HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OF THE GRAY HERBARIUM Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from BHL-SIL-FEDLINK https://archive.org/details/botanicgardencon05maun THE BOTANIC GARDEN; CONSISTING OF HIGHLY FINISHED REPRESENTATIONS OF HARDY ORNAMENTAL FLOWERING PLANTS, CULTIVATED IN GREAT BRITAIN; WITH THEIR NAMES, CLASSES, ORDERS, HISTORY, QUALITIES, CULTURE, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. BY B. MAUND, F.L.S. VOL. Y. “Not a tree, A plant, a leaf, a blossom, but contains A folio volume. We may read and read. And read again, and still find something new, Something to please, and something to instruct.” Hurdis. London: SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL, STATIONERS’ HALL COURT: SHERWOOD AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW. 1834—5. Gfl/vVfj />•!,’ ' VVU •Yf./JitU JhcuvtLbb PREFACE. Jt is not an unpleasing task to meet, as it were, a multitude of friends, and have with them a few moments’ converse in a bien- nial preface. There are hundreds amongst our readers and cor- respondents witli whom we could wish the intercourse were more reciprocal. Whether the limit of our action be narrow or ex- tended, we hope, however, to do as hitherto — to adhere to the true representation of nature, give extensive information to the cultivator, and the naturalist, and never to lose sight of the first great cause. It may be unnecessary to recapitulate our labours. They are already before our readers — the legitimate judges. Their sentence can annihilate or animate. This being our position, it is with no common feelings of pleasure and gratitude, that through the progress of ten years, we have found the sunshine of public favour glow with increasing brightness on the flowers of our Botanic Garden. An influence so genial will necessarily stimulate their growth, although aphides and innumerable larvae may swarm in their precincts. The progressive encouragement of our friends, enabled us, nearly two years ago, to give practical proof of their favours, by adding the Auctarium, as a means of registering miscellaneous directions and discoveries, which could not, conveniently, be combined under the regular subjects of the work. By con- densing our matter, we have, it is hoped, already brought toge- ther, in small compass, a considerable mass of interesting and useful information, as a depository of easy reference, that will ultimately prove of high value to the horticulturist, and the philosopher. A continued and still augmented patronage now enables us to offer to our subscribers another tribute of gratitude. In a pecu- niary point of view the most unprecedented success alone could warrant a further enlargement of our work. As, however, it would be advantageous to every cultivator of flowers to possess a regular record of every new plant, as it is introduced or becomes known in Great Britain, we have made arrangements for adding to each subsequent number of the Botanic Garden, a Floral Reg- ister, in addition to the Auctarium. In this we intend to give, monthly, every requisite particular of nearly twenty newly intro- duced or interesting plants, belonging either to the stove, the greenhouse, or the open garden ; and we hope to illustrate it in a manner that shall render it, ultimately, one of the most com- plete works of reference ever attempted in this department of science. Like the Auctarium, it is intended for separation from the Botanic Garden, to form an independant volume. Thus, three distinct works will be proceeded with simultaneously, con- stituting a body of garden knowledge, in such forms, as we trust, will be considered unique. By these arrangements we may hope to afford some assistance in the universal search after knowledge. Little, however, can the most ardent pursuit of man attain ; for, as Dr. Roget so truly says, “ Measured on the vast scale of the universe, the globe we inhabit appears but as an atom j and yet, within the compass of this atom, what an inexhaustible variety of objects is contained : what an endless diversity of phenomena is pre- sented ; what wonderful changes are occurring in rapid and perpetual succession ! Throughout the whole series of terres- trial beings, what studied arrangements, what preconcerted ad- aptations, what multiplied evidences of intention, what signal proofs of benificent design exist to attract our notice, to excite our curiosity, and to animate our enquiries.” INDEX TO VOL. V. Systematic Name. English Name. No. Aconitum versicolor, . .Shaded Monk’s-Hood, . . . ,436 Alstrcemeria pelegrina, Spotted Alstrcemeria, 435 Anagallis Monelli, Monelli’s Pimpernel, 399 Aster Sibiricus, Siberian Aster, 411 Catananche caerulea, ........ T vvo-coloured Catananehe, 424 CelsiaCretica, Cretan Celsia, 400 Centaurea crocodylium,. .... Blush Centaury, 431 Centaurea ochroleuca, Ivory-coloured Centaury , .462 Chymocarpus pentaphyllus, ..Five-leaved Chymocarpus, 480 Cineraria maritima, Sea Ragwort, 451 Cistus acutifolius, Acute-leaved Rock Rose, ...449 Collinsia grandiflora, Large-flowered Collinsia, . .391 Collomia grandiflora, Large-flowered Collomia, . .392 Collomia linearis, .Linear-leaved Collomia, . .417 Coreopsis Atkinsoniana, Atkins’s Coreopsis, 389 Coronilla Iberica, Iberian Coronilla, 446 Crvptostemraa calendulaceum, Mary-gold-flo. Cryptostem. 459 Cytisus argenteus, Silver-leaved Cytisus, . . . .452 Delphinium consolida, Branching Larkspur, . . . .432 Delphinium mesoleucum, . . . .White-centred Larkspur, . .403 Dianthus superbus, Superb Pink, 425 Digitalis bybrida, Campbell’s Hybrid Foxglove468 Digitalis laciniata, Cut-leaved Fox-glove, . . . .447 Dolichos lignosus, Woody Dolichos, 405 Erica cinerea, Grey heath, 434 Erygeron asteroides, Aster-like Erigeron, ...... 