the last feature distinguishes this species from the S. alpina, in which they
are quite smooth. The scape supporting the flowers is also pubescent, but less so
than the pedicels of the flowers, which are from four to eight in number. The
corolla very much resembles in its form that of some of the Campanulas, but
unlike them, is cleft into eight or nine segments of unequal size, several of which
are again more or less notched at the extremity. This feature is characteristic of
all the Soldanellas ; in the S. alpina, the flowers are even more finely cut than in
the present spécies. The stamens are five in number; each is attached to a short
broad scale inserted at the bottom of the tube of the corolla, and resembling it in
colour; the filament itself is flat, and projects beyond the anthers in a tapering
awl-like point; in the S. alpina this point is bifid. We regret that our artist
should have overlooked our request to show one of the stamens on an enlarged
scale, as well as the interesting germen, or immature seed vessel, which will be
found, on a close examination, to have five transparent gland-like bodies or warts,
seated around it in an oblique plane. When the stamens are in situ, they closely
surround the ovary, the scales forming by their union a sort of dome, as in the
Campanulas. The style is of simple character, but is remarkable for projecting
considerably beyond the mouth of the flower even before its expansion. The seed
vessel opens when ripe by several valves at the summit. The whole plant does not
exceed five or six inches, and several of the species are even smaller.

The chief others are alpina, Clusii, minima and pusilla, all with flowers of a
similar tint to those of montana; but of pusilla and minima there are white, or

SOLDANELLA MONTANA. 69

nearly white varieties. The plant sometimes sold as crenata is, we believe, only a
variety of montana, and differs from it only in its leaves being scolloped at the
edges, or crenate. Montana, the one figured, is, we think, the most desirable of the
genus ; it is less delicate than some of the others, and also more prolific of flowers.
Although we have spoken of it in connection with Alpine scenery, it is a native not
of the Swiss, but of the Bohemian mountains, being almost the only species found
out of the Helvetian territory.

The cultivation of this species is attended with less difficulty than of those
found at a greater elevation; but we cannot promise that it will succeed long in the
open border without a little care.

It must be borne in mind not only that the Alpine summers are shorter than our
own, but also that the snowy covering which, in winter, wraps the plants of those
regions like a shroud, whilst moderating the action of the cold, further preserves
them from the stimulating influence of the light; their period of rest is therefore
considerably longer than that enjoyed by lowland plants. An exact imitation of
these conditions cannot be expected, nor indeed is it necessary; but the nearer we
approximate to them, the greater will be our success in the cultivation of these
plants.

In the case of the Soldanella montana, it will be sufficient to plant it in a shaded
border, where it will receive the morning and evening sun during the summer
months, but little at any other period. (See page 38 of the present volume.) In
autumn it should be screened by an empty pot from heavy rains, which would
retard its period of rest, and in winter the root should be covered with a layer of
cut furze or even chaff, over which a large pot must be whelmed to preserve it in a
dry state. By this simple means the plant will be kept from severe frost, excessive
damp, and be retained in a dormant condition until the return of spring renders the
removal of the covering safe. The soil best suited to it is turfy peat, or peat
containing a little loam, a mixture in which all Alpine plants delight. Where
there is the convenience of a frame facing the north, it may be treated as a pot
plant, and will then flower a little earlier than in the open border. It may also be
grown on the north side of the rockery, in peat soil, in which situation it may be
as easily protected in winter as in the open border. It is increased by division of
the roots in autumn, or by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe, and the
seedlings potted off whilst young.

Soldanella is derived from soldus, a shilling, in reference to the almost circular
form of the leaves of some of the species.

5a

70 DEUTZIA GRACILIS.

DEUTZIA GRACILIS.
Slender Deutzia.

Linnean Class—DECANDBIA. Order —TRI@¥NIA. Natural Order—PHILADELPHACER,

Wirn one exception, all the shrubs we have hitherto figured have been of an
evergreen character; and considering the strong claims this class of plants has on
the Horticulturist, our preference was, we think, fully justified.

Amongst the recent additions to those of a deciduous nature, there are, however,
several of so much value, that we must no longer defer to notice them; and,
perhaps, one of the most interesting of these novelties is the elegant little Deutzea
gracilis ; its graceful habit, the abundance of its snow-white flowers, and the
readiness with which they are yielded even by very small plants, entitled it to
rank with deciduous shrubs of the first class. The free flowering habit of this and
one or two other species, is indeed so remarkable, that a cutting of the young wood
struck in summer will produce flowers in the following spring, when the plant is
but a few inches high; and facilities are thus afforded for their cultivation in pots,
which greatly enhances their value.

The genus Deutzia, originally represented in our gardens by scabra only, now
includes at least seven additional species, viz. crenata, canescens, sanguinea, undulata,
corymbosa, staminea, and gracilis, all hardy, white-flowered, deciduous shrubs. The
best known, and we may add one of the most valuable, is the D. scabra, so named
from the asperities of the leaves; its habit is more robust than that of gracilis, and
its foliage and flowers of a larger size. Crenatais a fine species, of somewhat
taller growth than the preceding, with which it is sometimes confounded; it may
be distinguished by its larger flowers, and by the teeth at the margin of the leaves
being rounded, or crenate, those of scabra are sharp and saw-like ; this species is not
much cultivated at present, at least in this country. Canescens is so named from
the branches and under-surface of the leaves being covered with a whitish down ;
of its merits we know but little. Staménea is an abundant flowerer, but is some-
what dwarfer than those we have mentioned. Corymbosa was highly spoken of at
its first introduction, but it has proved a shy bloomer, which is the more to be
regretted, as its flowers are very sweet-scented. With sanguinea and undulata we
are acquainted only by name; that of the first alludes rather to the reddish purple
colour of the ripened shoots than to the tint of the flowers, which are, we believe,
white, like those of the other species.

From those now enumerated, gracilis differs in nothing but its slender habit; its
foliage is more acute than that of scabra, and is entirely destitute of the roughness

DEUTZIA GRACILIS. 71

peculiar to that species and crenata. The utmost height it will attain we are
ignorant of, as most of the specimens are yet small; but it will, probably, not
exceed three or four feet. Its cultivation, whether in pots or the open ground, is
of the simplest character, the chief point requiring notice being the mode in which
the shrub is pruned. All the Deutzias produce their flowers on the wood of the
previous year; if, therefore, the ordinary mode of shortening the shoots were
adopted, most of the flower buds would be pruned off; the young shoots should
therefore be left untouched, but the old wood must be thinned out in autumn, as
well as all cross shoots which interfere with the regularity of its growth. The
taller growing species, such as scabra and crenata, may be trained to a single stem,
all suckers and the lower shoots being cut away.

Where there is a choice of soils, a mixture of peat and loam will be found to suit
not only gracilis, but all the species; in the absence of these, any good friable soil,
in a well drained site, may be used. Increase may be effected, either by layers, or
cuttings of the half-ripened wood under a hand glass, in the open border; a slight
bottom heat will be advisable when the cutting is not taken until late in the
season. Most of the species throw up suckers, which offer a ready mode of
increase, and it is probable that graci’s may be multiplied in the same way. In
the open ground this species flowers about the beginning of June; but when grown
as a pot plant, it may be had in bloom at almost any period of the winter and
spring, where there are facilities for forcing. With no better accommodation than
that afforded by a good window, it might easily be made to yield its flowers, six
weeks earlier than in the open borders. The temperature of an ordinary apart-
ment will be sufficient to excite it into growth; but it must be confessed that the
dry atmosphere of a room is somewhat injurious, both to the foliage and flowers; it
should, therefore, when in bloom, be kept cool and moist. Specimens cultivated in pots
should be re-potted after flowering, and exposed during summer and autumn in the
open air; they will require to be pruned in the manner explained for the larger plants.

The Deutzias are very closely allied to the genus Philadelphus, of which one
species, the common Syringa, or Mock Orange (P. coronarius), is generally found in
the shrubbery. In the Syringas, the sepals and petals are each four; the stamens
numerous (more than twenty), and the style one; in Deutzia, both sepals and petals
are five in number, the stamens ten, and the styles three; there are, therefore,
abundant marks of distinction. The stamens are alternately longer, the shortest
being opposite the petals, and all of them are curiously winged, and somewhat
forked at the summit, or rather three-toothed; the anther being seated on the
central tooth; in D. staminea, this peculiarity is so marked, as to have suggested
the specific name, broad-stamened. Nor is this the only noticeable feature, for a
close examination will reveal the presence of a yellowish ring within the circle
formed by the stamens, termed by Botanists the disk.

72 LAPAGERIA ROSEA.

The leaves of seabra are remarkable for their roughness, and under the microscope
this is seen to be owing to hairs of a stellate form, which are supported upon a
short stem, the whole presenting a mush-room like appearance. According to the
Dutch Botanist Kempfer, the wood of this species is much prized by the Japanese
cabinet-makers for making pegs of the finest quality, it being very hard and tough.
And if, gentle reader, you may chance to be of the fair sex, it will perhaps interest,
you to know, that when Orange blossoms are scarce, the flowers of the same species
may be employed as a substitute in the formation of the Bridal wreath—a hint for
which we expect nothing less than a pair of white gloves.

To complete our sketch of these interesting shrubs, we have only to add, first, that
gracilis, and most of the species are natives of Japan and China; corymbosa and
staminea are from the Himalayah; secondly, that the not very euphonious generio
appellation was conferred in honor of a Dutch patron of Botany, John Deutz, of
Amsterdam.

LAPAGERIA ROSEA.

Rose-colowred Lapageria.

Linnean Class—HExannvria, Order—Monoeynia, Natural Order—SMiLacex.

In presenting our readers with a figure of this princely member of the vegetable
kingdom, we must accompany it with an expression of regret, that its rarity and
consequent high price will probably for some little time confine it to the collection
of the wealthy amateur. If, however, it be true, as is sometimes held, that the
pleasures of anticipation are scarcely inferior to those of fruition, we run no risk of
incurring the reproach of prematurely embellishing our pages with a faint reflection
of this beautiful plant; it will at least originate a hope, and give a definite form
and character to those imaginings which the description of new accessions to our
garden treasures is so calculated to excite.

The first question which will naturally occur to every one with regard to this
gem, will be, ‘Is it hardy?’ and on this point our information, as far as it goes,
is, we think, satisfactory; though, as may be supposed, there is at present an
indisposition to risk so valuable a plant in those experiments which can alone decide
its hardiness. Messrs. Veitch and Son of Exeter, who were amongst the earliest
importers of the Zapageria, have had a plant exposed two winters without any
other protection than that afforded by a north-west wall, and in spite of the severity

LAPAGERTA ROSPA. 73

of the past season, these gentlemen inform us that the roots are uninjured, and
appear likely to make strong shoots in the ensuing summer; this, it must be borne
in mind, is in the mild climate of Devonshire. We are not aware whether the plant
thus exposed has yet flowered, but other specimens in the possession of Messrs.
Veitch have blossomed in perfection both in pots, and also planted out in the conser-
vatory border. A specimen planted against a wall at the Royal Gardens, Kew,
grew luxuriantly during the last summer, and late in the autumn showed flower ;
but it was deemed advisable to remove the plant to a cool greenhouse. For a brief
interval it must, therefore, remain an open question, whether the flowers will be
produced sufficiently early in the season to permit of their full development
without some protection; but that the plant will be found hardy enough for
summer cultivation in the open air there is no doubt, and the experiments of
Messrs. Veitch are, we think conclusive, that the roots will endure the winters of
our southern countries.

In the absence of more positive evidence, the character of the climate of Chili,
of which country it is a native, would afford us some clue to the degree of hardiness
possessed by this plant; but unfortunately we have no information of the precise
locality where it was found, whether near the coast, where frost and snow are
almost if not quite unknown, or at a greater elevation on the slope of the Andes.
All we know is, that the Zapageria was sent to the Royal Gardens from Concep-
cion, though it was probably brought from the interior. Many of the Chilian
plants which occur at some distance above the sea-level are quite hardy; as
examples, we may cite some of the species of Alstremeria, and the beautiful
Lardizabala, figured in our first volume, which has borne the past winter with less
injury than the common Laurel. The plants of Northern Chili, and those found
near the coast, are more tender, and will not resist our winters.

The Lily-like flower of this fine plant will no doubt at first suggest the idea of
its close relationship to the Liliacee, and if this organ alone be considered, it would
be difficult to distinguish it from the plants of that Order; a glance, however, at
the reticulated foliage will show that it differs not only from the Lily-worts, but
from nearly all other endogenous plants. Our readers are aware that the two
great divisions of Flowering plants, ¢.e. the Exogens and Endogens, are charac-
terized, among other features, the first by their reticulated foliage, jointed to the
stem, or branch, as in the oak; the second by leaves having only parellel veins,
and foot stalks which are not articulated, as in the Lilies and Grasses. But in
nature there are no abrupt transitions, and accordingly we find that these two
groups are closely connected with each other by Orders which share the features
of both. The Sarsaparilla tribe, to which the Zapageria belongs, and the Yam
tribe, Dioscoreacee, are of this intermediate character, forming a small group
haying leaves with a netted venation, like those of Exogens, but with flowers

74 LAPAGERIA ROSEA.

completely endogenous in their structure. By some Botanists these two Orders
are arranged as a sub-class of monocotyledonous plants, under the appellation of
Dictyogens (diction, a net), in allusion to the character of the venation.

The Lapageria is of climbing habit, the stems reaching to the height of six feet
or more; they are smooth, branched, naked near the ground, and here and there
scaly. The leaves are somewhat leathery in their texture, shining, pointed, with
five nerves, between which are smaller reticulations. The magnificent bell-like
flowers are produced singly in the axils of the upper leaves, on long stalks, which
are clothed with numerous small scales or bracts of a yellowish tint. The divisions
of the perianth are arranged in two series, three being outermost, and three inner-
most, and alternate with them, as in the Lily; the outer divisions are somewhat
gibbous, or swollen at the base, and marked with a deep blue spot; the rich
crimson colour of the flower is elegantly relieved by numerous white spots about
the mouth and throat. In its six stamens, single style and superior ovary, it
agrees with the Ziliacee, but the ovary is composed of but a single cell, and ripens
into a large, pulpy, many-seeded berry, which in Chili is much esteemed as a fruit ;
it has not, however, been yet produced in this country.

Messrs. Veitch’s plants are cultivated in a mixture of turfy loam, peat, and
decayed leaves, which appears to suit them exceedingly well. Although less
prolific of flowers when treated as a pot plant, than if allowed more space for its
roots, it is satisfactory to know that it will in any degree submit to pot-culture, as
this circumstance cannot fail to enlarge the circle of its admirers. Unless seeds
should be ripened in this country, the only mode of increase will be by division of
the roots when in a dormant state.

We learn from Dr. J. Hooker that the roots of this plant are employed by the
Chilenos as a substitute for the Sarsaparilla, which leads us to infer that it occurs
wild in some abundance; the use of its berry as a fruit also tends to the same
conclusion. Our figure of the flower is about one-third the natural size. There
is a species or variety with white flowers, the Z. alba of Decaisne, but we are
unaware whether it is yet introduced.

We advert for a moment to the genus Smzlax, or Sarsaparilla, which gives its
name to the Order to which the Zapageria belongs, less for the purpose of
reminding our readers of the medicinal uses to which the long slender roots of
many of the species are applied, than to point out that several of them are
sufficiently hardy for cultivation in this country, and their evergreen climbing habit
gives them some value for covering walls. The flowers of all are insignificant,
and rarely produced. They are not often kept by the Nurserymen, but Messrs.
Loddiges of Hackney, and Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot, are in
possession of some of the species. S. rubens from North America is an interesting
plant, from the reddish colour of its tendrils.

HARDY AQUATICS. 75

So interesting a plant as the Lapageria well deserved to be associated with the
memory of the amiable Joséphine, ‘La bonne et modeste femme du Général
Bonaparte,’ whose family name was, as most of our readers are doubtless aware,
de Lapagerie. It is another Souvenir de Malmaison.

—_—_@______—_

HARDY AQUATICS.

Tux claims of the Ornamental Aquatics for a share of the public favour seem at last to be
recognized, and from being the most neglected, they appear likely, by one of those reactions so
common in the history of Horticulture, to become the most eagerly sought for of plants. This
impetus is in a great measure due to the introduction and successful cultivation of the noble Victorta
regia, a plant whose beauty is such, that a mere sight of it may well constitute an epoch in the
life of the observer; and of which we are even tempted to say, what the Andalusians boast of
Seville, ‘who has not seen it, never a marvel saw. Unfortunately this ‘Queen of the Waters’
requires for its successful growth appliances of which few individuals can boast, though we are
aware that it has been cultivated in the open air in the neighbourhood of London, in water
artificially heated, and covered at night to prevent too great a reduction of temperature, Even
with these precautions, however, the specimen in question was much inferior to those grown in the
covered Aquarium ; and instead therefore of extending our remarks on this plant, we shall at once
proceed to notice such of the hardier aquatics as are both easily cultivated and readily attainable.

With some exceptions, those in general cultivation are such as grow wild in Great Britain; for
although few countries are without their aquatic flora, the difficulty of transporting seeds or roots has
prevented their extensive introduction. Our space is too limited to allow us to give in the present
number detailed directions for the construction of a receptacle for aquatic plants, though these will
readily suggest themselves to the mind of the intelligent cultivator. We will therefore suppose
the reader to be already in possession of a piece of water of greater or less extent, fit for the reception
of the plants, and to require nothing more than a list of some of the most ornamental, with a short
description of their habits. Although between those which are strictly floating aquatics, and those
which emerge to a considerable extent, there are many intermediate gradations, it will be convenient
to divide them into two groups, the first containing those which are either floating, or which rise
but slightly above the surface; the second, those of a greater height.

* PLANTS MORE OR LESS SUBMERGED.

Nymphaea alba, (White Water Lily.)—This is by far the finest of our indigenous aquatics, and is
one of the most easily managed. Our readers are too well acquainted with it to need any description
of it. It likes plenty of room, and several feet of water. The roots only require to be sunk in an
old basket. The species pygmea, from China, and odorata from N. America, are beautiful plants,
quite hardy, but we are not aware whether they are obtainable in this country.

Nuphar lutea. (Yellow Water Lily.) —Equally desirable with the preceding, although the flowers
are smaller, Requires the same treatment. The North American WN. advena is still more beautiful,
and quite hardy if planted in water of sufficient depth to prevent frost reaching it. This species is
grown by Mr, Stark of Edinburgh, and probably by all Florists who keep aquatic plants.

Nelumbium luteum. (Yellow Water Bean.)—This is a very beautiful plant, but rarely seen, and

76 HARDY AQUATICS.

being from Carolina, requires more care than the preceding. Its root-stock must be kept in dry soil
in winter, and out of the reach of frost. In spring it should be planted in a box of muddy soil,
and placed in a close frame, being kept in a moist condition until the leaves appear. In the
beginning of June, the box containing the plant may be placed in two or three feet of water, where
it will receive the fullest exposure to the sun; the beautiful large yellow blossoms are produced in
August, and amply reward the cultivator for his trouble. The Indian NV. speciosum is more
handsome, but is too tender for the open air, unless it could be grown in a small tank, under a close
frame. Its flowers are deliciously fragrant, and measure from six to eight inches across.

Aponogeton distachyon. (Two-spiked Aponogeton.)—This and the following plant are floating
aquatics, in the strictest sense of the word, the roots being sent down from the horizontal stems. It
is a native of the Cape, but will bear a mild winter, and a single root may easily be preserved from
frost in a vessel of water. The flowers are white, fragrant, and produced in June or July.

Hydrocharis Morsus Rang, (Common Frog-bit.)—A curious and interesting plant, common
in some parts of England, flowering in July. Blossoms large, white, produced from a transparent
spathe.

Limnocharis Humboldtii.—A beautiful plant from Brazil, allied to the preceding, rather tender,
but capable of resisting ordinary winters; flowers yellow, shaded at base with orange, on long foot-
stalks. The leaf of this plant is remarkable for having a large opening at its apex, from which
moisture constantly distils.

Pontederia cordata.—A very handsome aquatic from Virginia, with heart-shaped leaves, borne on
sheathing petioles; flowers of a fine blue, in close spikes produced in May. The roots must be
planted at least eighteen inches deep, as they suffer from frost; it will, however, grow in shallow
water. P. coerulea is a fine plant, but much less common.

Jussieua grandifiora.—Another American plant of interest, but rather tender, and must be
planted not less than one-and-a-half feet deep. Flowers yellow, in August. It belongs to the
Evening Primrose tribe.

Villarsia nympheoides. (Water-lily-like Villarsia.)—A beautiful indigenous plant of the Gentian
tribe, with large yellow flowers often fringed at the edge. Perfectly hardy and easily cultivated:
Many of the canals in Holland are full of this plant.

Menyanthes trifoliata. (Bog-Bean or Water-trefoil.)—Also a native plant, and belongs to the
same natural family as Villarsia, but has white flowers, tinged externally with red, and fringed
with white filaments. Shallow water, or it may be planted quite at the edge of the pond.

Stratiotes aloides. (Water Soldier.)—A common native plant, but useful from its numerous tufts of
sword-like leaves. Flowers white, produced from a spathe, in July.

Thalia dealbata. (White-leaved Thalia.)—A Canna-like plant with beautiful blue flowers ; being
from Carolina, the roots must be planted out of reach of frost. Readily raised from seeds on a hot
bed, which are generally kept by seedmen.

Calla palustris. (Marsh Calla.)—Also from America, and a very interesting plant; with the flowers
enclosed in a spathe, like those of the next plant. It should be planted in twelve or eighteen inches
of water.

Richardia ZEthiopica. (Arum Plant.)—Commonly known as the Calla ithiopica ; it succeeds
admirably as an aquatic, but must be planted out of reach of frost. To these may be added the
Water Plantain (Alisma Plantago), the Flowering Rush (Butomus wmbellatus), both very ornamental
and every where attainable; the common Arrow-head (Sagittaria sagittifolia) ; the beautiful Water
violet (Hottonia palustris), and the equally common Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) ; all of which
are very desirable, and suitable for the margin or edge of the pond, Several of these, however,
ought perhaps to have been placed in the next group, as they rise above the surface.

HARDY AQUATICS. We

* * PLANTS EMERGING SOME DISTANCE,

We have included so many of these in the previous group, that only the tallest remain to be
noticed, Their flowers are less ornamental than those of the preceding group, but the stately
growth and waying foliage of most, renders them indispensable to any collection of aquatics.

Arundo Donax. (Cane or Reed.)—This is a noble species, much more desirable than the common
reed (A, Phragmites). It grows from ten to twelve feet high, and produces a large plume-like
panicle of purplish flowers. It should be planted in two feet of water, for the root will suffer from
frost. There is a very pretty variety with striped foliage and rather dwarfer habit, which should
also be grown.

The Bull-rush (Seirpus lacustris) is an effective plant when its flower spikes are full grown, and
the S. triqueter is also desirable ; both are common enough.

The genus Carex, or Sedge, offers a few species worth cultivating, such as the C. acuta,
eyperoides, paniculata, pendula, provineialis, and Pseudo-cyperus, which all occur wild; the latter
species is very elegant.

The Bur-reed (Sparganium ramosum) offers a little variety in the spherical form of its flower
heads; and the Cats-tail ( Typha latifolia) may be added where a large selection is required.

The Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) is common in many parts of England, and deserves to be
grown for its curious spike of flowers, which are, however, not often produced; the Yellow Water
Tris (I. Pseud-acoris) is handsome, and flowers abundantly.

Touttuynia cordata.—A Japanese plant, sometimes termed Polygonum cuspidatum, with heart-
shaped leaves, and flowers produced from a white petaloid spathe or involucre. Height about two
feet, and therefore suitable for the margin. The annual Polygonum orientale produces an exceedingly
good effect planted near the edge, or even in two feet of water, as its stems attain a height of six or
eight feet. It should be raised from seed early in spring, and planted out in May or June.

The Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and its variety, rosewm superbum, are fine plants for the
margin of apiece of water; the latter especially should be obtained ; it may be had of most Florists,
or can be raised from seed, which is also procurable. As a picturesque object, we may also name
the common Teazle (Dipsacus Fullonum ).

The Hieraclium giganteum likes a moist soil, and although we have not tried the experiment,
we haye little doubt but it would answer as an aquatic, and would reach an extraordinary height.

In addition to these there are several dwarf plants of an interesting character, suited for the
border or bank of a pond, such as the Forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris), the Lysimachia Num-
mularia, the Parnassia palustris, and P. caroliniana; those;very curious and interesting plants,
the Pinguicula vulgaris and P. grandiflora, and the Utricularia vulgaris; this last requires to be
planted im water, the others on the bank, a little above the level of the pond.

Did our space allow it, we might extend this list, but a sufficient number of plants has been
named for a piece of water of some extent, and a collection of these only would form an exceeding
attractive spectacle. We may, however, add that where a border can be made round the pond,
many of the ordinary garden plants will grow luxuriantly, especially the common Hydrangea, the
Phloxes, many of the Gentians, Statices, and above all the scarlet Lobelias, which in such a situation
will present a magnificent appearance, from the amount of fluid nourishment they will obtain ;
they will, however, require to be removed in autumn.

Nearly all the indigenous plants named in the foregoing list may be readily obtained in most
localities. The exotics are, many of them, kept by the London Florists; Messrs. Henderson of
the Pine Apple Nursery, Edgeware Road, and Mr. Stark of Edgehill Nursery, Edinburgh, will be
able to supply nearly all we have named, as well as the indigenous species.

78 BEDDING PLANTS.

PEON G Puen TS,

(Continued from page 62.)

Heliotrope.—Every garden is sure to contain some varicty of this favourite, but it is not generally
known that one of the best is corymbosum, an old variety of dwarf compact habit.

Lantana.—These are all suitable for the decoration of the borders and beds in summer, but to
be kept bushy, they require frequent stopping. The old Sedlovii, with rich ruby flowers, makes a
beautiful group ; crocea and its varieties have orange-coloured blossoms. Common garden soil suits
them ; increased easily by cuttings of young shoots; only half-hardy, and therefore must be re-
potted in autumn.

Linwn.—One of the most useful of all the summer blooming perennials is the Z. flavum, a dwarf
evergreen species, with yellow flowers; it is quite hardy in dry soi's. The white New Zealand Flax
(L. monogynum) is not quite so hardy, but only perishes in severe frosts. Both the blue and the
white varieties of perenne are worth growing, as they are quite hardy, and flower through the
summer months. Many of the other species are equally good, but they are very scarce. All may be
increased by seed.

Lobelias.—Less hardy, but far more shewy than the preceding. Whether in beds or borders they
make a splendid appearance. We can especially recommend the two scarlet varieties, Queen
Victoria and Insignis, which are first-rate. The variety multiflora, of the old fulgens, is a very
beautiful plant, but not very common. The new varieties, Topaz, violet blue: Vesuvius, violet
crimson ; Agathocles, large violet crimson; and Ajax, violet plum, are all of novel shades of colour,
They should always be planted in groups of not less than three plants of a sort, in rich light soil,
and be well supplied with water; see our October number. The dwarf blue Lobelia erinus, and all
its varieties, of which the best are compacta, maxima, and racemoides, should on no account be
omitted; they produce a pretty effect as an edging to a bed or group of the tall varieties : half-
hardy, and increased by seeds and cuttings, the latter the best for perpetuating any par-
ticular kind.

Lythrum.—One species deserves attention, the L. rosewm superbum ; it is a tall growing plant.
producing in autumn long spikes of large rose-coloured flowers. It prefers a rich moist soil, and
is easily increased by cuttings and seeds. Perfectly hardy.

Mimulus.—The varieties of M. cardinalis are many of them highly ornamental; especially
aurantius, atro-roseus, and coccineus. They are all quite hardy, and in rich loamy soil flower the
the greater part of the summer. Increased by cuttings and also by seeds, which will generally give
rise to new varieties. I. moschatus, although usually grown in pots, is hardy.

Morina longifolia —An ornamental hardy perennial with handsome cut foliage and long spikes of
rosy flowers; it grows about two feet high, and may be easily raised from seeds, but does not usuglly
flower the first season ; plants of it may be purchased at most nurseries, We are almost afraid it is
not quite hardy, but is worth a little protection.

Nuttailia—These mallow-like plants are now united to the genus Malva, but we use here their
old designation. There are several species, but only two to be readily obtained, the NV. pedata and
N. grandiflora; they require a peaty soil, but are worth any amount of trouble. The flowers of
pedata are purple-crimson, those of grandiflora are lighter. Increased by division of the the roots in
spring, and by seeds when they can be got. Of grandiflora we hope to give a figure shortly.

Cnotheras.—Excellent both for beds or smaller patches, and quite hardy. Macrocarpa, with large
yellow flowers ; cespitosa, pale, whitish yellow; speciosa, white, and taraxicifolia, also white, are

BEDDING PLANTS. 79

four good species; the first and last are procumbent, the second is dwarf, and speciosa grows from
one to one-and-a-half feet high; the @. prostrata is useful as an edging and has neat foliage. All
are easily increased, and require only ordinary soil. See the November number of our last volume.

Petunias—These are of great value from their prolific habit of flowering. For beds, borders,
ora dry bank, they are equally suitable. A pinch of seed sown on heat or a warm window will
give hundreds of plants in a few weeks, which will flower the same season. The best varieties
must be increased by cuttings. Light soil suits them, and in this they are almost hardy.

Pentstemon.—These beautiful plants are favorites with all, especially Hartwegii and its hybrids
with P. gentianoides; the true gentianoides is less valuable. P. campanulatum is a good hardy
species, which blooms the first year from seeds; one and a-half to two feet high, with rosy crimson
flowers. P. ovatwm is the best blue-flowered species, hardiness and habit considered. Specioswm
is a better blue, but a much more troublesome plant, being a biennial. Murrayanum, atro-purpureum,
Cobee, variabilis (alias Salterii), are all first-rate plants; the last is only a variety of Hartwegii ;
the others are not perfectly hardy, and slips should therefore be preserved in a pot through the
winter.

Phiox.—Another yaluable class of plants, all hardy, except the P. Drummondii and its varieties.
They should be replanted each season in fresh soil, as they exhaust it quickly. They are so
numerous, that it is impossible to say precisely which are the best. Abd’el Meschid Khan, white
and rose, purple centre; Adonis, light rose, violet eye; alba grandiflora, pure white; General
Duvivier, white, carmine eye; Madame Nerard, fine white, bright red eye; Napoleon, flesh ground,
beautifully striped with rosy violet, exquisite; Madame Viard, white, striped with rosy-purple;
and La Fraicheur, white, mottled with rose, are all beautifully varieties, growing from two to
two-and-a-half feet high, and flowering at the latter part of the summer; but there are many others
quite as good. Increased by division, and by seeds for new varieties. The P. depressa is a good
dwarf variety, and the old white nivalis is a beautiful species.

Piatycodon.—This is allied to the Campanulas, and as far as we know there is but one species,
grandiflora, with blue flowers; there is a single white variety, and another with double flowers.
All of them grow about eighteen inches high, are increased by seeds and cuttings, and need only
ordinary sandy loam ; they are quite hardy, and well merit cultivation.

Plumbago Larpente. In moderately dry autumns, this will please in the borders, but wet spoils
the delicate violet-blue flowers. It may be treated as a hardy perennial, and should be planted in
light peaty soil; grows about a foot high, and is readily increased by division in spring, or cuttings,
at any time during summer: ;

Potentilla—No garden should be without several of these, their flowers are highly ornamental,
and they entail no trouble in cultivation. The varieties are become very numerous, but the
following are as good as any: Menziesii, rich orange scarlet; insignii, fine yellow; Hopwoodiana,
crimson and white ; and Smoutii, yellow and crimson, striped. They require a good free soil, and
should be divided in autumn, in preference to spring.

Prunella.—These are not often seen in gardens, but there is one species at least of some interest,
suitable for the front of mixt border, the P. Webbiana. It is a dwarf hardy perennial, producing
heads of pretty purple flowers in summer, and flourishing in any common soil. P. reptans alba
has white flowers. Messrs. Low of Clapton have both these plants, and several others.

Rudbeckia —Of these handsome Composite plants we would recommend fulgida and Drummondii,
with yellow flowers, and purpurea, and intermedia purplish violet; the two last are also known as
Echinacea purpurea and intermedia. All flower during the summer and autumn.

Salvia.—Most of the species deserve cultivation, especially fulyens, splendens, coccinea, with
scarlet flowers; patens, and p. alba, chamadryoides, prunelloides, bicolor, aud hians, with blue, or

80 PHZXDRANASSA CHLORACRA.

blue and white blossoms. Bicolor is figured in our last volume, and is hardy; frlgens has also stood
the late frosts with us in the open border; the others require a little protection, rich light soil suits
them all.

Scutellaria.—The S. macrantha is a handsome dwarf hardy plant, with purple violet flowers ; it
succeeds very well in a shaded border; S. japonica is not quite so hardy, but is too pretty to be
omitted. S. coccinea, with bright red flowers, is a taller species, requiring to be protected in a frame
during the winter months. All succeed in ordinary friable soil, and may be multiplied by seeds or
division.

Senecio,—The double varieties of S. elegans are favorite plants, and of the easiest management ;
there are white, rose, and purple varieties, and also one of an ashen tint, all increased readily by
cuttings, and requiring protection in winter.

Stevia.—The S. Lindleyana is valuable for its abundant white flowers, produced in heads, but is
not quite hardy. Serrata we find quite hardy, and we believe most of the species are less tender
than is supposed, especially in dry soils; they will not bear transplanting well, and should be raised
from seeds which will flower the first season.

To the foregoing list should be added, the Asclepias tuberosa, any or all ot the Liatris family, the
Statices, Scabiosa caucasica, a perennial species; the pretty free-flowering Saponaria ocymoides,
and Zauschneria californica; all of them are hardy, and may be added with advantage to any
collection. The Zauschneria must have a peaty or vegetable soil. The indispensable Verbena
requires no notice; the pretty Selago fasciculata is a somewhat new half-hardy bedder, which we
venture to recommend to our readers, and in warm sheltered situations the beautiful Madagascar
Periwinkle Vinca rosea will succeed, if planted out in rich light soil, about the beginning of
June.

Those of our readers who are more especially attached to the cultivation of the hardy perennials,
will be able to select from the foregoing list, and that in our last month’s number, many fine plants
as permanent ornaments for the borders ; we have named none which are not of a showy character,
and of easy cultivation in any ordinarily good soil and situation. Of the best hardy and half-hardy
annuals we have already given lists, and in our number for May, 1852, will be found a notice of
some of the best half-hardy climbers, to which our readers may refer with advantage. From time to
time we will give supplementary lists.

PHHDRANASSA CHLORACRA.

Axtuovex this fine Amaryllidaceous plant has been some years in cultivation, it is only rarely that
it produces its flowers; it grows vigorously, and yields an abundance of offsets, but from some cause
or other, the blossoms obstinately refuse to shew themselves. Accident, that prolific source of
discovery, has just shewn that this failure is attributable to the bulb being generally completely
buried, which favours the production of numerous offsets, by which the parent bulb is so much
exhausted, as to be incapable of throwing up its flower spike. It appears that an amateur Florist at
Brussels received last year a bulb of the Phedranassa, which he preserved during the winter in a
dry state, and early in spring it was planted on the soil of a pot; the roots soon protruded themselves, and
at the commencement of April the plant displayed its brilliant flowers. In this experiment, we
have the key to the culture of all those bulbs which manifest a disposition to increase rapidly at the
expense of the flowers. But it is important to observe that as the plant is only readily increased by
offsets, some provision must be made for securing a supply. This may be effected by covering the
bulb completely with soil, as soon as the flowers begin to fade, or even before, or the pot may be
plunged in the borders, at such a depth that the bulb is covered. In autumn the whole should be
removed, and the offsets separated, and preserved in a dry state during the winter.

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TROPAOLUM SMITHIL. 81

TROP HOLUM SMITHII.
Sir James Smith's Indian- Cress.

Linnean Class—OcYaNnDRIA. Order —MonoeGynia. Natural Order—TRoP ZOLACER.

Ir the Zropcolum Smithii cannot boast of such glowing tints as the 7. specvosum,
figured in our first volume, it has at least the advantage of being more hardy, and
its annual character will contribute to bring it more rapidly into cultivation, than
in the case of some of the tuberous rooted and other perennial species. It is not
improbable that, preserved from frost in winter, it would prove of perennial
duration; but as it flowers copiously the first season, and ripens abundance of
seeds, it “ll be, in any case, most conveniently treated as an annual.

In its succulent climbing habit it agrees with the general character of this
genus ; its foliage is larger than in the majority of the species, but is of the same
peltate form which is so peculiar to the Tropzolums, that is, the stalk is attached,
not to the end of the leaf, but near the centre of its inferior surface; the limb is
divided into five oblong, pointed lobes, similar to those of the 7. tuberosum. The
flowers are produced singly from the axils of the leaves, on long, looped, and
twisted peduncles; the calyx is of a dull red, and terminates in a long and nearly
straight spur, tipped with green ; and the petals are five in number, the two upper
ones being the smallest, and attached directly to the interior of the calyx, the
three lower and larger ones by short claws or stalks. In most of the species it is
the two upper petals, which are the largest; Smthii and speciosum are exceptions.
In their deeply cut fringed edge, the petals recall those of the ‘Canary flower’
(T. aduncum), the Pagarille of our French neighbours, from which they differ not
only in their ground colour, but also in being elegantly veined and tipped
with red.

In our article on the Z. speciosum, we pointed out a departure from the original
type of the genus in the presence in that species of stipules at the base of the
petiole, which we then supposed to be peculiar to it; but they occur also in the
T. Smithii, as our figure will show. The Tropeeolums can therefore no longer be
designated with propriety as exsttpulate plants; nor is this the only point in which
the character of the genus, as originally defined, will need modification. Most of the
species produce their flowers singly from the axils of the leaves, as in Z. Smithit;
but in the remarkable 7. wnbellatum, introduced a few years since, they are borne
in a terminal umbel, thus exhibiting another approach to the Geranium family, to
which they are very closely allied, and of which stipulate leaves and umbellate

flowers are two important features. We may remark too, en passant, that not only
6

82 TROPHOLUM SMITHII.

are some of the characteristics of the Geraniacee found among the Tropxolums,
but conversely, one peculiarity of the latter occurs in the former; we allude to the
spur, which is present in the true Pelargoniums, not, it is true, in the same pro-
jecting form, but adhering to the pedicel.

The 7. Smithii is a native of the mountains of Columbia, where it was found by
Mr. Lobb, Messrs. Veitch’s collector, at an elevation of 9,000 feet; in what
province is not stated. This species is one of those to which the name peregrinum
was applied by Linneus, though it appears certain that the plant to which that
appellation was first given by him, is the one at present known as aduncum, or the
‘Canary Flower.’

Nothing can be simpler than its treatment, for, being quite hardy, the seeds may
be sown in the open borders ; as, however, they are somewhat rare, it will, for the
present, be advisable to sow them in pots in a frame, the young plants being
subsequently turned out against a trellis; in a word, its cultivation is precisely
that of the pretty annual Z. aduneum. It may also be allowed to trail, and will
speedily fill a bed of some size, but it is less desirable for this purpose than the
varieties of Z. majus. In the absence of seeds, it may be multiplied by cuttings
of short lateral shoots, planted under a hand-glass, but no necessity for this mode
of increase is likely to arise.

The Z. Smithit is in the hands of most of the leading Florists; those amateurs
who may prefer to raise it from seed can obtain them of Mr. Carter, Holborn,
whose catalogue is the only one in which we have seen them named this season.

Although there are many seminal varieties of the Zropeolwm majus and TZ. minor,
we are not aware that a single artificial hybrid has yet been produced in this genus,
which is the more remarkable that we believe few plants would intermingle
more freely ; and in the case of the annual species, the results would be ascertain-
able in a very short period. To those who may have sufficient leisure to attempt
the experiment, we would suggest a cross between the common yellow Z. aduncum
(often absurdly called Z: canariense) and the scarlet 7. speciosum, which would
probably give rise to a variety of the former with spotted, striped, or more highly
coloured flowers. The tints of the Z. Smithii might also, there is but little doubt,
be deepened by the same means; and as the process is sufficiently easy, we strongly
urge those of our readers who may possess these plants to follow up our suggestion.
The stamens of the flower to ‘which it is intended to apply the pollen should be cut
out with a pair of scissors as soon as it expands; and to protect the stigma from
accidental contact with the pollen of contiguous flowers on the same plant, the
blossom should be tied over with a fragment of fine muslin. Two days afterwards,
the pollen from the plant with which the cross is to be effected, may be applied
by dusting or rubbing the anthers on the stigma, and the muslin should then be
replaced until the flower begins to fade; for greater security, the pollen may be

CHINESTES LANCEOLATA. 83

applied two or three times, at intervals of a day. Dry weather should be selected
for the operation ; if the pollen is wetted, it loses its fertilising properties, (see page
107, Vol. I.) We have named these three species as suitable subjects for the
experiment, but any two of similar habit might be tried.

It is not, we believe, generally known that a white species has been recently
added to this genus, though at present it appears to be confined to the Belgian
gardens, where it was originally introduced from Chili. It is tuberous-rooted, with
five-lobed leaves, and large flowers of a pure white, the claw of the petals being of
a bright yellow colour; this plant is the 7. albiforum of Van Houtte. We may
add here, that the plant known in England as 7. azwreum has been removed to a
new genus by Professor Morren of Liege, by whom it is termed Rexia cwrulea ; but
we are unaware of the grounds upon which this separation has been made; the only
important differences between this plant and its congeners consisting in its blue
colour, and nearly regular petals.

The Zropeolum tuberosum is an interesting species, which would deserve to be
more generally grown were its flowers produced in greater abundance. It succeeds
best in a good friable loam, of rather close texture; in loose rich soils it grows
vigorously, but is less prolific of flowers. We have seen a very pretty effect
produced by training this plant over a bed, upon a stout wire, a root being planted
on each side of the bed. Its tubers are nearly hardy, in mild winters and well-
drained soils; but a few should be dug up and preserved in a dry state, as a
precaution against loss.

We shall have some other interesting species of this genus to notice before long ;
and with regard to the Z. Smithi, we have only to remark, that it is named by De
Candolle in compliment to Sir James Smith, formerly President of the Linnean
Society, and author of ‘ English Botany,’ and many other botanical publications.

For a notice and figure of the charming 7. speciosum, a plant which cannot be too
highly praised, see Vol. I.

CH ENESTES LANCEOLATA.
Lance-leaved Chenestes.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—Monoaynia, Natural Order—Souanacex.

Tue proximity of the South American province of New Granada to the Equator
would, at first sight, render it highly improbable that any plants from so torrid a
latitude, would be suited for notice in a periodical devoted to hardy and half-hardy

84 CH.ENESTES LANCEOLATA.

plants. But it is now well understood that the hardiness in this climate of exotic
plants, depends less on the Jatitude than on the elevation at which they occur ; an
altitude of a few thousand feet, even under the Equator, being sufficient to introduce
us to a climate as temperate as our own, and, still higher, to a region where
perpetual congelation reigns.

It will, therefore, no longer appear astonishing that some of the plants peculiar
to the Columbian territory should prove nearly hardy in this country. We are not
informed of the precise elevation at which the Chenestes was found, but it is
stated to have been discovered by Mr. Purdie, the collector for the Royal Gardens
at Kew, among the mountains of Quindii. This mountain pass of the Central
Andes skirts the foot of the Nevado de Tolima, the highest mountain north of
the line, being about 18,000 feet above the sea-level; and it is to be presumed,
therefore, that the temperature where this beautiful shrub occurs is not much
higher than that of our more northern latitudes.

We are, however, happily relieved from conjecture as to its hardiness, a plant
exposed by us last summer having borne the recent severe weather with com-
paratively little injury, except the loss of its leaves, and the destruction of the
late growths, and unripe wood, for the maturing of which the mild, wet autumn
of 1852 was peculiarly unfavourable. The only protection afforded was a peck
or so of ashes over its roots, and a single mat around its stems; both of these,
however, were applied late in the season, after the arrival of frosts. The plant
was unfortunately exposed against a west wall, where it received but little sun in
autumn, and the soil was of a retentive character; as it has resisted the late winter
under so many unfavourable conditions, we therefore entertain but little doubt that
in ordinary seasons, well-drained soil, and a southerly or south west exposure, it
will prove almost hardy; though under any circumstances it will require the
protection of a mat or screen to preserve the old wood from injury. In the case
of those shrubs which flower on the shoots of the current season, as the Fuschia,
Clematis, and Leycesteria, the loss of the previous year’s wood is a matter of no
moment; but in those which, like the Habrothamnus and Chenestes, produce their
blossoms only from the old wood, its preservation is absolutely essential.

The Chenestes is naturally an evergreen, but loses its foliage when fully exposed.
It is of very rapid growth, the shoots often extending four or five feet in a single
season ; the foliage is somewhat coarse, as in the case of many other plants of this
tribe ; and when fully developed, the leaves are not unfrequently six to eight inches
long. While young they, as well as the branches, are covered with downy, stellate
hairs; but this pubesence disappears as the wood ripens. The umbels of flowers
are produced from the axils of the leaves on the upper part of the branches, and
consist frequently of twenty blossoms or more, each of which is attached by a
slender, drooping stalk, The calyx is somewhat tubulous, with five unequal, blunt

CHLENESTES LANCEOLATA. 85

teeth, and cleft laterally; this last feature appears to be peculiar to the genus.
The corolla is about two inches long, of a deep rich purplish blue, and of a tubular,
slightly curved form, funnel shaped, and spreading at the mouth, with a whitish
downy margin, between the five lobes of which intermediate teeth are generally
present, so that it presents the appearance of being ten-toothed. The stamens are
five in number, and the style one; the latter being, as might be anticipated in a
drooping flower, rather the longest; the ovary ripens into a bright red, pulpy, two-
celled berry, containing numerous wrinkled reniform seed. The plant blossoms in
summer and autumn, and produces its beautiful purple flowers in some succession,
until they are injured by the arrival of frosts.

It is very closely allied to the genus Habrothamnus ; from which it differs in
the shape of the corolla, and the lateral fissure of the calyx, as well as in the
anthers being affixed to the filaments by the back, and not by the base. From the
Tochroma tubulosa (formerly known as Habrothamnus cyaneus) it differs in the
mode in which the mouth of the flower is folded before expansion, or, as it is
termed botanically, its estivation. In Chenestes and Habrothamnus the margin is
folded inwards, between the five teeth, which are thus brought into contact in a
valye-like manner. The embryo of the seed is also straight, or nearly so; whilst
in Jochroma it is spiral, as in most of the Solanacee. These may appear somewhat
minute and unimportant marks of distinction, but it is on such differences,
when constant, that genera are founded. The plant formerly known as Lyctum
fuschioides belongs to this genus, which includes some other species at present
known only to Botanists.

The Chenestes may be easily increased by cuttings, which are afforded in
abundance; they may be taken at almost any period of the summer and autumn;
in the latter case they will require the protection of a cold frame, but in the
warmer months they will root in the open borders under a hand-light, though a
little bottom heat will accelerate the process. It will succeed in almost any soil,
but a light, porous, well-drained medium is to be preferred, as being more conducive
to the ripening of the shoots than those of a more retentive nature. It may even
be desirable in some cases to plant it in poor sandy loam, which would check its
growth, and diminish the size of the foliage, which is sometimes redundant.
Numerous suckers are generally thrown up by the root, some of which should be
thinned out ; and if the removal be deferred until they are a few inches long, they
will be available for the propagation of the plant. If trained to the wall, the
shoots should be disposed in a fan-like form, and as the old wood is less productive
of blossoms than the shoots of the past year, a portion of it may be pruned out each
season; the plant has, however, been so short a time in cultivation, and has been
in our possession but a single season, that we make this suggestion with diffidence,
though we have little doubt further experience will confirm its propriety.

86 SWAINSONIA GREYANA.

The narcotic and noxious properties of the Order to which the Chenestes
belongs are well known, and are doubtless shared by it, though we are not
aware that it possesses them to such a degree as to render a caution necessary ;
its berries are of an attractive hue, but they are hardly likely to be produced
in this climate when the plant is cultivated in the open air.

The name of the genus is derived from chaino, to gape, in allusion to the
spreading mouth, as contrasted with the contracted form it exhibits in Cestrum,
Habrothamnus, and some others.

SWAINSONIA GREYANA.
Capt. Grey's Swainsonia.

Linnean Class—DIADELPHIA, Order —DECANDRIA. Natural Order—LEGuMINos&.

Tue Acacia grandis, our first illustration of the Leguminous Tribe, described at
page 115 of the previous Vol., although an exceedingly interesting and beautiful
plant, would give the uninitiated reader a very imperfect idea of the general
structure of the Order in its Papilionaceous aspect. In the Swainsonia Greyana,
the peculiar conformation of the corolla which has given rise to this name is well
displayed. We must not, however, look for more than a faint correspondence
between the name, and the thing; for botanical ternts are somewhat fanciful, and,
strictly speaking, the flowers of the Cuphea cordata, our next subject, are more
suggestive of a butterfly than those of the Swainsonia, or any other plant of the
Order.

The five petals composing the flower in this division of the Leguminacee, are of
an irregular, unequal form. The upper one is usually the largest, and is termed
the vexillum, or standard; in the Swainsonia it is very conspicuous: the two lowest
are much narrower, and are united by their inferior edges so as to form a narrow,
pouch-like organ, very much flattened at the sides, within which are concealed the
stamens, and immature seed vessel or pod; this is appropriately styled the carina,
or keel: external to it are two petals of a similar size and form, but not adhering
by their margins. These are termed the ale, or wings. All these details may be
very distinctly seen in our figure of the Swainsonia.

The arrangement of the stamens in this family is as peculiar as that of the
corolla. In a majority of the genera they are divided into two unequal parcels,
whence the name diadelphia ; nine of the ten which characterize their flowers

SWAINSONIA GREYANA. 87

being united by the filaments into a flattened sheath which surrounds the young
pod, except at its upper edge, where the tenth stamen is found distinet. The
flowers of the Swainsonia conform to this type; in a few plants of the Order,
however, the entire number of stamens are united in one bundle, and are then
termed monadelphous; such are the Lupines, the Laburnum, and the Galega or
Goat’s-rue. In other cases they are all distinct, asin the handsome Piptanthus
Nepalensis, the Baptisias, and Gompholobiums.

The simplest form of the ovary of Leguminous plants is that of a two-valved,
single-celled, many-seeded pod, lengthened out into a slender style with a terminal
stigma; in a few plants, the style is nearly straight, but in most cases it is more or
less curved or bent back upon the ovary, with which it sometimes forms an acute
angle, as in the Swainsonia. The variations in the form of the seed vessel and
curvature of the style are endless, and their observation opens up to the student of
Botany and the lover of nature’s works, an infinite source of gratification and
instruction.

We must not, however, dwell longer on the general structure of the Order, but
devote our remaining space to that member of it now more immediately under
consideration. The Swatnsonia Greyana is a half-shrubby plant, two feet or more
high, pubescent, with obscurely striated, branched stems, and pinnated leaves, with
eight pairs of blunt oval leaflets, and an odd terminal one; sometimes the leaflets
are much fewer. The flowers are produced in axillary spikes often nearly a foot in
length, and always longer than the leaves; each blossom is supported on a short
pedicel, with a bract at its base. The calyx is cup-shaped, with a five-toothed
margin, and a bract on each side at the base, which is, we believe, peculiar to this
species. The standard or upper petal is very large, of a pale purple colour, with a
large semi-circular spot in the centre, which contributes greatly to the beauty of
the plant; the two ale, or wings, are rather shorter than the carina, which is dark
purple; the colour of all the parts of the flower deepens with age, as in most of
the plants of this Order. Of the monadelphous stamens and recurved style we have
already spoken, and have only to add that the last named organ is longitudinally
bearded on its upper edge, now become inferior by the curvature. The pod
is slightly turgid or inflated, smooth, and borne on a stalk, which ultimately
lengthens considerably.

The genus is allied to the Coluteas, which are, however, very readily distin-
guished by their curious inflated, bladder-like seed-vessel, as well as by the two
callosities on the standard. In Sutherlandia frutescens the style is bearded on
both edges, and in Zessertia, which is nearly related to Swainsonia, the style is
bearded transversely at the end.

The Swainsonias are not numerous, but four or five species being at present in
cultivation. Of these, the best known is the old S. galegifolia, with sweet scented

88 CUPHEA CORDATA.

flowers of a bright red colour, and of a similar habit to our plant; there is also a
white variety of this species. The S. coronillefolia has rosy purple blossoms, and
is well worth cultivation, but is less generally seen. The S. pallida is an exceedingly
pretty variety or species, we are not quite certain which, with pale rose-coloured
flowers. All of them are natives of New Holland, the S. Greyana of the neigh-
bourhood of Port Adelaide, and are therefore too tender to bear full exposure;
but they succeed well in the open border during the summer months, where
they will flower for a considerable period. The whole are very desirable
plants, but the present species is certainly the handsomest of the genus, its long
spikes of purple flowers producing an extremely showy effect. They will need to
be removed from the ground in winter, but a good, dry cold frame or pit will be a
sufficient protection; in the south of Ireland, and other favoured corners of the
kingdom, we have no doubt that they would bear exposure, if planted against a
wall, and matted up; we believe galegifolia has been thus grown. As, however,
their protection in a frame or cold pit entails no greater amount of trouble than
in the case of the Verbena and other plants of that class, we would advise their
removal from the ground in autumn.

They may be increased by seeds, which sometimes ripen, and shonld be sown in
a strong heat; cuttings of the young shoots will also root under a glass, with the
assistance of a slight bottom heat, and if struck early in the spring, will form
flowering plants the same season. The soil best suited to all the species is a light
sandy loam, with a small proportion of heath-mould; if grown in pots, they should
be well drained. The species named, including Greyana, are kept by the London
Florists, and probably some of them may be had at the chief provincial nurseries.

The genus was named in compliment to Isaac Swainson, a patron of Botany and
Natural History, who lived in the last century.

——

CUPHEA CORDATA.
Large red-flowered Cuphea.

Linnean Class—DopECANDRIA. Order —MonoGynIA. Natural Order —LYTHRACE®.

Tur Cuphea cordata is one of the most remarkable plants of a remarkable genus,
and combining, as it does, the botanical features which invest with so much interest
this group of plants, with flowers of a very showy character, we have selected it as
an illustration of the genus in preference to some of the species which are rather
more hardy, and perhaps better known.

CUPHEA CORDATA, 89

The most striking pecularities of the Cupheas are the irregularity in the number
and size of the petals, and the mode in which the membranous seed-vessel and
calyx-tube are ruptured laterally by the deflexed placenta before the seeds are
ripe; but all the details of the flower will be found of interest. In many of the
species the calyx is the most conspicuous part of the blossom ; in all it is tubular,
strongly ribbed, more or less curved (as seen in our figure), with a projecting heel
or blunt spur; the mouth is rather spreading, its margin divided into six teeth,
of unequal size, the upper one usually being the largest, as in C. stlenoides and C.
lanceolata. Between the six teeth referred to, there are sometimes intermediate
smaller ones; these are well seen in C. silenoides, where they assume the form of
scales, fringed with short, spreading, clammy hairs. In nearly all the species it is
highly coloured, as in cordata and the well-known platycentra, but in a few green
predominates, as in lanceolata. The normal number of the petals is six, but they
are occasionally either wholly abortive, or so minute as to be scarcely discernible ;
this is the case in (C. platycentra; in strigillosa only the two upper ones are present,
in a very diminutive ear-like form. In those species in which six occur, the two
upper ones are much the largest, as seen in lanceolata, silenovdes, verticillata, purpurea,
and in our illustration cordata, where they are so conspicuous, and arranged in such
a manner, as to give the flower the appearance of being winged.

Although placed in the Linnean Class Dodecandria, the stamens are not
invariably twelve; in C. decandria there are but ten; in C. cordata they are
eleven in number, and in some of the species as many as fourteen are found;
they are generally inserted in the throat of the calyx, as in cordata, but sometimes
arise from the bottom of the tube, as in silenoides. In cordata they will be seen
to project considerably beyond the mouth of the calyx.

The seed-vessel, which is the most curious feature of this genus, has its walls
composed of a thin membrane, the seeds themselves being attached to a central
partition by short, but very evident stalks; after the flower has partially faded,
but long before the seeds are mature, the capsule and the calyx tube in which it
is enclosed are burst longitudinally on their upper side, and the placenta or central
portion of the capsule to which the ovules are attached, assumes an erect position,
leaving them completely exposed, where they continue to increase im size, and
remain adherent until quite ripe. There is something exceedingly curious in
this premature exposition of the seed, and, as far as we are aware, it occurs in no
other genus of plants. The seeds of all the species are of a flattened disk-like form.

The number of species of this genus known to Botanists is considerable, but only
a few of them are in cultivation, or readily attainable. Several of them are
destitute of horticultural interest, being mere weeds, such as viscosissima, parviflora,
procumbens, and some others. Of those worth cultivating, and, at the same time,
procurable without difficulty, we will briefly notice the best.

90 CUPHEA CORDATA.

C. lanceolata.—This is usually described as a greenhouse biennial, but as it
flowers the first season, it may be treated as a half-hardy annual, like the next
species. It grows a foot or more high, and has long pointed, wavy foliage, which,
as well as the whole plant, is clothed with soft clammy hairs. The flowers are
dark purple, the two upper petals being much larger than the four lower ones.
It flowers in summer and autumn, and may be used for grouping in the borders;
generally ripens plenty of seed. First introduced many years since from Mexico.

C. silenoides resembles the preceding, but has smaller foliage; flowers, deep
crimson purple, the two upper and largest petals much paler at the margin. The
whole plant, especially the calyx, is thickly covered with glandular hairs. It is
an abundant flowerer, and it might be worth while endeavouring to brighten its
colour by crossing with the cordata or miniata. Preserved in the greenhouse it
becomes perennial, but is generally treated as a half-hardy annual. From Mexico.

C. miniata.—A small branching evergreen, with rough foliage and terminal spikes
of flowers, which have the calyx very hairy, and two large bright red petals
attached to the upper margin of the tube. It is rather more tender than platy-
centra, but may be cultivated in the open border, in summer, like that species.

C. purpurea.—This plant is said to be a hybrid obtained by M. Delache of
St. Omer, between miniata and viscosissima, but its appearance would hardly
confirm such a statement. It is hairy, but not glandular; the flowers are large
and very handsome, of a bright rose colour, with a violet tinge. The two upper
petals are nearly as large as those of cordata. It is a greenhouse perennial, but
may be advantageously cultivated as a half-hardy annual ; ‘seeds vegetate readily on
a slight hot-bed. We hope to figure this species in a short time.

C. strigillosa.—One of the hardiest of the genus, having lived through the late
severe winter in the open ground without any protection, in a dry sandy soil.
The flowers are remarkable, more for their number than for their brilliant colour,
but it deserves cultivation if only for its hardiness; in groups it produces some
effect. From the Peruvian Andes.

C. platycentra.—This species is deservedly popular, and is, perhaps, the best of
all for bedding purposes, with the exception of the new purpurea; it is remarkable
for flowering whilst in a very small state, and indefinitely. Flowers tubular,
consisting only of calyx, of a bright vermillion, with the upper lip white and the
lower nearly black. It must not only be kept from frost, but also in a growing
state during the winter; it does well in a warm sitting room at that season. The
name of this species is sometimes translated ‘broad-centred’, but erroneously, the
meaning being ‘broad-spurred’. Now the spur of this species is in no way
remarkable, and it turns out that its real name is zgnea, or fiery-red, the true
platycentra not being yet introduced. There is a white variety recorded, but we
have not seen it. From Mexico.

CUPHEA CORDATA. 91

C. verticllata.—A very distinct species, with oval leaves arranged in whorls of
three or four; they are somewhat rough on the upper surface, but downy beneath.
The flowers, which are axillary, have from five to eight petals, the two upper ones
being very long, and of a fine violet tint. From Peru. Messrs. Low and Co. of
Clapton possess this species. There are one or two others of interest, but we must
defer noticing them, that we may have space for a word on the

C. cordata.—This species has been named, we suppose, on the Jucus a non lucendo
principle, for its leaves are lanceolate rather than heart-shaped. Those at the
base of the plant are of some size, but gradually become smaller as they approach
the flowers, and assume a bract-like form. The flowers are produced in loose
terminal racemes, each bearing from two to four blossoms, of a bright scarlet
tint. The two upper petals are remarkably developed, the four inferior ones are
very small and narrow, and of a pinkish hue. Like many of the other species,
when first introduced it was treated as a stove plant; but, like them, it is
found to succeed in a much lower temperature. It is, however, rather less
hardy than the so-called platycentra, and does better on a window than in the
open ground.

One object we have in view in figuring it, is to call the attention of amateurs
to the desirability of crossing this species with one of the hardier members of the
genus. We believe that all of them will hybridize with each other, and probably
varieties might be originated, possessing flowers as showy as those of cordata, with
the hardier character of strigillosa, silenoides, platycentra, and purpurea. We would
suggest that this last species or variety should be tried as the porte-graine, as the
seed-bearing plant is termed by our neighbours, the pollen of the cordata being
employed as the fertilizer, or the experiment might be reversed with equally
satisfactory results. The annual silenovdes and lanceolata, might also communicate
greater hardiness to this plant. See the directions given under the head of
Tropeolum Smithit.

The Cupheas are all readily increased by cuttings under a glass; the platycentra
especially roots with great facility. Cordata may be thus multiplied, or by seeds
which will ripen under glass. The cuttings are best struck in light sandy peat,
or other vegetable soil, but when established, a portion of fibrous loam should be
added. It may be tried in the open air in warm situations, but the flowers will be
smaller than when grown under glass. The other species, platycentra, miniata, and
purpurea, are better adapted for bedding, especially the last-named. In winter it
must be kept in a growing state on a warm window or greenhouse.

This species is a native of Peru, whence it was introduced some years by Messrs.
Veitch of Exeter, who will be able to supply plants of it, probably by post.
Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son of the Wellington Nursery, St. John’s Wood,
London, are also in possession of it. The bruised flowers and leaves are applied

92 EFFECTS OF THE PAST WINTER ON OUT-DOOR PLANTS.

by the Peruvians to wounds and dislocations; and taken internally, the flowers are
said to be anti-epileptic: its properties are probably analogous to those of the allied
genus, Lythrum.

Cuphea is derived from kyphos, curved, in reference to the curved calyx.

————

ON THE EFFECTS OF THE PASI WINTER
ON SOME RECENTLY INTRODUCED OUT-DOOR PLANTS.

[cCoMMUNICATED BY MESSRS, STANDISH AND NOBLE, BAGSHOT, SURREY.

Tux past winter, and more especially the spring, has put to the test, and very
severely too, the hardiness of out-door plants in general. Many species have been
wholly destroyed, or at least severely damaged, which in former years withstood
much more severe weather unscathed. This, which on a superficial view
would appear a paradox, is readily to be accounted for after a more careful
examination.

The continuous mild and wet weather that obtained up to the second week in
the present year, not only prevented plants from maturing their wood, but, on
the contrary, kept them in a vigorous and growing state. While in this condition,
frost set in, the circulation of the sap was suddenly arrested; parching winds
succeeded, and the natural result was that such shoots were destroyed, exhibiting
the appearance of having been burnt up by severe frost. We do not, of course,
insist that all the damage sustained by out-door plants in the past winter is to be
attributed to that cause; but we are confident that much of it may be with perfect
justice. And, of course, plants in the condition described are very much more
susceptible to the influence of frost, and consequently suffer more from its effects
then, than after an autumn favourable to the maturation of their wood. That the
accomplishment or prevention of this, is, in a great measure (with cultivated
plants) under the control of the planter, is now patent enough, and we need not
therefore enlarge upon the subject.

There can be no doubt that much caution is necessary and advisable in pro-
nouncing any plant not hardy, because it may not have proved so in certain
situations, and under certain conditions. We are constantly witnessing anomalous
results in this respect: the various Horticultural publications of the hour have
recorded many such: and it would be productive of the best results to the depart-
ment of gardening to which such an enquiry would more particularly refer, if some
one possessing the necessary qualifications would investigate them, and record the
results of the enquiry.

With these preliminaries, we proceed to give our readers some brief information

EFFECTS OF THE PASLT WINTER ON OUT-DOOR PLANTS. 93

of the effects of the past winter on a number of plants that are likely, either from
their beauty or rarity, to become generally admired. Berberis Darwini, the beauty
of which has been so much praised—and it is worthy of it all—is perfectly hardy,
and is now pushing out its charming flowers in thousands, neither frost nor wind
have affected it in the least. Symplocos japonica, a rare and recently introduced
shrub, which appears to be a half evergreen, is perfectly established as a hardy
plant, and is now breaking its buds vigorously. Skimma japonica is in bloom, and
not a leaf is damaged, although the plants put out for experiment are but small,
barely six inches high; no further proof need be given of its hardiness. The
Abelia uniflora, too, is in that respect all that could be desired. Cerasus alicifolia
in a very exposed place has suffered the loss of many of its leaves; but this we
think has arisen more from the effect of severe wind, than from frost alone. It
may be considered hardy, and so may Escallonia macrantha; the only damage it has
sustained is the death of some of the old leaves. The plants are now looking
healthy, and pushing vigorous shoots.

Of the three species of Ceanothus, viz. rigidus, papillosus, and dentatus, the
two latter have suffered most. They follow in degree of hardness, as we have
placed them. It may be worth while to say, that the plants alluded to are in the
open border, destitute of any protection. C. dentatus, which in many instances
has lost all its leaves and young shoots, is now breaking freely from the old
wood. Viburnum plicatum is wholly untouched. The plants first imported from
China, and having been three years in the open borders, are now clothed with
young shoots, and exhibit numerous heads of flowers. Cupressus funebris has
passed the ordeal well; no doubts need be entertained of its hardiness. The
beautiful little Azalea amena, after bearing all the vicissitudes of the past year,
is just bursting into bloom. It looks as hardy as one could wish, and has not,
from the influence of the weather, lost a leaf. The three new kinds of Ilex, micro-
carpa, cornuta and furcata, are also in robust health; they are perfectly hardy.
Daphne japonica and D. hybrida are both unhurt. In one or two instances where
succulent young growths were’ subjected to the severe frost and parching winds,
the leaves were somewhat damaged; but such cannot be considered as in any way
detracting from their hardiness. They may be planted in the open border, without
fear of damage from severe weather. Indigofera decora has stood the frosts well,
and is now breaking strongly.

Now of the Sikkim Rhododendrons, about which so many doubts have been expressed.
Small plants of nearly all the species have been placed in the open ground for
experiments, and, judging from their appearance while we write, we have no
hesitation in pronouncing them quite hardy. They are grown side by side with

ordinary hardy hybrid kinds, and they have endured the past severe weather
with equal impunity.

94 EFFECTS OF THE PAST WINTER ON OUT-DOOR PLANTS.

It is only fair to observe, that most of the plants above-mentioned were scarcely
in a condition to be judged fairly by, from their being on the whole so recently
planted out, and mostly very small. This, however, only goes to establish still
stronger their complete hardiness; for it is well known that where a plant has
become well established, and of considerable size, it is in a much better condition
to resist the vicissitudes of the seasons, than where it is only recently planted out of
doors, before experiencing such influence.

{In our own neighbourhood, the results have been much less injurious than
the intensity of the cold on several cccasions would have lead us to expect,
the thermometer having more than once fallen as low as 7° or 8° Fah. The
beautiful Arbutus magnifica in a moist soil suffered the loss of its foliage, and
most of its flower buds, but is now growing vigorously; as the specimen was
small and absolutely unprotected, there is no doubt it may be pronounced
hardy. The Cerasus ilicifolia has also lost its old leaves, but is otherwise
uninjured. A small plant of Ceanothus papillosus, only about fifteen inches high,
was fully exposed in the open borders, and has survived. The JLardizabala
biternata (a small plant) was somewhat nipped, but had it been placed against
a wall, we have no doubt it would have escaped entirely. A young specimen
of Garrya laurifolia perished, though it resisted the first severe frosts; it had
only been exposed one season; when fully established it is hardy. The G.
elliptica is quite uninjured. Leycesteria formosa received little or no damage in
a dry subsoil, and the Coronilla glauca escaped without material harm, though
the extremities of its immature shoots were cut, as may be supposed. In another
garden, at a short distance, an older specimen was killed, after flowering pro-
fusely in autumn, to which circumstance its loss is no doubt attributable.

Among the herbaceous plants, many survived which are sometimes supposed to
be tender. Salvia fulgens, rosea, azsurea, glutinosa, and bicolor, have all resisted the
frost. Chamedryoides has not yet pushed, but we think it is living. Lvatris hetero-
phylla, Ginothera speciosa, Linum flavum, and L. monogynum, Chilian Alstremerias,
Pentstemon atro-purpureum, campanulatum, Buckti, azureum, ovatum; Armeria
cephalotes, have all passed through the ordeal, if not entirely unscathed, at least
with only trifling injury. The old Calceolaria rugosa has proved hardy both in our
own garden and also a neighbouring one, but the more succulent varieties perished.
One result astonished us not a little: a pot containing a tuber of the old Begonia
Evansiana (discolor) was accidentally left out the whole winter, and in April was
discovered to be perfectly sound; this plant is therefore quite hardy. The Pompou
Chrysanthemums were some of them killed to the ground, but are now pushing up
shoots. The Zucsonia manicata was also, we regret to say, destroyed; but the
plant was young; we still believe it will bear exposure when three or four years
old; till then, it is best pruned in, and potted in autumn.—Eb. |

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS. 95

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

Bryonta Apysstnica. ( Cucurbitacee.)—Everybody knows the common Bryony of our hedges, B.
dioica, with its greenish white flowers and small red berries produced on different plants. The Bryonia
Abyssinica is a far more remarkable plant, and has the immense advantage of producing its male
and female flowers on the same plant, Its habit resembles that of most other plants of
the Cucumber tribe, to which it belongs. The root is perennial, like that of the common
Bryony, but the stems are of only annual duration, four-edged, and bearing smooth, alternate
leaves of a palmate lobed form, each of which is accompanied by a tendril, by which the
plant attaches itself. The flowers are yellowish, and usually in pairs from the axils of the
leaves ; they possess, however, but little attraction, and resemble in their structure those of the
common species. They are succeeded by an oval berry, which, when full grown, is as large as a
moderate sized plum; at the first stage of ripeness they are of an orange yellow colour,
which deepens as the fruit approaches maturity, until it ultimately assumes a clear red tint; as the
berries are not all ripe at one period, a considerable variety of shades is seen upon the same plant
which greatly enhances the effect. For a trelissed arcade, or any other situation where climbers are
grown, it will prove highly ornamental when in fruit. The plant appears to be easily cultivated,
and although a hardy perennial, will flower and fruit the first season if sown early on heat; it grows
from eight to ten feet or more high. We hope during the present season to be able to give our
readers a figure of this novelty.

SANDERSONIA AURANTIACA. (Liliacee@.)—A remarkable new bulb from d’ Urban and the Swart-Kop
Hills, near Natal, discovered by the gentleman whose name it bears in 1851. Its stems and foliage
resemble those of the Polygonatwm, or Solomon’s Seal, but the flowers are very different. They are
large and drooping, hanging singly from the axils of the upper leaves, on stalks two inches long; ot
an orange colour, and a sub-globose campanulate form, with six shallow vertical furrows; at the
bottom of the flower are six nectariferous cavities, which project externally, forming so many short,
but distinct incurved spurs; stamens six, style one, stigmas three, nearly as long as style; ovary
three-celled, many-seeded. Sir W. Hooker is doubtful whether it should be classed with the Lily-
worts, or with Smilacee ; it appears to connect the two Orders. Figured in Botanical Magazine
Sor May, 1853.

Darune Japonica. ( Thymelacee.)—Although this species is not entirely new, it has hitherto
been classed with greenhouse plants. The experience of the past winter proves, however, that it is
quite hardy, and it will be a most valuable addition to our evergreen shrubs. It has handsome
variegated oval foliage, and produces in April an abundance of reddish purple flowers, which are
very fragrant, at the summit of the branches. It will succeed in almost any soil, and grows rapidly ;
height, from three to four feet. It should be in every garden, being far more ornamental than any
other hardy species.

PorENTILLA STRIATA FORMOSSISSIMA.—A very interesting new variety of this handsome genus,
remarkable both for the colour and size of its flowers. They are said to be two inches in diameter,
of a fine yellow ground, streaked with crimson; something in the way of Smowéi’, but much finer.
It is supposed to be a hybrid, between insignis and Menziesii or Russelliana.

PerunIA PHmNICEA, variety, Prince Camille de Rohan.—A striking seedling variety, obtained by
M. Van Houtte in 1852. Its flowers are very large, of a fine form, deep crimson ground, bordered
with a broad band of a fine green colour. Said to be an extraordinary plant. Both this and
the preceding plant are to be had of the London Florists.

96 CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the English Flower Garden.

Str—Some of your readers may be glad to be informed that Messrs. Cunningham, Fraser, and
Co. of the Comely Bank Nursery, Edinburgh, have the following rare and interesting plants,
besides many others:—Jeffersonia diphylla; Helleborus abchasicus ; Puschkinia scillioides ; Cyananthus
lobatus ; a fine blue species of Lathyrus; Linum tauricum ; Salvia nemoralis [nemorosa?] Salvia
indica; Scabiosa caucasica and argentea; Silene regia, a beautiful plant which cannot be too
extensively grown, of a colour rivalling the Lobelia fulgens ; Batschia (Lithospermum ) canescens ;
Geranium argenteum, a very interesting plant; Aster Sikkimensis, and many others. You would
confer a favour on your readers by informing them where other rare plants may be obtained. I
find that the Adelia floribunda is quite hardy in Lancashire; the experience of the last winter has
sufficiently proved it. A Supscriper. ( Wigan.)

[We shall most willingly insert such information as will enable our readers to obtain rare plants
not usually kept by Nurserymen, but it would be obviously unfair to name one party in preference
to others, in the case of those plants generally found in the hands of the trade. We have
inserted the above paragraph, but several of the plants there named, although not often seen in the
garden of amateurs, are generally kept by the London Florists, though not by provincial ones. The
two Salvias, Silene, Geranium, Batschia, Linum and Puschkinia are, however, much more rare, and we
thank our correspondent for his information.—Ep. ]

Srr—As you requested Subscribers to your most useful little Periodical to keep a register of those
delicate plants which have suryived this inclement season, I venture to contribute my mite, very
trifling though it be. I should state that our garden is on the chalk stratum, open to winds from
the east, but sheltered by a hill from the west. The Laurestinus and Portugal Laurel, many of
them present that appearance so truly described by the French as ‘ brulé,’ whilst No. 8 preserved its
leaves in perfect verdure. Our magnificent Banksia Rose is as much covered with buds as usual,
and the Bourbons and Chinas appear even healthier than usual. Cuphea strigillosa, quite hardy, is
springing up very strong; Salvia splendens [query fulgens, the splendens being much more tender,
Ep.] unsheltered, is also shooting; Verbenas, partially sheltered, only two or three alive; Mitraria
coccinea, only a glass over it in March during snow, quite hardy; EHseallonia macrantha equally so ;
Abutilon striatum, only a mat in March and snowy weather, and uninjured ; Plumbago Larpente
unprotected and unhurt ; Coronilia, the yellow shrubby species [probably glauca, En.] no protection,
quite hardy; Dielytra spectabilis, the same; Liliwm lancifolium, also hardy; Lardizabala biternata,
(figured in your May number, 1852) covered with a mat, much nipped, but not killed; Zauschneria

californica, Anemone japonica, and Enothera prostrata, all quite hardy, the two first perfect weeds.
A Supscrrper. (Guildford.)

TO DESTROY ANTS IN FRAMES AND GREENHOUSES.

Mr. W. B. Jerrries, of the Ipswich Nursery, has obligingly favoured us with the following
efficacious mode of effecting the destruction of these industrious little pests. There are
some grave objections to the use of arsenic and all other deadly poisons, but where the ants cannot,
as often happens, be tracked to their hiding place, it is almost impossible to remove the evil in any
other way. A strong solution of white arsenic is to be made by pouring a cup of boiling water
over a good pinch of the powder, if sufficient time is allowed, and the liquid stirred ; this will be
much safer than boiling, for obvious reasons. A sweet paste is now to be made with a little of the
solution and some thick honey, to which a small portion of treacle may be added to colour the
mixture, so that it may be more easily recognized. It is to be spread on picces of slate, and laid
near their tracks, or the places infested by them, and should be repeated until they disappear. Too
much precaution cannot be taken in using the mixture, especially where there are children or
animals in the neighbourhood.

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(ENOTHERA SPECIOSA. 97

(NOTHERA SPECIOSA.
Showy Evening Primrose.

Linnean Class—OcTANDRIA. Order —MonoGyNIA. Natural Order—ONAGRACER.

In the list of hardy perennials whose merits entitle them to a place in every
garden, few deserve to occupy a more prominent position than the perennial
species of the genus C¥nothera. Their flowers are, it is true, individually short-
lived, but for this disadvantage there is ample compensation in their long
succession, as well as in the hardiness, showy character, and easy culture of most
of the species, nor must we forget the pleasant fragrance emitted in the evening
by their blossoms.

In our previous volume several of the most desirable members of the genus
were noticed under the head of CYnothera prostrata; and of one of the species
then referred to we now give a figure, which, although very inadequate from its
reduced dimensions to conyey a correct idea of the beauty of the plant when
in flower, will yet serve, aided by a few remarks, to bring its merits more
effectively before the reader than any mere description.

The C2. speciosa may, without the slightest reserve, be termed perfectly hardy ;
if any evidence of this were required, it would be found in the fact that it not only
out-lived, unprotected, the very unfavourable winter and spring of 1853, but
does not appear to have suffered the least injury. There are soils in which it
will not flourish, and in these it is just possible that it would not resist long or
severe frosts; but wherever it thrives in summer, we have no doubt that it will
endure in winter any amount of cold we are likely to experience in these
latitudes.

Its habit is quite erect, the stem at the base being somewhat shrubby; in
-fayourable soil, such as a mixture of peat and light loam, which it prefers, it will
grow nearly three feet high, but does not generally exceed two feet, and in dry
soils and seasons may be even less. The stem, and also the foliage, in a less
degree is covered with a short white pubescence. The leaves are lanceolate, blunt,
more or less toothed, and near the base they are rather deeply cut; the upper
surface is often spotted here and there with brown. ‘The flowers are produced at
the extremities of the shoots, both terminal and lateral, in drooping racemes
composed of a considerable number of buds, which are developed in succession.
The calyx tube, which in several of the species forms so conspicuous an object,
is in this plant very short. When first expanded the flower is pure white, with
a clear yellow eye, and, unlike those of most of the genus, they are usually

98 (ENOTHERA SPECIOSA.

developed early in the morning, and remain open during the day, ultimately
assuming as they fade a rosy-purple tint. They are among the largest of the
genus, a diameter of from two to three inches being no uncommon size, especially
on strong shoots. The petals are reversely heart-shaped, with a crenulate
margin, and strongly marked with numerous transparent branching veins. Its
flowering season commences about the end of June, and generally extends through
the two following months.

With us the plant does not ripen seed, owing, no doubt, to the dryness of the soil ;
but as seeds are always to be had of the Seedsman, this is evidently a question of
locality only. It may easily be raised from seeds when obtained, and the young
plants will generally flower the first season. Were none ever perfected, it would,
however, be a matter of but little moment, for in the numerous suckers thrown up
around the plant, there is abundant provision for its increase. These are sure to
make their appearance in autumn, but are best left undisturbed until spring, when
the whole colony, as well as the old plant, should be dug up, the strongest shoots
only being replanted; the smaller suckers would, however, make good plants if
allowed a place for one season in a reserve bed. It may also be increased by
cuttings under a hand light in a shady border; but this method of propagating it
need only be resorted to when a large number of plants is required.

The @. speciosa will grow in any free soil, and does not refuse to yield its
flowers even in very sandy loams; it is, however, as already hinted, most
luxuriant in peat, or a mixture of peat and light loam. In cold heavy soils it does
not succeed well, unless a portion of peat or leaf-mould is well incorporated with
the soil at the time of planting.

This species is, we believe, a native of Louisiana, and was first introduced into
England about the year 1820, but is still much less commonly grown than some
others of the genus.

The chief botanical features of the (notheras were noticed under the head of
@. prostrata, to which we beg to refer our readers. We also there briefly adverted
to the species taraxicifolia, cespitosa, and macrocarpa, which with speciosa are
among the most ornamental of the genus, and when but a small selection is desired,
these four, with the dwarfer prostrata, or riparia, as it is more generally termed,
may be recommended in preference to any others. There are, however, many
other interesting species, of which our space will permit us to notice a few.