453 Eryngium alpinum, Alpine Eryngo, 428 Eryngium Bourgati, Bourgati’s Eryngo, 396 Gailardia aristata, Awned Gailardia, 402 Galega Persica, Persian Goat’s Rue, 455 Gazania Rigens, Rigid Gazania, 415 Gentiana cruciata, Crosswort or crossed Gentian387 Geranium Ibericum, Iberian Crauc’s Bill, 458 Geranium Lancastriense, Lancaster Crane's Bill, ....388 Hedysarum obscurum, Creeping Hedysarum, . . . .441 Ilunnemania fumariaefolia, .... Fumitory-lvd. Hunnemania,423 Hyssopus Orientalis, Oriental Hyssop, 466 Iris Ruthenica, Russian Iris, 456 Iris sambucina, Elder-scented Iris, 443 Jasione perennis, Perennial Sheep’s Scabious, 4? 1 Lablab vulgaris, .Common Lublab, 404 La vatera triloba, Three-lobed Lavatera, . . . .437 Leptostelma maxima, Great Leptostelma, 467 Libertia formosa, Beautiful Libertia, 472 Lilium martagon, White Martagon, 426 Lilium Pomponium, PomponeLily, .....444 Linaria Italica, Italian Toad-flax, 463 Systematic Name. English Name. No. Liriaria triornithophora, . . Three-birds-bearingTd.flax440 Lithospermum purpu. caerul.,. .Purple and blue Gromwell, 413 Lophospermum erubescens, .... Blushing Lophospermum, . . 401 Lubinia atropurpurea, Dark Purple Lubinia, .. ..461 Lupinus ornatus, Adorned Lupine, 438 Lychnis flos Jovis, Umbellate Rose Campion, 397 Lythrurn diffusum, Diffuse Lythrum, 470 Madia elegans, Elegant Madia, 429 Malva Munroana, . Munro’s Mallow, 473 Meeonopsis Cambrica, Welch Meconopsis, 479 Menziesia polifolia, Hoary-leaved Menziesia, ..478 Narcissus angustifolius, Narrow-leaved Narcissus, ...407 Narcissus interjectus, Great curled-cup Narcissus, 412 Neja gracilis, Slender Neja 393 Nierembergia intermedia, . . . .Nar.lvd. pur. Nierembergia,477 Niereinbergia phcenicea, Purple Nierembergia, 416 Oxalis crenata, Notch-petalledWood Sorrel, 433 Paeonia edulis Rose-scented eatable Pseony, 451 Pentstemon Ricbardsonii, . . . . Richardson’s Pentstemon, . .430 Periploca Graeca, Grecian Periploca, ......410 Phlomis herba-venti, Wind Herb, 464 Phlox Wheeleriana, Wheeler’s Phlox, 395 Piptanthus Nepalensis Nepal Piptanthus, 418 Potentilla atrosangui. pedata, Hybrid Potentilla, 385 Potentilla rupestris, Rock Cinquefoil, 474 Prunella Sibirica Siberian Self-Heal, .... ..475 Pyrethrum uliginosum Marsh Feverfew, 439 Ranunculus millefoliatus, . . . .Thousand-leaved Crowfoot, 476 Rhododendron catawbiense, . . . .Catawba Rhododendron, . .408 Rosa centifolia, Variegated Provins Rose, . . 465 Rosa Indica, .Rose Clare, 445 Rosa rapa, Double Burnet-leaved Rose, 406 Rudbeckia pinnata, , ... .Pinnate Rudbeckia, 457 Salvia grandiflora, Great-flowered Sage, . . . .420 Sanguisorba Canadensis, Canadian Great Burnet, ..442 Saxafraga aizoon, Marginated Saxifrage, ... .419 Scutellaria Alpina, Alpine Scullcap, 398 Sedum oppositifoli um, Opposite-leaved Stonecrop, 460 Spiraea bella, Pretty Spiraea, 409 Tetragonolobus siliquosus, . . . .Square-podded Winged Pea, 414 Thermopsis fabacea, Faba-like Thermopsis, . . . .469 Trachymene caerulea, Blue-flowered Trachymene, 450 Tropseolum majus, Greater Nasturtium, 427 Verbena alata, Winged-stemmed Vervain, 390 Verbena rad icans, Rooting Vervain, 422 Verbena urticifolia, Nettle-leaved Vervain,. ... 488 Viola tricolor, Heartsease, 421 Wistaria frutescens, Frutescent Wistaria, 386 Zinnia tenuiflora, Narrow-petalled Zinnia, ..394 Poteutilla atrosauguinea-pedatj Wistaria frutesoeits. POTENTIL'LA ATROSANGUPNEA-PEDA'TA. HYBRID POTENTILLA. Class. ICOSANDRIA. Order. POLYGYNIA. Natural Order. ROSACEA. Hybrid Height. Flowers in Duration. Raised origin. 18 inches. June, July. Perennial. in 1831. No. 385. The name, Potentilla, is deduced from the Latin word potentia, and signifies little power; a term used in allusion to the medicinal strength of the plant for which it was originally intended. On the introduction of the doubly compound ap- pellation Atrosanguinea-pedata, we may be expect- ed to offer some remark. Authors have not agreed on the most convenient mode of naming hybrid or mule plants. Some have thought names may be completely arbitrary; some name them after the person with whom they originated; whilst others would altogether excommunicate such productions from botanical nomenclature. Notwithstanding the opposite theoretical position taken by some bota- nists, we believe, doubtlessly, that hybrid plants sometimes become established, and hold a perma- nent place in the vegetable kingdom; it is there- fore but reasonable to notice them, and it is far better that their origin be registered whilst it is known, in lieu of remaining to become the subject of future conjecture and error. We have taken the trivial names of the two parent species of this hybrid plant, as a compound name for it; and although 97 rather cumbrous, this inconvenience is more than counterbalanced by the advantage that it is ex- planatory of its hybrid origin. The female parent ought, we think, to hold the first place in such com- pounded name. We raised it from seed of the Pontentilla atrosan- guinea, fertilized with pollen of Potentilla pedata, and we believe a more perfect mixture of two dis- tinct and dissimilar species is not known. The dark red of the one, and full yellow of the other, are well mingled, and produce a rich deep orange. The foliage also of it is intermediate between that of its two parents, as shown by the engraving. In the year 1830, we fertilized flowers of each of the Potentillas, the atrosanguinea, formosa, and pedata, with pollen of the other two, separately. In each instance their anthers were destroyed before they had burst, the pollen of one of the other species applied to the stigma, and the flower then secured from insects, by a covering of gauze. Out of up- wards of two hundred plants thus obtained from Potentilla formosa, not one was sufficiently altered to merit notice. Nearly all those from Potentilla atrosanguinea, were somewhat improved. From Potentilla pedata, we obtained very few seeds. It is not a free seeding species with its own farina, and far less so under a privation of it. The plants from it were remarkably luxuriant, and its blossoms large, but otherwise they showed but little variation. The novel colour of this new hybrid flower, ren- ders it very desirable. The plant is slender, like that of Potentilla pedata, and in culture may be expected to require no peculiar attention. WISTA RIA FRUTESCENS. FRUTESCENT WISTARIA. Order. DECANDRIA- Natural Order. LEG OMINOSiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America. 