The Gi. Drummondii, from Texas, although but half-hardy, deserves to be
classed with these. It is of erect habit, and grows from twelve to eighteen inches
high; the leaves are oblong, fleshy, sinuate, and finely toothed, and clothed with
soft down; it produces through the summer numerous large yellow flowers.
Cuttings root readily, and if struck in a pot can remain undisturbed until the
following spring. Where it is inconvenient to preserve them from frost in

(ENOTHERA SPECIOSA. 99

winter, seed should be saved each season, and the plant treated as a half-hardy
annual.

The Ci. glauca is a species undeservedly neglected. It is of moderate height,
and, as its name implies, of a peculiar milky green tint. The flowers are large, of
a pale yellow, succeeded in autumn by a four-winged fruit, of a fine red colour.
This species is not often kept by Florists, but may be had of Messrs. Henderson of
the Pine Apple Nursery, Edgeware Road.

The CE. tetraptera (four winged) is generally treated as an annual, but is really
a perennial, though it rarely outlives our winters. It grows about one-and-a-half
feet high, and has lanceolate foliage, deeply cut near the base; flowers white, of
some size, changing as they fade to pink, and rosy purple, and followed by a four-
winged fruit. It should be sown early, and being a Mexican species, it will even
be advantageous to raise it on a little heat, planting it out in May.

The @. rosea is another half-hardy perennial species, usually cultivated as an
annual. It does not much exceed a foot in height; the leaves are oval-pointed, and
the lower ones are eared at the base. Flowers pink, produced in spikes throughout
the summer. It generally ripens abundance of seed, some of which may be sown
in autumn, with the other hardy annuals, and if sheltered with a few evergreens,
the seedlings may perhaps survive in mild winters, and will be stronger than
spring-sown plants; seeds should, however, be reserved, as a precaution against
loss. There are some other fine species which we hope to notice or figure in the
course of the summer; but our experience of them is at present too limited to
authorize us to speak with confidence of their merits.

It is pretty generally known that some of the (Enotheras furnish edible roots,
but the precise details will probably be new to most of our readers. The @.
biennis, termed by the French Jambon des jardiniers, though for what reason we
are entirely ignorant, is often cultivated for this purpose in Germany. The
seedlings are planted in spring in manured soil, in quincunx, and the young plants
are carefully hoed and watered during summer. In autumn the roots are either dug
up and preserved for use in a cellar, all the outer leaves being removed, or they
are allowed to remain in the ground, and dug up as wanted. They are eaten
either boiled, or as a salad; sometimes they are added to soup, and occasionally
served with white sauce. The roots are said to be very digestible, and are
recommended by the German physicians; we have, however, but little inclination
to substitute them for our English Jégumes, and accordingly hand them over to our
friends the Vegetarians, to whom, seeing that their cuisine is not overstocked,
they may prove an acceptable novelty.

—_——_+-—-

100 AZALEA AMGNA.

AZALEA AMGNA.
Dwarf Crimson Chinese Azalea.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —MonoGyniA. Natural Order—Enricacum.

AttHoueH by common consent the Azaleas and Rhododendrons of our Gardens are,
nominally at least, spoken of as if belonging to distinct genera, they constitute in
reality at most but different sections of one and the same genus; and even the
slight distinctions which originally obtained between them bid fair to become
speedily obliterated by the hybridization of the various species. The earliest
introduced Azaleas were characterised by their deciduous leaves, and five stamens ;
the Rhododendrons being, on the other hand, distinguished by their evergreen foliage
and ten stamens. The discovery, however, of the Chinese Azalea, A. Indica, and
its varieties, with persistent foliage and stamens nearly as numerous as those of the
Rhododendrons, at once suggested the identity of the two genera; and this fact soon
received full confirmation from the easy manner in which they were made to inter-
mingle by cross-breeding. Since this period numerous hybrids have been raised
between Azaleas and Rhododendrons; and if more has not been effected in this
field, it is no doubt attributable to the superior results obtained by the admixture of
the true Rhododendrons with each other, the evergreen character of which renders
them far more valuable for ornamental purposes than the deciduous Azaleas or than
any hybrids between these and the Rhododendrons. The evergreen Chinese Azalea
A. Indica, being too tender for out-door cultivation in this country, and therefore
restricted to the greenhouse, of which itis a justly esteemed ornament, the only
species hitherto seen in our shrubberies are the deciduous Azaleas from North
America, and the Caucasus.

We have, however, the gratification to announce the introduction from the
North of China of a new species, perfectly evergreen in its character, with
flowers of a singularly interesting form, and so hardy that there can be no doubt its
employment as an out-door shrub will be limited only by its rate of increase.
This species, the A. amena, is figured in our plate for the present month. It is
one of the dwarfest of all the Azaleas yet discovered, but as the specimens in this
country are but small, we are unable to give its natural dimensions. Its leaves are
of a small and Box-like form, and covered with hairs similar to those of the 4-
indica, but-of a coarser character. The young branches are also clothed with long
thin white scales, which disappear in the older shoots, or are metamorphosed into
brown hairs. The flowers which in colour are a fine rosy crimson, are remarkable
for being of the form popularly known as ‘ hose-in-hose,’ as seen in many cultivated

AZALEA AM(NA, 101

varieties of the Polyanthus, and in the Campanula coronata, figured in our first
volume, the calyx being, in all probability converted into an external corolla. The
stamens are but five in number, in which respect it differs from the A. idica,
and approaches the deciduous species. As to its perfect hardiness, our readers
need only turn to the article in our previous number by Messrs. Standish and
Noble, the importers of this pretty shrub, to be satisfied on this point. It has
braved unhurt the severities of the past season, and has subsequently flowered
profusely.

With regard to its history, Mr. Fortune, its discoverer, states that it was found
in a nursery near Shanghae, having been originally brought from the city of
Soo-chow-foo in the interior; though whether it there occurs wild, or is a garden
production, we are not informed, ‘the latter appears the most probable. No double
flowers are known to occur wild, the numerous ornamental plants of this character
in our gardens being invariably the result of cultivation.

The treatment of this species may be assimilated to that of the older hardy
Azaleas, or, in other words, to that of the common Rhododendrons. It requires
good fibrous sandy heath-mould or peat, plenty of water during the growing
season, and a situation not too much exposed to the mid-day sun. Although
perfectly hardy, its compact dwarf habit well adapts it for pot-culture, and as it
is found to force readily, it will probably take its place in the greenhouse by the
side of the A. indica. Apart from its value as an ornamental evergreen, consi-
derable interest attaches to this plant, from the opportunities it will afford of
originating, by hybridization with the greenhouse varieties, as well as with the
hardy deciduous species, a new race of hardy evergreen Azaleas, which may vie
in the splendour of their tints with the more delicate varieties at present cultivated.

It is not generally known that the white variety of the Azalea indica is much
hardier than is commonly supposed. We have not ourselves exposed a plant
during the winter, but in Belgium the experiment has been attended with some
success, and as our winters are usually milder than those of the northern part of
the continent, it may be worth while risking a specimen or two for the sake of
determining what amount of cold this plant will bear.

Although we have spoken of the hardy deciduous Azaleas, as inferior for orna-
mental purposes to the evergreen Rhododendrons, they are nevertheless very
desirable plants for the shrubbery, or for clumps of American plants, and possess
at least one attraction mot usually shared by their allies, in the delicious fragrance
of the blossoms of most of the species; some of the species and varieties have
flowers of a rich orange or yellow, a colour which, if not altogether unknown
amongst Rhododendrons, is by no means common.

There is, first, the well-known A. pontica, from the Caucasus, with oval leaves,
fringed at the edge with hairs, and more or less pubescent on its two surfaces,

J02 AZALEA AMGNA,

The flowers are yellow in the species, but there are varieties of many other shades;
they are somewhat viscous or clammy, and are produced in heads at the extremities
of the shoots before the leaves appear. The A. viscosa and A. glauca from North
America develop their leaves and flowers together ; the blossoms of the former are
covered with glutinous hairs, and are generally white; those of glauca are also
white. In the A. nudiflora, another American species, the flowers are red, and
destitute of the clamminess peculiar to the preceding; they appear, however, before
the leaves. Of this species there are numerous varieties, of every shade of colour
except yellow and orange. The A. calendulacea, also from the Western Hemisphere,
has several varieties of a fine orange colour, particularly those known as chryso-
lectra, grandiflora, and triumphans. The Belgian Florists have recently turned their
attention to these showy plants, and many new and striking varieties originated
by them are now obtainable through the trade, which are well worthy the attention
of amateurs of this class of plants; they are best known as Belgian Azaleas.

Nearly thirty years since a beautiful species, the A. sinensis, with a quasi-
evergreen habit and fine yellow flowers, was figured by Sweet, accompanied by the
statement that it was probably as hardy as the A. pontica; whether this opinion
proved unfounded, or whether the suggestion was never put to the test, we do not
know, but one thing is certain, that the plant continues to be classed with the
greenhouse species; this is, however, by no means conclusive as to its tenderness,
for we know that many plants have been kept for years in our greenhouses, of
whose hardiness there is now no doubt, and it is to be desired that this fine species
should be tried out-doors; if hardy, it would be a very great acquisition to our
evergreens.

To the botanical features of the Azaleas we have not sufficient space to allude on
the present occasion; the Heath-worts to which they belong, are easily distinguished
from nearly all other plants, by their anthers opening by pores at their tips, and not
by longitudinal fissures, as in most other Orders.

The name of this genus is derived from azaleos, dry; not, we think, in allusion to
the localities where they are found, as is sometimes supposed, but rather to the dry,
naked, stick-like appearance of many of them, especially in winter, when denuded
of their leaves. So far from being natives of dry places, nearly all of them occur
in moist localities. yf

It may be necessary to remark, that there are several old varieties of the 4.
nudiflora and other deciduous species, of the same name as the present plant, but
the evergreen character of our illustration, as well as the form of the flowers, will
at once distinguish it from all others.

= Se SS

AQUILEGIA ALPINA. 103

AQUILEGIA ALPINA.
Alpine Columbine.

Linnean Class—POLYANDRIA. Order—PENTAGYNIA. Natural Order—RANUNCULACER.

Coutp all the exotic herbaceous plants become, by accident, extinct in this country,
and be then subsequently re-introduced after the lapse of twenty or thirty years,
we doubt if any of them would excite greater interest than some of the
finest of the Columbines. Few of our hardy perennials can boast of a more
curious structure, and the habit of all is ornamental, often very graceful; nor are
brilliant, intense, or delicate tints by any means deficient among them. But so
much does familiarity with any object blind us to beauties which could not
otherwise fail to strike us, that we suppose we run some risk, in this age of
bedding plants, of having the correctness of our taste called in question in thus
avowing our predilections for this genus.

In justification of these feelings, let us place before our readers a flower of the
magnificent <Aguilegia alpina; observe its fine deep azure blue tint, and its
extraordinary size, measuring three inches across its expanded sepals, or wings,
as we may most appropriately term them, and then say whether such a plant
deserves the neglect it has, for so many years, experienced. We will, however,
do the floricultural community the justice to believe that the absence of this and
such species as Skinnert, glandulosa, and others from their gardens, is, probably,
not attributable to any want of appreciation of their merits, but rather that they
are so rarely brought prominently into notice by the Horticultural publications
which profess to guide the public taste, that amongst the numerous claimants
for admission to the flower-borders they are overlooked.

We have chosen the 4. alpina as an illustration of the genus, both because it is
undoubtedly one of the finest species, and also one of those which are least known.
It is of dwarf habit, not usually exceeding one foot in height. The stem is
slightly pubescent, but not glandular. The leaves are much smaller than the 4.
vulgaris and the more robust species, but are of the same biternate form, each leaflet
being divided into several blunt segments; the uppermost ones are only three-lobed,
and sometimes quite entire, narrow and pointed, those below them presenting an
intermediate form. Each stem produces about three flowers, of a beautiful dark
blue, and larger than those of most other species. The sepals are of a very broad
oval form, tapering towards the point, which appears as if snipt off; they are
attached between the petals by a narrow claw nearly half an inch long, and in
colour are of rather a darker blue than the petals, but brown at the tip. The

104 AQUILEGIA ALPINA,

petals themselves present the well-known tubular form for which the Aquilegias
are remarkable, terminating in a long hollow spur, the point of which is hooked
inwards, and more or less pubescent, but destitute of the viscosity which is seen in
glandulosa and some others. The stamens are less prominent than in that species ;
they are arranged in concentric series, the outer ones being the shortest; the
innermost ring immediately in contact with the ovaries is always abortive, being
of a flattened membranous form and destitute of anthers. This peculiarity is
however generic, and may be seen in vulgaris and all the species.

We may here observe that the spur of this genus is but another form of the
nectary; inall the species it will be found to contain a sweetish fluid near the tip,
which is, however, to be regarded with suspicion, nearly all the plants of the
Ranunculus tribe being more or less poisonous, though the Aquilegias probably
partake of these properties in a smaller degree than most other genera. Several
sections of this Order exhibit a strong tendency to an irregular formation
of the different parts of the flower; in some, as in the present genus, it is the
petals which assume an abnormal form, and in the Hellebore they are also tubular
and nectariferous, though not prolonged behind into a spur; in the Larkspur and
Monkshood, both sepals and petals undergo modification, the heel being formed by
the upper sepal. Few, if any of our readers are ignorant that all the different
organs composing a flower—calyx, corolla, stamens and pistil—are regarded by
Botanists as only modifications of the leaf, and in the separate carpels or follicles of
the Aquilegias, we have a good illustration of the manner in which the simplest
form of seed-vessel may be produced by the folding of a leaf, the back of the carpel
representing the mid-rib or principal vein, the inner angle of the carpel to which the
seeds are attached, being formed by the union of the two edges of the leaf. In the
common annual Wigella, which is closely related to this genus, we see the first
approach to the compound seed-vessel, the carpels being partially adherent at their
base.

The Aquilegia alpina is, we scarcely need say, quite hardy, and requires little or
no precaution in its cultivation. It enjoys a rich light soil, but is by no means
fastidious, partial shade and free supplies of moisture in summer are desirable, the
latter, indeed, is indispensable. The plant being of dwarf habit, the best effect is
produced by grouping two or three roots; it may be readily increased by seeds,
and the young plants will flower the second season ; but as the plant blossoms in
June when many other species of Columbine are in flower, we would advise that a
single blossom should be tied over with a piece of fine muslin from the time of
expansion until the petals have dropped, or the seed may become hydridized by the
admixture of the pollen of different species. This precaution is desirable with all
the best species, for they intermingle so readily, that there is some difficulty in
procuring them true to colour. Many of the hybrids might, however, prove as

AQUILEGIA ALPINA, 105

attractive as the true species, but we confess to a desire that all the original types
of the genus should be preserved. We rather suspect that the A. alpina is some-
times sold for A. jucunda, an allied and equally beautiful species; that, however,
as defined by Dr. Fischer, has white petals, and the carpels are more numerous;
the peduncles of the flowers are also longer than in alpina. The A. alpina is less
generally kept by the trade than many other species, but may be had of Messrs.
Henderson, of the Pine-Apple Nursery, Edgeware Road ; nearly all the Edinburgh
Florists also possess this plant, and, indeed, many of our herbaceous plants seem
to have retreated northward.

In our notice of the genus at page 20 of the present volume, we alluded to
several fine species of Columbine, including the plant now figured.- To that
list we may here add a few others, equally worthy of cultivation. The A.
Wittmanniana is a very beautiful species of rather recent introduction. It grows
about eighteen inches high, and produces, in June, large flowers of a fine porcelain
blue. This plant may be had of Messrs Henderson, of the Wellington Nursery,
St. John’s Wood. The A. Canadensis is much less rare than the above, but is not
so common as it deserves to be. It is somewhat diminutive, but has an elegant
appearance when in flower; the blossoms are of a reddish orange, a colour not
often found in this genus. The styles and stamens of this plant project
considerably beyond the mouth of the flower, and the spurs are straight. There
is a variety with pale yellow blossoms, which is of equal interest with the true
species. The curious 4. pubiflora (woolly-flowered) is deserving of notice, but,
unhappily, we are unaware where it is to be obtained. Some years since, a fine
hybrid variety was obtained between the 4. sibirica and A. vulgaris, having
flowers striped with purple and white, and named after the lady by whom it was
originated, Garnieriana ; it is a desirable plant, and is commonly kept by some of
the London Florists. To these we may add a recently introduced species from the
North of India, the 4. Kanaoriensis, closely allied to the 4. vulgaris, but with
straight spurs; it is a pretty plant, but on the whole less desirable than many we
have noticed. It may be gratifying to some of our readers to learn that the
A. Skinneri, referred to in our first notice of these plants, proves quite hardy; we
were ourselves doubtful if it would endure excessive cold, such as that of the past
spring, but it has resisted with the thermometer nearly at zero, and no fears,
therefore, need be entertained for it in future.

The term Aguilegia is derived from aquila, an eagle, whose claws the nectaries,
or spurs, are imagined to resemble. It is curious that the English name of this
genus, Columbine, is applied by the French to another division of Ranunculaceous
plants, the Thalictrums, or Meadow-Rue, the Aquilegias being known in France as
Gant de Notre Dame, or Ancolie.

106 MELITTIS SPECIOSA.

MELITTIS SPECIOSA.
Showy Bastard-Balm.

Linnean Class—D1DYNAMIA, Order—GYMNOSPERMIA. Natural Order—Laspiat%.

From the paucity of strictly hardy subjects during the winter and spring months,
we have been obliged to admit into the plates of the last few numbers a greater
number of half-hardy plants than we wished, and perhaps than many of our
Subscribers themselves desired. Now, however, that the season for the hardier
plants has fairly arrived, we intend to figure a larger proportion of this class of
subjects; and of this intention we offer an earnest in the present number, all: the
figures being those of plants perfectly hardy, and which require little or no care in
their cultivation. This remark is especially true of the fourth illustration, which
will doubtless be recognized by some of our readers as an indigenous plant. This,
however, is no valid reason for refusing it a place among cultivated ones, for
assuredly there are many exotics commonly seen in our gardens of a less showy
character than the Melittis speciosa. We have never had the good fortune to meet
with the plant in a wild state, our botanical rambles not having extended to the
southern counties where alone it occurs; but we entertain little doubt that it has
rarely been seen by collectors, without exciting a desire to transfer it from the shady
haunts in which it delights to a more conspicuous position in the flower borders.
Its flowers are, next to those of the Salvias and Phlomis, among the largest of any
of the Zabiate, or Lipworts, and, were it increased by seed instead of the ordinary
mode of dividing the roots, there is every probability that a further increase
of size might be effected, and perhaps its colour deepened or brightened,
especially as there appears a natural disposition in the flowers to vary their
tint.

The WMelittis speciosa is, then, a hardy, herbaceous perennial, growing about
twelve to eighteen inches high, with long, oval, pointed, and toothed leaves, in
opposite pairs, soft to the touch, and possessing a slight balm-like odour. The
flowers are produced in the axils of the leaves, in groups of three to six, and
usually at every joint in the case of strong plants. The calyx is large, of an
inflated cup-like form and two lipped, the upper lip generally three-toothed, the
lower one divided into two large teeth or lobes. The corolla protrudes often an
inch or more from the calyx, and like that is two-lipped; the upper lip is slightly
convex and entire, the lower one three-lobed, and, when the flower is fully
expanded, reflexed downwards. The ground colour is pale flesh, the centre of
the lower lip being of a dark plum purple, with the extreme margin whitish.

OUR JUNE FLOWERS. 107

When first expanded the colour is of considerable depth, but loses something of
this by a full exposure to bright sunshine; the plant should therefore be cultivated
in a partially shaded border. The didynamous stamens and four-lobed ovary, being
peculiar to nearly all the Lipworts, call for no especial notice. Its flowering
season occurs in June, and continues two or three weeks.

It prefers a rich free loam, and is readily increased by division in April, just as
it commences its growth. It may also be multiplied by seeds, which are always
ripened if the plant does not suffer too much from drought after flowering ; they
should be sown ona gentle heat in spring, and the plants afterwards turned into
the borders where they are intended to remain. When in flower, the stems require
a slight support, as the numerous blossoms often cause the plant to droop so much
that they are partially concealed by the foliage. As it dies down to the ground in
autumn, a label should be placed near the root, that it may receive no injury when
the borders are dug.

We have given this plant under the name it was received by us, and by which it
is known in the trade, but it differs so little from the common Jelittis Melisso-
phyllum, that it certainly does not merit a distinct name, the wild specimens of
that plant varying considerably in the breadth of the leaves, and the tint of the
flowers. There is one variety to be had with variegated foliage.

Melittis is derived from melissa, a bee, in allusion to the flowers being frequented
by that insect. :

== ee

OUR JUNE FLOWERS.

TueEne is, perhaps, no other period of the year in which a garden of mixed hardy perennials present
so favourable a contrast with those arranged on the more fashionable bedding system as in ‘ the leafy
month of June.’ Later in the year, we will not deny that the effect produced by the half-hardy
bedders is often more striking, though not more interesting, than that displayed by a good mixt
border, but early in the season it is often extremely meagre, especially when, as sometimes happens
in unfayourable springs, the plants are not turned out until the end of May.

An enumeration of all the plants flowering in June would occupy far more space than our limits
will permit, and also include many of doubtful value, but a reference to a few of the most desirable
of those which have come under our notice, and which are proved to be hardy, may not be without
interest for our readers. The past winter has left unmistakeable traces of its severity in the vacant
places which are here and there perceptible, and deprived us of some long cherished favourites; but
those who will accompany us in a stroll around our floral domain will find, we think, an ample
harvest.

And with what more truly ornamental plant can we commence our sketch than with the lovely
Glycine sinensis which droops so elegantly over the entrance to our ‘retreat’? Its purple tresses hang
so thickly as almost to conceal the leaves and stem, although it is but a comparatively young

108 OUR JUNE FLOWERS.

specimen. Jt is marvellous that such a plant as this should be absent from any garden where
ornamental subjects are appreciated; perhaps the idea that it requires a wall may have deterred
some amateurs from obtaining it; but the fact is, that the plant is as hardy as the Hawthorn, and if it
is sometimes trained to a wall, it is only for the sake of the support thus afforded to its slender
shoots. In no situation does it make a more ornamental appearance than when trained on a stout
iron rod, bent in an arch-like form over the garden path; and every one of our readers who has not
this plant should forthwith obtain it for such a purpose.

And here is a worthy companion to the Glycine, in the Clianthus puniceus, well-named the Glory
Pea, though this does require a wall, and richly deserves it, or even a double matting when necessary.
With this protection it passed safely through the last winter, and considering the intensity of the
cold on several occasions, that is saying a great deal. Those who have only seen this plant grown
under glass, where it is almost sure to be attacked by red spider, and assume an appearance anything
but ornamental, can hardly form an idea of the fresh green fern-like aspect of the foliage, and the
depth of colour of the flowers, when treated as a hardy plant.

A little further on we find the Abeliz floribunda, a shrub scarcely less ornamental, when in
flower, than the Clianthus, and certainly hardier, though it is not to be trusted except against a wall.
With such a protection it has stood exposure as far north as Edinburgh; no one therefore need
hesitate to treat it asa wall plant in the English counties. The long, rich rosy-tinted flowers
of this beautiful shrub, and their profusion, cannot fail to make it a favorite wherever it is once
grown. But here is a Caprifoil which even those who have not a walled garden may grow, the
Weigela rosea, one of the most ornamental of all our deciduous shrubs, and so common that we need
not describe either its appearance or culture, further than that it likes a generous penetrable soil,
and should be pruned in, rather severely, in early spring.

This pretty Adenocarpus intermedius deserves a moment's attention. It is covered with yellow
pea-shaped blossoms, and is hardly distinguishable from a Cytisws until the pods are ripe, when, if the
seeds are examined, a curious waxy gland will be seen on each side of the hilum, which at once
marks it as distinct from the genus Cytisws, with which, however, it was formerly allied. And
contrasting with the preceding is the somewhat rare Indigofera Dosua also belonging to the
Leguminacee, which although perfectly hardy and capable of resisting twenty or thirty degrees of frost,
is, strangely enough, still classed by the trade with green-house plants. Its elegant pinnated leaves,
and spikes of rosy purple flowers, produced very freely, have a very pretty effect. It grows, with
time, five feet high, and likes a good soil. We must give those of our readers who are unacquainted
with this pretty plant an opportunity of judging by a figure. Several other ornamental shrubs of
this natural order are now in flower ; here is the Coronilla glauca, looking a little pinched from the
nips it got from Jack Frost! but still manifesting its vitality by a few dozen heads of blossoms ;
the Cytisus purpureus, with its slender shoots pointing downwards ; the C. sessilifolius, with ever-
green leaves, and erect spikes of yellow blossoms which quite cover the bush, and the C. nigricans,
of a rather dwarfer habit, and smaller spikes of flowers, And last, but not least, we must name the
elegant Rose-Acacia, Robinia hispida, with its bunches of delicate pink flowers and graceful foliage ;
its wood is, however, so brittle, that we have never been able to preserve it unbroken for any length
of time, in spite of precautions.

On no account must we omit to point out the charming Ceanothus dentatus, now loaded with its
clusters of blue flowers, and pleasing every body by its neat compactly arranged foliage. Wherever
there is space upon a wall this highly desirable evergreen shrub should be planted. And of a
similar colour though different habit, is the Sollya heterophylla, just bursting into bloom ; though that
has not been fully exposed, and is but just placed out, but we have not much doubt that with a
mat it would have outlived the winter. We must not however linger among the shrubs, or we shall

OUR JUNE FLOWEBRS. 109

hardly be able to notice the dwarfer plants; with a nominal reference, therefore, to the beautiful
Kalmias and Rhododendrons, to the Deutzia scabra, the Buddlea globosa, which survived the winter
in our neighbourhood though a good deal cut ; and the yellow revolute Jasmine (a plant worthy a
place in every garden), all_of which are in flower at some period of June, we pass on to another
class of plants.

There are some highly ornamental bulbs in bloom at this period; as being one comparatively
little grown we will notice first the Pancratium Illyricwm, a most beautiful hardy plant, producing
generally ten or twelve large white deliciously fragrant flowers on each stalk. It commences
blossoming in May, but continues into the next month, so that we may claim it as a June bulb.
Another first-rate hardy bulb now in bloom, which is unaccountably absent from most gardens, is
the Camassia esculenta, with a spike of beautiful purple blossoms, often eighteen inches high. It is
comparatively cheap, easily grown, and as easily increased. All who have not this fine plant should
procure it in autumn, when it may be had in a dormant state, of most of the London Seedsmen.
Mr. Carter is sure to have it in stock. A more common, but equally interesting bulb is the Sezd/a
Peruviana, often, but erroneously termed the Blue Star of Bethlehem, though, except in colour, it
differs so little from several of the Ornithogalums that we can hardly be surprised at the misnomer.
Several of the Lilies are now expanding their showy blossoms, chiefly the common white, Z.
candidum, than which few plants are more ornamental ; the Monadelphous Lily, LZ. monadelphum, a
very beautiful and somewhat rare species, with pale yellow flowers, spotted with red; the orange Lily,
L. bulbiferum or aurantium, one of the most widely diffused of all the species, and the different
varieties of the Martagon Lily, many of which are very handsome. The majority of the species,
however, flower in July. The Alliwm roseum is a pretty, hardy Lily-wort, of some interest, about
eighteen inches high, with pink flowers, and the yellow Adliwm Moly, with its white variety, is
also quite hardy, and as cheap as a Hyacinth. They should be planted in groups of at least three
bulbs. The Czackia Liliastrum, sometimes classed with the Anthericums, is very pretty, its white
flowers recalling those of the Lilies, but on a smaller scale ; and the Phalangium liliago, which
resembles the preceding, is a desirable plant of the easiest cultivation; they are not, strictly speaking,
bulbous plants, but belonging to the Lily-worts, are appropriately mentioned here. Then there is the
common Asphodelus ramosus, or Baton royal, with its tall spike of crowded white flowers, which
in sunshine open ina star-like form, and are marked externally by a brownish line in the centre
of each division of the flower; the yellow Asphodel, 4. Zwtews, is also in bloom.

These clumps of the English Iris, I. Xiphioides, now full in flower, have a very refreshing
appearance, and would make a delightful bed, where there is sufficient space. The colours of many
of them are splendid, and one cannot but regret their blooming season is rather short. The
lurid Spanish Irises, which are varieties of the same plant, are some of them remarkable for their
singular tints, and a few, at least, should be seen in every garden; they, as well as the English
Iris, are running into innumerable shades of colour, and are very hardy ; the bulbs of both descend
deep in sandy soils, and should be dug up and replanted each autumn, as soon as the leaves have
decayed ; they are injured by being kept long out of the ground. The Bodartia aurantiaca proves
perfectly hardy, and its orange-coloured flowers are very showy, though short-lived; as a cheap
and easily grown bulb, it deserves especial mention, but to produce much effect it should
be planted in clusters. The genus Sisyrinchium contributes several very interesting plants
to our list of June flowers. The S. odoratissimum, which is generally classed with the greenhouse
species, has proved quite hardy, and isa very free flowerer, each stem producing several spathes,
containing eight to ten blossoms of a yellowish white tint, striped with purple. The S. anceps, of
a pretty blue, is also quite hardy, and the white S. grandiflorum is a good border plant, but dwarfer
than the two others. The S, Bermudianum has borne ordinary winters, but not possessing

110 OUR JUNE FLOWERS.

this plant we do not know whether it has resisted the late season, and should be glad to learn
from any of our readers who may have it. The handsome Gladiolus Colvillii is much more
ornamental than the G. communis, and is quite as cheap and easily grown. It is valuable on
account of flowering at so early a period of the summer, before the ramosus and gandavensis breeds
are in bloom,

The Amaryllids are now represented by the Ismene amancaes, or Peruvian Daffodil, a beautiful
plant with yellow flowers, quite hardy, but best kept out of the ground in winter, damp being
injurious to it. Ismene calathinum, with its white blossoms, affords a pretty contrast to the
first species, both may be had, in a dry state, for about a shilling each. The Alstrémeria tricolor,
although not exposed in winter, but preserved in a pot in a frame, deserves mention, for its
exceedingly pretty white flowers tipped with yellow and purplish-brown The 4. Van Houttei
is not quite out, and we must, therefore, leave that for a group of July flowers.

We have not referred to the half-hardy Irids, such as Ixias and Sparaxis, as those in bloom have
all received more or less protection; they are, however, well worth this precaution, and are among
the most showy of all our June flowers. ”

At the head of the list of the hardy herbaceous plants now in blossom we must place the Dielytra
spectabilis, now, alas! threatened by some meddlesome Botanist with a new name—Dicentra ; this
beautiful plant has been so often noticed in these pages that we need only refer to our past recom-
mendations of it. The Campanula nobilis is very remarkable for the large size of its bluish-purple
flowers, marked with chocolate, but the white variety of this plant is still more striking, and deserves
to rank with the very best of our hardy plants. The C- datifolia is a beautiful species with
numerous large blue or white flowers in spikes ; and the Peach-leaved Campanula C. persicifolia, with
its double blue or white varieties, is a very ornamental, though common, plant just beginning to bloom.
An allied genus Adenophora, scarcely distinguishable from the Campanulas, gives us this month the
A. coronopifolia and A. verticillata, The first is a pretty dwarf blue flowered species, quite hardy,
and growing in any ordinary soil; the second is much taller, and has also blue flowers. Here is
a patch of our favourite Dodecatheons, with their umbels of elegant rosy flowers so curiously
reflexed. As perfectly hardy, dwarf, and easily managed, these beautiful little plants richly
merit recommendation, Moisture in summer is, however, indispensable, and a partially shaded
situation, as well as vegetable soil, is very desirable. And the Globularia vulgaris, or
Blue Daisy, requires precisely the same treatment; this interesting plant is by no means so
common as many-of less value; it flowers for weeks together.

Highly ornamental is the rich blue Pentstemon ovatum ; owing to the dry weather its blossoms
look smaller that usual, but are very numerous; it has borne, uninjured, a season which has
destroyed many commoner varieties. The Agwilegia jucunda now spreads its delicate violet-blue
sepals, exhibiting the white-lip of the cone-like petals; there is sad confusion among several
species of this genus, the plant in question having been sent us as glandulosa, or alpina, by an
eminent firm. What can be more striking than this fountain of blue spray, the Anchusa Italica,
though so common as to be a perfect weed wherever it once takes root? This plant succeeds well
even in very sandy soils, and appears to suffer less than many plants from dry weather, Even this
very ubiquitous member of the Composite tribe of plants, the Centaurea montana, is, in our opinion,
deserving of more praise than it commonly receives; and the Stenactis speciosa is now covered
with scores of its large showy lilac blossoms. This plant is one of the earliest of its tribe,
and in good rich loam will flower for a long period.

The very sandy loam of the border seems favourable to the growth of that pretty fragrant trailer
with pink flowers, the Crucianella stylosa, which we have never seen do well in soils of an opposite
character. It increases so fast as to require to be very frequently divided. One or two young

OUR JUNE FLOWERS. 111

plants of that old favourite, the Linum flavum, are now glittering with their bright yellow blossoms,
having fortunately escaped the frost, although in rather damp soil; whilst older plants in a much
drier situation perished. The blue Linwm montanum, and the blue and white varieties of the
common perennial Flax, are also in flower. The Potentilla Menziesii displays its fine orange scarlet
blossoms, side by side with the handsome Geranium pratense with bluish violet flowers. This
species, and the dwarf-spreading G. sanguineum, are both very ornamental, the latter succeeds well
in sandy soils, and is excellent for covering a bank. Another beautiful dwarf plant for the front of
the borders, the Dandelion-leaved (Enothera, is now expanding its large white flowers with each
returning evening, and the yellow @. prostrata has just commenced flowering. The interesting
little Oxalis floribunda makes an exceedingly gay appearance in the sunshine, with its numerous
bright pink flowers! It is so hardy, and blossoms for so long a period, that we venture to
recommend it as a plant of some value for the front rank of the beds or borders. And although so
common, we must not overlook the different varieties of the Jacob Ladder, Polemonium ceruleum,
those with pale violet blossoms are the most ornamental, and contrast prettily with the pinnated
foliage. These two new Borage-worts will prove very useful as early bloomers,—the Batschia
canescens, with rich orange flowers, and the Cynoglosswm montanum, with dense racemes of bright
blue blossoms. The last grows about one foot high, the other is rather dwarfer ; both do best in
poor soils, as in rich composts the leaves become too luxuriant and conceal the flowers. The
double Rockets, ZJesperis matronalis, are all in bloom; the white and crimson varieties are
beautiful plants when grown in a rich soil, and the Cheirunthus Marshallii is a fitting companion to
them, though not double; if the flower stalks of this plant are removed as soon as the blossoms
begin to fade, it will often yield a second crop at the end of the summer.

For a dry, sandy bank, where few plants will grow, still less flourish, the common dwarf
Sun-rose, Helianthemum vulgare, is a valuable plant; indeed it succeeds much better in sandy
loam, than in any richer material. The Saponaria ocymoides is a charming little trailer, most
prodigal of its pink flowers, and the Silene Schefta is almost equal to it. Both are excellent plants
for the rockery. Of different habit, and more specious, is the flaunting Oriental Poppy, Papaver
orientale, with large orange coloured blossoms ; its crumpled petals are marked at the base with a
large black spot; the little P. alpinum is a much humbler species with neat white flowers. The
P. bracteatum is perhaps even more showy than the orientale, and is easily distinguished by having a
large bract just beneath the calyx. The Poppies do not bear transplanting. A very remarkable
species of Primula is now finely in bloom in the border; the P. Sikkimensis, with an umbel
of drooping yellow flowers, nearly eighteen inches high. This plant we noticed briefly at page 18 of
the present Vol. It is a beautiful hardy plant, and one of the least delicate to cultivate. The
Corydalis nobilis is a pretty Fume-wort, with delicate cut foliage, and racemes of rather large
yellow flowers, tipped with dark purple; the little yellow C. /wtca is more common, and becomes
a perfect weed in light soil, springing up from self-sown seeds.

One species of Salvia is already in bloom, and appears likely to flower throughout the summer,
the blue and white S. bicolor, more than once recommended by us as a good hardy species, and
deserving more attention than it receives. The Gentiana septemfida has just opened its large blue
bell-shaped flowers, but it is often later in the season before it blossoms; this species is a good
and cheap hardy plant, and purchasable at any of the London Florists for a shilling. As tastes
proverbially differ, every amateur may not discover merit in the Zrodiwm hymenodes, whose
clusters of pink flowers are now glittering in the sun, the two upper petals looking as if covered
with spangles. It is very hardy, although an African plant, and flowering for half the year has,
we think, strong claims to notice. The Mimulus luteus and its varieties, several of which are now
in bloom, will unite all suffrages; they may indecd be classed with the most valuable of our hardy

112 AQUILEGIA CALIFORNICA.

plants; it must be a cold winter that would destroy them. They are much more likely to be killed
for want of water in summer, especially in light sandy soils. The cardinalis varieties are later
bloomers. There are several species of that pretty genus Veronica in flower; first we have the
V. gentianoides, with smooth, oval, entire, evergreen leaves, in tufts at the base of the flower stem,
and very pale flowers, veined with blue; then there is the /”. datifolia, with spikes of a deeper blue,
and serrated leaves; the V. spicata, also blue; and the fine /. virginica, nearly three feet high ;-
the leaves of this species are in whorls, and the flowers are white, in spikes a foot long ; there is a
pink variety sometimes confounded with the species. A beautiful border plant is the red-stamened
variety of the Thalictrum aquilegifolium ; the handsome purple-tinted leaves, and the large panicles
of brush-like flowers, make it very ornamental when in bloom. ZZ. glawewm is yellow, and of taller
growth; and as a dwarf species, there is the white 7. alpinwm, much less showy, however, than the
two just named. Here is a yellowed-flowered Leguminous plant we had nearly overlooked, the
Thermopsis fabacea, which as being both showy and hardy, is worth a place in most gardens; the
stamens of this plant, unlike most others of this Order, will be found distinct. The beautiful
herbaceous Poeonies we point out, for the sake of introducing a warning; on no account should the
gardener be allowed to remove their foliage after flowering, an error commonly committed by
the less intelligent of the blue-aproned gentry, who require vigilant superintendence.

We have been obliged to omit some interesting plants, our space being exhausted; but we have
reserved one as a bonne bouche. Let us see, gentle reader, if you can guess its name. It climbs, has
delicate succulent stems, and leaves divided into six lobes, with a minute fringe at the base of the
leaf-stalk ; its flowers are produced singly from the axils of the upper leaves, and are of a bright
yermillion tint, with a spur of the same colour, and embrace with their slender stalks any friendly
support within their reach. The problem is not a very difficult one, truly ; still there may be readers
of the Enetish Frowrr Garpen who are unacquainted with the original of the portrait, and, there-
fore, for them we will add that the last named of our June flowers is—the Tropeolum speciosum.

: AQUILEGIA CALIFORNICA.
AurnoucH aware of the introduction of this species of Columbine, we refrained from noticing it
in the earlier part of the present number, not having then seen its flowers. Messrs. Cunningham,
Fraser and Co., of the Comely Bank Nursery, Edinburgh, have since obligingly forwarded us
specimens, which enable us to speak of it in very favourable terms. It appears to grow about
eighteen inches high, the stems and petioles being tinged with purplish-brown, and the leaves of a
similar form and size to those of the common species. The petals are of a bright orange-scarlet,
with straight spurs inflated at the tip, and are remarkable for the shortness of the outer lip of the
mouth of the tube; the sepals are of a duller red. The stamens project considerably from the
mouth of the flower, as in Canadensis, to which speéies it seems allied, but its foliage is larger, and
it is altogether a finer plant. We are not aware that this plant is to be had in London, but it
may be obtained cheaply of Messrs. Cunningham and Fraser, or any other of the Edinburgh Florists.

NEW MODE OF BUDDING ROSES.

In budding Roses it is usual to cut out the wood and bark to which the bud is attached, and then
to remove the wood by carefully picking it out from the shield, an operation not always accomplished
without difficulty. The following plan of preparing the shield has been suggested, and appears
worthy of attention. An incision is to be made around the bud so as to enclose a portion of
bark of the same size as the ordinary shield, and if this is done at a period when the bark separates
easily from the wood, the shield and bud may be readily detached by an adroit use of the fingers,
and the thin end of the budding knife. A little pressure applied to the bark, around the base
of the bud will assist in loosening it, but it is of more importance than when the ordinary mode
is followed, that the proper moment should be chosen, which can only be known by trial.

| Ze
)

yh

ANdeniflhora vertithliihe

‘é Omer,
Santana Lum pore!

Tatuitlé RAAT Ed.

CYCLOBOTHRA ALBA. 113

CYCLOBOTHRA ALBA.
White-flowered Cyclobothra.

Linnean Class—HEXANDRIA. Order —MonoGyYnia. Natural Order —Li1acex.

Tus curious and interesting bulb is one of a considerable number of Lilyworts,
whose very existence appears almost ignored by the great proportion of
amateur Florists; and as the intimate connection between supply and demand holds
equally good in Horticulture as in other branches of trade, they are likely, in
consequence, to be speedily lost, if they have not, indeed, already disappeared.

The genus Cyclobothra includes seven or eight species, all of which have at
some time or other been in cultivation in this country ; the present member of the
genus appears, however, to be the only one now attainable, and that only through a
single source, Mr. Groom of Clapham Rise.* They are closely allied to the Calo-
chortus, of which one species, venustus, was figured in an early number of this work,
and they are equally related to the more common Fritillaries of our garden. The
differences between the Cyclobothra alba and the Calochorti seem to be extremely
small, for in the present species there is some departure from the type of the genus
as founded by Sweet, on the Cyclobothra barbata.

The Fritillaries, as everybody knows, are characterized by a six-parted perianth,
each division of which is furnished at its base with a hollow cavity or pit, of a
circular form, and smooth in its interior.

The genus Cyclobothra, as defined by Sweet, differs only, as far as the flower is
concerned, in the situation of the nectariferous pit, which is placed at a greater
distance from the base, and in the interior of the segment as well as the nectary
being densely bearded.

In the ©. alba the nectary is of a different form, and is found only on the three
inner divisions of the flower, the sepals being of the narrow form and purplish-
green tint seen in Calochortus. The two genera may be said to pass into each
other through this plant, for although the Calochorti are stated to be destitute of a
nectary, there are in renustus and luteus distinct traces of this organ, especially in
luteus, and the petals are bearded at the spot where they occur.

The Cyclobothra alba is a bulbous plant growing about a foot high, with one
radical leaf of considerable length (much longer than is represented in our figure),
and from three to five shorter ones upon the stem, from each of which proceeds
a lateral shoot bearing two flowers (sometimes, however, there is but one), with
a pair of leaf-like bracts at the base of the peduncles. It is only strong bulbs

*Mr. Charlwood of Covent Garden, occasionally offers for sole the dry bulbs in autumn.

114 CYCLOBOTHRA ALBA.

which will produce the number of blossoms shown by our artist; usually there
are but six upon the same stem. The flowers are drooping, of a globular form,
and about one and a-half to two inches in diameter. The three petals are
externally convex, aud have their edges closely approximated, being rarely
separated to a greater degree than shown in our figure. In colour, they are of
a silky white, with a tinge of green near the base; they are bearded on their
inner surface with long white hairs, which under the microscope have a
flattened, ribband-like form. The three sepals are of a membranous texture,
oval pointed form and of a pale green with a tinge of purple.

The stamens are six in number, with yellow anthers, attached by their base
to the filament, as in the Tulip. The ovarium is oblong, bluntly triangular,
with intermediate furrows, and terminated by three short spreading stigmas,
Seeds of an oval form, not winged. It flowers from Midsummer to the middle
or end of July.

We revert for a moment to the curious nectariferous cavity which, as already
observed, is of a different form to that of the C. barbata. In alba, it appears as a
linear or oval depression in the petal, at a short distance from its base, traversed
horizontally by four or five fringes, the intervening spaces being filled with a
sweet fluid. Our artist has represented an enlarged section of this organ, which
will serve to convey a tolerable idea of its structure. Under the microscope it
presents a beautiful wax-like appearance, and the whole petal appears to be
traversed by yellowish glandular ducts.

The Cyclobothra alba is quite hardy, but the bulbs suffer from excessive wet;
when planted in the open borders, it should therefore be covered with a small
hand light, or empty pot, during long continued rains in autumn and winter. It
does well in a mixture of peat and sandy loam, and should be planted in a warm
well-drained border. If the bulbs are removed from the ground after the foliage
has withered, they must be replanted not later than the end of October, as they
usually commence their growth at an early period. It may also be grown in pots,
and in this case may be protected in a frame during the winter months. Seeds are
generally ripened, by which, as well as by offsets, it may be increased. The seeds
are best sown as soon asripe, but in that case the young plants must be kept in a
frame through the winter. If the seed is preserved until spring, it will, however,
vegetate without much trouble, aided by a little heat. The C. barbata, of which
we have more than once spoken, is remarkable for producing numerous bulbils in
the axils of the leaves, by which it may be propagated, but they do not occur in
the present species; whether they are found in the other members of the genus
we are unaware.

Beside the C. alba and C. barbata, there are four others; monophylla, lutea, and
pulchella, with yellow flowers, and purpurea, with purplish green blossoms, but if

ADENOPHORA VERTICILLATA. 115

not quite unattainable, they are very rare. All are natives of California and the
frontier between Mexico and that province. ‘The species figured is not expensive,
at least when its rarity is considered ; from 2s. to 2s. 6d. will purchase a bulb.

Cyclobothra is derived from kyklos, a circle, and bothros, a well or pit, in reference
to the nectary occurring on each petal.

om

ADENOPHORA VERTICILLATA.
Whorl-leaved Adenophora.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—MonoGynia. Natural Order—CAMPANULACES.

Our readers will hardly need to be apprised of the relationship of the plant to
which we now direct their attention, for it presents unmistakeable evidence
of belonging to the family of Bell-worts. The genus Adenophora was, indeed,
formerly included with the true Campanulas, but has been separated from
them by Dr. Fischer on grounds which we will briefly state.

The leading features of the genus Campanula have already been pointed
out at page 136 of Vol. I, and it will therefore be sufficient to observe
that the Adenophoras differ chiefly in the presence of a curious cylinder
or annular gland, varying in size in the different species, which surrounds
the base of the style. In some of the species it is inconspicuous and of
a membranous character, as in coronopifolia ; but in others it is quite
fleshy, and, in the case of A. verticillata and A. latifolia, from one-sixteenth to
one-eighth of an inch in length. This glandular body is concealed beneath
the dilated filaments, which connive closely at their base, as in the genus
Campanula. Tf to this evident distinction we add that, in -Adenophora,
the style usually projects beyond the mouth of the flower to a greater
degree, and is much more attenuated at its base than in Campanula, and
that the seeds of the former are much larger, we have named the only
differences between the two genera which are of any importance. The five-
cleft, superior, calyx and corolla; five stamens with their filaments
dilated at the base, and generally fringed with hairs; and the trifid stigma,
are common to both.

The latter organ is furnished with the same brush-like apparatus for collecting
and retaining the pollen, referred to under the head Campanula coronata, the
anthers discharging their contents whilst the flower is in bud, as in the allied

116 ADENOPHORA VERTICILLATA.

genus. There is this difference, however, that whilst the hairs of the Cam-
panulas are thickly set, without any degree of regularity, those of the
Adenophoras are arranged in ten rows, as may be easily seen by viewing the
end of the style through a Stanhope lens before the stigmas diverge. The
pollen is of the same globular form, and covered with asperities, by which it
attaches itself to the hairs of the style.

The genus appears to be almost exclusively Siberian, all the species, with
one or two exceptions, being found in Northern Asia. They are not, we
believe, very commonly grown; but merit attention, both for their ornamental
character and their perfect hardiness.

The species we have figured, verticillata, is, perhaps, one of the most interesting.
It grows from two to three feet high, the stems being exceedingly slender. The
leaves vary considerably in form, those near the base being almost orbicular,
with long attenuated foot-stalks; those higher up the stem are lanceolate,
sessile, or nearly so, and arranged in whorls of from four to six; near the
summit of the stem they are occasionally alternate. The flowers are also
usually arranged in whorls, which terminate the stem, so that the specific
name, verticillata, though apparently given in reference to the disposition of the
leaves, is equally applicable to that of the flowers. The corolla is somewhat
tubular, with five pointed lobes, and is of a delicate pale blue; the filaments of
the stamens are dilated at the base, and bearded as in other species; and the
style is cleft at its extremity into three short blunt lobes, which become ultimately
reflexed. This species is one of the earliest introduced to this country. It flowers
in June and July.

There are nearly twenty other species described, several of which fully equal
the verticillata in interest. Two of them are quite dwarf, and suitable for the
front of the borders, the A. coronopifolia and the A. denticulata; the others
vary from two to four fect in height. The A. suaveolens, A. latifolia, A. stylosa,
and A. marsupiiflora, ave all worth cultivation, and may be had of some of the
leading Florists, notably of Messrs. Henderson of the Pine Apple Nursery, who
also possess the verticillata.

The treatment of all the species is similar—they require nothing beyond the
ordinary garden soil of rather sandy texture; where peat is at hand, a little may be
employed with some advantage. Their increase is effected either by division of
the root, or by seeds, which are ripened in abundance, and often to be had of the
Seedsman; plants thus raised will generally flower the second season

The name of the genus is derived from aden, a gland, and phoreo, to bear; in
allusion to the cylindrical glandular body surrounding the base of the style, to

which reference has already been made, and which is shown separately in the
plates, on a somewhat enlarged scale.

SALVIA CANADENSIS. Wie?

sALVIA CANADENSIS
Canadian Sage.

Linnean Class—D1DYNAMIA. Order —GYMNOSPERMIA. Natural Order—LaBiaTxz.

Tur Florist who estimates the value of a plant by the size of its individual
blossoms, may be inclined, on a first glance at our figure, to regard the Salvia
Canadensis as of little moment. This impression would, however, speedily be
removed were a strong plant in full bloom brought beneath his notice, though
it cannot claim to rank with some of the inter-tropical species, such as patens,
fulgens, splendens, and some others. But if its flowers are of more modest
dimensions, and its tints less brilliant than in those species, it is, as might
be inferred from its northerly origin, much hardier, and commences flowering
several weeks earlier.

We might even take higher ground, for, although its blossoms are small, they are
produced so abundantly, that when the plant has become strong, a considerable
mass of bloom is presented to the eye; the terminal spikes are generally a foot
or more long, and the whole length of the stem is clothed with lateral shoots,
each of which bears a spike of flowers.

Our specimen is about three feet high, but in strong soil an established plant
will exceed this. It is of an erect branching habit and exhibits the square
stem and opposite leaves peculiar to the Lipworts. The latter are of a narrow
elliptical form, blunt at the tip, edged with roundish teeth, and almost stalkless or
sessile; they present the rugosz, or wrinkled surface, so common in this genus, and
the midrib is often stained with bright purple. The flowers are produced in long
spikes composed of from ten to forty whorls of six blossoms each, arranged in threes,
with two broad purplish bracts beneath each verticil. The upper lp of the
calyx is minutely three toothed, the lower one deeply two-cleft. The shape of
the corolla is pretty acurately shown in our figure, but the middle lobe of the
lower lip has its margin more reflexed inwards, in a cucullate form. Its
colour is a delicate violet blue, or puce, and when seen in a mass the effect is
extremely pleasing. Externally, both corolla and calyx appear studded with
minute white points, which under the Stanhope lens assume the form of whitish
opaque glands, containing an essential oil, to which the black currant-like odour of
the flowers and foliage is due. The whole plant, but especially the stem, is clothed
with a short, whitish pubescence.

Its cultivation is that of most herbaceous plants of this class—the soil it most
affects being a strong rich loam. We have, however, grown it in light sandy

118 SALVIA CANADENSIS.

loam, and, owing to the abundant rains of the last few weeks, it has succeeded well,
but in dry seasons it would probably become weak unless freely watered.

At present it has shown no disposition to ripen seeds, nor do cuttings strike very
freely ; it may, however, be readily increased by division of the root in spring, just
as the plant commences its growth. Its flowering season commences about mid-
summer, and it continues in bloom until the middle of August, or even later ; it not
unfrequently happens, especially in wet seasons, or if the plant is copiously
watered, that a second crop of shoots is thrown up by the roots after the earliest
flowers begin to fade, and a succession of bloom is thus maintained until late in
the season.

All that we know of its history may be comprised in a few words. Our specimen
was obtained last season from Messrs. Garraway, Mayes, and Co. of the Durdham
Down Nursery, Bristol, under the name of nova; but we have since ascertained that
its true name is that given at the head of the present notice. When, or by whom
it was first introduced to this country, we have been unable to discover. The plant
is by no means commonly kept, the only parties to our knowledge in possession of
it are Messrs. Garraway and Co., and Messrs. A. Henderson and Co. of the Pine
Apple Nursery, Edgeware Road, London. Its price is very moderate. It is said
to be a good bee-flower, as, like most of the Salvias, the corolla secretes a clear sweet
fluid at its base; we have not observed, however, more than an occasional visitant
from the hives upon our plant.

We have been fortunate enough to obtain recently several of the older hardy
Salvias, some of which will, we hope, prove sufficiently interesting to deserve
figuring, or at least noticing in an early number. Of those which have already
flowered we may notice the

S. hians (gaping sage), a shrubby species with very pretty flowers, about an inch
long, of a delicate pale violet tint, the centre of the lower tip being yellowish
white, spotted with violet. It is of dwarf habit, and we believe quite hardy. It
may be obtained of Messrs. Low and Co. of the Clapton Nursery for a small sum,
and is well worth procuring.

S. rugosa is another neglected plant, of taller and larger growth than the
preceding. Its pink and white flowers are borne in long spikes, and are of
a very pleasing character. Although a Cape species, it is hardy, and may be
had cheaply of Messrs. Henderson of the Pine Apple Nursery.

S. nemorosa is less rare than the two previous species, but is by no means
common. It grows about three feet high, and produces long spikes of flowers,
of a similar tint to those of Canadensis, but rather larger. It is very hardy, and
if cut down when its first flowers are faded, will produce a second series of shoots.

S. verticillata is an interesting species of a hardy character, with blue flowers
of medium size. It usual height in good soil is about two feet. It is in

LANTANA CAMMARA. 119

the catalogues of Messrs. Dickson of the Chester Nurseries, and Messrs. Garraway
and Co. of Bristol. We give the namesof Nurserymen with some reluctance,
as it is quite possible that others are also in possession of the same plant, and
to name only one or two may appear invidious; but we are induced to do so,
because in the case of rare species it is evidently useless to recommend them,
unless our readers are enabled to procure them without incurring the trouble
of personal enquiry. All the four species we have just named are of easy cultiva-
tion in good soil, and readily increased by cuttings and divisions.

It is, perhaps, a part of our duty to name not only the more desirable plants,
but also those which are to be avoided; and we may therefore with propriety state
that the Salvia azurea, seeds of which are sometimes to be obtained, flowers at so
late a period, that when grown in the open border its blossom buds invariably
drop long before expansion; we have exposed plants raised from seed and also
roots obtained from the nurseries, and in both cases with the same unfavourable
result, though the roots themselves are perfectly hardy. This species cannot
therefore be recommended for open-air cultivation.* There is, however, an allied
species of similar habit, which may take its place, the S. angustifolia, with clear
blue flowers in spikes; it is quite hardy in ordinary winters, though a Mexican
plant, and blooms at least two months earlier than azurea. This species may
be had at the Pine Apple Nursery.

Of several other rare and interesting Salvias, we hope to give an account in an
early number.

LANTANA CAMMARA.

Balm-leaved Lantana.

Linnean Class—DipyNaM1A. Order —ANGIOSPERMIA. Natural Order—VERBENACEX.

Turety years since, the open-air cultivation of the Lantanas would have been
deemed a project extremely chimerical, and when the striking contrast between our
own climate and those where they are found is considered, it is not surprising
that a comparatively high temperature should have been regarded as indis-
pensable to their successful treatment. Closer observation of the habits of
plants, and a more extended acquaintance with the influence of temperature,
has shown, however, that many tropical plants of evergreen habit may be

* This remark does not apply to a variety recently introduced, under the name of azwrea compacta, of
which we have, at present, no knowledge.

120 LANTANA CAMMARA.

cultivated with perfect success in cooler latitudes, becoming in this case
deciduous ; a further reduction of temperature, short of actual frost, inducing an
herbaceous character, the stems dying down to the ground annually. Thus the
Cuphea strigillosa, and the Bouvardias, if kept in the temperature of the stove,
continue in growth, and preserve their foliage during the whole year; in a
cool greenhouse from which frost is excluded, they become deciduous, losing
their leayes in winter but preserving the vitality of their stems; whilst in the
open air the roots alone are able to resist the cold and wet of our winters.

It is on the same principle that the Lantanas, though less hardy than the
plants just referred to, may be made available for decorating the beds or borders
in summer; and for this purpose they are likely to become established favorites.
Some of the species are straggling in their growth, but many of them combine
the, in general, free-flowering character of the genus, with a neat compact
habit ; and of this number is the plant we have selected for our illustration.

The leading features of the genus are a square stem (in ZL. Selloviana it is
round), usually very hairy, and often covered with short recurved spines, the
presence or absence of which assists in distinguishing the species; and opposite
oval-pointed leaves (sometimes in three’s), toothed at their edges, more or less
wrinkled, and generally rough on both surfaces. The hairs to which this
roughness is due appear under the microscope to be seated on a transparent
gland, which probably secretes a fluid, to which the peculiar and sometimes
unpleasant odour of the species is owing. Flowers produced in the axils of the
leaves, in hemispherical or oblong heads, seated upon a conical receptacle. In
most of the species there is a small bract beneath each blossom, such as is
shewn in our figure. The corolla is tubular, slightly curved, with a spreading
four-lobed limb, and inserted in a short, minute, tubular, calyx. The stamens
are four in number, two of them being seated just within the mouth, the
others about the middle of the tube, asin the Verbenas. The style is of microscopic
dimensions, terminated by a hooked stigma, and is just such an apparatus as
fairy fingers might wield, could we suppose the elfin world to occupy itself
with the mysteries of crochet-work. The seed vessel ripens into a fleshy, dark
purple drupe, or berry, containing a hard, two-celled nut; one of the cells is
often more or less obliterated. The more tender species do not ripen seed
unless grown at a stove temperature; Selloviana, delicatissima, grandiflora, and
some others, however, produce it in abundance. In the Verbena, which is very
closely allied to Zantana, the fruit consists of four cohering seeds, covered
by a thin shell, which separates when ripe, and leaves the nuts exposed; this
feature, and the five-lobes of the corolla, constitute the chief differences between
the two genera.

The Lantanas are, with two or three exceptions, peculiar to tropical parts of the

ee ee

LANTANA CAMMARA. 191.

New World, and the number of species is considerable, though only a part of them
are in cultivation. They are common in Mexico, the West India Islands, Brazil,
and other parts of South America, one species, the L. Sedloviana, being found as far
south as Buenos Ayres.

The L. Cammara we have figured is one of the most desirable species, as well
for the large size of its corymbs and their bright colour, as for its compact habit of
erowth. The stems, although very rough, are unarmed with spines, and the leaves
of a darker, glossier green, and less flat than in many species of a similar colour.
The flowers are in hemispherical heads, of about one and-a-half inch in diameter, the
blossoms, when first expanded, being of a clear, bright, but pale orange, which
subsequently deepens to dark orange-red. Our figure was taken from a specimen
growing out of doors, where its numerous corymbs, produced within a small compass,
have a very showy effect. This species, like most of the others, is of as easy cultiva-
tion as the Fuschia, growing freely in sandy loam with a little peat or leaf-mould,
put any good, friable soil will do. It requires protection in winter, and should be
potted from the ground in autumn, and preserved in a_place to which frost has no
access; an ordinary window is sufficient where there is no better accommodation.
It will need little water while dormant, just enough to keep the soil and fibres of
the roots from becoming quite dry. It is readily increased by cuttings of the young
shoots, which may be taken off any time from June to August, and struck under a
glass, in a pot of sandy soil. A little bottom-heat will aid the rooting process, but
is not indispensable. If taken later in the season, they do not become sufficiently
rooted before the arrival of winter. When the plants begin to push in spring they
must be freely watered, and where they are wanted in flower early, it may be
advisable to place them in a close frame for a few wecks. In May, or the beginning
of June, they may be turned into the open borders, after a few days’ partial
exposure to harden them. This species makes an admirable pot-plant for the
window; its foliage, so far from being unpleasantly scented, as in crocea superba and
mutabilis, is to us rather agreeable.

There are several other species almost equally desirable. That just referred to,
the crocea superba, is a fine plant, and produces flowers of a similar colour, but we
think less clear and rich; and its shoots are often long-jointed. Mutabilis is another
species very commonly grown, with soft Balm-like leaves, of an unpleasant odour ;
the heads of flowers are like those of our figure, but smaller, and contain fewer
blossoms. The LZ. grandiflora is a fine species with flowers changing from yellow to
pinkish lilac ; its stems are armed with strong curved prickles. Perhaps, after the
L. Cammara, the most interesting species for open-air cultivation is the LZ. Sello-
viana. The stems of this plant are round and slender, often long-jointed when
grown under glass, but more compact out of doors. The leaves are rather small,
of an oval form, and from their axils are produced, on long foot-stalks, numerous

122 PLANTS FOR TRELLIS WORK.

flat corymbs of flowers, of a beautiful rosy-purple colour, with a white eye when
first expanded. The old wood of this species should be carefully preserved, as it
is chiefly from it that the flowers are produced, in which it differs from most of
those we have grown. It is considerably hardier than the others, but will not
endure frost. Trained against a wall, it produces a charming effect, and will
eventually reach some size, if the old stems are preserved when the plant is dug up
in autumn. It also does well in a bed, planted in a mixture of peat and loam; in
pure loam it will not succeed, but leaf-mould may be employed as a substitute for
peat.

The Lantanas are by no means expensive: all those we have named may be had
for a trifling sum in most localities.

The appellation Zantana was formerly given to one species of Viburnum, but
its application to the present genus is unexplained.

——<@—___—

PLANTS FOR AN ARCHED TRELLIS.

In a recent inspection of an interesting garden in our neighbourhood, we were
much struck with the admirable effect produced by a judicious employment of
climbing plants trained arch-wise over the paths and parterres, and inwardly
resolved to call the attention of our readers, at the earliest moment, to the advan-
tages and charms of such an arrangement.

We must, however, state in the outset that it is only in gardens of some size that
this mode of training can be adopted to any extent, for as the object in view is the
augmentation of the general effect, and not the concealment of the dwarf plants, it
follows that the end will hardly be obtained if the arches are too numerous, or too
obstructively disposed. The smallest garden will, however, offer space enough for
the introduction of a few climbers trained in this form. Most of our climbing
plants unfortunately lose their leaves in winter, and the trellises then present a
naked appearance; we think, however, that it would be quite practicable to cover
a few of them with ivy, which could be kept closely clipped, and would be speedily
concealed in summer by the rapid growth of many of the herbaceous climbers.

Among the plants more especially adapted to this purpose we may name, first
the Periploca greca, which, although deciduous and producing flowers of an incon-
spicuous character, is remarkable for the luxuriance of its handsome foliage, and is
of very rapid growth. It is perfectly hardy, and increased with facility by cuttings.

The Aristolochia Sipho is an equally useful plant, with highly curious flowers of
considerable size, but they are not generally produced freely; its fine leaves,

PLANTS FOR TRELLIS WORK. 123

however, give it a value which is unaffected by this circumstance. This too is
quite hardy, and succeeds in almost any soil.

The Eecremocarpus scaber is a well-known herbaceous climber, producing an
abundance of tubular orange flowers throughout the summer and autumn. It is
very suitable either for training on a single rod, or for covering a series of arches. .
It is quite hardy in light dry soil, but in wet soil needs a little protection.

Several of the blue-flowered Clematis afford a pretty contrast to the tint of the
preceding. That we would particularly recommend is the C. Hendersonii ; but the
varieties of the C. viticella and the C. crispa are almost as good.

The Ampelopsis quinquefolia, although so common, ought not on this account to
be overlooked, for there is much character in its foliage and habit, and the bright
red tint it assumes in autumn is a sufficient compensation for its insignificant
flowers. The Honeysuckles will afford several most interesting plants, and none
are more desirable than the common Lonicera Caprifolium, and its Italian variety,
L semperflorens, which blooms for a longer period. The delicious fragrance of
both is well known. The evergreen species, L. sempervirens, is scentless, and on
this account is less grown. The Trumpet-flower, Zecoma radicans, and the allied
Bignonia capreolata, are both showy, hardy, ligneous climbers, nearly evergreen,
producing when well established a profusion of flowers, especially the latter species;
it is, however, not quite so hardy as the Zcoma, but only suffers in severe winters.

But the most truly ornamental plant of this class is, without doubt, the Wistaria
(Glycine) Sinensis, of which we have already spoken in high praise. In no situation
is it more effective, than when trained over an arch, at a height of seven or eight
feet from the ground: and the new white variety of this splendid plant is equally
beautiful. The Lardizabala biternata will, no doubt, be eventually available for this
purpose, though at present it is too rare, and the plants too small, for us to affirm
that it will endure the winter, unless protected by a wall, though there is but little
doubt it will prove sufficiently hardy. And lastly, we have the numerous varieties
of the Ayrshire and Evergreen Climbing Roses. These charming plants are indis-
pensable in every garden, and are among the cheapest of all the hardy climbers.
Of the Ayrshire Roses, which are deciduous, the Ayrshire Queen, dark purple
crimson; Dundee Rambler, white, edged with pink; Queen of the Belgians,
creamy white; and Ruga, pale flesh, large double flowers, are four good varieties.
Of the Evergreen section, the well known Felicité Perpetuelle, with creamy white
flowers; Leopoldina d’Orleans, white, shaded with rose; Myrianthes Renoncule,
blush, edged with rose; and Princess Marie, rosy pink, may be regarded as among
the best. The Multiflora roses, Grevilleii, and Laura Davoust, may also be added,
and many others which our space will not permit us to name ; and to these, the
Hop, the Cobea scandens, the Calystegia pubescens, and the different species of
climbing annuals, such as the Canary Flower and Major Conyolyulus, can be
appended when a considerable number are required.

124 A JULY BOUQUET.

With regard to the arrangement of an avenue of climbers, we would suggest
that those which are chiefly remarkable for their foliage should alternate with the
species possessing conspicuous flowers. The mode of training is too simple to need
any detailed explanation. In the case of a single arch, nothing more is necessary
than a stout iron rod, of sufficient length that, when fixed, the top of the arch will
be from seven to eight feet from the ground; the two extremities of the rod being
each secured to a square block of wood, partially buried in the ground, and charred
outside to prevent decay. A series of these arches can be easily converted into an
arcade by attaching horizontal rods, or a net-work of wire; and in whatever way
they are combined, a coating of paint will be desirable on the score of preservation.

Not only may every path be thus converted into a ‘ hanging garden,’ but even
the beds may have occasionally their attractions enhanced by a union of the per-
pendicular, with the ordinary style of gardening.

——_—_—__

A JULY BOUQUET.

Tue heavy rains of the past month have been so peculiarly unfavourable to the growth and
expansion of the flowers of the bedding plants, that it is again to the permanent occupants of the
mixed border that we have been chiefly indebted for our floral display. We are by no means sure,
indeed, that, under any circumstances, our Bouquet of Hardy July Plants would not have borne away
the palm from those of a more tender character, of which our readers will be able to judge from the
gleanings we propose to lay beforethem. :

We cannot boast this month of a Wistaria or a Clianthus, but among the shrubs are a few subjects
scarcely inferior to these. The beautiful Hscallonia macrantha must, perhaps, take precedence of all
others, and of this we can only repeat here, with especial emphasis, the consecrated formula that
‘no garden should be without it.’ Its blooming season is, however, by no means limited to July,
for it not unfrequently commences flowering in June, and continues in blossom through the summer.
Hardy, cheap, and highly ornamental, what more could the amateur desire? Two species of
Andromeda have been conspicuous objects for several weeks past, from their numerous racemes of
wax-like blossoms of the purest white,—the 4. speciosa and the A. peulverulenta, the last with
leaves covered on their under side with a white bloom. They are both gems of the first water, and
perfectly hardy, though we observe they are classed as greenhouse species in a modern Dictionary of
Plants. The Spir@a Douglassii and S. venusta have contributed their numerous heads of pretty
rosy-purple flowers, and the former will apparently remain in bloom a month longer at least; the
elegant S. ariefolia, with its large plume-like mass of whitish blossoms, has proved even more
attractive. The Leycesteria formosa, though less showy than any of the preceding, has, neverthe-
less, claims of its own which make it a favourite with most persons; its habit is very graceful, and
the purple berries, by which its neat white flowers are succeeded, prolong its attractions until a late
period of the summer.

It is, however, among the herbaceous plants that we shall find the most prodigal display of
beauty. Asa little known, but highly ornamental hardy subject, we will notice first the Horminwm

— ee

A JULY BOUQUET. 125

pyrenaicum, a Lipwort, with tall spikes of flowers, of the deepest and richest blue. It flowers for a
considerable part of the summer, and being quite hardy in any dry soil, it is singular this fine plant
should be so rarely seen. The old Armeria cephalotes, though generally in flower early in June,
has this season prolonged its bloom into the present month. Most of our readers are acquainted
with this beautiful plant, which may be briefly described as a gigantic Thrift; it is quite hardy, and
easily raised from seed, but unfortunately this is seldom ripened, at least with us; we have examined
many heads in succession, without finding a single perfect seed. It is doubtless to this that the
scarcity of the plant is owing, for it cannot be increased by division ; cuttings we have never tried.
The gay little Cuphea strigillosa may fairly be said to have taken its place among our hardiest
perennials, for here it is covered with its scarlet and yellow flowers, and our specimen is by no means
an exceptional one, as we learn that it has proved equally hardy in soils of a much moister character.
And what is even more surprising, several self-sown seedlings are springing up around our plant!
The Bouvardia triphylla has frequently been exposed with slight protection, but after the past severe
and peculiar winter, we were certainly quite unprepared to see a plant, which had been by accident
left out, springing up vigorously at the beginning of June; it is now about to unfold its brilliant
tubular scarlet blossoms. We are afraid the result might not have been the same in any but light
sandy soil, but it is something to know that it will endure severe frost, in even the driest locality,
unprotected. The Dracocephalum argunense, one of the finest of the Dragon’s-heads, is very
attractive from its large bright blue flowers; this hardy genus is well deserving the attention
of the amateurs of herbaceous plants, and we hope next month to notice them more fully.
This trailing bush, with light blue flowers, should have been a Dracocephalum, which genus it some-
what resembles, but unfortunately for the reputation of the Seedsman, it would turn out to be a
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), We dare say many of our readers have been the victims of similar
mistakes though, we believe, they are more the result of ignorance than of intentional deception.

Tn an early number of the present volume, we expressed our fears that the very pretty Azorian
Forget-me-not (Myosotis azorica) could not endure full exposure to our winters; we are, therefore,
both gratified and surprised to find that it proves quite hardy, and it is by no means the least attrac-
tive of our July flowers. Belonging to the same Order we have the rare and interesting Mertensia
davurica, a dwarf plant, with drooping panicles of bright blue tubular blossoms, It is the Pulmo-
naria davurica of some authors, and the Lithospermwum davuricum of others. The double white
Campion we have noticed elsewhere, it will be found very useful as a cut-flower. The Flax family
presents us, in addition to the species in flower last month, with the Linwm maritimum, a pretty
dwarf plant, with erect leaves applied closely to the stems, and terminal clusters of orange-yellow
flowers. And the curious and showy Portuguese Toad-flax (Linaria triornithophora) is very con-
spicuous for its large violet flowers, with a yellow-veined mouth and long spur. It blossoms freely
throughout the early summer months, and does best in dry soils, where it is quite hardy, but may
be readily increased by seeds. This species and the dwarf L. alpina, which blooms in May, should
be grown by every body.

The Pentstemon campanulatum and its variety, atro-purpureum, are both pretty hardy plants,
now in bloom, The latter is generally reputed tender, but with us is quite hardy ; its roots at least
have always survived frost. The P. barbata alba (better known as Chelone, though it is in fact a true
Pentstemon) is rarely seen, but it is a much better white, and, altogether, a more desirable plant
than the so-called P. gentianoides alba, or any other which has yet come under our observation.
The P. digitalis flowering this month, is however almost equal to it, and perhaps rather hardier ;
both are highly ornamental plants of easy attainment, The Salvias contribute some of the most
ornamental of all our July flowers. There is the magnificent patens, with its large blue blossoms ;
the well-known fulgens, with long spikes of a bright scarlet; the S, Canadensis ; the S. lusitanica,

126 A JULY BOUQUET.

with broad lyrate leaves, and rather large purple violet flowers, with a white throat; the indigenous
S. pratensis of a similar colour, but much narrower leaves ; the S. memorosa, and the very pretty
S. hians, of both of which we have spoken at page 118. The Stachys coccinea, nothwithstanding its
somewhat weedy appearance and unpleasant odour, is worth cultivation in light rich loam, in which
its flowers are of a brighter scarlet than in poor, dry soil, where, however, it is safer in winter, as it
sometimes perishes from the combined effects of cold and wet. With us it generally sows itself
each season.

The Gentiana asclepiadea, an erect growing plant about one foot high, is a July bloomer, and its
dark blue flowers are very pretty; the white variety of this species is also worth cultivating. The
yellow Gentian is much taller, and planted at the back of a partially shaded border, in a mixture of
peat and loam, makes an effective group. The flowers are large, with a spreading star-like limb,
to which its new name, -Asterias lutea, refers. Many very beautiful Campanulas enliven the borders
this month with their abundant white or blue flowers. The (. carpatica, and its white-flowered
variety, are both beautiful, hardy, free blooming plants, with shallow cup-like erect flowers. The C.
nitida, of which there are both blue and white varieties ; the (. Jactiflora, white, and the C. punctata,
with large, drooping, yellowish-white flowers, spotted with brown, are less common; the first is
quite dwarf, the second about three feet, and the last one foot high.

The reign of the Composite plants has now fairly commenced. Among the taller-growing
species we may cite the Coreopsis grandiflora and C. Atkinsonii ; the very handsome Echinacea
intermedia, with large purple violet flowers; the curious Globe Thistles (Zehinops), of which the
E. Ruthenicus and E£. Ritro are common examples, both with tubular blue flowers collected into a
globular head, surrounded by a spinous involucre ; and the Rudbeckias, of which fugida, with a
yellow ray and dark purple disk, may be recommended, as both shewy and dwarfer-growing than
some others; the R. Drwmmondii is also a fine species now in bloom, its six ray florets are orange,
with a brownish purple mark at the base of each. The common double Feverfew, Pyrethrum
Parthenium needs no recommendation, for, judging by its ubiquity, its claims are fully recognised.
It is much to be desired that the attention of some amateur with leisure should be called to the
Pyrethrum roseum, which would, we have no doubt, eventually yield double flowers, if increased
from seed, and such a variety would be an immense acquisition, Who will be the first to try the
experiment? The Catananche caerulea and C. bicolor are useful plants in sandy soils, where they
succeed much better than in more tenacious ones. The Stevia purpurea is not of much moment,
but this too is of some value in light soils.

One of the most splendid July groups are the Delphiniums, which are in perfection
this month. The common PD. elatum is very handsome, and the D. alpinum is no less so,
The dwarfer D. Barlowii, with double flowers, is a great favorite with many; we prefer, how-
ever, the single ones. The new D. Wheeleri is a first-rate variety of tall habit. From these
altitudes we will descend to the modest Androsace lanuginosa, a very pretty trailing plant, with
heads of lilac flowers, belonging to the Primrose tribe, of which this common but useful yellow
trailer, the Lysimachia nummularia, is also a member ; where the surface of a bed requires to be
quickly covered, we know few plants better adapted to the purpose than this. The fine @nothera
macrocarpa now attracts attention by its remarkable tubular flowers, and the species figured last
month. , speciosa is a beautiful object, being covered with its fine white blossoms. We must,
however, hurry to the Endogenous plants, but not without a word in favour of the very pretty Oxalis
elegans, figured in our last yolume. This little plant will please all who honour it with their notice,
its numerous purple flowers are produced for two or three months together, and it increases very
fast by the roots. The yellow 0. crenata, though chiefly grown for its edible tubers, is very orna-
mental as a border plant, but its roots are but half-hardy.

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS. 127

The July bulbs of the Endogenous class must be dismissed with only a brief notice. Of one
interesting plant, the Cyclobothra alba, a lengthened description has been given in the present number.
To that we may add, the pretty Calliprora lutea, with an umbel of yellow blossoms, easily grown and
increased; the two Brodiwas, congesta, with purplish, and grandiflora, with blue flowers, similar in
form to those of the Calliprora ; the handsome Hemerocallis flava, with delicately scented, bright
yellow blossoms; and, above all, the splendid early Gladioli of the Blandus and Cardinalis section ;
they are the dwarfest of the tribe, and are excellent as cut flowers. The Gladioli are increased so
readily by seed, that it is surprising that both the early and late sections of this genus are not more
extensively grown. The Alstrémerias are in their greatest beauty this month; the species aurea,
hemantha, Van Houtteii, and the little dwarf Chilian varieties being now fully in bloom, And
lastly, we have a fitting pendant to our list of July flowers in the noble genus Liliwm, of which the
greater part of the species are now in bloom.

—_———_—_>__ —_—_-

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

Geranium ARrcENTEUM. (Geraniacee).—This species was recently referred to by a correspondent
as an interesting plant, and as it is not generally known, a brief description of it may therefore be
acceptable to some of our readers. It is a dwarf plant, scarcely exceeding four inches in height, of
herbaceous character, with leaves about an inch and-a-half in diameter, of a circular form, very
much cut and lobed as in the common Geranium molle ; the footstalk and both surfaces of the leaf
are clothed with short silky hairs, which communicate to them a silvery tint. The flowers are borne
in pairs on peduncles as long as the leafstalk, and are about an inch across, of a pale flesh colour.
veined with red, as in G. striatum ; and are produced for a month or two in the middle of the year,
A large clump would, we have no doubt, have a pretty effect ; still it can hardly be termed with pro-
priety a showy plant, It is usually supposed to be but half-hardy, but as it endures the winters of
Edinburgh, it will certainly suffer little or no injury from those of England proper. It is a native
of the south of Europe.

LycHNIS DIOICA ALBA PLENA. Double White Campion. (Caryophyllacee).—This pretty variety
of one of our indigenous plants is, we suspect, but little known, and as good white flowers, especially
double ones, are desiderata, we give it a place here among our desirable subjects. It differs in
nothing from the white Z. dioica of our hedges (the L. vespertina of some Botanists), but in its very
double white blossoms, which resemble a white Pink, or a small Rose. It is perfectly hardy, and
flowers for a considerable period of the summer. It succeeds in any ordinary soil, and may be easily
increased by division of the roots ; should be replanted every second year, or they are apt to dwindle.

Prrrosrorum Tosrra. (Pittosporacee ).—A beautiful evergreen shrub, deserving of the highest
commendation as a wall-plant, and will probably succeed as a standard in the southern counties. It
endured the last winter, in a locality north of London, against awall. The foliage is of a dark glossy
green, and of leathery texture ; the flowers are white or cream-coloured, in umbels, exhaling an odour
resembling that of the Orange blossom ; they are produced for several months in summer, There is
another species little less valuable—the P. wndulatwn, with oblong wavy foliage, which gives out.
when rubbed, an aromatic odour ; the flowers are of the same colour as in Zodira, and also fragrant,
but are produced earlier in the season. Both species strongly merit the attention of amateurs. Of
Tobira, there is a pretty variety with variegated foliage ; it is a native of China; wndulatum is
of Australian origin.

128 THE HUMEA ELEGANS.

THE HUMEA ELEGANS, BY R. MACDONALD, DRUMMOND CASTLE.
Tus is one of the most useful plants that are cultivated, and although introduced to this country
upwards of fifty years ago from New South Wales, it is not often met with, comparatively speaking,
with plants of more recent introduction and of much less beauty. This is to be regretted, as by the
singularly graceful way in which it produces its numerous pendulous spikes of grass-like flowers, it
is rendered one of the most useful ornamental plants we have, either for the green-house or flower-
garden during the summer and autumn months.

Being a green-house biennial, a little seed should be sown early in July by those who wish to
have it in bloom during the early part of next season, in a five-inch pot filled with light sandy
soil, and slightly covered with the same, and if placed in a frame where there is a little bottom heat
and shaded from the sun, it will soon yegetate. - When sufficiently strong remove the pot or pots to
a cold frame for a few days previously to their being potted, when the number of plants required
may be put in three and-a-half inch pots, replacing them again in the frame within three or four
inches of the glass, which should be kept rather close and shaded from the sun for a few days.