10 feet. June, Aug. Perennial. in 1724. No. 386. This plant was named in honour of Caspar Wistar, a scientific professor at Pennsylvania. Frutescens, from the Latin, signifying shrubby. It is a beautiful climber, which, like its conge- ner, Wistaria Consequana, formerly Glycine Sinen- sis, spreads more slowly through English gardens, than in these days of botanical vigilance would be imagined. Their having been known as green- house plants, seems to have formed a bar to the extension of their acquaintance as hardy climbing shrubs. The Wistaria frutescens is, however, per- fectly so, and from its great beauty should have a place in every garden, where a wall with a good aspect can be allotted to its growth. It is more hardy than Wistaria Consequana, and its flowers being produced later in the season, they are less liable to injury from spring frosts. Planted in loam and peat, against a southerly wall, it will grow more freely, and the cultivator may expect to be highly gratified by its rich display of beautiful flowers. It is usually propagated by cut- tings of the young wood, planted in sand, or very sandy compost, on a hotbed, under a hand-glass. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 298, Class. DIADELPHIA. % GENTIA'NA CRUCIA'TA. CROSSWORT, OR CROSSED GENTIAN. Class. Order. PENTANDRIA. DIGYNIA. Natural Order. GF.NTIANEJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Austria. 9 inches. June, July. Perennial. in 1596. No. 387. The name of this genus of beautiful plants ap- pears to have originated, indirectly, from the virtues of Gentiana lutea, which has long been known as a powerful tonic and febrifuge. The Illyrian king, Gentius, after whom it was named, is said to have discovered these virtues; hence we may conceive that kings of olden time had much less of the cares of state to occupy their minds than fall to the share of modern monarchs. The plea- sures of a quiet pursuit, or a peaceful science like botany, can rarely, in the present day, we fear, be indulged in by the rulers of nations. Cruciata, from the Latin crux, signifying cross; a name formed on the crossed position of its foliage. This low free-growing herbaceous plant, is well adapted for ornamenting the fronts of borders and mounts; but it has not the advantage of some others of the same genus, in affording an evergreen em- bellishment of bright green leaves to enliven the little garden landscape of winter. It will grow in any common soil, and seems to prefer a rather cool and moist situation. It may be divided in spring or autumn. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 113. GERA NIUM LANCASTRIEN'SE. LANCASTER CRANE’S-BILL. Class. Order. MONA DELPHI A. DECANDRIA. Natural Order. GERANIACE.®. Native of Height Flowers in Duration Inhabits Britain. 9 inches. June, Oct. Perennial. Rocks. No. 388. Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, a crane. The shape of the seed vessel has been, aptly enough, compared to the head and long beak of that bird. Lancastriense, from its being indi- genous to Lancashire. The genus Geranium, is now confined to such of the plants, originally so called, as possess ten per- fect stamens. By such division, all those beautiful subjects, generally known by this name, which have been cultivated in the green-house, or more inti- mately domesticated in the dwelling-house, form another genus, under the name of Pelargonium. These have but seven fertile stamens. Geranium Lancastriense has, by some authors, been considered a variety only of Geranium san- guineum. The union of it to that species would do no violence to botanical description, but its general habit, and permanence of character, under cultivation, incline us to follow nature rather than science in the distinction. It is a very desirable little plant, always in flower during summer. It may be readily increased by cuttings, planted under a hand-glass; or by seeds. Hort. Kew.2, v. 4, 184. -*■- l . Collinsia gr audit! ora . CoDomia £ran diflora . Coreopsis Atkinsoiuana. Verbena alata . 98 S. Wafts scalp. COREOP SIS ATKINSON I A'N A. atkinson’s coreopsis. Class. Order. SYNGBNESIA. POLYGAMJA FBUSTRANEA Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Columbia. 3 feet. August. Perennial. in 1826. No. 389. The word Coreopsis is derived from the two Greek words, coris, a bug ; and opsis, appearance, or re- semblance; in allusion to the shape of the seeds of some of its species. The same idea originated the term tick-seed sun-flower, which has sometimes been used as an English name for this genus. Atkinso- niana, is a name given to this species by Douglass, as a mark of respect to W. Atkinson, Esq. of Grove End, whose talents are well known in the neigh- bourhood of the metropolis, in connexion with im- provements in heating and ventilating hot-houses. In a former part of our work we had occasion to admire and recommend the Coreopsis tinctoria, a beautiful plant, of annual growth only. Its golden petals and rich dark eye soon rivetted, we may say public attention, and every body enquired for, and obtained it. From the same inexhaustible source. North America, we now present its counterpart, but under a perennial character. Surely,without betray- ing undue enthusiasm, the botanist may well ex- claim, wherefore such profuse diversity in nature P or why such distinction in the duration of plant or of flower? The very mention of floral duration opens a wide range of thought, which cannot have escaped the observation of apathy itself. In the study of nature, man is often permitted to see the adaptation of one part of her w orks to