When established they should be inured gradually to the open air, so that the glass may be
dispensed with as long as the weather remains favourable; by which treatment they will receive the
benefit of the night dews and of gentle rains, which will make them strong short-jointed plants,
that will keep growing through the winter, and bloom during the early part of summer. They
will require to be liberally shifted into larger pots as they increase in growth, using the soil rougher as
the pots increase in size. About the latter end of October they should be removed to the front stage of
the green-house, or any other house where they will have the benefit of light and air, and protection
from frost. During the winter, if their pots should become full of roots, shift them into larger
pots, so as to enable them to have plenty of fresh roots for the spring growth.

In spring, after they have received their final shift, and the pots have got full of roots, they will
require to be frequently watered with clear manure water, to keep their foliage in a dark green
healthy state, as so much of their beauty depends on this being attended to. Very nice plants from
five to six feet high may be grown in twelve-inch pots, which have a very fine effect planted near
fountains, or singly on grass. But they may be grown larger, or smaller, to suit the place they are
intended for, by giving them more or less pot room. Before planting them out in June good large
pots should be made for their reception, that will admit of some good rich soil being placed about
their roots, which will keep them much longer in a healthy condition, and will saye much time in
watering them afterwards by retaining moisture, much longer than if planted in poor light soil.
When planted they should be supported with strong neat stakes, as invisible as possible, as they are
very brittle—TZhe Scottish Florist and Horticultural Journal, July, 1853.

DYCLYTRA V. DIELYTRA.

A corEsPonDENT of the Gardener's Chronicle states, ‘that the guestio vexata, as to the comparative
claims of these names, is solved beyond all possibility of doubt, on reference to the original paper in
which the genus was proposed. In the second part of the first volume of ‘‘ Rémer’s Archiv. fiir die
Botanik,” p. 48, 1797, is a paper on the genus Iwmaria, by Dr. Moritz Balthazar Borckhausen of
Darmstadt. Amongst other genera he proposes that of Diclytra for Fumari« cucullaria,L., resting its
characters on the peculiar structure of the corolla, and the six distinct stamens. He adds especially,
“T have named the genus from dis, two, and k/ytron, a spur, because the flower is so clearly
distinguished by its two spurs.’”’’ We observe with regret the French Botanists have partially
adopted Dicentra, another synonyme of Borckhausen’s, for the so-called Déelytra spectabilis, an
example which will not, we trust, be followed in this country. The establishment of some Court of
Nomenclature is becoming more than ever necessary.

Shtawtn GOMAIMLC A

igs. Z (YO. +
AMO AGUTALM: Vepeiidite cateniliticedt my

DICLYTRA CHRYSANTHA. 129

DICLYTRA CHRYSANTHA.
Golden-flowered Diclytra.

Linnean Class—DIADELPHIA. Order—MoNnoGYNIA. Natural Order—F UMARIACER.

Great as are our objections to uncalled-for changes of nomenclature, it being
now clearly proved that the word Diclytra* is that originally chosen by Borck-
hausen to characterise this genus, we have no alternative but at once to discard
the now familiar Dielytra, and to adopt in its stead the rival designation. Both
names are almost equally appropriate, though their meanings are slightly different ;
Dielytra signifying ‘two sheaths,’ in reference to the stamens and style being
enclosed in adouble envelope; Dielytra, ‘two spurs,’ in allusion to the projecting
heels of the two outer petals; but the law of priority decides the question. The
difference between the two names, whether in spelling or pronounciation is,
however, so slight, that no inconvenience is likely to result from the change.

The new accession to the genus which we now figure, although inferior in beauty
to the well known D. spectabilis, will, nevertheless, become in time, we have no
doubt, quite as popular; its different tint, and later period of flowering, giving
it a distinct and independent claim for public favour.

It is a hardy herbaceous perenial, growing two feet or more high, with foliage
twice or thrice pinnate, the ultimate segments being narrow, smooth and pointed.
Their colour is a glaucous green, resembling that of the common Rue. The flowers
are borne in long terminal, erect panicles, much branched, and are of a rich golden
yellow, which contrasts very pleasingly with the greyish foliage. At the base of
each pedicel is a small broad bract; the calyx, as in all the plants of this and the
allied genera, is very small, and consists of two broad blunt sepals, at the base of
the flower on each side, near the junction of the outer petals. These are much less
inflated at their base than in D. spectabilis, and are also less reflexed. The two
inner petals are very broad at their tips, and are remarkable for a curious wing-like
inflated appendage or ridge which extends along the back of the petal. This crest
oceurs in the common D. formosa, and some others, but in a much smaller form.

The internal economy of the flower presents the usual features of this Order.
The stamens are in two parcels of three each, the filaments being more or less
distinct, and not united into a band as in Corydalis and Fumaria; near the
base they are slightly curved, but less so than in spectabilis, where they conform
themselves to the inflated spur. The stigma is very broad, and ends abruptly,

* See page 128.

130 DICLYTRA CHRYSANTEA.

as if the extremity had been cut off, which explains the flattened form of the
two inner petals at their tips.

Everybody who has examined the common Fumitory, is acquainted with the
mode in which these tips are united, so as to retain the anthers in immediate
contact with the stigma. In most of the Diclytras, the edges of the petals
appear to grow so firmly together, that some force is often necessary to separate
them, and they never open spontaneously in the species we have examined.
To ensure fertilisation of the stigma, this organ is furnished with two blunt
processes, or horns, one of which is inserted between the anthers, and when
their valves contract the pollen escapes, and is thus brought into contact with
the stigma, without any change of position in either organ. Under the microscope,
the stigma of the Fumarias and Corydalis present a trident-like form. The
D. spectabilis, on account of the larger size of all its parts, is, however, the
best plant for examination with a view to a comprehension of the structure of
the Order. This species was figured in our first volume.

The Diclytra chrysantha is a native of California, where it was originally
discovered by the Botanists accompanying Captain Beechy’s exploring expedition,
but was first raised in this country by Messrs. Veitch, from seeds sent by
Mr. Lobb, their collector. It flowered with them last September, and will
probably be soon at the disposal of the trade. It appears to be quite hardy,
and is increased by the same mode as the other species; a dry warm situation
should be chosen for it. Our information with respect to its habits and require-
ments is, however, at present limited, owing to the short period it has been
in this country. As in the case of most plants readily increased by cuttings,
it will, we hope, speedily be placed within the reach of the floricultural public.

There is an old species of this genus of considerable value, but it has been
hitherto so little in demand, that we dare say it is more expensive than the
newer D. spectabilis—we allude to the D. eximia. It is less robust than spectabilis,
and its leaves are smaller, but the flowers are borne in a long drooping raceme as
in that plant, and are of a similar colour. The outer petals are not so much
reflexed, and the beak formed by the union of the inner ones is much shorter.
Most of the London Florists have this plant in their catalogues.

Before quitting the Diclytras, it may be worth while to point out that
epectabilis may be had in flower, down to a late period of summer, by the
very simple expedient of cutting it partly down as soon as the earliest
flowers are faded; this will cause the production of fresh shoots from the
root, which will flower in August and September. Where there are several
plants of it, they may thus be made to bloom, in succession, from the end
of May to the end of September. We have no doubt it is within the range
of probability that hybrids between this species and the plant we have

BRAVOA GEMINIFLORA. 131

figured, may be raised; and, if the experiment is tried, it will be absolutely
necessary to resort to the plan we have suggested for obtaining late flowers of
the spectabilis, which blooms naturally at an earlier period than the chrysantha.

The allied genus, Corydalis, contains two species, which are especially
deserving the notice of the amateurs of herbaceous plants, both on account
of their ornamental character and the early period at which they flower.
They are the C. nobilis and C. bulbosa. The first-named is tap-rooted, with
stems about a foot high, and rather large leaves deeply cut. The flowers
are produced in close racemes, and are of a yellow colour, tipped with
dark purple near the extremity; they have a faint but pleasant odour, which
is an unusual circumstance in this family. It is not particular as to soil,
but prefers a light rich sandy compost, into which its roots can descend
freely. Like most other tap-rooted plants, it does not well bear removal,
but may be increased by cuttings of the roots. The C. bulbosa is rather
dwarfer than the preceding, and its foliage is smaller. The flowers of the
species are pink, but there are several varieties varying in colour from pure
white to purple. They all of them ripen seed, which should be sown as soon
as ripe; the roots may also be occasionally divided. This species is the
C. solida of some Botanists. The Corydalis fabacea is a good hardy plant,
but appears to have become very rare in this country. Its flowers are
purple. The species of this genus most commonly met with is the little
C. lutea, with yellow flowers, produced nearly the whole year. In rich
sandy soil it makes a handsome tuft.

BRAVOA GEMINIFLORA.
Twin-flowered Bravoa.

Linnean Class—HEXANDRIA. Order—MonoGYnia. Natural Order —AMARYLLIDACEX.

Tur remark we ventured to make in speaking of the Cyclobothra alba—that some
of the most interesting of the Lilyworts were scarcely known, even nominally,
to a great portion of the flower-loving community—applies, we think, with
equal force to many plants of another extensive natural order of Endogens,
the Amaryllids. Of this number is the Bravoa geminiflora, a bulb which, although
cultivated in this country for the last ten or twelve years, and attainable for
a trifling sum, is as rarely seen as the Cyclobothra. It must, however, be

132 BRAVOA GEMINIFLORA.

admitted, that the flowers of the Bravoa are hardly proportionate in size to
the stature of the plant; but, notwithstanding this drawback, its graceful habit,
and the ease with which it may be cultivated, warrant us in speaking of it in
very fayourable terms. From the small portion of the flower-stem and leaf
which our limits enable us to present, they would hardly be supposed to be
those of a plant three to four feet in height; it is, however, only when grown
under a glass that it becomes so tall.

The Bravoa geminiflora may be described as a half-hardy plant, producing
a tunicated bulb, about the size of a moderately large hyacinth root, but more
elongated. From this bulb proceed three to four pointed leaves, eighteen to
twenty inches or more long, and from one and a-half to two inches broad;
they are keeled at the back, and usually quite erect. The scape or flower-stem
springs directly from the bulb, and is not uncommonly from three to four feet
high, of a round tapering form, and bearing several pointed half-sheathing bracts
arranged alternately, at distances of five or six inches from each other.

The raceme of flowers terminates the stem, and consists in our plant of about
sixteen pairs of blossoms, at the base of each of which is a small trifid bract;
in the early stages of their growth they are quite erect, and pressed close to
the scape; but as they expand, the tube of the flower becomes gradually curved
outwards, until at length its mouth points downwards. Each flower is about
an inch or an inch and quarter long, of a cylindrical form, and divided at its
mouth into six short, rounded lobes, which, when the flower is fully developed,
are slightly spreading; at this period their tint is a delicate salmon or flesh-colour,
tinged with green at the base, where the perianth coheres with the seed-vessel.
The six stamens and single style terminated by a three-lobed stigma, present
no peculiarity calling for any special notice.

The Bravoa may be cultivated either as a window bulb, or in the open
border, where it succeeds perfectly in a warm aspect and suitable soil. The
only objection to its cultivation in the window, is its liability to become
‘drawn’ from deficiency of light and air; but, in all other points, no plant
can be more manageable. It should be potted in a good friable loam, with
which a little silver sand should be mingled, unless the soil contains
naturally a fair proportion of silicious matter. This is necessary to ensure
the requisite porosity; but, unless a considerable proportion of good loam is
also present, the growth of the plant will be weak. The bulb should be
planted with its neck level with the surface of the soil, in a four or five-
inch pot, which will be found amply sufficient, except for the largest bulbs.
During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, the soil may be
kept nearly dry, but when in activity, it requires to be freely watered.
It usually commences its growth about the end of April or beginning of

FUNCKIA ALBO-MARGINATA. 1383

May; and, in a warm window, will make rapid progress, producing its
flowers about the end of July. After the blossoms have faded, the pot
should be placed out of doors, in a sunny situation, to ripen the bulb; and
when the foliage has decayed, it may be returned to its winter quarters,
which may be any airy place inaccessible to frost.

In the open ground, its treatment may be inferred from what we have
just stated. If planted out in April, while dormant, it should be covered
with a hand-glass to protect it from spring frosts ; if kept on the window,
or in a cold frame, until the middle of May, it may then be plunged
into the borders without this precaution. In this situation, its height will
be less than under glass, and the colour of the flowers somewhat deeper
than that of our figure. It is easily increased by offsets, which may be
separated every second or third year, and also by seeds, which may be
ripened in the greenhouse or window, if the plant is grown on after
flowering. Mr. Groom of Clapham sells it at a moderate price.

The Bravoa geminiflora is a native of Mexico, and is, we believe, the
only species at present introduced. Its name was conferred in honour of
the Mexican-Botanist, Bravo.

It is worthy of remark, that, although it proves sufficiently hardy for open-
air culture in summer, when first introduced it was treated as a stove plant.

>

FUNCKIA ALBO-MARGINATA.
White-edged-leaved Funckia.

Linnean Class—Hexanpria. Order—MonocGyNia. Natural Order—Liuiacez.

Tux genus Funckia includes several interesting hardy plants of easy culture,
which deserve to be more generally grown than they appear to be; and, with
a view to draw attention to them, we figure this month one of the neatest
species, though there are one or two others which equal, if not exceed, it in
interest, either for their larger or more deeply-coloured flowers.

The Funckias were formerly included with the genus Hemerocallis, or Day Lily,
of which several species are common in most gardens ; they differ, however, from
those plants in several important features—so much so, that it is singular they
should ever have been confounded with them. The foliage of all the species of
Hemerocallis is linear, and often two feet or more long; that of the Funckias, ovate

134 FUNCKIA ALBO-MARGINATA.

or lanceolate, and in no case more than six or eight inches long, including the
petiole; the flowers of the Day Lilies, as is well known, last but a single day,
while those of the Funckias remain expanded a much longer period; and in
colour there is a marked difference, all the latter being either blueish lilac, varying
in intensity in the different species, while that of the Hemerocallis is reddish
orange or yellow. A glance at our figure will at once render these distinctions
evident.

The Funckia albo-marginata, which we have selected as an illustration of the
genus, is a hardy herbaceous perennial, producing numerous radical lance-shaped
leaves in a tuft; each leaf is from two and-a-half to four inches long, with a
channelled petiole of about the same length; while young, the margin is slightly
tinged with yellow, but it ultimately becomes pure white, increasing considerably
the attractions of the plant. The scape, or flower-stem, is about eighteen inches
high, and bears from ten to fifteen blossoms of a pale violet blue, and about two
inches in length, including the short peduncle. Each blossom arises from a pointed
bract, one-third longer than the peduncle. Although the bracts are arranged
spirally round the stem, the flowers face only in one direction; whilst in bud the
flower is inflated in its upper half, and when expanded displays six spreading
lobes. Both stamens and style are what is termed declinate; that is, instead of
occupying the centre of the flower as in most plants, they all incline to one side,
which in this case is the lower one; while in bud they are quite straight, but
after expansion the extremities both of stamens and style curve inwards, as in the
Alstroémerias. The anthers of this species are yellow, a circumstance by which it
may be distinguished from most of the others, as we will presently explain. It
blooms with us in August, continuing in flower three or four weeks, several spikes
being produced in succession. It grows free in ordinary garden soil, and is quite
hardy throughout this country. In most seasons it ripens plenty of seed, from
which it may be increased; but the readiest method of propagating it, is by
dividing the roots in October.

This plant appears to be the / lanceefolia picta of some of the London Florists,
and the lanceefolia variegata of others. The name by which we have described
it is that given it by Sir W. J. Hooker, and it is certainly distinct from the
lanceafolia. The leaves of that species are longer, and proportionately narrower,
than those of albo-marginata, of a much darker green, and very glossy on both
surfaces. The flowers are rather smaller, of a paler lilac, and do not open so
freely, with anthers of a pale dirty green colour.

The F. ovata may be named as a desirable species. Its foliage is much larger
than that of the plant figured, of a dull green on its upper surface, but glossy
beneath, The flowers are of a deep violet blue, considerably darker than in
any of the other species, but rather smaller than in albo-marginata. The anthers

FUNCKIA ATBO-MARGINATA. 135

are brownish, speckled with purple, and upon the style (which is white, as
in the other species), are two purple spots on the upper side, close to the stigmas.
This species was formerly known as Hemerocallis cerulea, and is one of the
oldest plants of the genus.

The so-called Funchkia cerulea is distinct from ovata, and has but little claim
to its cerulean designation, its flowers being of a paler tint than those of our
figure. The foliage is broadly cordate-ovate, pointed at the tip, strongly nerved,
and glossy beneath. The anthers of this species are of a lavender-blue; it is
less desirable than some others.

The F. undulata has, as its name implies, wavy foliage, rather smaller than
in most of the other species; its flowers are of a similar tint to those of the figure,
but paler. The variegated varicty of this species, /. undulata variegata, has very
pretty foliage; in most of the leaves the whole of the central portion is white, the
margin and veins being green; in some the two colours are more equally mingled ;
its flowers are pale, but it is well worth growing for the sake of its foliage.

Perhaps the finest species of the genus is the J. grandzflra, with white flowers
of some size. This plant produces large ovate-lanceolate foliage, of a delicate
green tint, and about the month of September numerous spikes of Lily-like
blossoms, of a beautiful white; they have the great additional recommendation
of being fragrant, in which respect they differ from all we have yet named.
The snails and slugs are so extremely partial to this plant, and in a less degree
to all of them, that great watchfulness is necessary to preserve it from their
ravages; the use of lime is attended with many disadvantages; its obtrusive
tint may be disguised by the admixture of soot, but it is not easy to preserve
its causticity; the most certain precaution is to visit the plant with a lanthorn
at night, the period when these pests of the gardener are most actively engaged
in their destructive operations.

All the Funckias are natives of Japan, and require similar treatment to that
already recommended for the species figured. With the exception of the J. cerulea,
most of them are of comparatively recent introduction. The genus is named in
honour of Henry Funck, a German writer on Cryptogamic Botany.

Before concluding this notice we may remark that the allied genus, Henero-
callis, contains several very showy plants, which well merit cultivation. Even
the common JZ. fulva makes a very showy appearance in the borders, whether
in flower or not; from the graceful arrangement of its long drooping foliage
a good clump of it is often quite a study for an artist. The dwarfer J.
flava is, however, more suitable for small gardens; its flowers are of a delicate
yellow, and very pleasantly scented. The H. disticha is a very fine plant, with
large orange-red flowers; it appears to blossom most freely when its roots are
confined in a pot, but it is quite hardy, asare all the species. They have

136 VENIDIUM CALENDULACEUM.

the disadvantage of fugacious flowers, but most of the species yield a consider-
able number. We have only to add, that nearly all the species of Hemerocallis
and Funckia are of very easy attainment, and are among the cheapest of
hardy plants.

:

VENIDIUM CALENDULACEUM.
Mary-Gold-like Venidium.

Linnean Class—SyYNGENESIA. Order —N ECESSARIA. Natural Order—Compositz.

ive artes :

To the long list of ornamental annuals contributed to our gardens by the
extensive natural order of Composite plants, the Venidium calendulaceum proves
to be a not unimportant addition; and, perhaps, among the recently introduced
species few will be found of a more showy character.

Its specific name is so far appropriate, that some of our readers may suspect
it to be an old acquaintance under a new designation; but, although it certainly
resembles, in colour and form, some of the Mary-golds, botanically it is
sufficiently distinct. In the Calendulas, of which the common Marygold may
be taken as a type, the involucre surrounding the flower-head is composed of
many narrow, pointed, erect leaflets, nearly equal in size, and arrngaed in one
series. In the genus Venidium, the scales of the involucre are of two kinds ,
those composing the innermost series, immediately next the florets of the ray,
are of an oval form, with a thin transparent colourless margin; external to these
are several rows of imbricated scales of a narrower form, and covered with
shaggy hairs, especially at the tip, which is reflexed.

The seed is also of a different structure to that of the Calendulas, as our
figure will show. The Venidiums are more closely allied to the old genus f
Aretotis, with which some of them were formerly incorporated; but in
Arctotis the seeds are furnished with a chaffy pappus, an appendage which
appears to be wanting in Venidium.

The present species is a dwarf annual plant, not often exceeding, even when
in flower, five or six inches in height; the radical leaves are of a broadly
ovate, almost orbicular, form, with a sinuate margin, and long foot-stalks,
more or less winged at their edge; the whole leaf, but especially its margin,
nerves, and petiole, being clothed with long white, clammy, spreading hairs.
The leaves at the base of the flower stalk are of a similar form, but rather

VENIDIUM CALENDULACEUM. 137

narrower, and have their petioles more winged; those higher up are sessile,
becoming more pointed as we approach the flower.

The blossoms, as will be seen by our figure, are produced singly on terminal
peduncles, of which each plant yields a considerable number—as those which
spring directly from the root fade; others are developed from the axils of the
stem- leaves.

The circumference of the flower-head is composed of about fifteen to
twenty strap-shaped florets, arranged in a single series, and of a fine light
orange colour; they bear no stamens, but only a short style terminated by a
stigma, divided into two broad black lobes; the florets of the disk, or central portion
of the flower, are tubular, and contain both stamens and style; before the
tubes open, the disk is green, but as they expand, it assumes a blackish
purple tint, which is due to the black tips of the segments of the florets. The
character of the scales of the involucre has already been explained, as well
as the absence of the pappus, so peculiar to most Composite plants; the
receptacle, on which the florets are seated, is slightly pitted, but otherwise
quite smooth, or naked, as it is termed in botanical parlance. When fully
expanded, the flowers are about an inch-and-half in diameter; they will open
in diffused light, but usually close about two o’clock, a circumstance which
their showy character leads us to regret.

Although placed in the Linnean division, necessaria, of the Class Syngenesia,
the florets of the disk contain both stamens and style as already stated;
but, singular enough, it is only the florets of the ray which produce seeds,
at least, if we may judge from the experience of a single season. The same thing
occurs, however, in the common Marygold, though, in that plant, the style
of the central florets is of a different form to that of the outer ligulate
florets.

The Venidium calendulaceum requires only the treatment of most other half-
hardy annuals from the same locality. It might, perhaps, succeed if sown
in a warm border at the end of April; but the plants will be much finer,
and bloom earlier, if raised on a good hot-bed, with the Zinnias, Asters,
ete. The young plants should be transferred to the open ground early in
May, for, unless allowed plenty of room, they are apt to be forced into
flower while small. A rich, light sandy soil appears to suit it exceedingly
well; and, with regard to situation, a warm sunny border is indispensable,
as it is quite dwarf, it should be planted next to the edge of the border.

There are several other species, chiefly of perennial duration, all of them, as
well as the present plant, being natives of the Cape of Good Hope.

The name of the genus is unexplained.

138 A GROUP OF HARDY COMPOSITE PLANTS.

A GROUP OF HARDY COMPOSITE PLANTS.

In an Order comprising nearly one thousand distinct genera, a considerable
number of ornamental subjects might naturally be supposed to exist; but although
some of our most valuable autumnal plants are undoubtedly contributed by
this tribe, their numbers bear but a small proportion to the host of worthless
weeds with which they are associated. The beauty of many of them, however,
makes us forget the uninteresting characters of a large proportion, and did
this Order contain no other ornamental plants than the Dahlia and Chrysanthemum,
it would have strong claims to the attention of the Horticulturist. We have
no intention of occupying our pages with remarks on the management of these
well-known plants, our purpose being to point out a few of those species which
may, with more propriety, be termed hardy herbaceous perennials.

The botanical features of the plants of this Order are too apparent to need
any detailed description; they are at once distinguished from those of nearly
every other Natural Family, by the flowers being collected into a head, and seated
upon a common receptacle, which is surrounded by several leaf-like segments,
sometimes united by the edges, and termed an involucre; a further characteristic
is the union of the five anthers of each floret into a tube, whence the name Syn-
genesia, the filaments themselves being distinct; these two features occur in no other
Order. The Scabious tribe, Dipsacee, have their flowers produced in a head, but the
anthers in that order are not syngenesious. The Order is now generally divided
into three or four sub-orders, founded chiefly on the different form of the florets
composing the head. Under the name of Cichoracee, ave included those genera
in which all the florets are ligulate, or strap-shaped, as in the Catananche and
Hawkweed. Labiatiflore contains a single genus, IJutisia, in which the central
florets are tubular, and those of the circumference two cleft or dilabiate. The
genera having all their florets tubular, as in the Centaury and common Thistle,
are designated collectively Carduacee or Cynaracee; whilst those in which the
central florets only are tubular, and those of the circumference ligulate, are termed
the Corymbifere or Asteracee. For our present purposes a’‘thuch simpler division
may be adopted; discarding all botanical arrangement we will first name the
tall species, or such as exceed the height of two feet, and secondly, those of
dwarfer habit.

Perhaps among the taller Composite plants, none better deserve the compliment
of being first named, than the splendid Mexican Thistle, Erythrolena conspicua.
It frequently reaches the height of seven or eight feet, producing numerous
branches, with spinous foliage, often two feet in length, near the base of the

A GROUP OF HARDY COMPOSITE PLANTS. 139

stem, but becoming smaller upwards. The flowers owe their ornamental character
to the bright orange-scarlet tint of the scales of the involucre, and from the
number of heads which the plant produces, the effect, when in bloom, is very
striking. It is easily raised from seed upon a hotbed, and the young plants
should be subsequently planted out where they are to bloom; in very hard
winters it will be advisable to place a hand-light, or a few evergreen branches,
over the plants, and being only a biennial, seeds should be sown every season.

We may next name the genus Rudbeckia, which comprises several fine plants
of easy culture. There is first the 2. Drummondii, growing about two and a-half
to three feet high, with leaves deeply divided into lanceolate segments, and large
flower heads, with six broad, oval, reflexed, strap-shaped florets at the circum-
ference, of a yellow tint, but marked at the base with rich brown. It is readily
increased by seeds or division of the roots, and succeeds in any good soil. The
R. fulgida is rather dwarfer, and is quite as ornamental; the rays of the flower
are bright yellow, and the central portion or disk a purple-brown; this species
is a very free bloomer, and seeds sown early will produce flowering plants the
same season. The old ZR. pinnata, now termed Obeliscaria pinnata, is one of the
most robust of the species, and is remarkable for the conical disk of its large
yellow flowers, which are fragrant; its usual height in good soil is from four
to five feet, and it blossoms for many weeks in summer. The R. hirta, R. speciosa,
and R. Newmannii, are all showy plants, the two last are somewhat dwarf.

The Rudbeckias, with purple and lilac flowers, are now included in the genus
Echinacea. The E. intermedia is a beautiful hardy perennial, producing in summer
and autumn large flowers of a dark purple colour, from four to five inches in
diameter; it is of easy cultivation, requiring only common soil and an open
situation ; readily increased by division, and sometimes ripens seeds. The
E. purpurea resembles the preceding, and with the species heterophylla and
serotina may be added to any collection with advantage. All are kept by the
London Florists.

The Globe Thistles, Zehinops, have a picturesque effect in the mixt border or
shrubbery. Five or six species are commonly kept by the trade, of which the
E. Ritro or pauciflorus and E. Ruthenius are perhaps the best. The leaves are
much divided, very spiny, and white beneath, with flowers produced in a
globular head, surrounded by a curious spinous involucre; the florets are all
tubular, and of a beautiful blue-colour. Of E. Ritro there is, we believe, a pretty
white-flowered variety, and the blossoms of Z. spinosus are also white. They are
increased by division, and also by seeds, which are, however, rarely kept by
the Seedsmen.

The Zelehia speciosa is less grown than it deserves to be ; its stems are from four
to five feet high and produce through the summer numerous large bright yellow

140 A GROUP OF HARDY COMPOSITE PLANTS.

flowers. It is quite hardy, but a warm situation should be allotted to it; it may
be increased by divisions of the root, or by seeds.

The perennial species of Coreopsis are mostly deficient in therich brown tint of
the annual tinctor’éa and its varieties, but are several of them very showy
plants, and one, the ©. Atkinsoniana, is scarcely inferior to any. Its flowers are
about two inches across, and usually marked at the base of the rays with rich
brown, but the disk is generally yellow. It is commonly supposed to be perennial,
but does not often last more than three years; is readily raised from seed. This
plant, like the annual ¢inctoria, is now often termed Calliopsis, but they differ very
slightly from the true Coreopsis. Of those species with flowers entirely yellow,
one of the best is perhaps the C. grandiflora, which is really a fine plant ; in good
soil it will reach four feet; the species auriculata, praccox, tenutfolia and verticillata
are, however, all worth cultivation and may be had of most of the principal Florists ;
they are all readily multiplied by division or seeds. We think it very probable
that some interesting hybrids might be raised between the yellow species and the
more deeply coloured annual C. tinctoria, for we do not believe the very slight
differences in the character of the pappus would prove any bar to their union.

The Asters are many of them highly interesting plants, though the species
commonly grown are by no means of this character, and, in fact, are often down-
right rubbish. They vary considerably in height as well as in their season of
blooming, and are all of the easiest culture in good soil. One of the most striking
is the New England Aster, 4. Nova Anglia, growing five feet high, and yielding
from August to October an abundance of large violet blue flowers. The red
variety of this species is very showy, and should be universally grown. The 4.
patens is a handsome plant. growing from one and a half to two feet high, with
large flowers of a blueish purple tint. The A. spectabzlis is about the same height,
but has narrower leaves; its flowers are a fine blue and are very showy. The
flowers of A. grandiflorus are also blue; they have a pleasant citron-like odour,
and are produced very late in the season when most of the others are out of bloom.
Of thenew A. Stkkimensis we hope to give an account in an early number. Among
the dwarf species of Aster, are several pretty plants suitable for rockwork or the
front of the border. The A. Amellus and A. Amelloides, both with fine blue
flowers; the 4. bicolor, A. Reversii, and pulchella are of this class, and with the
taller species we have named, may nearly all be had of the London Florists. There
are many other good species, but they are very difficult to procure.

The Ligularia speciosa, an old plant, has recently appeared in some of the
Seedsmen’s lists, and may be grown where a large selection is desired ; its flow ers
are yellow, and produced in June.

None of the Composite plants are more interesting than those of the genus
Liatris. The roots of most of the species are tuberous, but, with a few exceptions

A GROUP OF HARDY COMPOSITE PLANTS. 141

they are quite hardy. We may at once observe, that in poor dry soil they make
but an insignificant appearance; they require a light rich compost, containing
a large proportion of vegetable matter. Among the finest is the ZL. scariosa,
with a flower-stem from two to three feet high, long linear foliage, and large
heads of flowers, of a fine reddish purple-colour; the scales of the involucre are
bordered with reddish purple. The Lvatris spheroidea is quite as ornamental,
but is much less common; its flowers are of the same colour as the previous
species, and have, like that, long projecting styles, which produce a very graceful
effect. The JZ. spicata has its flowers so closely arranged that, when fully
expanded, they appear to form one continuous mass of bloom. The sweet-scented
L. odoratissima is rather tender; its flowers have a vanilla-like fragrance. They
may all be raised from seed, which should be sown in light peat soil; the fleshy
tubers may also be divided occasionally. The genus Centaurea will contribute a
few really good shewy plants. Besides the common C. montana, there are the
C. macrocephala, C. macrophylla, and the C. atrosanguinea, all with bluish-purple
flowers; the yellow C. glastifolia, the double-white variety, alba plena, and the
C. candidissima, with handsome foliage and large yellow flowers; but the species
of this genus are legion, and nearly all are of interest. They are of the easiest
treatment, and are increased by seeds or division.

Among the Composite plants of a dwarf character we may cite the well-
known Stenactis speciosa, with purple-lilac flowers, which would be really an
interesting plant were its disk of a clearer yellow; it is of value as an early
flower, being generally in bloom by the end of June. There is a new species
which promises to be of some interest, the S. bellidifolia, with shorter foliage, but
we are yet unacquainted with its blossom; it is said to be of a good lilac tint.

The pink and yellow species of Milfoil are good border plants, of the easiest
culture. The best of those with yellow flowers are, tomentosa, filipendula, ligulata,
and aurea; the latter is sometimes known as Pyrethrum achilleefolium. The
only pink ones with which we are acquainted, are the varieties of the common
A. millefolium and the A. asplenifolia, the latter a North American species.
Some of the white-flowered species are very ornamental, especially the 4. macro-
phylla, with foliage very much divided, like that of the common Southern-wood.
The Arnica montana is a somewhat shewy plant, with bright yellow flowers,
rather more than an inch in diameter; it prefers a light peaty soil, and should
not be too frequently disturbed.

The Gaillardias are highly esteemed, both as border and bedding-plants; they
are usually treated as half-hardy plants, especially the more recent hybrids,
but we have found them hardy in dry soils. The G. splendidissima bore full
exposure last winter in a well-drained locality, but in a wet soil it perished.
All the species and varieties are very ornamental, and none more so than
G. Drummondii or picta, as it is sometimes called, for the two are synonymous;

142 A GROUP OF HARDY COMPOSITE PLANTS.

all the species have the florets of the ray tipped with yellow, and reddish crimson
at the base. They are easily increased by division, cuttings or seeds, and seed-
lings will flower the same s¢ason.

The Gazania rigens isa great favourite with most amateurs, and in mild winters will
bear exposure in the open borders; but, under the most favourable circumstances, it
will be prudent to cover it with a hand-light, or inverted pot, in winter, It
does not exceed eight or ten inches in height, and bears large handsome,
solitary flowers, of an orange colour.

The fragrant Coltsfoot, Zussilago fragrans, is valuable for producing its
flowers in mid-winter; but it is rather troublesome, unless confined in a pot,
as its roots spread in every direction; thus grown, it may be removed to the
sitting room when in bloom. The Z. alpina is rather more delicate, and does
best on rock-work, or treated as an alpine; it is a very neat little plant.

Although we are at present unacquainted with its flowers, we may recommend,
on the authority of Messrs. Vilmorin of Paris, from whom we have obtained seeds,
the Vittadenia lobata, a dwarf plant, producing throughout the year an
abundance of pretty daisy-like flowers, at first white, but becoming ultimately
of a clear pink or rose colour. We have not yet seen it in any English seed
list, but it may be obtained from the quarter already named.

We may group together, in a concluding paragraph, two or three plants which
we have omitted to notice in their proper places, they are the Cineraria maritima,
with yellow flowers and white leaves, producing a curious effect; the Catanche
caerulea, which in light sandy soils will prove of value; the orange Hawkweed,
Hieracium aurantiacum; the Helenium autumnale, with large yellow flowers; and
the Pyrethrum roseum, a plant which, as we remarked in a previous number,
would well reward any attention which might be bestowed on it.

We do not profess to have named all, or even a majority of the ornamental
genera of Composite plants. We have, however, referred to the most remarkable
of those which can be procured in this country; many of the genera
recorded in botanical works being practically unattainable; all the species
named in the foregoing pages are, we think, really deserving cultivation.

NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

CLEMATIS LANUGINOSA. (Ranwnculacee.)—A very remarkable species from the North of China or
Japan, with immense flowers of a delicate violet blue, composed of six broad sepals, overlapping at
their edges. The blossoms are at least five or six inches in diameter, produced singly at the
extremity of the shoots, as in the @. cerulea and @. Sieboldtii, with which it has a close affinity.
It is likely to prove equally hardy, but will, probably, like those species, be seen to the best
advantage when grown as a pot plant. Its flower-buds are covered with a woolly pubescence,

NOTICES OF NEW OB RARE PLANTS. 143

whence its name. The plant was introduced from China by Mr. Fortune, to the establishment of
Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot.

Gymnorsis UNISERIALIS. (Composite. )—A recently introduced half-hardy annual, from Mexico
and Texas, remarkable as being almost the only plant of this extensive family, yet discovered with
fragrant flowers; the leaves and flowers of many Composite plants yield an aromatic odour,
but the Jasmine-like fragrance of the Gymmnopsis is very rare, if not unique. It is a branching
plant of somewhat straggling habit, with alternate triangular leaves, irregularly toothed, and
downy beneath, The flower-heads are about two inches across, of a bright yellow colour; the
circumference is formed by five or six broad ovate, spreading, strap-shaped florets, the centre of the
capitulum being occupied by from twenty to thirty tubular florets, loosely arranged. It requires
the same treatment as the other half-hardy plants of this class, and flowers in September.

Wercera MippEenporriana. ( Caprifoliacee.)—Many of our readers are doubtless aware of the
existence of this so-called yellow Weigela, but so few have scen it in flower that suspicions have
arisen as to the reality of its xanthic tint. Some of the young plants have, however, yielded a few
blossoms during the past season, and its yellow colour is beyond dispute, but at present the plants
are so weak that a correct opinion can hardly be formed of the real value of this species. As in
the case of all new plants, the specimens have been kept at an elevated temperature with a view t?
obtain cuttings for propagation, and this unnatural condition has, in more than one instance, led to
the death of the plant. Being a native of Northern Asia, probably of Mongolia, it requires
abundance of air, a comparatively low temperature, and a partially shaded situation; in a word,
a similar treatment to that of the Rhododendrons, and other plants of that class. The plant
resembles in its habit and foliage the well known JV’. rosea appearing to differ only in the tint of
its flowers, which are of a sulphur yellow. Another species, or perhaps variety of this genus, is
likely to excite some attention, the MWeigela amabilis, differing from the JV. rosea, chiefly in
flowering at a later period ; it has also the advantage of blooming freely while very small. Whether
it proves to be a true species, or merely a variety of rosea, is of little moment in a horticultural point
of view, possessing asit does these obvious advantages over that species.

; CULTURE OF THE SILENE COMPACTA.
Tue Silene compacta is one of our handsomest biennial plants, and makes an admirable bed, or
group in the mixed borders, flowering from the end of June to August or September. Unfortu.
nately, in wet soils it is apt to dwindle away immediately previous to flowering—a result which
may be, to a great extent, obviated by the following plan, suggested by Professor Decaisne, and
successfully practised by the French Horticulturists. The seeds should be sown in the open ground,
about the end of September; and as soon as the young plants have two or three pairs of leaves,
they should be pricked out under a south wall, or in a cold frame; the latter is chiefly desirable, on
account of its protecting the plants from excessive wet, for they suffer little from mere cold; if
planted under a wall, any simple expedient may be adopted to screen them from wet in winter.
About the end of March, the seedling are to be carefully dug up, and planted in pots, eight inches in
diameter, filled with light garden soil, with which is mingled a quantity of old lime rubbish; this
gives great permeability to the soil, and appears very congenial to the roots of the plants. One or
two of the seedlings may be placed in each pot, according to their size, and the pots are then to be
plunged into the ground to their rims. By this means, plants may be obtained, which in July will
be covered with the bright rose-coloured flowers which make this species so ornamental. The
above plan seems to resolve itself into efficient drainage, protection from excessive wet in winter,
and a caleareous soil, and it is therefore probable that any modification which ensures these con-
ditions would be as successful as the foregoing treatment. The potting might, we think, be
dispensed with, except in clayey soils, where its adoption would, no doubt, be attended with con-

144 —~—- COLEUS BLUMEI.

siderable advantage. The S. orientalis is an equally beautiful plant, supposed to be but a variety
of the compacta, and requires the same treatment.

THE SIKKIM RHODODENDRONS.
Tue splendid figures published by Dr. Hooker of these remarkable plants excited, in no small
degree, the expectations of the horticultural world, and to judge from the beauty of the few species
which have yet flowered in this country, these hopes will be amply fulfilled. Although
scarcely three years have elapsed since the seeds were distributed in this country, already six
species have produced their blossoms, two of them, indeed, the R. ciliatuwmand R, lepidotum, bloomed
last season; the remaining four, Dalhousie, Bdgworthii, glauctin, and niveum having flowered in
the spring of the present year. The R. ciliatum is a comparatively dwarf species, with small neat
foliage fringed with hairs ; its flowers are very large in proportion to the size of the plant, and of a
delicate blush or rose, varying in depth on different portions of the same flower ; it will probably
prove quite hardy. The R&. /epidotwm is an exceedingly dwarf plant of less interest, its leaves
and stems being covered with minute peltate scales, which are not, however, peculiar to this species.
The R. glaucum isa far more interesting plant, with heads of moderately large rose-coloured
blossoms. It flowered at Kew in April of the present year, and it proves to be one of the hardiest of
the group. The 2. nivewn, so named from the snow-white tomentum with which the young
leaves are clothed, has flowered with Messrs. Standish and Noble, its blossoms being produced in
close heads; they are moderately large, and of a very pretty purplish lilac tint. This, too, is very
hardy. But these are all thrown completely into the shade by the R Dalhous'e and R. Edgworthii,
the latter of which has flowered at the Chiswick Garden of the Horticultural Society, the former
at Dysart House, N. B., the seat of the Earl of Rosslyn. Da‘housie has immense white flowers
of the substance of those of the Magnolias, and leaves about five inches long. In Edgworthii,
they are fully as large, of a creamy white, spotted in the throat with purple, and exhale an
aromatic fragrance. We are not aware whether these two last will prove hardy, but it is highly
probable. Ere long we hope to chronicle the expansion of the flowers of the more highly coloured
species.
COLEUS BLUMEI.

Unver the name of Plectranthus concolor picta, many of our readers may have met with this
singular plant at some of the Floricultural Exhibitions of the past season, where it attracted great
attention. It belongs to the Lipworts, and was introduced to Holland from Java in 1851, by
M. J. A. Willink, an amateur Florist of Amsterdam. In its habit it resembles the Salvias,
especially the stronger growing species, such as gesneriflora ; the leaves are ovate, very pointed,
and edged with large acute teeth; their ground colour is a pale green, but the whole of the centre
of the leaf is occupied by a large stain of a reddish-brown tint; in the young leaves the stain
is small, but in the larger ones it covers at least one-half the surface. The flowers are produced
in long verticillate spikes, each whorl being composed of four compound spikelets, bearing rather small
flowers, resembling in form an inverted Salvia blossom, the lower lip being of a boat-like shape.
Their colour is white and violet-blue, and although, individually, less conspicuous than those of
many other Lipworts, the number and length of the spikes compensate for their small size.
Its leaves alone would stamp it with the greatest interest, for their coloration is quite unique
Its value is greatly increased by the circumstance, that it appears likely to succeed in the open
air during summer; we have turned a specimen about a foot high into the borders, and, judging
from present appearances, we have no doubt that it is as hardy as many of the Salvias. Whether
it will flower in the open ground remains to be seen, but in any case its foliage will ensure
it a welcome in the borders. As a window plant it will succeed admirably, and its culture is
remarkably easy, cuttings rooting with great facility.

’ Oia
*

. 2.
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Milla’ beflora 2 Vb-r0nit’ wmbellalt

HELIOPHILA ARABOIDES. 145

HELIOPHILA ARABOIDES.
Arabis-like Heliophila.

Linnean Class—TETRADYNAMIA. Order —S1Liquosa. Natural Order—Crucirer®.

Tue plants of the Natural Order Crucifere, or Cabbage tribe, are, in general, more
remarkable for their culinary and economical uses, or for their troublesome
character as weeds, than for their adaptability to decorative gardening.

The beauty of the various species of Wallflower and Double Stock is, however,
amply sufficient, in the eyes of the Florist, to redeem the Order from the charge of
want of interest; and these, with the Rockets, Candy-tufts, and a few members
of the genera Alyssum, Arabis, Aubrietia, and dithionema, may be said to
constitute its chief attraction in an horticultural point of view. To these we
may add, among annual plants, the curious Schizopetalon Walkeri, the Erysimum
Petroffskianum, and last and least in size—though not in interest—the little
Heliophilas, remarkable as being one of the very few genera of Cruciferous
plants yielding flowers of a pure blue tint. This circumstance, as well as their
comparative rarity in our gardens, has induced us to figure one of the species
as an illustration of the Order.

The Crucifere, as our readers know, are so named from the resemblance their
four petals are supposed to bear, when fully expanded, to a Greek cross—whence
the English name Cross-wort. This, however, is not their most remarkable
feature, which consists rather inthe tetradynamous character of their stamens.
Four of these are arranged in two opposite pairs, the remaining two being
solitary, and usually more or less shorter than the others. The filaments are
frequently furnished with teeth or processes near the base; sometimes these
occur only on the solitary stamens, as in the genus Heliophila; in others, only
on the longer pairs, as in the little Schivereckia podolica, where it appears in a
wing-like form on each side of the filament. The long narrow pod, or siliqua, is
another peculiarity of this Order, and with the four petals and tetradynamous
stamens, readily distinguish it from all others. Sometimes, however, the ovary
instead of being lengthened ont, as in the Stock and many other genera, is
short and broad, as in the Candytuft, in which case it is termed a silicule.
Perhaps one of the most curious features of the Cross-worts is the manner
in which the cotyledons or seed-lobes are folded in their narrow cell, though
we fear explanations would hardly be intelligible without a liberal use of
wood-cuts. The convolutions of the fire-work commonly termed a serpent,

10

146 HELIOPHILA ARABOIDES.

will afford some idea of the mode in which the cotyledons are packed in
the genus Heliophila; with this difference, however, that in the latter, the
folds are but three in number.

A glance at our figure will show that the various features to which we
have adverted are found occurring in the H. Araboides. The four sepals are
uniform in size, the two which are opposite the solitary stamens being destitute
of the protuberance at their base so commonly seen ‘in the Cross-worts. The
petals are remarkable for a small process which occurs on one side close to the
base, as shown in the sketch accompanying our figure, and the two single
stamens are also furnished with a tooth-like process covered with papilla ; in
H. trifida this tooth is apparently smooth. The pod of our present species
is of the ordinary siliquose form, but in some other species, notably ampleai-
caulis and pinnata, it is beaded or moniliform, as is seen in that of the common
radish.

The Heliophila Araboides is of trailing habit, and much branched. Its
leaves, with the exception of the terminal ones, are deeply cleft into from
three to five lobes, and the whole plant is more or less hairy. The flowers
are produced at the extremities of the stem and lateral shoots, in heads
which ultimately elongate into racemes. They are of a pale but clear
pleasing blue, and are produced in abundance for a considerable period. On
our specimens they do not appear to expand before noon, but remain open
until a late hour of the evening, when they again close to re-open on the
following day. Like most of the Cape annuals it is but half hardy, and
requires to be raised on a hot bed; though in warm dry localities it may
be raised in the open borders, if not sown before the end of April. It seems
to prefer a sandy loam containing a portion of leaf mould, or thoroughly decayed
manure, or in the absence of these, a little peat; but any good porous soil will be
sufficient after the seedlings have passed the early stages of their growth. We
find the exposition is not very important, though it certainly succeeds best in a
warm sunny border, where it is most prolific of flowers. As the blossoms are
small it should be planted in masses, or it may be employed as an edging to plants
of larger growth; it is also well suited for rock work. As a window plant, in
pots, it makes a neat, though not conspicuous appearance, affording a
pleasing contrast to the red and scarlet tints of the ubiquitous Geraniums and
Fuschias.

There are a considerable number of species, all of them natives of the Cape of
Good Hope, and all requiring similar treatment, though <Araboides is perhaps the
most ornamental. The H. ¢rifida resembles in colour the species figured, but the
centre of the flower is white, and the leaves narrower, with finer segments. The
H. pilosa has been recently advertised as a new and distinct species, but we believe

LEPTOSIPHON LUTEUS. 147

that name is but a synonyme or alias of the present plant. With the other
members of the genus we have but little acquaintance.

Heliophila is compounded of helios, the sun, and philo, to love ; in allusion to the
sunny spots in which the plants of this genus are naturally found. It may not be
amiss to observe that the o and 7 in araboides form two distinct syllables.

LEPTOSIPHON LUTEUS.
Yellow-flowered Leptosiphon.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—MonoGyYNIA. Natural Order—PoLEMONIACEXR,

Or the numerous Californian annuals discovered and introduced by the lamented
Douglass, few have so long retained their place in the public esteem, as the
interesting Leptosiphon androsaceus and densiflorus : their very neat compact habit,
complete hardiness, and the abundance of their starry blossoms, combine to render
them among the most desirable ornaments of the borders in spring and early
summer. ‘These two species, with their varieties, have hitherto been the only
attainable representatives of the genus; for, although the names of others have
for years stood recorded in most of our botanical dictionaries, they served, in
common with many others, but to provoke the regret that they should still be
wanting in our collections. They appear to have been all detected by Douglass
about the same period, and we are therefore at a loss to explain why seeds of all
should not have been introduced by him, unless it be due to the circumstance of
their flowering at different seasons of the year.

At length, however, by the enterprise of Messrs. Veitch—to whom our gardens
are indebted for so many valuable exotics—the long-desired yellow Leptosiphon is
placed within our reach; and combining, as it does, all the qualifications already
referred to of the older species, with a more novel and brighter tint, it will
doubtless be one of the most eagerly sought for plants of the coming season.
Except in the colour of the blossom and length of its tube, it does not differ in
general appearance from the other species, being like them of low growth, not
usually exceeding, even when most luxuriant, ten or twelve inches in height, and
in poor soil often much less. Its stems are slender, and stained with purple,
branching, and clothed with short spreading hairs. The leaves are opposite,
sessile, and deeply cleft into five to eight narrow, pointed lobes, which are some-
what fleshy in substance, and fringed with short hairs. The flowers are produced

148 LEPTOSIPHON LUTEUS.

in terminal clusters, and are remarkable for the tenuity of the tube of the corolla,
which is often from one-and-a-half to two inches long, and in most of the blossoms
slightly curved, the limb expanding into five broad blunt lobes. The stamens are
attached by short filaments to the interior of the throat, and have their anthers
exserted, or in other words, protruding beyond the orifice of the flower; the style,
which is also exserted, is divided at its extremity into three long narrow stigmas.

Messrs. Veitch inform us that they have raised both the varieties discovered
by Douglass, one with pale yellow flowers, of which our figure is a representation,
the other with blossoms of a dark yellow or orange colour. In the variety figured,
the eye of the flower is darker than the limb, and at the base of each segment an
orange spot occurs, more or less distinct in different specimens. We have under-
stood that, in its native habitat, it usually blooms at the end of summer ; but in this
country it appears likely to produce its flowers about the same period as the other
species, that is, from May to July or August, according to the date of sowing.
When sown early in autumn, they will bloom about the end of May, whilst those
sown in spring will follow in succession. As in the case of most of the hardy
annuals, by far the finest specimens are produced from autumn-sown seed ;
indeed, the unfavourable springs of the last two or three years render it highly
expedient to adopt this period, if flowers are to be looked for with any certainty.

The Leptosiphons prefer a sandy loam, well enriched with thoroughly rotten
manure or leaf mould; but for autumn sowing, a poor dry soil should be chosen,
that the plants may be less succulent, and better fitted to endure the capricious
severities of our winters. Agricultural writers are now very properly insisting on
the advantages of thin sowing, and the recommendation is no less appropriate to
our pages. The difference between plants which have come up singly, and those
resulting from seeds thickly sown, is immense, and cannot fail to have struck the
most inattentive Florist; nor is the contrast much less striking even when the patch
has been thinned out, for it is on the conditions of the early stages of their growth
that the future character and habit of most plants depends. Whether performed
in autumn or spring, we would therefore strongly impress on our readers the
importance of sowing thinly, and, apart from the seemingly paradoxical result of an
increased return, it has an additional recommendation on the score of economy.
The precise period of the autumn at which the seeds of the Californian annuals are
sown, is not unimportant; for most parts of the country the middle of September
appears to be most suitable; if sown earlier, they become too far advanced in their
growth before the arrival of winter, and then receive a sudden check; whilst at a
later period, the decreased temperature is unfavourable to germination, and such
plants as succeed in passing this stage, are but too liable to perish on the first
sharp frost.

We have said that. the Leptosiphons delight in a generous compost; such plants

MILLA BIFLORA. 149

as have passed the winter in poor dry soil should, therefore, be transferred in
March, with as little disturbance of the roots as possible, to a well manured
border, the plants being grouped in as large a mass as the supply will permit.

Those who had the good fortune to be present at the Chiswick Exhibition, at
which Messrs. Veitch’s specimens were shown, will hardly need to be informed
the yellow Leptosiphon readily adapts itself to pot-culture. Plants which have
passed the winter in the open air will make charming ornaments for the window in
spring, if dug up and potted in rich soil about the end of February or beginning
of March. Spring sowings will be best effected where the plants are intended to
bloom; and in rich soil.

Besides the Leptosiphon luteus and the well-known L. androsaceus and L. densiflorus,
there are two other species recorded, viz. the ZL. grandiflorus and L. parvifiorus,
both of which are said to be of a yellowish tint, though neither of them has yet
come under our notice. It may be worth while remarking that the two species,
androsaceus and densiflorus, most familiar to gardeners, are not unfrequently sold for
each other; but they are readily distinguished by the different length of the corolla
tube. In denszflorus, this is very short, shorter indeed than the limb of the flower ;
in androsaceus and its varieties, it is twice or thrice longer than the limb. The
leaves of the latter have also fewer lobes than those of the former.

The generic appellation, Leptosiphon (leptos, slender, and siphon, a tube), is so
peculiarly appropriate to the present species, that we have employed it throughout
these remarks; they differ, however, from the Gilias in so little except the greater
length of the corolla tube, that it is now proposed to unite them with that genus.
It should, therefore, be borne in mind that the attractive little plant here intro-
duced to our readers, is by some authors termed the Gulia lutea.

/ /
MYELA’> BIFEORX.
Two-flowered Milla.
Linnean Class—HrxanvRia. Order—MonoGynIa, Natural Order —Liu1acex,

Exrenvep observations on a large number of plants of all hues have established
the fact, that, of those yielding white flowers, a much greater proportion are
fragrant, than in the case of those with red, yellow, or blue blossoms. It may
be that the gift of fragrance is bestowed in compensation for the absence of
colour, though the loveliness of many of our white flowers might well render

150 . MILLA BIFLORA.

such an addition to their charms superfluous. The whole subject of odours
in plants is involved in mystery ; why one flower should emit its perfume during
the whole of its brief existence, whilst in others it is withheld until the shades of
evening descend; or to what causes are due the variations in their character, are
among the hitherto unsolved, though not perhaps unsolvable, problems of the
Natural World. We may, however, be well content to suppress our curiosity on
these points, whilst our senses are so bountifully regaled with such sweet sights
and odours as are presented to us in the flowers of a Dagnolia grandiflora, a
Mandevillea suaveolens, a Carnation, or a Milla biflora.

Among our fragrant plants, several members of the Lily tribe occupy a con-
spicuous position; and of their number, none perhaps are more remarkable for
their exquisite odour and purity of tint, than the flowers of the last named
bulb. The Dhilla bifora is one of those plants to which justice can scarcely
be done on paper, especially by a reduced figure; to be appreciated it must be
seen, and we -can but hope that our notice may induce many of our readers to
obtain for themselves this charming gem.

It isa half-hardy plant, produced from a small bulb rather more than an inch
in diameter. The leaves are from four to six in number, of a rush-like form, and
about a foot in length. They are channelled on their inside to within about
a quarter of an inch of the tip, and are of a dark green, which near the base
is mingled with purple. The flowers terminate a scape which often rises con-
siderably higher than the leaves, and although only two occurred in our specimen,
they are not unfrequently three or even four in number; a circumstance we may
suppose to have been unknown to the Botanist by whom its specific designation
of ‘two-flowered’ was first applied. The peduncles bearing the blossoms are
usually much longer in proportion than those of our figure, where they are
shortened for the sake of convenience. The greenish colour of the bud almost
up to the moment of unfolding, would scarcely lead us to expect such an entire
absence of colour within; and as expansion usually takes place during the night,
the contrast suddenly presented is very striking. The yellow anthers contribute
considerably to the effect; at first sight they appear to be sessile, or nearly so,
but a closer examination will shew that the filaments are present, but enclosed
in the walls of the tube. The mode in which the segments of the flowers cohere
before expansion, in this and many other Lilyworts, deserves a moment’s attention.
On each side of the prominent rib or ridge occurring on the back of the three inner
divisions of the flowers, a channel or grove exists, into which the edge of the
outer segments fit closely, and in the Jfi/la these are furnished with a hook-like
termination, by which the intermediate segments are held together. The green
colour of the ribs of the segments would greatly enhance the charms of the flower,
but that after expansion they are concealed by their position. The flowers are not

MILLA BIFLORA. 151

of long duration, but its blooming period is prolonged by their opening in
succession; in the case of specimens producing three or four blossoms, a period of
two or three weeks will usually intervene between the expansion of the first
and last. Although the interest with which we view our floral treasures
undoubtedly reaches its climax at the moment of blooming, it is by no means
confined to that period, but, commencing with their earliest growth, is sustained by
the pleasures of hope, and followed by those of memory; but for this happy
constitution of the human mind, by which the joy of a moment becomes ‘a joy
for ever’, it may well be doubted whether the attention of weeks would be
lavished to be repaid by a transient blossom.

The cultivation of the I/fila is of the same character as that of most other half-
hardy summer bulbs. It succeeds admirably in pots, and perhaps the delicacy of
its snow-white flowers may render it advisable to restrict it to the window or
frame. But it is sufficiently hardy to endure the open borders, where it may be
planted about the end of April or beginning of May, in a mixture of sandy-loam
and leaf mould or peat, at a depth of two or three inches. As sharp frost may
occur about the period its leaves appear above ground, a small hand-light should
be placed over the bulb until the middle of May or later, according to the tempe-
rature. When the flower stem appears, it should be secured to a slender incon-
spicuous rod, and about the end of July the blossoms will unfold themselves. After
the flowers and leaves have faded, the bulbs should be removed from the ground,
though so long as frost or excessive wet does not prevail, they may remain. The
growth of the leaves subsequent to flowering should, on no account, be checked, as
the longer they remain green, the greater will be the size attained by the offsets.
In wet adhesive or clayey soils, this bulb will not succeed unless a considerable
proportion of white sand and leaf mould are mixed with the earth of the borders.
In pots its growth is generally taller than in the open ground; and it succeeds so
readily that it is scarcely possible to fail in its culture. A pot of four or five inches
in diameter will be sufficient for the largest bulb; it should be well drained, and
the soil employed must be that already recommended for its border treatment. It
should be grown on a sunny window, an abundance of light being indispensable.

This bulb is usually sold at rather a high price by the London Florists, but may
be had at a cheaper rate of Mr. Saunders of St. Heliers, Jersey, by whom it
can be forwarded in a dry state. There is one other species known to exist,
the Milla uniflora, producing a flower of a pale lilac tint, and further distinguished
from the present species by its stamens being alternately smaller, those of biflora
being uniform in size. Our plant is a native of the temperate parts of Mexico,
whence it was introduced about 1826.

This genus was named by Cavanilles, in honour of his compatriot, Julian
Milla, head gardener at the Royal Garden of Madrid. The flowers of our figure

152 ABRONIA UMBELLATA.

are about one half the natural size. We may add, as an illustration of the doc-
trine that ‘extremes meet’, that the leaves of both species of Jfilla yield an
alliaceous odour when bruised, so slight is the interval separating the most
delicious perfumes from those of an opposite character.

ABRONIA UMBELLATA.
Umnbelled Abronia.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order—Monoeynta. Natural Order—NYcTAGINACER.

Tue Abronia wmbellata offers us an example of a class of plants termed by
Botanists monochlamydeous; in other words, having but one floral envelope, and of
which the common Marvel of Peru is a familiar illustration. In the majority of
Exogenous plants, the flowers comprise both an outer and inner envelope, termed
respectively the calyx and corolla; but in a certain number of Natural families the
latter of these is wanting, or it may be that both are present in a united form.
By those who take this view, such a flower is termed a perianth, though it
would be more proper to confine that term to the blossoms of Endogenous plants.

To one of the most curious of these Natural families, the Nyctaginacee, or
Marvel of Peru tribe, our Abronia wmbellata belongs ; and although, at first sight,
the relationship between the plant which forms the type of that Order and our
present subject, will appear but slight, we have only to turn to the enlarged
figure of a single blossom given in our sketch, to be struck with its resemblance
in miniature to the flower of the plant just named. The most singular feature
of the Wyctaginacee is the hardening of the base of the calyx after flowering,
by which the seed becomes enclosed in a woody envelope which supplies the
place of the usual integuments. Thus, in the fruit of the common Marvel of
Peru, the hard external coating is not, as might be, supposed by some, a true
seed-shell, but the remains of the floral envelope much enlarged, and so indurated
as to serve most efficiently the purpose of a covering to the grain. There is
however, no adhesion between it and the seed, nor does it completely surround
it, a small orifice being visible at the apex.

The same feature we shall find occurring in the Abronias, though in a modified
form, as will be presently explained. Our figure, although representing with
considerable accuracy the character of the flower-heads, and the shape of the

ABRONIA UMBELLATA. 158

foliage, does not convey an idea of the habit of the plant, which is weak and
trailing, bearing some analogy to that of the Nolanas. The leaves are opposite,
fleshy, of a blunt oval form, and generally more or less sinuate at the margin.
The flowers are produced in umbels, from the axils of the leaves and branches,
on stalks two inches or more in length, stained with red, bearing from ten to
twenty blossoms surrounded by a many-leaved involucre. The blossoms are
entirely sessile, and consist, as already explained, of a coloured calyx only, the
true corolla being absent. Our figure shews that at the base, enclosing the germen,
the tube is slightly four-angled, a little contracted immediately above, and inflated
near the orifice of the flower, which has a funnel-shaped limb, divided into five
heart-shaped lobes. The five short stamens are arranged within the tube at vary-
ing distances from its mouth, and the ovary is crowned bya small simple stigma.
After the withering of the upper portion of the calyx, its base swells consider-
ably, and assumes a pendant position, the four angles already referred to becoming
developed into a wing-like form. The whole plant is covered with minute viscid
glands, especially the flower-stalks and the flowers themselves. The colour of the
leaves is a pale glaucous green; that of the flowers a lilac pink, except the tube,
which is bright red at the base, as are the leaves of the involucre. We may observe
that the flowers are produced in great abundance on established plants, and in
long succession, and when well grown, its appearance is highly ornamental.

This leads us to speak of its propagation and culture. Although by no means
of difficult treatment under certain conditions, it must be admitted to be somewhat
more delicate than many other summer occupants of the garden, especially in a
young state, the roots appearing to be exceedingly impatient of stagnant moisture.
The most important conditions of success are that the soil should be of a dry,
porous texture, and that its branches should be kept from the ground. If allowed
to trail they speedily suffer from the moisture of our climate, and it is therefore
indispensable to interpose something which will effectually prevent contact with
the soil. This may be accomplished either by surrounding the plant with a few
bushes, chopped small, over which it may trail; or by supporting the shoots with
slender willow rods; or it may be grown to perfection, trained against a south
wall. Perhaps one of the most elegant modes of cultivating this pretty plant, is
to arrange it as the central occupant of a circular bed, planting it in a raised
basket of sandy loam and vegetable soil, and allowing its branches to trail freely.
In such a position it will be seen to great advantage, and there will be little or no
risk of injury from excessive moisture ; if desirable, the surface of the soil in the
basket can be covered with shingle, or a few cut twigs. It is not completely hardy,
and should therefore be protected in winter in a frame, though, as it is more sensi-
tive to wet than cold, it would probably bear exposure, if covered by a hand light.

It may be readily increased by seeds, which in favorable situations are produced

154 A GROUP OF HARDY BULBS.

abundantly. They should be sown early on March, on a gentle heat, in pots of
sandy loam with a little peat. Only a few seeds should be placed in each pot,
as they do not bear transplanting so well as most plants, and when sufficiently
advanced, which will be about the middle of May, they may, after being
gradually inured to the change, be turned into the borders without any dis-
turbance of their fibres. Sown at the period we have named, they will usually
flower the first season. It may also be increased by cuttings, or, what is better,
slips of the short side branches, which will root in a warm sandy border, under
a hand-glass in summer; during the cooler months, a slight bottom heat will
be necessary.

The <Abronia wnbellata was introduced about twenty years back from Cali-
fornia; since which period three other species haye been discovered in the
same locality, mellifera, pulchella, and rosea, though none of them are yet in
general cultivation in this country. The generic term is derived from -adyus
(Gr.), delicate, in allusion to the character of the flower; this Greek root
our readers will remember forms part of the designation of a very different
plant to the present one—the Habrothamnus. We must add, by way of post-
script, that although the flowers of the <Abronia are said to be fragrant, they
are, as far as our observation goes, only so in a very slight degree.

——__——

A GROUP OF HARDY BULBS.

Conswertne the small amount of trouble involved in the cultivation of hardy bulbous plants,
and the beauty of most of their flowers, it is surprising that they should not be more generally
sought after by all classes of Floriculturists. Their number is so considerable, that it would be
quite possible to form a bulb garden from which the other classes of plants should be excluded
though, undoubtedly, the most interesting effects result from their distribution among the usual
exogenous occupants of the beds and borders. A large proportion of them produce their flowers
at a season when they are rendered doubly valuable by the absence of most others; but so far,
however, from being limited to this period, there is scarcely a month in the year in which several
interesting bulbs are not to be found in bloom. A certain number of the commoner species are,
it is true, met with in most gardens, but a much larger number are either entirely absent, or
confined to the collections of the wealthy. Of the forty or fifty species and varieties of Lily, for
example, how many are usually found occurring in the same garden? and of the interesting genus
Narcissus, including perhaps 150 species, the same question may be put.

The period for planting the hardy bulbs being close at hand, we have thought that it may
be useful to remind our readers of some of the most desirable of the numerous treasures that are
available for this purpose; and, perhaps, with a view to assist the faculty of association, we cannot
do better than refer to them under their natural distinctions of Lily-worts, Amaryllids, and Irids ;
the first, as our readers know, being characterised by their seperior ovary, six cleft perianth, and

A GROUP OF HARDY BULBS. 155

six stamens opening inwards ; the second by their inferior ovary, and six stamens; and, the
third by an inferior ovary, three stamens, and three stigmas, more or less petaloid in form.

The Lily-worts will be most fittingly introduced by a short notice of the genus from which
the Order derives its name. Of these beautiful bulbs several are sufficiently common in our gardens
to render any especial reference to them needless; such as the charming white Lily, Z. candidun,
with its striped-leaf variety; the Orange or bulb-bearing Lily, and the several varieties of the
Martagon, some of which are very ornamental. A few of our readers may, possibly, be unaware
that there are both pure white, scarlet, and yellow varieties of this well-known plant, as well
as one with double-white flowers; their odour is less agreeable than that of many species. Any
light vegetable soil suits them. The L. crocewm is also generally cultivated; it closely resembles
the L. bulbiferum, but produces no bulbils in the axils of its leaves. Its flowers are of a saffron
yellow, spotted, especially near the base, with numerous dark stains. It is by no means particular
as to soil or situation; we have found it grow very well eyen in town gardens.

The Superb Lily, L. superbum, is a very beautiful species, producing a large number of
blossoms of a fine orange-red, spotted with purplish-brown, with the divisions of the flower semi-
reflexed. This species is of tall growth, and requires a somewhat shaded situation, and a peaty
soil, or one containing a large proportion of vegetable matter, with a little sand. It should be
kept free from the encroachments of other plants, and in very cold seasons its roots will be safer
if slightly protected. The Liliwm Philadelphicum is an interesting plant of dwarfer habit, with
red flowers spotted with black or dark brown at the base. Its bulbs are very small, and throw
out slender runners at the extremities of which the new roots are formed; it is therefore advisable
to plunge them in a pot to prevent their being lost. Peaty soil is desirable.

The L. excelsum we have already noticed in a previous number ; its nankin or fawn-coloured
flowers are perhaps less brilliant than some others, but they are very large and highly fragrant-
It is sometimes sold as testacewm, but that we believe to be a distinct species, less hardy in its
character. The beautiful L. venustum is one of the most desirable of the whole genus; a figure
and description will be found at page 25 of the present volume. The L. Thunbergianum closely
resembles it, and is equally showy. Both are quite hardy, and succeed in any soil. The
L. Chaleedonicum, or Scarlet Martagon, as it is often termed, is a very beautiful plant, with brilliant
red flowers studded with warty papille. It will succeed well in the shade, and prefers a vegetable
soil, The Tiger Lily, L. tigrinum, is perhaps one of the commonest of the species; its numerous
deep orange flowers spotted with red make it very desirable. It produces pulbils in the axils
of the leaves, and will succeed in any light soil, The L. Pomponiwm, or Pompon Lily, is of a
similar form, but is of a much deeper tint, and produces fewer flowers, not often more than six
or eight. It is not particular as to soil, but moisture and a shaded exposition are desirable.

We now come to a group which is less common than most of the preceding, but inferior to none
in beauty. The Kamtschatka Lily, L. Kamtschatkense, is one of these; it is sometimes termed
Amblirion, but does not appear to differ in any important point from the true Lilies. It grows about
three feet high, with an erect pubescent stem and oblong hairy leaves. The flowers are of a golden
yellow, with numerous purplish spots on the interior ; segments more or less reflexed. They are
very pleasantly scented, with an odour similar to that of the LZ. excelswm, or the Jonquil. It is
quite hardy, but should be planted where it receives only the morning sun. Peaty soil should be
preferred. This handsome bulb appears to be rare in this country, and those dealers who possess
it seem disposed to charge a somewhat exorbitant sum for it. In Paris, however, it may be
bought for so small a sum as sixpence a bulb ; so that, considering the facilities for communication
between the two countries, this high price seems quite inexcusable, Messrs. Vilmorin and Co.,
30, Quai dela Mégisserie, we think can supply the plant cheaply. The L. monadelphum, so named

156 A GROUP OF HARDY BULBS.

from the partial adhesion of the filaments of the stamens, is another somewhat rare species, though
it is occasionally to be met with in the catalogues of the London Florists. It does not often exceed
two feet, and has rather small pale yellow flowers, with reflexed divisions. This species is some-
times confused with the ZL. Colchicum, figured in our first Volume, but is quite distinct ; its stamens
alone are sufficient to identify it. Like most of the Alpine species, it dislikes a hot exposure.

The L. Colchicum just spoken of, is a finer plant than monadelphwn, and its flowers are larger.
It is very hardy, and one of the most beautiful of the genus, but is rather expensive at present.
Another species with yellow flowers is the Z. Pyrenaicum, though there is a variety with red
blossoms. The true species is pale yellow, spotted within, with reddish brown; the stamens are
bright red. Both the varieties are cheap, and easily procurable.

The LZ. Canadense deserves to be honourably mentioned: it is really a very handsome species,
and not at all expensive. Height from three to four feet: and in July and August bears from one
to ten flowers of a light orange tint, with reflexed divisions spotted with purple at their base.
There is a variety with deep orange flowers. Light vegetable soil.

The Z. atrosanguinewm is aspecies we must, on no account, omit to name, its flowers being
unrivalled in the depth of their tint. It is of moderate height, producing in July several reflexed
blossoms of a deep blood-red colour. It is quite hardy, though a Japanese species. Its hybrids
with L. bulbiferwm are scarcely less interesting, and they are rather taller than the species; nearly
a dozen distinct varieties may be had of the London Florists, and of Mr. Groom of Clapham, by
whom they were raised; the varieties named Nabob, Rubens, Titian, and Vulcan, are all good.
To these we must add the splendid Z. Jancifoliwm, or rather, its white variety, which is the
only one we can venture to recommen for full exposure. That, we are satisfied, will bear
almost any amount of frost; a pot containing a large bulb was left exposed the whole of the
winter and spring of 1852-3, and was completely frozen without receiving the least injury.
The varieties, rwrwm and punctatum, do not appear quite so hardy, though, if kept dry, they would
_ probably bear considerable cold. Grown, however, as pot plants, they all form noble objects
for the window. There are some other magnificent species, such as the LZ. giganteum, L. Wal-
lichianum, L. Brownii, and L. Japonicum, to which we do not now particularly advert, their
present rarity and costliness placing them out of the reach of all but the wealthiest
classes.

Closely allied to the Lilies are the Fritillaries, including the well known Crown Imperial
and the dwarf F meleagris and its varicties. It is to these latter we would more particularly
call the attention of the reader, as they do not appear to be so extensively known as they
merit. The Dutch Florists have recently introduced a considerable number of nearly every
imaginable shade of colour, from pure white to yellow and dark purple, and the union of
these three tints in the same flower is by no means uncommon. They are sold at a cheap
rate, and may be had of most of the Seedsmen by name; if of no other Florist, Mr. Carter
of Holborn is sure to possess them, Although very hardy, they may be potted for the
window, being treated precisely as the Hyacinth. Besides these varieties, there are several
distinct species, of which Persica and Pyrenaica are the most common.

Among the most beautiful of all the dwarfer Lilyworts is the Camassia esculenta. It is
allied to the Squills, but, in its rich purple colour, is much superior to any of that genus.
Its height is about eighteen inches, and its flowers are produced about the end of June.
Although the bulbs may be planted so late as March or April, it is better to plant them in
autumn, as it is perfectly hardy, and the roots are liable to injury by being kept out of
the ground through the winter; at all events, they should be purchased in autumn, that the
finest roots may be selected. Everybody should obtain this shewy plant. [See page 109 of

A GROUP OF HARDY BULBS. 157

the present Volume.] The allied Squills and Ornithogalums will be found noticed in a paper in
our previous Volume, to which, for the sake of economising our space, we refer the reader.
We avail ourselves of this opportunity to correct an error into which we were inadvertently
jed in the article in question. We had received a bulb as that of a Blue Star of
Bethlehem, and, as it was said to be very shewy, we ventured to recommend it; upon
flowering, however, it proved to be the well-known Scilla Peruviana, a beautiful bulb, truly,
but distinct from the Ornithogalums, the flowers of which are all either white or yellow.
The very pretty Calliprora lutea, with an umbel of yellow flowers, as well as the Brodiea
congesta and B. grandiflora, with their blossoms, will also be found noticed at the page
referred to, with some other beautiful plants, and we need, therefore, do no more than
mention their names. The Hesperoscordiam lacteum, allied to the genus Allium, is ‘an
ornamental summer bulb, producing a head of white flowers. Although not often sold in
a dry state, it may be had cheaply of some of the Florists; it is kept at Messrs. Hender-
sons, Pine Apple Nursery, Edgeware Road. We must not, however, dwell at greater length
on the Lilyworts, or we shall have no space left for the Amaryllids and Irids, to the first
of which we will now refer.

One of the finest hardy Amaryllids is, undoubtedly the Paneratium illyricum. Its foliage
resembles that of the Polyanthus Narcissis; and its flowers are borne on a flattened scape
from twelve to eighteen inches high. They are about ten or twelve in number, and of
considerable size, pure white, and highly fragrant. The bulbs should be planted at least
four inches deep, in rich sandy loam. This species is, we think, preferable to the P.
maritimum, which closely resembles it, but flowers less freely. The Lsmene Amancaes, or
Peruvian Daffodil, formerly classed with the Paneratiums, is not quite so hardy as the pre-
ceding, but is abundantly so for summer culture in the open ground. Its bulbs should be
procured at this season, and preserved in a cool dry place until the end of March or
beginring of April, when they should be planted three or four inches deep in light soil.
If severe frost occurs, an empty pot or handglass may be placed over them. The flowers
are produced in June, on a stem eighteen inches high; they are very large, and of a pure
bright yellow. The filaments of the stamens are united into a deep crown or nectary, like
that of the common Daffodil, but larger. The J. calathinum, with white flowers, may be
treated in the same manner. The prices of these two bulbs vary exceedingly; we have seen
them in Carter’s Catalogues at 1s. each; whilst in those of some of the London Nursery-
men they are marked as high as 10s. 6d.

The Crinum Capense is another handsome bulb, sometimes known as Amaryllis longifolium. It
produces in July an umbel of pink flowers, one and-a-half to two feet high; the bulb should be
planted deeply in good loam, containing a little sand and peat. The plant sold as C. Capense
album is, we think, the C. longifolium, which has white flowers, and is nearly as hardy as the
true Capense. Like that, it should be deeply planted, and in hard winters some covering will be
needed. Both species require an abundance of moisture while growing. They cost from one
shilling to one shilling and sixpence per bulb. The Chlidanthus fragrans is an interesting
plant ; not quite hardy, it is true, but as its roots need only be planted in spring, practically it may
be classed with the hardier species. It should be planted in a warm border of rich loam about the
beginning of April, when it will produce its bright yellow fragrant flowers at the end of June.
It increases very freely by offsets, which should be separated before planting the bulb. It
may be had of most Florists for less than a shilling. Of similar treatment to the preceding, are the
Pentlandia miniata, a pretty half-hardy red-flowered bulb from Peru, blooming at the end of the
summer, and the Phyceila ignea, with scarlet blossoms. This last is, however, rather an expensive

158 A GROUP OF HARDY BULBS.

bulb. The Alstrémerias must not be forgotten in our enumeration of Amaryllids. The species
are not all quite hardy, but several most desirable ones are so. The A. aurea, A. Van Houttei,
or Chilensis, A. tricolor, and A. Simsii, will bear our winters with impunity, though the two latter
species will be best protected with a slight covering of leaves. The whole of the species, indeed,
may be grown with slight protection in dry soils, and all are beautiful. The fig. of 4A. Van
Houttei, page 32, Vol, I, will give a good idea of their general character. Among the rarer plants
of this Order which deserve cultivation, the Lycoris awrea may be named. It produces in July
an umbel of from six to ten large flowers, of a golden yellow. They are remarkable for the
singular movements of their anthers, which, during warm weather, are frequently agitated for
a minute or two together. Its leaves are almost evergreen, and it therefore requires a little
protection in severe frost, Sandy loam suitsit. It is a native of China, where several otber
species are found.

We must pass over afew other Amaryllids, that we may find space for a brief reference to
the genus Narcissus, perhaps one of the most generally interesting of all the hardy plants of this
Order. There is considerable confusion in the names of the different species and varieties, to
which we will not here allude more particularly, as our readers might be bewildered. The
most ornamental species are those termed collectively the Polyanthus Narcissus, though several.
species are included under that name. There is the JV. concolor, known as Grand Primo,
with white flowers, sulphur cup, and its variety Grand Monarque, with yellow cup, both
splendid bulbs and very hardy; the NW. awrews, the Soleil d’or of the Florist, with deep
yellow flowers; and the Zotus albus, N. dubius, with pure white fragrant flowers. Bazelman
Major, white, with a yellow nectary, is an established favourite, and, with the preceding,
makes an admirable show, whether in pots or the open ground. The NV. uzetta is not
quite so hardy as the others, but is a beautiful pot bulb; this is also sometimes called the
Polyanthus Narcissus. Of the species producing only from one to three flowers, there are a
large number. The W. calathinus (the N. odorws of Linneus) is a rather common plant,
with about three yellow flowers, very fragrant, and indifferent to soil or exposure, This
species is sometimes termed the Petticoat Narcissus, in allusion to the form of its nectary,
but that term is more usually applied to the Narcissus Bulbocodiwm, which produces only a
single yellow flower on each scape, with a very large conical nectary, supposed to bear
some resemblance to the hoop petticoats of a former generation. The NV. poeticus, or Pheasants’
Eye, is much esteemed both for its fragrance and the delicate crimson edge of its nectary,
which contrasts with the pure white flower. This species likes a strong moist soil; in dry soils it
rarely flowers in perfection. The Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, or Daffodil, is quite as common,
and the single flowers are very pretty; but the double varieties, which present often only a
confused mass of imperfect petals, are not at all to our taste. The Peerless Narcissus, JV.
incomparabilis, with single-flowered scapes: the NV. diflorus, white; N. bifrons, yellow; WV.
Orientalis, and all the varieties of the Jonquil, N. Jongwilla, are interesting plants, most of
them well known. The very pretty little dwarf WN. nanus, or minor, should be in every
collection, however small, and a few roots should be potted for the window. The WJ.
pulchellus (Ganymede pulchella of Haworth) isan elegant species, with pale sulphur-coloured
blossoms: it is not common, but may be had at the Pine Apple Nursery, where the rare
NV. triandrus is also kept. The whole of the species are of easy cultivation, requiring only to
be planted in rich sandy loam, and succeeding equally in pots or the borders. The snow-
flakes, Leucojum vernum, estivum, and pulchellum, are all very pretty bulbs with white sweet-
scented flowers: the first species is now termed Erinosma verna ; its double variety is much
esteemed.