that of another, either in position, or in action; but the rationale of the whole as a system is hidden from his view. Why, it may be asked, do we see the tradescantia Vir- ginia spread wide her petals to the scorching sun, and fade in the evening dew; whilst the cenothera tetraptera bursts her confinement to welcome the ves- per breeze, but when the rays of morning reach her snowy bosom, she blushes and dies ? Why does the splendour of the lily continue fifty times as long as the beauty of the tigridia P Or, the tulip expose its gradually -ripening beauty through weeks of anti- cipation, whilst the iris bursts forth at once in all its splendour ? These are contemplations befitting man as a rational being, placed as he is in the midst of creative wisdom. How quickly does it re- duce him to a proper place in his own estimation ! The Coreopsis Atkinsoniana may be divided at the root, for increase, in March or April; or propa- gated from seeds. These should be sown in the spring; and the young plants, when of about two inches growth, should be transplanted into beds, at from six to nine inches apart. Here they will become strong, and their radical leaves increased, but will not flower till the following summer. In the spring they should be removed from the nursery bed to the borders and ornamental compartments, for flowering; where the only care demanded will be support to the stems, to prevent their scattering as they attain maturity. Bot. Reg. 1376. VERBE NA ALATA. WINGED-STEMMED VERVAIN. Class. Order. DIDYNAM1A. ANGIOSPERMIA. Natural Order. VERBENACEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Mont Video. 5 feet. Aug. Sept Perennial. in 1828. No. 390. The Celtic name farfaen, has been thought by some to be the root whence our Verbena has sprung; but this is something uncertain. The Latins have the very term Verbena, which they applied to herbs, or, as Pliny says, a tuft of grass, used in Roman sacrifices. Alata, from the Latin, winged; which appellation is usually applied to such stems of her- baceous plants as have the cortical covering of their angles dilated into a membranous leafy texture. The Ammobium alatum is a more perfect example of the winged stalk than the plant before us. This species of Verbena far outstrips, in height, most others of the same genus. In a rich light soil it will attain six feet in height; and although its flowers are not very conspicuous, it becomes a bold and handsome plant. As it is not of bushy or um- brageous character, its height need not be an ob- stacle to its occupying a place amorist lesser sub- jects, where it should have the support of a neat iron stake. It may be raised from seeds, or occasionally in- creased by a division of its roots, A little protection should be afforded it in winter, if frosts be severe. Sweet’s FI. Gar. s. 2, 41. COLLIN'SIA GRANDIFLORA. LARGE-FLOWERED COLLINSIA. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. ANGIOSPERMIA. Natural Order. SCROPHULARIN-®. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America. 1 foot. May, July. Perennial. in 1828. No. 391. Nuttall, the author of the Genera of North Ame- rica, established the name of this genus in honour of Zaccheus Collins of Philadelphia. Grandiflora, from the Latin grandis, great; and flos, a flower. This is one, amongst others, of the great number of beautiful plants lately introduced to this country from North America; but one that requires an in- timate acquaintance. It does not salute its admi- rers at a garden’s length, but lowly and modest, it reclines on its home, and invites the hand to raise it, the eye to inspect its party-coloured flowers, which are disposed in whorls, as rustic damsels were wont to garnish the village may-pole. Being low and somewhat recumbent, it may be grown in patches, near the front of the parterre. Seeds may be sown in spring, in the open ground. Or, if sown in August, and afforded a little protec- tion, in severe weather, the plants will flower early in the following summer. The recumbent stems will sometimes strike root, and the stimulus thereby obtained, will induce a renewed growth, and occa- sion the plants, in favourable situations, to continue through the winter and blossom in May. Bot Reg. 1107. - • COLLOMIA GRANDIFLO'RA. LARGE-FLOWERED COLLOMIA. Class. Order. PENTANDRIA. MONOGVNIA. Natural Order. POLEMONIACEA5. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America. 2§- feet. June, Aug. Perennial in 1831. No. 392. Collomia, from the Greek word kolla, signify- ing glue. The term was applied in allusion to a mucilaginous secretion which is found on the seeds of Collomia. This plant is of upright growth, and its lateral branches never grow inconveniently diffuse. The soft buff tint of its flowers, being of rare occur- rence in the garden, excepting in some species of honeysuckle renders it desirable as a novelty in this particular. It is of the most easy culture and free growth, for should its seeds be shed from the parent plant, when ripe, they will quickly spring up, and bid defiance to all the severities of winter; and of course w ill flower earlier in the succeeding sum- mer, than those produced by spring sowing. We trace, in the Collomia, a propensity not un- commonly met with in human nature. When liv- ing under the most favourable circumstances it pro- duces its flowers most sparingly. They are then but dotted over its hemispherical head, two or three at a time; but if it be grown in very poor soil, or its roots confined in pots, plunged in the borders, its flowering will be much more free. Bot. Reg1. 1174. ■ ' - . Zinnia tentri flora . Phlox "Wheeleriana . S .Watts, scalp NEJA GRACILIS. SLENDER NEJA. Class. Order. SVNGENESIA. SDPERFLCA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Mexico. 