THE HOLLYHOCK, 159

Our small remaining space must be devoted to a few of the Irids, The genus Jris, is, in itself,
a host; but we can only now notice the splendid English Ivis, J. Xiphioides, and the striking
Spanish Iris, Z. Xiphiwm. The colours of the first are now exceedingly varied and brilliant ;
and when in bloom, nothing can surpass the effect of a large group. The Spanish Ivis are rather
dwarfer, and are remarkable for the curious olive tints which prevail in many varieties. Both
species should be planted as early as possible, as the roots are injured by being kept long out of the
ground. Light rich soil, The beautiful 7. swsiana requires a warm border and light soil, to make
it flower freely. Of the Crocus we need only remark, that most of the new varieties are much
superior to those commonly grown, both in the size and colour of their blossoms. The Gladiolus
deserve amore lengthened notice than we can now afford them. The new hybrids of Gandavensis
are among the most magnificent of the summer and autumn bulbs. The most striking are those
of French origin—Cowrantit fulgens, bright crimson red ; Mademoiselle Fanny Rouget, bright rose,
with violet feather; Monsieur Blouet, rosy salmon, very large and open; Madame Couder, clear
carmine, are four new varieties, which, although charged very high in London, may be got in
Paris, of Vilmorin, for about one franc each. They are quite hardy, but may be planted as late
as March. The varieties of ramosus are no less beautiful; they are not quite so hardy as the pre-
ceeding, but, as they succeed well when planted in spring, this is of little importance. Most
of the varieties have the white feather, which is so striking in cardinalis ; in others, however, this
is replaced by a carmine stripe. One of the newest of this class is the variety Mademoiselle
Sosthénie Desjardins, with large well formed flowers, of a pale flesh colour, the three lower
divisions being beautifully marked with rosy-carmine. Oscar is a very brilliant flower, not unlike
ignescens in colour, but finer. The varieties, are however, already so numerous, the French, Dutch,
and English Florists having all originated many beautiful seedlings, more or less distinct, that we
could easily fill a page or two with their names alone. A selection of the best will be found at
page 150 of ourfirst Volume. It is not unusual to plant ramosws and its hybrids in autumn, as they
commence their growth early; but as this involves some amount of protection, it is often more
convenient to defer planting until February or March; even then, in severe weather, a layer of
leaves will be necessary. ‘The varieties of cardinalis are still earlier, and must be either potted
in autumn, and protected in a frame, or planted thickly in the open ground, with a good covering
of fern or furze, or a hand-light. The culture of the Gladioles is so simple, and new varieties
are so readily obtained, that the amateur need not be dependent on the professional Florist for
his supplies. The possession of a few of the best varieties, as a starting point, is all that is
necessary for originating seedlings, which may equal, in all points, the most expensive novelties.

We may observe, that all the spring-flowering bulbs we have named in the foregoing
pages may be grown in pots for the window. The point on which success hinges is, that the
roots should be formed slowly, at a comparatively low temperature; a result obtained by
allowing the pots containing the bulbs to remain out of doors for at least six weeks, or
even longer, subsequent to planting; this will retard the development of the leaves and
flower stems until the pots are filled with roots, when they may be removed in succession to a
warm window. This applies to the Hyacinth, Crocus, Snow-Drop, Dwarf Fritillary, Narcissus
of every kind, Leucojum, Persian Iris, Squills, Dog’s Tooth Violet, Winter Aconite, and Oxalis.

THE HOLLYHOCK.

Tue history of Floriculture presents us with few more striking examples of the improvements
the Florist’s art is capable of effecting, than in the case of the Hollyhock. The change is, indeed,
so great, that it is difficult to recognise the former coarse, scraggy occupant of the shrubbery in
the magnificent spikes of brilliant-tinted flowers which are now the admiration of all. The

160 THE ANEMONE HORTENSTS.

popularity of this noble plant is fully justified, not only by its intrinsic beauty, but by the ease with
which it may be grown in almost any situation. We have no fear that it will ever supersede the
Dahlia, nor is it desirable that it should do so; but it will, undoubtedly, become a formidable rival,
and we can even imagine that its easy management and extreme hardiness will, by some amateurs,
be considered more than sufficient to compensate for the shortness of its blooming season, compared
with that of the Dahlia.

Its treatment is so well known, that we need only remind our readers that the present
season is the best for transplanting such varieties at they may desire to add to their collection.
Like most other tap-rooted plants, they dislike removal, and this should always be effected in
autumn, when possible, the blossoms being in general much finer than when the operation is
deferred till spring. The soil the Hollyhock most effects is a friable loam, well enriched with
rotten manure, which should be liberally applied to the soil before planting; it will, however»
succeed in almost any soil but the poorest, though in very sandy soils an abundance of
moisture must be supplied. Almost every Florist has tried his hand on this plant with more or
less success, so that the varieties offered for sale are very numerous. For the guidance of our
readers we append a list of a few of the most desirable varieties, which does not, however,
include those exhibited for the first time the present season. Among crimsons, there are Bessy
Bell, Crimson Perfection (Paul), General Bem (Veitch), Meteor (Bircham), Sir David Wedder-
burn (Currie), and Walden Gem (Chater). Of yellow Hollyhocks, the best are Ophir, Safrano,
and Triumphant (Parsons), Sulphurea perfecta (Rivers), and Yellow Model (Bircham). Of
deep rose tints, there are, Charles Turner, Enchantress (Chater), and Rembrandt (Parsons). Of
lighter shades of rose, Joan of Arc, Mrs. Foster, Rosea grandiflora, Lady Braybrooke, Queen
of Scots, and Speetabilis, are fine examples. Pourpre de Tyre, William, Mulberry superb and
Purpurea, are good purples. Among the mottled varieties, Mrs. Gould, mottled crimson,
Napoleon, white and purple, a very novel variety, and Defiance, mottled purple, may be
named. Cream of the Valley is a fine variety, with flowers of a delicate cream tint. Bella Donna
is a good white, and so is Chater’s Snowball superb, Susannah, creamy white, and Lady Harland,
pure white, may be added with advantage to any collection. With one or two exceptions, none of
the above are expensive; this noble flower is, however, so easily raised, that there is no reason
why every amateur should not be his own Hollyhock grower.

THE ANEMONE HORTENSIS.

Aurnoves the flowers of this pretty spring bloomer are considerably smaller than those of the
A, coronaria, so much improvement has been effected in the brilliancy and variety of its tints,
that it bids fair to become ultimately a rival of that splendid flower. Whether this is the result
of hybridization with other species, or whether they are but seminal varieties, we are unaware ;
but, in any case, they deserve to be especially mentioned at this season as most desirable early
flowers. The true A. hortensis is, as our readers know, of a reddish-purple colour; but the
varieties now procurable include almost every shade of blue, purple, violet, rose, scarlet, and
crimson; most of the tints, in short, which occur among the varieties of coronaria, are now
to be found in the present species. They are, however, less double than those of coronaria, though
we have no doubt that this difference will speedily disappear.

Their treatment is precisely that of the other species; they are best planted in autumn, not
later than the end of October, in rich light loamy soil, either in clumps or beds, though for a
succession a few roots may be kept out of the ground till February or March. The autumn-planted
roots will bloom in April, the others in May. About fifty named varieties of distinct shades of
colour may be had of most of the London Seedsmen, and they are by no means expensive.

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Oonwcteulles Hacleitid,

CYANANTHUS LOBATUS. 161

CYANANTHUS LOBATUS.
Lobed-flowered Cyananthus.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —MonoGYNIA. Natural Order—PoLEMONIACER,

Frew of the mountain ranges which diversify the surface of our globe have
contributed to European gardens a greater number of interesting plants than
the magnificent Alps of Northern India. From this seemingly inexhaustible
mine of floral riches have issued the colossal Himalayan Cedar, Cedrus deodara,
which bids fair one day to replace the Oak and other timber-trees of these
latitudes; an immense number of Pines, Firs, Hollies, Berberries, and evergreens
of all kinds; the noble Rhododendron arboreum, to whose scarlet flowers our
Horticulturists are so much indebted for the brilliant tints of many recent
hybrids; and, above all, the splendid Sikkim species, the discovery of which
might alone suffice to immortalise the fortunate Botanist to whose efforts we
owe these marvels of the vegetable world. The less elevated zones, where a higher
temperature prevails, contribute some of the most lovely of our stove plants,
among which the Orchideous epiphytes are especially conspicuous for their
beauty; whilst their summits teem with interesting forms of a less gorgeous
character, it may be, but better calculated to enlist the sympathies of the lover
of hardy plants. Here occur the noble Lilies, gigantewm and Wallichianum ;
Some of the most charming of the species of Primula, with Gentians, Saxifrages,
Labiate plants, Ranunculacee—in a word, types of most of the Orders peculiar
to temperate climes. The recent discoveries of Dr. Madden, referred to in
another part of the present number, invest with additional interest the vegetation
of this favoured spot, and justify the hope, that, at no very distant period, plants
hitherto supposed to constitute the peculiar features of tropical scenery, will be
seen side by side with the ‘familiar faces’ of more northerly regions.

The example of the Himalayan Flora we now offer our readers in the
Cy ananthus lobatus—though of a somewhat modest character compared with many
of the plants just cited—is likely to prove an acceptable addition to our hardy
border flowers. It must, however, rank with the dwarfest of herbaceous plants,
its slender twiggy stems seldom exceeding five or six inches in length. They
are clothed with small alternate bright green leaves, toothed at their edges,
and hairy on both surfaces. The stems are occasionally simple, but usually
more or less branched, and bear at their extremity a single flower, of a purplish
blue colour, with an inflated calyx, and a deeply five-lobed corolla. The

11

162 JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM.

character of the organs concerned in fructification is displayed in our figure;
unlike those of most other Phloxworts, the stamens, which are very short, are
attached to the base of the ovary and not to the tube of the corolla—in
other words, they are hypogynous; the seed-vessel is elongated into a beak-like
form, and crowned with a five-lobed sessile stigma. The plant blooms in
August and September, and although the blossoms are not very numerous,
they produce some effect from their large size.

As might be expected, it has proved quite hardy, and appears less fastidious
than many other Alpines, being easily cultivated in sandy loam containing
a little peat; an arid soil, or exposure, seems to disagree with the plant, though
a sunny border is by no means objectionable, provided a fair proportion of
moisture is present. It may be increased by slips planted under a hand-glass
in summer, and also by seeds, which ripen in favourable autumns. Messrs.
Cunningham and Fraser of Edinburgh have been successful in raising seedlings ;
and, although we have not yet attempted to separate the roots, there is no
doubt, when strong enough, they will bear division.

Although a native of the Himalayah, it has hitherto been found only on
those ramifications of the chain extending into Chinese Tartary, where it was
discovered in 1848, at an elevation of 12,000 feet. It is, therefore, not
strictly speaking a new plant, but has only recently become accessible; we
observe that most of the leading Florists are now cultivating it, and it may
be had for a moderate sum.

The generic term is derived from kyanos, blue, and anthos, a flower, in
reference to its colour.

JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM.

Nuked-flowering Jessamine.

Linnean Class—DIaNvDRIA. Order —MonoGyNIA. Natural Order—J asMINACEZ.

Tue Jasminum nudiflorum, if no longer a novelty, is yet by no means so exten-
sively grown as to render a further notice of its claims altogether superfluous.
Though devoid of the exquisite fragrance which characterises the flowers of many
of the species, its primrose-like blossoms are so large, so richly coloured, and
produced in such abundance that, even among the many rivals which summer
brings, it would obtain for itself no mean standing in the list of ornamental
shrubs. But, whenit is borne in mind that the blossoms are developed literally

JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM. 163

in mid-winter, in defiance of frost and snow, when the number of plants in
ploom is so few that they may be reckoned in units, it will be evident that
the compensation for the absence of odour, as well as for the deciduous nature
of the leaves, is of the amplest character. The tenuity and flexibility of its
shoots allow them to be so closely arranged upon a wall, that when in bloom, they
present to the eye a sheet of yellow of the richest tint; and, if associated with
the scarlet-flowered Pyrus Japonica, which in most situations blooms about the
same period, the effect is very striking.

Though sometimes spoken of as a dwarf shrub, it soon attains the height
of six or eight feet, but may be trained horizontally, so as to accommodate itself
to almost any situation. The shoots are distinctly four-sided, with the angles
somewhat winged, of a rich dark green colour, and very flexible. The leaves
are divided into three rather small oval-pointed leaflets, which are smooth on
their surfaces, but fringed at their edges with short hairs. The flowers are
produced along the shoots of the previous season, their buds being formed in
the axils of the foliage, as in the case of the Forsythia viridissima ; and, like
the blossoms of that handsome shrub, they are enveloped, prior to their expan-
sion, by several brown scales, which, in the severe climate of Northern China,
may be more necessary as a protection against excessive cold than in this country.
The calyx is divided into six narrow pointed segments, and the corolla into
the same number of lobes of a broad-oval, or almost inversely heart-shaped form ;
the tube of the flower is wider than in most species, and includes the two short
stamens peculiar to the genus Jasminum. The style is longer than usual, pro-
truding its globose stigma from the mouth of the flower. We may observe
that the number of the corolla segments is very inconstant in this genus,
varying from four, which is the number present in officinale to five in revolutum,
six in the present species, seven in multiflorum, eight in J. sambac, and from
eight to ten in J. angustifolium.

The foliage of nudiflorum is, as already hinted, of a deciduous character; and
although this is to be regretted, it should be remembered that the flowers being
produced on very short stalks close to the branches, would be almost, if not
quite, concealed were the foliage persistant; so that, even here, we find the
compensatory principle displayed. Where the absence of the foliage at the
period of flowering may be considered an objection, it may be, to some extent,
remedied by training the plant over a closely-clipped ivied surface; better,
however, by associating it with the evergreen J. revolutum, though the task of
training the two species on the same surface might not be accomplished
without some trouble. None of the species are of easier cultivation; it succeeds
in any ordinary friable soil, but, in common with the other Jasmines, likes a
warm exposure. Although usually treated as a wall plant, it may be grown

164 JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM.

as a standard, either on its own roots, or grafted on stocks of the common sorts at
any desired height. Dwarf specimens suitable for window ornaments may thus
be readily obtained; to keep them within compass they will, however, require
annual pruning immediately after flowering. It is readily increased, either by
cuttings of the ripened shoots planted in a sheltered corner, or at the foot of
a wall, or by layers which may be separated the following spring. This
species is a native of the northern parts of China, whence it was introduced by
Mr. Fortune in 1845. It appears to bloom there at a later period of the winter
than in this country, a fact readily explained by the greater severity of the
climate, which retards the development of the flowers. Here it is not
unfrequently in blossom as early as December, and often continues in flower
to the end of February, or even later; the leaves commencing their growth
soon after that period.

The genus Jasminum now includes a considerable number of species; and
perhaps we cannot better conclude this article than by a reference to such of
them as have proved sufficiently hardy as to come within the scope of the
present work. The best known is the common J. officinale, a shrub too
familiar to require any lengthened notice. Its pure white flowers are among
the most fragrant of the genus. The variegated varieties, with foliage striped
and edged with yellow and white, are much less known, and are very ornamental.
The Cytisus-leaved Jasmine, J. fruticans, is scarcely less common, though of
inferior value. It will often attain, against a wall, the height of six or eight
feet, but, when more exposed, is not unfrequently much dwarfer; its small
yellow flowers are almost scentless, but, from the compactness of its growth, it is
useful for covering walls, ete. The Italian Jasmine, J humile, is of a dwarfer
growth, but less hardy, requiring, in most parts of this country, some protection
in winter; like the preceding, it has yellow flowers, which are delicately
scented.

The curled-flowered Jasmine, J. revolutum, from Nepaul, is a far more
interesting plant; its evergreen habit, and the delightful fragrance of its yellow
blossoms, together with its perfectly hardy character, render it one of the most
desirable of all the out-door species. It will succeed in almost any soil and in any
aspect, though its flowers are finest with a warm exposure. It is also one of the
fastest growers of the genus; in moist soils it will not unfrequently produce shoots
six feet or more long in a single season. The J. pubigerwm, from the same country,
is an allied species, also of evergreen habit, with rather small fragrant yellow
flowers. It is equally hardy, and a desirable plant; synonymous with J.
Wallichianum. Another fine species from Nepaul is the J: heterophyllum, at
present but little cultivated. Its foliage is large, glossy, and very handsome ;
some of the leaves are simple, others binnate or ternate. The flowers are yellow;

CONVOLYULUS ITALICUS. 165

whether fragrant or not, we are at present unaware. This species, too, may be
pronounced perfectly hardy; plants of it having borne the severe winter and
spring of 1853, with little or no injury. Grows as tall as revolutum.

The J. chrysanthum is another Himalayan plant of the genus, with persistant
ternate or quinate foliage, and yellow flowers produced in small umbels at the
extremity of the young wood; we believe they are either scentless, or with but
a very slight degree of fragrance; the plant is, however, somewhat rare at present,
and has not yet come under our own observation. The J. Reevesii is, we think,
but a synonyme of this species. To these we may add the J. ochrolewcum, a plant
resembling the common white J. officinale, but with larger flowers of a yellowish
white tint; whether this is a distinct species, or a hybrid between the white
and one of the yellow ones, we are unable to learn. The whole of the plants
we have named are of easy cultivation, and readily increased by cuttings and
layers.

The scientific name of this genus, as well as its more popular one, is said to be
derived from the Arabic ysmyn. The older English form, Jessamine, is one of the
most musical of our floral appellations, certainly more so than the modern
Jasmine. :

CONVOLVULUS ITALICUS.

Italian Convolvulus.

Linnean Class—PENTANDRIA. Order —MonoGynIA. Natural Order—ConvoLvULACEZ.

Tux splendour of the flowers of many of the Convolvulacee cannot but excite a
regret that the majority should require, for their successful treatment, a higher
temperature than can be obtained in the open air in this country. But, although
the hardier members of the tribe are undoubtedly eclipsed, both in numbers and
beauty, by the tropical species, they nevertheless include some highly interesting
subjects, which nothing but the undeserved neglect with which our hardy plants
are treated by most Florists can have prevented from becoming universally
diffused. The pretty annual Convolvulus tricolor ; the Pharbitis hispida, better
known by its popular name of Major Convolvulus; the great Bindweed, Calyste
giasepium, and the double Chinese Bindweed, C. pubescens, are all that can be
said to be at all common, out of at least twenty or thirty species more or less
available. The perennial section of the genus Convolvulus especially affords

166 CONVOLVULUS ITALICUS.

several ornamental subjects, combining showy flowers, with foliage remarkable
for its elegance, of which the C. althzoides and the C. Jtalicus, figured in our
plate, may be taken as the type.

The four genera, Calystegia, Convolvulus, Ipomea, and Pharbitis, by which
the Order is chiefly represented in the open garden, resemble each other in
their general aspect so closely, that it may perhaps be worth while, before
referring more especially to our illustration, to point out the chief distinctions
between them. They all agree in possessing the five-cleft imbricated calyx,
with segments of unequal size, and the funnel-shaped corolla in one piece,
plaited and twisted spirally before expansion, which are so characteristic of this
tribe; but differ in the presence or absence of bracts below the calyx, the
character of the stigmas, and the number of cells into which the seed vessel
is divided. In Calystegia—of which the common Bindweed of the hedges offers
a ready example—the true calyx is concealed by two large heart-shaped bracts,
which in the genus Convolvulus are either entirely absent, or comparatively
minute, and placed at some distance below the flower. These two genera are
further distinguished by their ripe capsule; that of the former is one-celled,
whilst in the latter the divisions are two in number; in both the stigmas are
more or less linear. In Jpomea and Pharbitis the calyx is generally destitute
of bracts; the stamens are of unequal length, and the style is terminated in
the first-named genus by two, and in the latter by three or even four stigmas,
of a rounded granular form, the cells of the ovary in each genus corresponding
in number with the stigmas, and each containing two seeds. By the character
of their stigmas alone these two genera are readily known from the preceding
ones, and by the number of the stigmatic lobes they are as easily distinguished
from each other. The genus Pharbditis is of comparatively recent formation,
having been separated from the Tpomeas on the grounds stated; but some of
the species included in it are still popularly designated as such, as in the case
of the Major Convolvulus, which, although a true Pharbitis, retains in most
catalogues its Linnean name of Lyomea purpurea.

The Convolvulus Italicus—the more immediate object of these remarks—is a
herbaceous perennial twiner, of somewhat dwarf habit, not often exceeding, as
far as our experience of the plant goes, two-and-a-half or three feet. The leaves
vary considerably in their form; near the root they are almost entire at their edge,
but higher up present a lobed character, especially at the extremity of the shoots.
They are slightly pubescent, but quite devoid of the silkiness present in those
of OC. altheoides, to which this species is allied. The flowers are produced singly,
from the axils of the upper leaves, on stalks from an inch to an inch-and-half in
length; they are of a deep rose colour, and very handsome, and on strong,
established plants are developed in considerable numbers through the months of

CONVOLVULUS ITALICUS. 167

July and August. It differs from the C. altheoides, not only in the absence of the
silky hairs which characterise that species, but also in its upper leaves being less
deeply lobed; the peduncles of altheoides are, further, two-flowered, and the
blossoms rather smaller than in Jtalicus. It is a native of the Mediterranean
regions, occurring both in Egypt, Algiers, and Italy ; but is, nevertheless, suffi-
ciently hardy to endure exposure in nearly every part of Great Britain, if the
precaution is taken of covering its roots with a little dry material, such as furze or
fern, in the severest weather. It should be grown in a warm sheltered border, of
light friable soil; and as its roots penetrate deeply, and are liable to be broken
by removal, they should not be often disturbed. We have somewhere seen it
stated that this species produces sceds, but with us it has never done so, nor
have we ever been able to procure any through the Seedsmen; we are, therefore,
disposed to regard this statement as erroneous, at least, with reference to
ordinary seasons. It may, however, be easily increased by division of
the roots in autumn after flowering, or in spring, just as the plant commences its
growth.

We have figured this species, both on account of its being one of the handsomest
of its class, and one of the most easily procured; but there are several others of
equal interest, though far less common. The C. sericeus, with silky leaves and
pink flowers; the C. lineatus, a dwarf trailing species, with pale rose-coloured
blossoms, by some esteemed as a variety only of althaoides; the C. Chinensis, also
pink, and the C. Malcolmii, white, are among the best; but only the two first are
generally kept by the London Florists. The C. althaoides, of which we have
already spoken, may be procured in most localities, and may be substituted for
the Jtalicus, where this is not within reach. The C. bryontefolius is an inter-
esting Chinese species, with pink or rose flowers; but, unfortunately, it is rather
tender, and therefore generally treated as a greenhouse plant. It might, we
think, be tried out-doors, with some chance of success, if covered by a hand-
light. There are several pretty annual species, though none of them are superior
to the old Convolvulus tricolor, and, as they are apparently quite lost in this
country, need not be further noticed.

The common Major Convolvulus (Pharbitis hispida) we may be excused from
referring to; but there are one or two species of this genus which are so
interesting, and so much less cultivated than they merit, that we must find space
for their names; we allude to the P. Learti, P. hederacea, and P. Nil. The first
is perennial, and needs protection in winter—indeed, it is usually treated as a stove
plant in this country; it is, however, quite hardy enough for the open air in
summer, especially in warm sheltered localitics. The foliage is very large,
resembling in form that of hispida; from the axils are produced clusters of
splendid blossoms, of a dark violet or blue colour, throughout the summer months.

168 CONVOLVULUS ITALICUS.

This plant would form a magnificent associate for the Mandevilla suaveolens; it
is not expensive, and is readily increased by cuttings of the shoots; it requires a
strong rich soil, and in dry weather should have occasional doses of liquid
manure. Its roots must be removed from the ground at the end of October, and
preserved in a pot in a greenhouse or frame, to which frost has no access, or even
on a window, with other dormant plants. In the north of France, where the
climate is in no degree warmer than that of the southern English counties—
perhaps even less so—this fine plant is pretty generally employed for covering
arbours and trellises in summer. The P. hederacea is an annual species, about
as hardy as hispida, with lobed ivy-like foliage, and glossy flowers of the purest
blue, producing a charming effect. It only requires to be sown early in May,
where it is to bloom, in light rich soil. It is the Zpomea hederacea of the
Seedsmen, but appears to be less generally kept than formerly, though none of the
annual species better deserve a place in their catalogues. The P. Mil is rather
more tender, and must be raised on a hot bed. It is of dwarfer growth than
hederacea, and its flowers are of a deeper blue. To these may be added the P.
barbigera, with cordate entire leaves, and blue flowers, the calyx of which is armed
with long spreading hairs, in tufts; and the P. discolor, a very beautiful plant,
with white flowers divided by blue bands, terminated by an eye-like spot of a
deeper shade. We had hoped to have been able to recommend the beautiful
P. linbata, recently introduced by Messrs. Rollison from Java, as a half-hardy
plant for the borders, but it proves to be too tender for exposure, requiring,
indeed, a stove heat for the proper expansion of its flowers.

Most of the true Ipomeas are too tender for the open air, and of the few
hardy species scarcely any are procurable. The J. mutabilis, I. tamnifolia,
I. lacunosa, and pandurata, may all be grown when they can be procured. The
plants formerly known as Jpomea coccinea and I. quamoclit, both with scarlet
flowers, are now termed respectively Quamoclit coccinea and Q. vulgaris; the
latter is the most shewy species; it differs from the former in having pinnatifid
leaves, and flowers usually solitary. They require to be raised on a good hot-bed,
and to be planted out in May in a warm border.

We must revert for a moment to the Convolvulus Ttalicus, for the purpose of
explaining that it is more generally known to the Florists by the name of
C. Sibthorpw, under which designation it appears to have been introduced
some years since, by Messrs. Low of Clapton. The true C. Sibthorpii is a less
interesting plant, with pale blush-coloured flowers. The name of the genus is
appropriately derived from convolvere, to twine.

ASTER SIKKIMENSIS. 169

ASTER SIKKIMENSIS.
Sikkim Starwort.

Linnean Class—SYNGENESIA. Order—SuPERFLUA. Natural Order —CoMPosiTacEeR.

Amone the ornamental plants contributed to our gardens by this vast Natural
family there are not a few whose claims to attention are founded less on the size
or splendour of their individual blossoms than on their collective effect and the neat-
ness of their growth and appearance. Of this number is the Aster Stkkimensis ; we
can hardly, with propriety, term it a brilliant plant, but it recommends itself by
the breadth of colour presented by its compact corymb of flowers, by its com.
paratively dwarf habit, and the early season at which it blooms.

It is a herbaceous perennial, growing about three feet high, with erect, rather
robust stems, tinged with reddish purple, and much branched near the summit.
The leaves are of a narrow lanceolate form, sessile pointed, spinosely toothed, and
occasionally stained with purple at the tip and margins. The flowers are nume-
rously produced in close corymbs, each flower-head being about three-quarters
of an inch in diameter, with the disk of a clear yellow, tinged occasionally with
red, and the ray of a blueish purple. It blooms in June and July, and the popular
name of Michaelmas Daisy, applied to some of the plants of this genus, is therefore
in this case inappropriate. If late flowers were desired, we have no doubt, if
the first shoots were removed in spring and abundance of moisture supplied,
that others would be produced which would bloom in autumn, and the same
expedient may be successfully resorted to in the case of hundreds of herbaceous
plants. Its culture is of the simplest character in ordinary garden soil, or in
a mixture of sandy loam and peat or leaf-mould, and it may be increased by
division of the tufts, or by seeds which ripen freely. As its name implies, it is
a native of the Sikkim Himalayah, at an elevation of ten to twelve thousand
feet, whence it was introduced to the Kew Gardens a few years since. It may
now be procured of all the leading Florists at a cheap rate. The shrubby
stems of this plant have a pleasant fragrance. Our figure represents but a very
small portion of the large corymb of flowers.

The botanical features of the genus Aster are an involucre composed of
several rows of imbricated scales, the lower ones somewhat scattered; a naked
receptacle; and a fruit crowned with several rows of pappus or bristle-like
hairs of a simple character, that is, devoid of teeth or ramifications. Our artist
has depicted one of the tubular florets of the disk or central portion of the

170 AUTUMNAL GLEANINGS.

species figured, as well as one of the ligulate florets constituting the ray; in
both cases, the pappus will be seen crowning the ovoid one-seeded dry fruit,
which, never opening, is termed an achenium.

We very recently noticed some of the most desirable species of this genus
(see page 140), and need not therefore do more than refer our readers to. the
article in question. To those there named we may add the A. puniceus,
an autumnal flowerer, with fine rosy purple blossoms, forming an elongated
panicle on stems four to six feet high; the A. demissus, a variety of the
preceding, differing chiefly in its much dwarfer habit; the 4. spurius, with
stems from three to four feet high, and showy purplish blue flowers; the A.
argenteus, a half shrubby species, of dwarf habit with foliage covered with
silky-white hairs, and handsome purple flowers produced singly at the ends
of the shoots; and the 4. Californicus, with very large flowers of a pale violet,
solitary as in the preceding species. The two latter are somewhat rare in
this country, but are well worth the trouble of enquiring for; they are
increased by cuttings, and in very severe winters may need a slight protection.

——__@—__—_

AUTUMNAL GLEANINGS.

Ir there be one season of the year in which the amateur of hardy plants
might be thought to be exposed to a disadvantageous concurrence with the
cultivator of the more fashionable half-hardy bedders, that period is undoubtedly
the autumn, in the early part of which at least the Geraniums, Verbenas, and
other plants of this class are in the zenith of their glory. But, although this
impression is to some extent correct, we yet hope to shew, that the number of
interesting autumnal bloomers of a hardy character is much greater than is
usually supposed, and that many of them will suffer little by comparison
with the most brilliant of the tenderer occupants of the parterre.

As a first confirmation of this position, we may cite the beautiful Veronica
Andersonii, a plant in every way remarkable, as well for its intrinsic merits as
for the illustration it affords of the results possible from the art of the
hybridiser. Most of our readers are aware that this plant is a hybrid between
the shrubby evergreen V7. speciosa, and the V. salicifolia, both from New Zealand
it is, however, far superior to either, its handsome shining elliptical foliage,
and large spikes of clear violet-blue flowers, which become ultimately white,
combine to render it the Queen of the Veronicas. The blossoms are slightly
fragrant, and are produced from August up to the arrival of severe weather.

AUTUMNAL GLEANINGS. 171

It is much hardier than its parents, and is easily cultivated in light loamy
soil, as well as readily increased by cuttings. The Aselepias tuberosa is a
hardy perennial of some value among autumn flowers, and far more desirable
than the taller A. Syriaca commonly met with; its flowers are of a bright
orange tint, and very showy; any soil suits it, but sandy loam and peat are
best. The Gaura Lindheimerii, though not strictly a hardy plant, may be named
in the present group; its white flowers are very abundant, and produce some
effect; it is only suitable for the back of the borders as it grows five feet high;
its roots should be dug up and potted, or cuttings may be taken and
preserved from frost through the winter; with us it has always been destroyed
when left exposed. The G. biennis is hardier, and we think almost, if not
quite, as desirable. The old yellow-flowered Salvia glutinosa makes a considerable
display in August and September; just before expansion the flower buds are
of rather a deep yellow, but when fully developed are paler; the spikes are
often from eighteen to twenty inches or more long, and the plant is very
hardy in any soil, and easily increased by slips and cuttings. The new
Pentstemon Themesterii proves to be a late flowerer, and is an ornamental
plant; it seems likely to attain the height of three feet, and has a smooth
succulent stem tinged with red, and covered with a delicate bloom; the leaves
are of a dark green, and deeply cut, and are among the handsomest of the
genus; flowers of a rosy purple colour, in lateral and terminal panicles;
we believe it is quite hardy, but it has not been yet exposed by us.
The Anemone Japonica, and its hybrids, with v7tifolia, are valuable autumn
flowers, especially in moist soils, in which they grow rapidly, and bloom most
abundantly. The brilliancy of their flowers might, we doubt not, be greatly
increased by crossing with the scarlet -4. coronaria, and the experiment is worth
attempting; late flowers of the coronaria may easily be had by planting
roots of it about the end of May. The Bell-worts are most of them summer
bloomers, but two of their number must be classed with autumnal plants. The
first is the Platycodon grandiflorum, with fleshy roots, erect stems about eighteen
inches high, with sessile ovate leaves, and large solitary flowers terminating
the branches; they are of a beautiful blue tint, of a flattened cup-like form,
and among the largest produced by the Bell-worts. It is perfectly hardy, and
increased either by seed, or division of its roots, also by cuttings. There
appear to be two varieties of this plant, one flowering at a much later period
of the autumn, and of a dwarfer growth, and we believe that, by some
Botanists, they are considered as two distinct species. The early variety is
the best. ‘There is also a fine double white-flowered variety, which is very
showy, and lasts long in bloom; they appear to enjoy a vegetable soil. The
other member of the same Order to which we have referred, is_ the

172 AUTUMNAL GLEANINGS.

Symphiandra pendula, a very dwarf plant, producing large flowers in some abun-
dance, which would be showy if of a clearer and less ambiguous tint; they are
neither white, cream, nor yellow, but a sort of mixture of all three tints. The
Phloxes are second to none of the autumnal flowers in beauty, several of them,
indeed, occupy the first rank. Not to speak of the numerous hybrids recently
obtained, it will be sufficient to name the P. decussata or acuminata, with large
panicles of rosy-lilac flowers, with an eye of a deeper tint; the P. paniculata,
differing from the preceding chiefly in its smooth foliage, and equally showy;
the P. pyramidalis ( maculata of Linneus ), with stems spotted with brown, and
fragrant flowers of a fine blueish lilac; and the P. reflera, so named from its lower
leaves being reflexed, with flowers in compact heads of a pale blueish purple
colour. It should be borne in mind that this genus of plants requires a rich soil,
frequently renewed, as they speedily exhaust it, and then dwindle if allowed to
remain in the same spot. The species we have named will, most of them, succeed
very well in town. gardens, and even in partially shaded borders.

The common Hydrangea hortensis is a highly ornamental plant when well
grown, and not, as is too general, thrust into a shady corner. An impression
seems to prevail that the Hydrangea will not succeed in a situation fully exposed
to the sun’s influence, but nothing can be more erroneous. It does need an
abuudant supply of moisture; and in the autumnal months it is pretty sure to
get it, whatever may be its situation; but, with this condition fulfilled, it will
attain a much larger size, and flower more abundantly in a warm exposure, than
in one more shaded, and therefore cooler.

Perhaps the largest number of autumn flowers is contributed by the extensive
tribe of Composite plants. A very considerable portion of those named at page
138, under the head of Hardy Composite Plants, are in blossom during the later
summer months. The Asters, Rudbeckias, Coreopsis, Achilleas, Liatris,
Solidagos, Pyrethrums, Helianthus, and Helenium, are but a few which may
be culled for our bouquet. As we have described the best of these in a previous
number, we need not do more than refer the reader toit ; some others omitted there
may, however, be appropriately introduced. The Boltonta glastifolia, a plant
growing from three to five feet high, with a large panicle of white flowers
with a yellow disk, is one of these; they are often tinged with pale purple. The
B. asteroides is dwarfer, and has narrower leaves; its flowers, too, are rather
smaller, but of the same colour. Both species are quite hardy herbaceous
plants. The Pyrethrwm uliginosum is of some interest; its flowers are large
and white, with a yellow centre, and blooms later than most of the other species 3
quite hardy, and increases fast by its underground runners. The Helenium
autumnale is another fine hardy plant for the back of the border or shrubbery,
being of tall growth; its flower-heads disposed in corymbs, are of a fine yellow,

AUTUMNAL GLEANINGS. 173

produced often as late as November. Almost any soil or exposition suits this
plant, and division of its roots furnishes an abundant increase. The H. Califor-
nicum is a dwarfer species, with decurrent foliage. The Silphium laciniatum is
interesting for its foliage, which is elegantly pinnated, the leaflets being deeply
cut; its habit is tall, ¢.e. from five to six feet high, and its yellow blossoms
somewhat resemble those of the Sunflowers; but it isa handsomer plant. The
Helianthus atro-rubens, mollis, and angustifolia, may, however, fairly claim
admission into the borders; they are less common than some other species, but
more desirable.

Two of the plants figured in our plate for the present month, the Cyananthus
lobatus and Convolvulus SItalicus, are autumnal bloomers, and, as their figures will
testify, by no means the least interesting; being fully treated of in another
place, we need not do more than register them among our ‘gleanings’. And
to these we may add the pretty Plumbago Larpente, which, although often
treated as a half-hardy plant, may yet be classed with the hardy perennials, if
grown in light dry soil, and a warm exposure; its violet-blue flowers are
rather delicate, and liable to injury from the heavy rains of autumn. As a
companion plant, we may name the now common Zuuschneria Californica, which
is of a hardier character, and, when well grown, very showy. It requires a
friable, moist, vegetable soil, one which its roots can easily penetrate, and from
which they can obtain abundant nutriment; in dry soils its flowers are few
and small and the shoots become naked near the ground. That old favourite,
the Clematis flammula, is now loaded with its fragrant starry flowers, which
scent the air with their delightful perfume; our plant was in full bloom this
season as late as the beginning of October, owing probably to its having received
a severe pruning late in spring. The Physustegia Virginiana and P. imbricata
are interesting hardy plants, blooming in August and September after the P.
speciosum, Which they resemble, but have their flowers arranged in a closer spike—
those of both are of a reddish lilac; they are rather tall plants, and increase
fast by their suckers. We may, without impropriety, include the more shewy
Salvia fulgens, which, though nominally tender, is quite hardy in most locali-
ties; even the last severe season left our own specimens perfectly unscathed,
as well as others in soils less favourable to the preservation of the roots.

A considerable number of hardy bulbs enliven the borders in autumn; they
include, indeed, among them some of the finest of our bulbous plants. The
handsome Bomarea acutifolia, figured in the first plate of the present volume, blossoms
at this period, as well as the B. hirtella, a species scarcely inferior to it. The
Amaryllis lutea, or Sternbergia lutea, as it is now more generally termed, is
very effective in a clump of several bulbs; they each produce one large
bright yellow flower, on a scape four or five inches high. This plant is also

174 NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

known as Oporanthus luteus. The A. Belladonna is less hardy, and has the
disadvantage of producing its flowers before the leaves, but its umbel of large,
fragrant, rose-coloured blossoms is very ornamental. It should be planted six
or eight inches deep, in a warm border of light sandy loam, and its leaves,
which appear in spring, will then require a little covering in severe weather ;
the bulbs should not be often disturbed. The Zritoma waria is a splendid
ornament of the borders in August and September. Although from the Cape,
it will resist our winters if planted in dry sandy soil, in a warm exposure.
We are acquainted with no bulbous plant more worthy attention than this
handsome Lily-wort; the colour of its flowers is brighter than that of media,
which is, however, almost equally beautiful, though blooming later in the
season it is more liable to suffer injury from frost.

Some of the species of Ovalis are now in bloom, of which the best is Bowet,
with large obcordate leaflets, and crimson flowers; with us it is quite hardy.
The Colchicum autwnnale, and its variegated variety, are now very showy in
clumps, though their leaves do not appear till spring; they are of the easiest
cultivation in any light soil. The Bulbocodiwm autumnale, now often termed
Merendera, is a smaller plant producing a single lilac purple flower, accompanied
by its leaves, which are linear and spreading. Some of the later flowering
Gladiolus must be added to our list of autumn flowers, especially the varieties of
Gandavensis; when the bulbs are allowed to remain in the ground through the
winter, they will often flower as early as July or the beginning of August, but
when not planted till March or April, they do not usually bloom before the
beginning of September.

Besides the foregoing plants, and some others which, yielding their flowers
only at the end of the season, are more especially entitled to the distinction of
autumnal bloomers, many of those named in our previous groups will yet be
found in flower. The nothera taraxicifolia and prostrata, the Pentstemons
and Chelones, Salvia canadensis, and rosea, Stenactis speciosa, Linum monogynum,
the Crucianella stylosa, and others, which may be said to have inaugurated
the floral season, still contribute a blossom or two to swell the number of our
Autumnal Gleanings.

NOTICES OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

Aquitcia Formosa. (Ranunculacee.)—This species appears to have been introduced into
this country at least twenty years since, but it is still but little known, though one of the handsomest
of the genus. Its habit is rather dwarfer than that of the common Columbine, but its flowers are
quite as large; the petals are of a bright yellow tint; the calyx and spurs of a distinct vermillion

THE HARDY PALMS OF THE HIMALAYAH. 175

red, It approaches the .4. canadensis, but is a much finer plant, and larger in all its parts. We
velieve the true species may be had of Messrs. Henderson of the Pine Apple Nursery.

Berperis Nepaensis. (Berberidacee.)—Another fine species of this handsome genus of
evergreens, from the Himalayah. It belongs to the section with pinnated foliage, formerly
termed Mahonias, It is a strong growing shrub, with leaves often fifteen inches in length,
composed of from five to seven pairs of pale green glossy leaflets, three to four inches long,
with a terminal one usually rather longer. Its foliage alone would render it a great acquisi-
tion, but it is still more remarkable for the profusion of its deep orange-yellow flowers, which
are produced in long spikes, collected into fascicles at the extremities of the shoots. Like
the beautiful B. Darwinii, it is of the easiest propagation, by cuttings of half-ripened wood,
and flowers freely when only a few inches high. It is perfectly hardy in this country.