1 foot. Aug. Sept. Perennial. in 1828. No. 393. It does not often fall to our lot to publish a generic name which is acknowledged, by its author, to have no other meaning than the name of a plant. We are so much in the habit of looking for deriva- tions that the question naturally arises — why did Mr. David Don, the originator of the term Neja, make choice of these four identical letters, to form a non-descript name? The word being wholly un- like the comprehensive Greek pollysyllabic terms, we are reduced to the extremity of Mr. Dodd, with his text “ Malt,” — to consider its letters, which, in true English mean jane, most probably a female friend of Mr. Don ; and this apart from all jocu- larity, is the only origin we can divine. If that name be best which in no degree charac- terizes the genus it represents, the same will hold good with specific names, for confusion may attach even to Mr. Don’s adopted one, gracilis, by a more slender species being hereafter discovered. We are aware that some modern botanists advo- cate the use of unmeaning words, as generic names. This preference has, doubtless, arisen out of the misapplication of old appellations. They have been 99 * applied to plants for which they were not originally intended ; and confusion of ideas has been a conse- quence of such missuse. A genus is a collection of species, which possess some character in common. Whenever a name indicative of such character can be given it must be, of all others, the most useful. Or, if this be not strictly adhered to, the name may at least be formed in allusion to some prominent mark or quality of the genus. The most eminent botanists have been desirous that every generic name should carry some positive information. The Greeks were studiously attentive to this point, unless the title of a divinity or hero claimed their notice. If botanical definition cannot be conveniently woven into appellations, generic names may be made either to commemorate personages who have been eminent for their zeal in any praise-worthy pursuit ; or events which are worthy of note. A flower, by its name, may then recall to mind a vol- ume of events ; and thus, in future ages, would the piety, industry, and magnanimous actions of the great, be the more frequently resuscitated for imita- tion ; or the deformity of vice and folly be presented to the mind, in circumstances otherwise forgotten. The Neja gracilis is a compact little undershrub or suffruticose plant ; that is, with woody root and herbaceous stems. It produces an abundance of flowers, spreads but little, and has a neat appear- ance in the borders. Cuttings of it strike root readily, on a little artificial heat ; and the plant will grow in any common soil, but it must be protected from sharp frosts in winter. • Sweet’s FI. Gar. ZINNIA TENUIFLORA. NARROW-PETALED ZINNIA. Class. Order. SYNGF.NESIA. SUPERFLUA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Mexico. . 2 feet. July, Sept. Annual. in 1799. No. 394. The name Zinnia is derived from that of Dr. John Godfrey Zinn, of Gottingen, where he was professor both of physic and botany. Though he died at the age of thirty-two, his experiments on the brain, to ascertain its sensibility ; and also on the eye, which were published in 1755, have en- titled him to permanent respect. Tenuiflora, is compounded from the Latin tenuis, narrow ; and flos, a flower. The narrow petals of this species sufficiently characterize it. If less bold than the other species which we have previously noticed, its flowers are more brilliant in colour. It is a pleasing annual, and continues long in flower. This plant is far best raised on a hotbed, for it sometimes happens that when its seeds are trusted to the open borders, the young plants, in an unpropi- tious season, become dwarfed, and flower at less than one-fourth of their natural height. They should be carefully transplanted to their final situation whilst very young. The finest plants are generally grown on a rich loamy soil, which is not peculiarly dry, but in a warm aspect. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 93. . « PHLOX WHEELERIANA. wheeler’s phlox. Class. Order. PENTANDRl A. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. POLEMONIACEJ5. Hybrid Height Flowers in Duration Raised origin. 3 feet. June, Sept. Perennial. 1 in 1824. No. 395. Phlox is a Greek word, signifying flame, and intended, most probably, to indicate a glowing col- our. Wheeleriana, is a name given to this hybrid plant after that of the person who raised it, Mr. Wheeler, nurseryman, of Warminster. The delicate tint of the flowers of this plant, with its central shading, make it as desirable as any one in the present long list of Phloxes, so many of which have now established themselves in almost every flower garden. We would recommend those of our readers who happen not to be fully acquainted with this genus to lose no opportunity of increasing their collection of.them. They are, every one of them, from those of three inches high, to those of six feet, highly or- namental and showy. None of the tall species are peculiarly fastidious as respects the soil or aspect in which they are planted; but it is somewhat important, particularly if planted in a light or peaty soil, that they be occa- sionally taken up, in spring, the roots divided, and replanted. It will add much to the luxuriance of their growth. ' ERYNGIUM BOURGATI. BO URG ATI’S ERYNGO. Class. Order. PENTANDRIA. DIGYNIA. Natural Order. UMBELEIFER&. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced S. France. 