CALCEOLARIA VIOLACEA. (Serophulariacee.)—A beautiful addition to this interesting family,
likely to prove quite hardy in this country, being from the South of Chili. It is of shrubby
habit, with evergreen foliage, and flowers of a violet blue, spotted with yellow; the form of the
corolla differs from that of most other species, the two lips being nearly equal in size, and
representing an open mouth, on which account it has been proposed to separate it from the
genus Calceolaria, under the name of Jovellana. It will, probably, prove of value for hybridizing,
its colour being very unusual in the genus, if not hitherto unknown. It will, we believe, be
offered for sale in the coming spring.

Guaprous RINGENS. (Iridacee.)—We are not sure that this interesting plant is altogether
new to this country; but it is so little known, that, probably, many of our readers will now
first learn its name. Its flowers are less brilliant than those of some of the recent hybrids,
but they are remarkable for their singular tints. In its habit it resembles the commoner
species, and its flowers are fully as large; they are of a fine greyish blue at the base, streaked
and spotted with reddish violet, the tips of the segments being of a much lighter shade, and
marked on their inner surface with a longitudinal band of deep yellow. Its blossoms have
the additional merit of yielding a pleasant violet-like fragrance. It appears to be a native of
Port Natal, and is, probably, as hardy as the common psittacinus from the same locality. There
can be no doubt, that, with a little attention, this plant would give rise to many new and:
striking varieties. Mr. Carter of Holborn imported bulbs of it last season; and he may,
probably, be able to supply it this autumn also.

Prunvs incana. (Rosacee.)—A very pretty shrub from the southern steppes of Russia, bordering
on the Caucasus. It grows from four to six or eight feet high, with long slender branches
covered with an ash-coloured bark, the shoots in their early stages being more or less pulveru-
lent. The leaves are lanceolate, toothed, and from one to two inches in length, clothed beneath
with a white cottony tomentum. The flowers are small, but very numerous, produced in sessile
pairs along the previous year’s wood, of a bright pink colour, and are succeeded in summer by
an abundance of berries, of the colour and size of the Holly fruit. It is perfectly hardy, and
easily increased by seeds or layers, or it may be grafted on the more common species. Although
belonging to a fruit-bearing genus, it can only claim notice as an ornamental shrub,

———>____—-

THE HARDY PALMS OF THE HIMALAYAH.

Tue occurrence in certain geological strata of the European continent of fossil plants of the
Palm, and other allied forms, supposed to require for their existence a tropical temperature, has led

176 THE HARDY PALMS OF THE HIMALAYAH.

to the conclusion that, in the earlier periods of the earth’s history, a much warmer climate
obtained in these latitudes than at the present day. This theory has recently received a formid-
able blow in the discovery by Dr. Madden among the mountains of Kemaon, a Himalayan
province bordering on Nepaul, of several fine species of Palm, together with Bamboos, Plantains,
and other arborescent monocotyledonous forms hitherto supposed to be confined to the tropics.
Apart from the interest attached to these discoveries in connection with the geological hypothesis
to which we have referred, their importance in a horticultural point of view is so great, that a
slight sketch, in Dr. Madden’s own words, of a few of the plants in question, will doubtless prove
acceptable to some of our readers.

The species most likely to prove quite hardy in this country, and therefore the most interesting,
is the Chamerops Khasyana, which is found at an altitude of from seven to cight thousand feet
amidst luxuriant forests of Oaks, Hollies, Maples, and many other species of evergreen and
deciduous plants of a hardy character. It occurs in immense numbers, usually in groups, and
varies from thirty to fifty feet in height, the stipe (as the trunks are termed botanically),
being crowned by a large tuft of elegant fan-like fronds. At the height of six feet from the
ground, the stems are generally about two feet in circumference, but are of larger diameter near
the summit. The flowers show themselves in April and May, and the fruits, which resemble in
form and size those of the olive and are of a blue colour, ripen in October. In the localities
where this species occurs, the summers are rather warmer than those of London, but the winters,
are very severe, the ground being usually covered with snow from the end of November to March ;
and, as Dr. Madden expresses his belief that nothing but the absolute barrenness of the upper
portions of the mountains where this species occurs, prevents it from growing at a higher, and
consequently, colder elevation, there can be little doubt that it would flourish in the open air in
this country. At a rather lower elevation is found the Phanix sylvestris, or Wild Date of
India, the sap of which is so largely employed for the manufacture of sugar. It occurs in two
forms, one arborescent, often reaching the height of forty or fifty feet, the other dwarfer, and
almost stemless, to which the name of Awmilis has been given. They occur occasionally as high
as six thousand feet above the level of the sea. Two thousand feet lower the magnificent
Wallichia oblongifolia is found, forming thick tufts destitute of any visible stem; it will probably
be too tender for this country.

The only other plant which we can now find space to notice is the Arwndinaria utilis, allied
to the true Bamboos, which it greatly resembles. It is met with at elevations of from seven to
nine thousand feet in tufts, the stems of which are commonly from twenty to forty feet
high, presenting a magnificent appearance. Like the true Bamboos, this plant rarely flowers
or ripens its seed; and when this does happen, the stems perish and fall. The wood, though
light, is very solid and durable, and is employed for almost as many purposes as the Bamboo
itself; the native name of this species, Deo Ningala, or Divine Ningala, is sufficient to shew
the estimation in which it is held in India.

A species of Plantain occurs abundantly in the eastern Himalayah to the north of the province
of Assam, often at an elevation of seven thousand feet, and also in the province of Kemaon, at
a lower altitude. The plants we have named constitute but a small portion of those detected
by Dr. Madden, but they will be sufficient to prove the importance of his discoveries, both in
an ceconomical and horticultural point of view. We ought to add, that one species of hardy
Palm occurs in China which has already stood the test of the climate of Great Britain, and a
dwarf species, the Chamerops humilis, or Fan Palm, is found in Italy, though the latter is of
comparatively little interest.

OFOLEOL 2

PP.

bhlati Pe
COPIZL2

PHARBITIS LEARII. Liga

PHARBITIS LEARII.
Mr. Lear's Pharhitis.

Linnean Class—PenTANDRIA, Order—Monoa@ynia. Natural Order-—-CoNvOLVULACER,

We have, on more than one occasion, called the attention of our readers to
the claims of this noble twimer as a summer plant for the borders; but a
pictorial recommendation will, probably, prove far more effective than any
verbal eulogium we could pen.

It is usually supposed to be too tender for out-door culture, being generally
grown either in the stove, conservatory, or green-house, where it makes a splendid
appearance, and, as might naturally be supposed, attains a larger size than in
the open ground; but, like many other plants formerly grown exclusively
under glass, it proves of so tractable a habit, adapting itself to a higher or
lower temperature, within certain limits, as circumstances may require, that
it may be fairly claimed by Horticulturists of all classes. We do not, of course,
affirm that its appearance will be the same whatever may be its mode of
treatment; but we have no hesitation in asserting that, with but a small amount
of care, it will succeed admirably in the open air, and, if its growth be thena
little less luxuriant than under glass, its blossoms are yet so large, and abundant,
and of such an unrivalled tint, that it may be justly regarded as one of the
most important conquests from the class of tender plants.

The Pharbitis Learvi is a perennial species, with somewhat fleshy, but not
tuberous, roots; in the green-house or conservatory, it will not unfrequently produce
shoots thirty feet, or more, long, in a single season; but out-doors they rarely
exceed ten or twelve feet, unless in very warm, sheltered localities; besides these
principal shoots, which are strictly of a twining habit, others of a trailing or
creeping character, and much more restricted in growth, are produced near the
ground. The foliage is both elegant and ample; throughout a considerable
length of the shoots it is of a trilobate form, as represented in our figure; but
near the extremities it assumes a heart-shaped character, resembling that of the
Major Convolvulus: both leaves and petioles are clothed with a short pubescence
amounting almost to hispidity. The flowers are produced in clusters of three
to five each, in the axils of the foliage, and often measure, even on specimens
growing in the open borders, two-and-a-half to three inches across: they are of
a most beautiful rich violet-blue, a tint not easily represented on paper, the
sinuses which divide the corolla into five portions being of a pinkish lilac.

12

178 PIHARBITIS LEARII.

Like those of the common annual Pharbitis hispida, and most other species of the
genus, the flowers are but short-lived, but they are yielded in such numbers
in succession, that a constant surface of the richest colour is presented to the
eye through the summer months.

Although the culture of this fine plant is attended with no difficulty, the
results will, of course, depend on the amount of care bestowed upon it. The
warmest corner of the garden should be allotted it, and, if planted against a wall,
it will well repay the favour, though, provided the situation be somewhat sheltered,
it may be trained against any of the ordinary supports for climbing plants: such
as a verandah, an arched trellis, or even the tall upright pillar commonly em-
ployed for the Major Conyolvulus. The soil most suited to it isa strong rich
loam; where the soil is of an opposite character, or exhausted by cultivation, it
would be removed to the depth of one-and-a-half to two feet, and the cavity
filled up with a mixture of good loam, with one-third of its bulk of thoroughly
decayed manure: if this cannot be procured but in a recent state, leaf-mould
may be substituted for it. The roots should not be planted out earlier than the
middle of May, and, in cold unfavourable springs, the end of the month will be
better still. Should frosty nights occur after it has begun its growth, it will be
necessary to protect it with a good hand-light, though, when it has once fairly
started, its progress is so rapid that this covering will hardly be available. In
dry weather water must be freely given, and when in flower weak liquid manure
may be applied at short intervals. As it is necessary to remove the roots from
the ground in autumn, in order to ensure their protection from frost, it may be
planted in a very large pot, plunged to its rim in the border; if without a bottom
it will be preferable, as the roots of the plant can then extend more freely in
search of nutriment, whilst its absence will be little or no impediment to the
extrication of the pot from the ground. It is not, however, strictly necessary that
the roots should be preserved through the winter with a large mass of soil
about them, but they must not be completely removed from it, nor allowed to
become dry. If transferred to an eight-inch pot, and kept ata temperature not
lower than 40°, no difficulty will be experienced in preserving them in a sound
state until the following spring, when the plant may be turned into a much
larger pot, or the open ground, as already explained.

It only remains to remark that, as seeds are rarely produced except under glass,
the mode of increase is by cuttings of the principal shoots; those near the base
of the plants should not be selected as they produce but few flowers; a light
soil, a bell glass, and a good bottom heat, are the requisites to the success of
the rooting process. Struck early in summer the cuttings will flower the same
season, though less freely than in subsequent seasons. The older plants, however,
make by far the finest specimens, and should always be selected for planting out.

TROP XOLUM UMBELLATUM. 179

The plant is generally kept by the London Florists, and may be procured of
them for a moderate sum.

By some authorities the Pharbitis Learii is stated to be a native of Buenos
Ayres; but by others Mexico is given as its original habitat, which is more
probable. The generic name Pharbitis is derived from pharbe, colour, in
allusion to the rich and brilliant tint of most of the species. Having referred
to the leading botanical features of this tribe of plants, under the head of Convol-
vulus Italicus, in our previous number, we have thought it unnecessary to notice
them on the present occasion. The cconomical and medicinal properties of the
Convolyulacee are not without interest. The sweet Potato of the tropics,
formerly known as Oonvolvulus Batatas, and now as Batatas edulis, is a plant
of some importance, and is largely cultivated for its roots in many of the
South American provinces; even in Europe it succeeds in the open ground—
with certain precautions. The roots of many other species yield a purgative
resin: the well known Jalap is produced by the Evogonium purga, and also by
the Batatas Jalapa. The European Convolvulus Scammonii, a plant indigenous
to the Levant, produces the Scammony, so largely employed in infantine
disorders.

TROPAHOLUM UMBELLATUM.
Umbel-flowered Indian Cress.

Linnean Class—OcTANDBIA. Order —MonoGynia. Natural Order —TRoPmOLacE®.

Ir is difficult to understand how so interesting a plant as the Zropeolum
umbellatum should have been kept so entirely in the back ground almost from
the date of its introduction to the present moment; a figure and description in
the leading Botanical serial some years since, and a brief allusion to it in the
contemporary publications of the same class, are at present nearly all the popular
evidences of its existence. Whether this be owing to any unaccountable caprice
on the part of the floricultural public itself, or to a prejudice which those whose
province it is to cater for their wants may have conceived against it (and every-
body knows that either of these suppositions are quite allowable), we can only
guess; this much, however, is certain—that it is in no degree attributable to any
want of merit on its part, for, without attempting to exalt this species at the
expense of others, it may safely be affirmed that its elegant ivy-like foliage, the

180 TROPZOLUM UMBELLATUM.

unique umbellate character of its copious flowers, and the warmth and variety
of their tints, entitle it to rank among the most interesting of the species yet
discovered. It appears to have been first detected by Professor. Jameson of Quito,
on the mountain Pilzhum, one of the Peruvian Andes, at an elevation of 7000
feet above the sea-level, and was subsequently found in the same locality by
Messrs. Veitch’s collector. Mr. W. Lobb, through whom it was introduced to
this country, in 1846.

It is a fibrous rooted perennial of climbing habit, with smooth, flexuose or
zig-zag stems tinged with reddish purple, and alternate foliage of medium size,
divided usually into five obtuse oval lobes, which gives it an elegant outline,
closely approximating to that of the Ivy-leaf: the petiole is long, slender, and
twining; and at its base occur two small stipules, which makes this plant another
exception to the character of this genus as originally defined. We may observe,
too, that even the common 7. majus has its first pair of leaves accompanied by
these appendages, and it is not at all improbable that, in other species in which
they are usually supposed to be absent, they may be present at the same stage
of their growth. The flowers are produced in stalked umbels of three to six
blossoms from the axils of the leaves on the upper portions of the shoots, and
are so abundant that the foliage is almost overpowered; their ornamental effect
is chiefly due to the bright tints of the calyx, which is green at the tip, orange-
red in the middle, and yellow at the mouth, where it is divided into five blunt
segments: the petals themselves are of a dull red colour, and, as is usual in
this genus, unequal in size, the three lowest being considerably the largest ;
the two upper ones, which are hardly perceptible in our figure, are very small
and narrow, and all of them have their margins finely toothed.

The height at which it occurs in its native region naturally favoured the
supposition that it would prove nearly hardy in this country, and this has been
confirmed by actual experiment, Messrs. Veitch having not only grown it
successfully in the open ground during the summer months, but left it exposed
with impunity through the winter season, though, to be sure, the climate of
Devonshire is some degrees warmer than that of the more northerly and eastern
counties. Whether it will really endure complete exposure in other places we
have as yet no actual proof; but even should its roots require protection from
severe frost in winter, which is not improbable, this will scarcely detract from
its value as an ornamental plant for the borders in summer. It is no small
recommendation of the plants of this genus, that they will not only grow
shady places, and northerly or north-westerly exposures, but in many instances
succeed far better in such aspects than in warmer and more sunny ones,
and in this respect the Z. umbellatum is no exception to its congeners.
For covering a north wall in airy situations it will prove of considerable

TROPEHOLUM UMBELLATUM. 181

value, the more so that but few plants will yield their flowers, at
least, so abundantly, in situations deprived of the sun’s influence. It need
not, however, be restricted to such exposures, as it does not refuse to grow
in any but such as are very dry and hot. It requires the same description
of soil as most of the other species—viz., a rather light, and moderately
rich friable loam: very sandy soils, as well as those of an adhesive clayey
nature, are unsuited to this, or the majority of the Tropeolums. We are not
aware whether this species has ripened seed in this country, but it may be
increased in the early summer months by cuttings inserted in pots of sandy
loam, covered with a glass, and placed in a gentle heat. At most the plants
—or rather the roots, for the stems are quite herbaceous—dying down annually,
will need only the protection of a frame in winter, at which period they
should have but little water, from excess of which they are more liable to
suffer than from actual cold.

We have grown, during the past summer, two new varieties of Zropeolum,
of which some of our readers may be glad to have an authentic account. One
of these is the Z. Moritzianum ornatum, a robust plant of rapid growth, with
large smooth peltate leaves, resembling those of Z. majus, but with a more
sinuate margin, the blunt edges of which are tipped with ochreous yellow, to
which circumstance the name ornatum alludes. These tips are seen to the most
advantage when the plant is grown in the open air, as the leaves do not then
attain so large a size as under glass. The flowers are very similar in form
to those of the 7. Smithi, figured at page 81 of the present volume, but
are not quite so large, and the spur is entirely green; the five sepals are all,
more or less, tinged with red, especially the two larger lateral ones, and
are streaked with red lines on the inside; the petals are small, and like
those of Smithii, both in form and colour, being strongly veined with red, and
fringed at the edges; they scarcely project from the mouth of the calyx,
which is however so wide that they present rather a pretty appearance, but
are certainly less showy than some other species. A seedling plant turned into
the open border, rather late in the season, grew considerably, but did not
flower; others kept in the greenhouse commenced blooming at the end of
summer, and will probably continue in flower some weeks longer. We have
no doubt it will bloom in the open air, planted out sufficiently early, in
situations not too much shaded: and, as the roots are perennial, they would
also be likely to flower more freely the second season. It is but half-hardy,
and should therefore be potted in autumn. ‘The original 7. Moritzianum differs
from this variety only in the absence of the yellowish spot on the margin
of the leaf.

The Z. Sheuermannianum or Scheuchzerianum (for we are uncertain as to the

182 THE NEW ANNUALS.

correct nomenclature, the plant having been exhibited under both names) proves
to be but a German variety of the common 7. majus or Nasturtion, differing
only in being of a pale yellow tint, with dark brown spots on the upper petals;
it is an ornamental variety, but in no degree more so than many of the common
ones; and, like them, it requires to be increased by cuttings, for although seed
is abundantly ripened, it does not always reproduce the variety. We observe
that one of our contemporaries has stated that it possesses better foliage than
the pretty annual Z. aduncum; as the leaves are of precisely the same form as
those of the common Nasturtion,our readers can judge for themselves of the
propriety of the statement. The 7. Lobbianum is an interesting plant, but
yields its flowers so late in the season that it can only be recommended for
green-house culture. It is very readily raised from seeds, and by frequent
‘stopping’ through the summer, might probably be made to assume a sufficiently
compact form to admit of cultivation as a window plant. Winter flowers are
so valuable that the experiment well deserves a trial. The foliage of this species
resembles that of the 7. majus, but, unlike that, is very pubescent; its flowers
are of bright orange-red, of medium size, with a greenish calyx tube, and spur,
and fringed petals.

For notices of several other valuable species, the reader is referred to page 28,
Vol. 1, and page 81 of the present Vol.

a

THE NEW ANNUALS.

Our readers will have observed, that in the several papers we have given in the present Volume
on the most desirable plants for cultivation in’the open border, little or no reference has been
made to the more recent annuals beyond the more list of names at pages 12 and 28, This
omission, which was intentional, we will now endeavour to supply. With a few exceptions, there
is nothing very brilliant to announce, but the information we may give may not be the less
serviceable to our readers.

One of the most interesting of the new introductions of this class is the Collinsia multicolor:
we have already given both a figure and description of this species, but the former is by no
means an adequate representation of its beauty, being much too pale. The flowers are really
of a deep purple-lilac; and in the specimens raised by ourselves in spring, this was almost the
only tint occurring in them, the speckles in the centre of the white patch on the upper lobe
of the corolla being of the same hue, so that the name mudticolor would seem to be somewhat
inappropriate. Its colour may probably vary a little in different specimens: in some of them too
the floral leaves or bracts are but slightly tinged with the purple-brown, as shown in our figure.
It is, we think, one of the finest of the Californian annuals, and deserves universal cultivation.
Of the other species introduced at the same time, the C. bartsiefolia, we can scarcely say as much ;
indeed, judging from one season’s experience, we should think it hardly worth cultivation, and

THE NEW ANNUALS. 183

certainly inferior to the older C. bicolor and C. verna. We fear that many of our readers may
have experienced disappointment with the seed of the new Salpiglossis coccinea, which, owing
to a most shameless fraud on the part of one of the growers, through whom many of the
London Seedsmen obtained their supplies, in many cases proved to be that of the older varieties.
After effecting this imposition, the party decamped to Australia with his ill-gotten gain; leaving
the Seedsmen to meet, as they best could, the unfair imputation of being accomplices in this
deception. In the few instances in which the true seed was obtained, the plants resulting produced
flowers of a tint more approaching orange than scarlet, but they are no less beautiful in this
character than in their others. We have no doubt, however, that seeds correct to name will
be procurable next season.

The white-margined variety of the Nemophila aurita proves to be a pretty plant when well
grown, but we think it is much less showy than the insignis and maculata, two species which
have obtained a well-merited reputation. The variety termed atomaria cwlestis is very interesting,
the blue ground of the flower being prettily spotted with white.

Although white flowers are in themselves less effective than those of more brilliant tint,
they nevertheless afford a contrast often necessary, and even indispensable in good combinations.
The new white Nolana atriplicifolia will, on this account, be likely to become a favorite, as
it will be found very useful for an edging to beds of the blue-flowered variety, as well as of other
dwarf plants of cerulean tint. The white variety of the little Kawlfussia amelloides is also
very pretty, but is only suitable for the borders, as, like the species, its flowering season is of
short duration, though by a succession of sowings it may be had in bloom all the summer. The
Lobelia ramosa has also yielded a blanched variety of itself, which may be associated advantageously
with any of the pretty dwarf blue-flowered species, as well as the true vamosa ; and, like them, it
is perennial when protected from frost in winter, but readily flowers the first season from seeds.

The Limnanthes rosea is less showy than might perhaps be supposed from its name; but
fine specimens are very ornamental, We say fine specimens, because a good deal of the seed
of this plant sold for the two past seasons has been very ordinary, and quite incapable of giving
rise to good strong plants. Like the commoner L. Douglassii, it does best when sown in autumn :
if deferred till spring the seeds should be got in early, while moisture is abundant. It is very
hardy. The pure white variety of Douglassii is also worth cultivating in large patches.

The Schistanthe peduncularis we cannot say much of; it is very closely allied to the Alonsoas,
but its flowers are of a pale brick red, and less abundant than in the genus just named.
Botanically, its flowers are interesting, but as an ornamental plant it has no claim. The
beautiful little Leptosiphon luteus we have so recently noticed, that we need only remark that,
where it is once grown, it will be sure to win for itself a high character among ornamental
annuals, The Cuphea purpurea proves to be really a desirable variety when grown in patches
of some size, and flowering at the end of the summer, may be employed for filling some of the
vacancies left by the early annuals. The plants raised from seed vary considerably in their tint,
some of them being a pale rosy purple, and others of a deeper and brighter shade. It flowers
very freely for some weeks, and requires to be raised on a hot-bed. Respecting the new orange-
flowered Globe Amaranthus, Gomphrena Hoveyana, or superba, as some of the catalogues have it,
there will probably be some difference of opinion, owing to the varying result obtained by
different modes of treatment. When grown with sufficient warmth, and in rich soil, it is un-
doubtedly a handsome plant ; but in opposite conditions the flower heads are small and insignificant.
They are of the same persistent character as those of the common G. globosa ; and if cut soon after
they are fully developed, they may be preserved in the same manner for a length of time,
Some of the new varieties of the brilliant Calliopsis tinctoria are remarkably handsome, especially one

184 THE NEW ANNUALS.

termed marmorata, from the peculiar marble-like mixture of various shades of rich brown and orange
which occur in the flowers. When the seeds are sown in autumn, as they should be when
practicable, this and the other varieties will flower the whole summer through, and the blossoms
will be larger than in the case of spring-sown plants.

The Zagetes tenuifolia, or signata, is by no means a new plant, but its singularly elegant habit
and its abundant bright orange flowers, produced for a long period, induce us to make an exception
for it; we never knew this plant to be grown without becoming an established favourite, and it is
one of the most easily cultivated of all our annual treasures. The curious Perilla nankinensis,
referred to in an early number of the present Volume, answers most correctly to the description
there given of it. Its blackish-purple foliage produces an exceedingly striking effect when
surrounded by various shades of green. We have not yet seen the flowers of this plant, but they
are small and comparatively uninteresting. The Monardella undulata is a recent introduction from
California, belonging to the Zadiate plants; we are not quite sure whether it may not prove
perennial, but it flowers the first season, and may therefore be treated as an annual; it grows about
one-and-a-half feet high, and has round stems and lanceolate leaves, which, as well as the flowers,
have a strong odour of peppermint, or a scent more nearly resembling that than any other; the
flowers are blueish, and collected into globular heads, like those of many species of Mentha; they
make, however, but little show, but the plant may, perhaps, be thought worth cultivating for its
aromatic scent. We have grown, as an annual plant, this season, the old Salvia coccinea, and
venture to recommend it to our readers as well worthy their attention. Its flowers are small, but
of a most brilliant scarlet, and a group of seedlings will produce a very pleasing effect in the
borders. Sown in March, on a hot-bed, they will flower in July and August in the open borders ;
the roots are perennial, but require protection from frost. Of the merits of the Venidiwm calendula-
cecum, our readers may judge from our recent figure of it; the Arctotis breviscapa is a closely allied
plant, with large orange-coloured flowers, but they are not quite so freely produced as in the
Venidium ; like that, it needs a sunny exposition, and light sandy soil. In our reference to the
new white-flowered annuals, we find we have omitted one of some interest, the Silene pendula alba,
a variety of an old and favourite plant, differing from it only in having pure white flowers. The
cream-coloured variety of the Eschsholtzia californica may also be appropriately named here; our
plants produced flowers so comparatively small, that we hardly feel disposed to say much in its
behalf; it is at any rate decidedly inferior to the orange and saffron coloured varicties of this
now common plant.

We have, we believe, now noticed most of the annuals introduced during the last two seasons;
some others of considerable interest we have reserved for figuring in our next Volume. There
is one plant, however, to which we desire at once to call the attention of our readers, and, though
an old inhabitant of our gardens, it is a question whether to many amateurs it may not prove
entirely new—the Wahlenbergia vinceflora, a close ally of the Campanulas, with which it was
formerly classed. It is a dwarf plant of slender, branching habit, scarcely exceeding six or
eight inches in height, with almost linear and somewhat scanty foliage. The flowers are of
a salver-shaped form, with a narrow tube, which gives them some resemblance to those of the
lesser Periwinkle, Vinca minor, whence their specific name; they are nearly an inch across,
drooping before expansion, but afterwards more erect; the upper surface of the flower is a
pretty bright blue, the tube and under-side considerably paler. Although a native of New
Holland, it may be sown in the open borders, and as the seeds are very small, like those of the
Lobelias and Companulas, they should not be covered with soil, but merely sprinkled on a finely
prepared surface of sandy loam and peat, which should afterwards be slightly pressed. If preserved
in the greenhouse or cold frame, it becomes perennial; but it is so easily increased by seed,
which it produces abundantly, that it is, perhaps, best treated as an annual plant.

IONOPSIDIUM ACAULE. 185

ORNITHOGALUM ARABICUM.

Tux Ornithogalums comprise some highly interesting bulbous plants, which we may notice more
at length in an early number. At present we will confine ourselves to a recommendation of the
species here named, which deserves to be better known as a nearly hardy spring flower. Its bulb
is about the size of that of the Hyacinth, but much more dense, and of a dirty white colour.
It produces early in the year several long fleshy, pointed leaves, and in April a corymb of large
white spreading flowers, each division of which is marked at the base with brown and yellow,
and are very ornamental. Being from the Cape, itis not perfectly hardy, but may be grown
in the open border with only slight protection in dry sandy loams, and will then flower about
May. Our principal motive in now noticing it is, however, to suggest its cultivation as a window
bulb, for which it is well adapted. It may be grown like the Hyacinth, either in rather deep
pots of light rich sandy loam, containing a fourth of peat soil, or in water in the ordinary
Hyacinth-glass, into which the bulb will usually just fit; or it will succeed well packed in a
pot of damp moss. It is of little importance which plan is followed; the moss, by completely
surrounding the bulb, preserves it in a uniformly moist condition, whilst the ordinary Hyacinth-
glass, as everybody knows, exposes the upper surface of the bulb to the drying influence of the air
of the room in which it is placed. The moss will require to be frequently moistened, as the upper
portion will, of course, soon dry ; but, during the early stages of growth, while the roots are
forming, the pot should be kept in a cool place, and need not, indeed should not, be removed to
the sitting room, until a month or six weeks after planting. The same precaution applies
equally to the other modes of growth. We have only to add that the Ornithogalum Arabicum
is as cheap as could be desired, being procurable at most of the London Seed-shops for about
three-pence per bulb—it is at least sold by Carter for that sum, They are best planted for early
flowers in October or November, those potted now will bloom rather later. It is scarcely
necessary to observe that, after the leaves have fairly commenced their growth, they will require
abundance of light, and especially when the flower stalk is thrown up.

IONOPSIDIUM ACAULE.

Unper the name of the Carpet-Plant, some of our readers may be already acquainted with
this neat little annual. It has received that name, we presume, from the compactness, as
well as the dwarfness of its growth, which is such, that, with a little stretch of the imagination,
it might be supposed capable of bearing the pressure of the foot uninjured; and a very pretty
carpetting it makes for a border. It is not, as its name acawle would imply, always stemless,
though it is usually so; the small delicate leaves arising on long stalks from the root, and
producing from their axils numerous solitary flowers of a white colour, tinged with pale, blueish
lilac. It flowers in a few weeks after sowing, and may, therefore, be had in bloom at almost
any season. It is perfectly hardy, and makes a very pretty rock-plant, when sufficient moisture
is supplied it. It also forms an interesting ornament for the window during the winter and spring
months, if sown in flat pans of moist sandy loam, of poor quality. In a warm room the seeds
speedily vegetate, so that, sown in the early part of December, the plants would commence
flowering about the beginning or the middle of February, according to the temperature. When
once plants are obtained, they may be increased by the runners which are thrown out, which
will root in moist earth. Most of the leading Florists are able to supply seed; but the reader
will do well to bear in mind the fact, that to many it is known only by its old name, Cochlearia
acaulis, which ought to be discarded. It is a native of Portugal and Spain; belongs to the
Natural Order Crucifere, and derives its name from the supposed resemblance to a violet,
though, whether the allusion be to the leaves or flowers, we do not clearly understand.

186 COLLECT THE FALLEN LEAVES.

AMPELYGONUM SINENSE.

TxovucH not remarkable for its flowers, this comparatively recent importation, belonging to the
Polygonacee or Buck-wheat tribe, is likely to prove of interest as a picturesque plant, from the
curious tints assumed by the leaves and branches in the autumnal months. Its stems are somewhat
shrubby, of a purplish violet colour, and articulated and tumid at the joints. The leaves
are, at first, of an oval lanceolate form, almost sessile, and of a clear green. Towards the
end of summer, when the sun’s power declines and the nights are cool, the plant commences
a fresh growth; its young shoots become more vigorous, and assume a deeper purple tint. The
foliage undergoes an entire change, both in form and colour; the leaves now produced are
sagitate, or arrow-headed, with petioles an inch long, and furnished at their base with a
long sheathing stipule; the veins are of a purplish tint, and about the middle of the leaf
two distinct zones of colour occur, having the form of an inverted V; the first and inner-
most zone is purplish brown, about half an inch in width; the second is green, much
paler than the rest of the leaf The young leaves at the extremity of the branches are
suffused with purple, but the marks are very apparent. This singular change commences about
the month of September, and continues through the following months, until arrested by severe
frost, or until the branches have attained their full development, when the leaves assume a
uniform green tint. Variegation is commonly supposed to be the result of disease ; but, in
this instance, the change of colour only occurs at the season when the growth of the plant
is most vigorous. The same thing occurs in the well-known Lamiwm maculatum, the white
mark or feather characterising its foliage usually disappearing in summer months, especially in
exposed situations. The Apelygonum is incapable of resisting our winters in the open ground
and is therefore termed a green-house plant by most authorities, but it may be grown in the
borders during the summer and autumn months.

COLLECT THE FALLEN LEAVES.

We cannot more appropriately conclude the present Volume than by reminding the reader of
the value of the Fallen Leaves and other vegetable refuse of the garden and shrubbery. Their
mission fulfilled of gladdening the eye by their varied shades of green, or of yielding us a
grateful shade from the sun’s heat, and their physiological functions performed, they now
slowly resolve themselves into their original elements, and become available for a purpose
scarcely less important, if less obvious, than that they have hitherto served. The leaf-mould
arising from their decomposition is a far more appropriate stimulant for many pot plants
and bulbs than decayed manure, and, unlike that, may be used at any stage of its formation
without injury. It is a common practice to dig in the leaves which fall in the shrubbery,
but this should only be done where the supply exceeds the demand: all should be carefully
raked together from the borders, walks, and hedges, and be preserved from dispersion in some
convenient but partiajly sheltered corner. We do not think it a good plan to allow the heap
to be so exposed that the leaves become quickly decayed; their soluble salts are then wasted
away, and little remains but comparatively inert humus: in a more recent state, or when only
partially decayed, they are more valuable as an ingredient in composts, and also serve more
effectually to keep them open and porous. When practicable, we would advise their being
preserved in a large cask or hogshead, which will exclude the worms and other ground insects
from the mass, and also enable the decomposition of the leaves to be accelerated or retarded
at pleasure.

———

INDEX.

PLANTS FIGURED.

Abelia uniflora .
Abronia umbellata
Adenophora verticillata
Aquilegia alpina
Arnebia echioides
Aster Sikkimensis
Azalea amoena
Bomarea acutifolia
Bravoa geminiflora
Camellia J aponica
Cheenesthes lanceolata
Collinsia multicolor .
Convolvulus Italicus
Cuphea cordata
Cyananthus lobatus
Cyclobothra alba
Diclytra chrysantha
Deutzia gracilis
Echeveria retusa -
Forsythia viridissima
Fortune’s Yellow Rose
Funckia albo-marginata
Gentiana Bavarica
Heliophila araboides
Jasminum nudiflorum
Lantana Camara
Lapageria rosea
Leptosiphon luteus .
Lilium venustum .
Malva involucrata
Meconopsis Wallichianum
Melittis speciosa
Milla biflora
(Enothera speciosa
Pentstemon Wrightii
Pharbitis Learii
Primula Stuartii .
Salpiglossis coccinea
Salvia canadensis .
Skimmia Japonica
Soldanella montana
Swainsonia Greyana :
Tropeolum Smithii

* umbellatum
Venidium calendulaceum .
Wulfenia carinthiaca

to face page 1
: 1

PAGE

Frontispiece

’
Frontispiece

ich }
”

PLANTS NOTICED OR DESCRIBED.

Abelias, principal species and treatment

Abronia umbellata.
Adenophoras

Alstrémerias

Ampelygonum sinense —
Amaryllis aurea, see Lycoris

4, 44, 158

34
153
116

186

Anchusas - 5
Androsace lanuginosa c
Anemone Hortensis, the .
Aquilegias, selection of

aa formosa
ft Californica
Argemones

Arnebia echioides .

Asclepias tuberosa

Asters perennial

Berberis Nepalensis

Bomareas, best species .

Borage-worts : :

Brayoa geminiflora

Bryonia Abyssinica

Calceolaria chelidonioides .
violacea

Calla ’ Ethiopica as a hardy plant :

Camassia esculenta
Camellia, window culture of
Cankriena chrysantha
Ceanothus yerrucosus .
Cheenesthes lanceolata
Cheiranthus Marshallii
Chlidanthus fragrans
Clematis lanuginosa

Coleus Blumei

Collinsias

Comaclinium aurantiacum
Convolvulus, hardy species
Coreopsis, perennial species
Corydalis, nobilis and bulbosa .
Cupheas

Cyananthus lobatus
Cyclobothras

Daphne Japonica

Deutzia gracilis and others
Diclytra chrysantha
Dodecatheons

Kcheverias, as window plants
Echinacea intermedia :
Echinops, or Globe Thistles
Erythroloena conspicua .
Eschsholtzia californica alba
Fortune’s Yellow Rose.
Forsythia viridissima
Fritillaries

Funckias

Gaillardias .

Gaura Lindheimeri .
Gazaniarigens .
Gentians, culture of, and species
Geranium argnteum
Gladioli

Gymmnopsis serialis

109

13,

127

29, 159, 175

143

188 INDEX.
PAGE PAGA
Heliophila araboides : : 145 | Rose, Fortune's Yellow . ; Pe)
Hesperoscordium lacteum . > 157 ct species of 139
Hollyhocks, list of new ; 159 | Salpiglossis coccinea and others 41, 183
Horn-Poppies : : . 24 Salvia azurea . ; ; 119
Humea elegans, culture of z 128 » coccinea . : 184
Hunnemannia fumariefolia : 5 ee: », glutinosa 171
Hydrangea hortensis . . 172 “ hians : 118
Tonopsidium acaule 180 tae OVAL plectranthifolia : . 45
Tpomzas ‘ 166 »5 | nemorosa 118
Tris, English and Spanish 159 » rugosa A 118
Ismene Amancaes 167 verticillata : 118
» calathina 157 Sandersonia aurantiaca . : ares
Jasmines, best hardy species 165 Silene compacta, culture of 143
Lantanas, open air culture of » 120 | Skimmia Japonica : : : 1
Lapageria rosea ; : : 72 | 5, _ rectification on : , 69
Leptosiphons 147 | Soldanellas ‘ : ; Ses /
Liatris, finest species : 5 140 Swainsonias . : , 83
Ligularia speciosa ‘ 5 . 140 Symphiandra pendula 172
Lilies, a group of : é ; 155 | Telekia speciosa 139
Lilium venustum . . ; - 21 | Tritoma uvaria ; 174
», Thunbergianum ' ; 22 | Tropeolums . ; : 81, 180
ay eseelam |. P : . 22 | Veronica Andersonii 170
Linaria triornithophora : 125 | Weigela lutea : ‘ 143
Linum grandiflorum rubrum : . 13 | Wulfenia Carinthiaca . é pene esis)
Lithospermum canescens 4 : 37
» purpureo-ccernleum tee tare ann ann
Lychnis dioica alba mh. 127 MISCELLANEA.
Lycoris aurea é . 158 | Ants, to destroy, in frames, ete. . eG
Lysimachia candida. . " : 13 Aquatics, hardy, List of o Z 75
Malcolmia littorea ‘ : . 45 | Autumnal Gleanings ~ ial
Meconopsis Wallichii . , - 24 | Bedding plants, List of 59, 78
Milfoil best species : . 141 Bouquet, a July 124
Milla biflora c : 5 149 | Bulbs Hardy, a group of 157
Myosotis Azorica . : ‘ 37, 125 | Cape Bulbs, treatment of . ; = ee
Myrica Californica : : 3 | Collect the Fallen Leaves é 186
Narcissus, various species . 108 | Composite Plants. . : 138, 172
Nemesia versicolor . . : 14 | Dahlias, best new varieties . s 47
Nuttallias ; 2 5 . 65 | Diclytra v, Dielytra : ~ 128
C&notheras. : : 97 | English and Tropical floras contrasted 14
Ornithogalum Arabicum - 170 | Florists’ tricks . 16
Pancratium Illyricum . - 109,158 | Formation of Wood by Root Buds 47
Pentlandia miniata ; c . 187 | Fumigation by Tobacco and Cayenne 48
Pentstemon Wrightii - : 20 Half-hardy Annuals, List of . : 26
Themesterii : <pliiO sivas Annuals + . > gl
Perilla Nankinensis : 64 Bulbs, a group of - 107
Petunia Prince Camille de Rohan sees GO . Composite Plants 138, 172
Phloxes - 3 : 172 », Palms of the Himalayah 174
Pheedranassa chloracra.. : . 80 | Hogg’s Edging Tiles . : : 46
Pharbitis Learii 177 | Hot-bed, construction of . : . 31
a hederacea A 5 . 168 Malvaceats plants i . Ks 65
Pittosporum Tobira . : 3 12 Oak Tribe, distribution of . 7 ee
Platyeodon grandiflorum . , . 171 | Our June Flowers 107
Poppy-worts . < 24 | Rhododendrous Sikkim, flowering of in
Potentilla striata formosissima « 95 England. : 144
Primula Stuartii : : ; 18 | Roses, new mode of budding 112
», Sikkimensis : : . 18! Seedsowing . 3 : Se £32
+ inyolucrata . : ‘ 19 | Trellis plants 122
Prunusincana =, - : 175 | Ventilation of Greenhouses, &e. é 63
Pulmonarias . : i 2 37 | Winter of 1852, effects of ; Fae Ph

J. M. BURTON AND CO., PRINTERS, IPSWICH.

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