2 feet. July. Perennial. in 1731. No. 396. The word Eryngium is from errigion of Dios- corides, the derivation of which is uncertain. The Greek eryggano, to eructate, was thought by pro- fessor Martyn, an origin too silly to repeat. Bour- gati, from the name of an eminent theologian and naturalist of Switzerland. The different species of Eryngo are known indis- criminately by the name of sea holly. This term legitimately belongs only to our native species, the Eryngium maritimum, which grows abundantly on some parts of the sea coast, where its leaves are very ornamental, and somewhat similar to those of the species before us. The singular blue or amethystine tint displayed by •several species of Eryngo, and their peculiar foliage, have occasioned their introduction into most gar- dens, and the variety they afford is pleasing. It is stated by Villars, that the Eryngium Bour- gati continues several years before it flowers, and after flowering dies. This was the case with our plant, but we have had only a single example. We mention this that the cultivator may not omit a timely division of it. It requires no peculiar care. Loudon’s Ency. of Plants. . ■ Scutellaria alpina . Celsia Crotica . lychnis fLos Jovis . Anag'allis mouclla . 100 S. scrip. LYCH NIS FLOS JOVIS. UMBELLATE ROSE CAMPION. Class. Order. DECANDR1A. PENTAGYNIA. Natural Order. CARYOPHYLLE®. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Germany. 2 feet. July. Perennial. in 1726. No. 397. The term Lychnis, from the Greek lychnos, a lamp, perhaps, arose from wicks having been made of the woolly leaves of the original Lychnis. The name, Flos Jovis, or Jove’s flower, seems somewhat too important. Its use has, however, been sanctified by time. It was applied by the old botanists, whose reasons for its adoption, had, probably, a reference to some mythological fiction which has escaped from tradition, as its author has from existence. This plant was formerly known as the Agro- stemma flos Jovis. The difference between the genera Agrostemma and Lychnis, which was prin- cipally founded on the division of the petals, and number of the cells of the capsule, has been found so anomalous, that it has been thought best to unite these genera under Lychnis. We are glad to introduce this old favourite to the notice of the present generation, for it seems either to have escaped observation, or to have met with unmerited neglect. It is perfectly hardy. It may be raised from seeds; divided; or struck from cuttings of the flower stem before they begin to flower. 100 * Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 132. > SCUTELLARIA ALPl'NA. ADPINE SCULLCAP. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. GYM NOSPERM I A . Natural Order. LABIAT M. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Hungary. 9 inches. June, Sept. Perennial. in 1752. No. 398. Scutellaria is a name which is founded on the peculiarity of the calyx of this genus, which has a small concave cap that covers the seeds. It is derived from the Latin scutella, a small dish; or scutellum, a little shield. The English name owes its origin to the same appendage. This is a pretty plant for the front of the border or mount, or for placing amongst raised groups of stones, where it would be somewhat elevated, and invite examination. The flowering season of this plant, like that of many others, may be extended by cutting off a portion of its stems before the blos- soms open. Young lateral shoots will be thereby produced, which will flower after the leading shoots have exhausted the chief of their beauty. This practice may frequently be so adopted in the flower garden, as nearly to double the blossoming season of many of its most beautiful ornaments. The Scutellaria alpina produces seeds freely, and an abundant crop may be raised by sowing them in the spring, either with or without artificial heat. It may also be divided at the roots; which in some situations multiply rapidly. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 427. ' - _ I ANAGAL'LIS MONEL/LI. MONELLl’S PIMPERNEL. Class Order. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. PRIMDLACEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Italy. 9 inches. June Sept. Perennial. in 1648. No. 399. Anagallis, from the Greek anagelao, to laugh, from its exhilarating properties. Monelli, the name of an Italian botanist. We have been requested to notice the leading ancient botanists. We here concisely do so. Aristotle was the first of the ancient Greek philo- sophers, of whose works much is known. He was descended through a long line of ancestry, from AEsculapius, the pupil of Chiron, the wise Centaur, who also instructed Hercules and Achilles, twelve Hundred years before Christ. These heroes and philosophers having been deified, their names are mixed up with fables which bore morals that can- not now be fully explained. Theophrastus, the pupil of Aristotle, lived about three centuries before Christ. From Theophrastus we have, at the present day, many botanical names ; but from Dioscorides, who lived two centuries later, we have not only names, but descriptions, and the virtues of plants, as they were then estimated. Pliny, in the first century of the Christian era, wrote his Natural History, in which he copied much of Dioscorides. In the succeeding century to Pliny, Galen, the celebrated physician, wrote extensively on the medicinal properties of vegetables, and added greatly to Dioscorides and Pliny. The suc- ceeding twelve hundred years present little more than a blank to the scientific mind. About the year 1430 printing was invented, and knowledge darted to all quarters, as rays of light. In France and Germany, several kerbals appeared almost im- mediately, but it was not till the year 1551 that an English work of originality was published. This was from the pen of Dr. William Turner, of whom much may be said, as a man of talent. Neither he nor the Greeks studied plants for the sole purpose of classification and naming, but to discover their virtues, which it may be hoped will again claim attention, when there shall have been enough of sorting and distribution to satisfy modern science. We give a specimen of Turner’s work. On our native Pimpernel he says, ‘the iuyce gargled in the throte and mouth, purgeth the hede of fleme, and the same poured into the nose thrylle, that is of the olher syde of the head there ye tuth akeis in, taketh ye payne awaye.’ After Turner, Gerard, in 1597, and Parkinson, in 1640, are prominent herbalists, and may be called the last of the old school. Philip Miller, in 1724, published the first edition of his Diction- ary, from which a new botanical era arose. Monelli’s Pimpernel, though not boasting the virtues of Turner’s, is a beautiful ornament for summer culture in the borders. It strikes readily from cuttings, but it must have winter protection. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 316. CELSIA CRETICA. CRETAN CELSIA. Order. ANGIOSPERMIA. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Culti vated Crete. 5 feet. July, Sept. Biennial. in 1752. No. 400. The present generic name, Celsia, was adopted by Linneus, in honour of his friend Celsius, the Greek professor in the university of Upsal. Lin- neus must have had much satisfaction in this, and every other, tribute of gratitude, which opportunity afforded him of evincing towards so early and dis- interested a friend as Celsius. Cretica, from Crete, an island of the Mediterranean, now called Candia, whence it was introduced into this country. This is a showy and beautiful biennial plant, that should have a place in every garden. It is upright in growth, requires only the support of a small stick, as a protection against winds ; and as it increases in height, continues its flowering through the latter part of the summer. Its seeds should be sown in April, in the open ground. The young plants will probably require thinning ; and at any time from June to September may be planted where they are intended to flower the following year. It produces abundance of seed, and any back border will suffice for its first summer’s growth ; observing that it be kept free from weeds. Class. DIDYNAMIA. Natural Order. SOLANEjE. ' * * .• • • . S- Watt* jcnlp Lophospernram erabescens • C.aillardia aristata Delphinium mesoleueiuu. Lahlab vulgaris. LOPHOSPER/MUM ERUBES'CENS. BLUSHING LOPIIOSPERMUM. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. ANGIOSPERMIA . Natural Order. SCROPHULARINA5. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Jalapa. 12 feet. June, Sept. Perennial. in 1830. No. 401. The name, Lophospermum, is deduced from the Greek lophos, a crest; and sperm A, a seed, in allusion to the little membranous crest, or margin, of the seed. Erubescens, blushing, from the Latin, indicative of the tint of the flower. On the introduction of this plant amongst us, it was thought to be the Lophospermum scandens of Mr. D. Don ; consequently, this name was first cir- culated with it, and thereby fixed on the mind, in association with the first impression of its beauty. When such first impression of a name is made on the memory, though it may have been held there but little time, it is not readily displaced by a new one ; unless such new name carry with it a clear idea of some distinctive mark which separates the plant from the one with which it has been confused. When this is the case, the name presents itself in combination with an object of sense ; and, of course, the visible object of perception will assist in reviving the object of memory. We are aware of the difficul- ties which present themselves in fixing a botanical nomenclature, but oftentimes much could be done where it is not attempted. 10! The Lophospermum was collected by two German botanists, in the thickets of Jalapa, where it is said to be rather rare. It is a valuable acquisition to our list of ornamental climbing1 plants. It grows freely, and its flowers are large and handsome, such as are afforded but by very few climbers which can be exposed on open walls during summer ; we say during summer, for though this plant has been said to bear the same treatment and exposure as the Cal- ampelis scabra, our experience warrants no such conclusion. We have had it exposed, during win- ter, by the side of the Calampelis, when the latter plant has lived uninjured, and in verdure, whilst the Lophospermum was destroyed by a very slight frost. The same has occurred in other gardens besides our own. Seeing this to be the fact, the present plant can only be recommended as proper for summer training in the open garden ; and as such, from its free growth, and gay flowers, it is highly desirable. This delicacy of habit is the less to be regretted, inasmuch as young plants can be most readily struck from cuttings, and also propagated from seeds, which are ripened in abundance. Cut- tings may be planted about Midsummer, in a pot of very sandy compost, covered with a small bell- glass, or tumbler, and placed in a hotbed; where they will soon make root, and afterwards bear full exposure till October ; after which time the pots should be taken into an airy room, during winter. Early in May, turn out the plants for training against a wall or trellis work. Seedlings should be similarly protected. Bot. Reg. 1381. GAILAR'DI A ARISTATA. AWNED GAILARDIA. Class. Order. SYNGENESIA. FRCSTRANEA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America. 2 feet. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1812. No. 402. It has been suggested that the spelling of this name should be Gailardia, instead of Galardia, as formerly used ; it being more in conformity with the orthography of the French botanist’s name, from which it was deduced. Aristata, from the Latin, signifying a bristle or awn, which is an appendage connected with the fructification of this plant. The Gailardia aristata is a showy herbaceous plant, of easy culture, and consequently desirable for the mingled flower garden. It increases mode- rately, so that a sufficient stock may generally be obtained by a division of its roots ; but if this be not the case, as it ripens seeds, an additional increase may be obtained from these. Its flower stems have not sufficient strength to withstand the effects of wind and showers, without the assistance of a small stick, to which they should be neatly tied, when at half their full growth. Spring is much the best season for dividing its roots. A light and rather dry soil should be chosen for them. Raise seedling plants in April ; trans- plant them to a nursery bed, when an inch high ; and finally, in the following spring, for flowering. Bot. Reg. 1186. ■ . DELPHI NIUM MESOLEUCUM. WHITE-CENTRED LARKSPUR. Class. Order. POLYANDRIA. TRIGYNIA. Natural Order. R A NUNC PLACE.®. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated N. Europe. 4 feet. July. Perennial. in 1822. No. 403. The Greek word, delphinion, was used by Dioscorides ; who, probably, applied it to a species of aconite. The ancients were fertile in fancy, and as their descriptive acumen did not rest on such mi- nute distinctions as prevail at the present day, their minds were left more freely to the indulgence of whimsical notions. The flower bud of the Delphi- nium they imagined like a dolphin, and named it accordingly. Mesoleucum, from the Greek me- sos, middle; and leukos, white. The curved nectary of the flower will readily show the applica- tion of our English name, Larkspur. There are very few plants more deserving of cul- tivation than the various species of Larkspur. Who has not admired the numberless delicate tints of the crowd of blossoms borne by the Delphinium Ajacis, or Rocket Larkspur ? which has sometimes flowers of distinctly different colours on the same stem. Or who that has seen the varieties of Delphinium elatum, or Bee Larkspur, elevating themselves to the height of 7 or 8 feet, with spikes of flowers half their length, has not stood in admiration ? Our present species is somewhat inferior in height, but exceeds the elatum in the brilliancy of its flowers. It is greatly enlivened by the contrast which its white centre yields to its fine blue petals. The infinite bounteousness of the beneficent Au- thor of all these beauties exceeds human compre- hension. Well may the poet expatiate on such munificence. “Nature, with a liberal hand, Flings wide her stores o’er sea and land. If gold she give, not single grains Are scatter’d far across the plains *, But lo, the desert streams are roll’d O’er precious beds of virgin gold. If flowers she offer, wreaths are given As countless as the stars of heaven : Or music — ’tis no feeble note She bids along the valleys float; Ten thousand nameless melodies In one full chorus swell the breeze. Oh, Art is but a scanty rill That genial seasons scarcely fill. But nature needs no tide’s return To fill afresh her flowing urn : She gathers all her rich supplies Where never-failing waters rise.” Flowers of all Hue. We are glad to introduce the Delphinium meso- leucum to our readers, and feel quite sure that they will desire more intimate acquaintance with it ; for notwithstanding it is as hardy as the Bee Larkspur, still it is comparatively little known. It is unnecessary to offer any remarks on its culture. It will grow in any common soil. Flor. Consp. 29. LABLAB VULGARIS. COMMON LABLAB. Order. DECANDRIA. Natural Order. LEGUMINOSA5. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced E. Indies. 6 feet. July, Aug. Annual. in 1794. No. 404. Lablab is the Arabic name of a climber, supposed to be the convolvulus. Our present plant is the Dolichos lablab of Linneus. His genus Dolichos contained many plants which it has been found indispensable to separate from it, on account of the disparity of their legumes or seed vessels. Most of these plants are natives of warm climates, such as the East and West Indies, and consequently have been retained amongst us as occupants of the stove or greenhouse. The efforts, however, of the admirers of the open flower garden, have of late been crowned with great success. Many of those plants which formerly were only known as natural curiosities, in a hot air cabinet, are now seen, during our summer months, to luxuriate in the borders of the flower garden, or mounds of the lawn ; where their possessors, at the same time as they imbibe pleasure in the contemplation of their beauty, imbibe health in a pure and exhilarating atmosphere. The Lablab vulgaris, is now successfully culti- vated, by raising seedling plants, in a hotbed, and turning them out, at the end of May, into a rich soil, in a warm situation. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 291. Class. D1ADELPUIA. 14; ' ' . 1 i ’ ' 1 ' ' • ■ F /) Snuth d 'f t Shafts scalp DOL'ICHOS LIGNO'SUS. WOODY DOLICHOS. Class. Order. DIADELPHIA. DECANDR1 A . Natural Order. LEGUM1N OSA5. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced E. Indies. 8 feet. August. Perennial. in 1776. No. 405. Dolichos is a Greek word, signifying long. The term has been said, by some authors, to apply to the tall climbing stems of the plant ; but this is less probable than that it bore allusion to the seed pods of some of its species, which attain the length of two feet, and form a most striking character. Lig- nosus, from the Latin lignum, wood ; adopted to mark its woody stems. The present plant is nearly related to our last subject, the Lablab vulgaris, and is also native of the same hot climate. It has successively been the nursling of the stove, the green-house, and the open garden ; and in its perennial character, in sheltered situations, has been proved to bear our milder winters. We are the more anxious to introduce it on account of the paucity of climbers that are moder- ately hardy; and also on account of the beauty they display when assisted by the various ornamen- tal supports which are now introduced for the ex- clusive purpose of training and displaying them. Two of the plants of this genus, the Dolichos urens and Dolichos pruriens, are important, medi- cinally considered, amongst the Indians. The latter 102 bears a spike of handsome red flowers, which are succeeded by fruit pods, about four inches long, of a coriaceous texture, thickly covered with short rigid hairs, which being scraped from the pods, form an article of commerce, known by the name of cow- hage. On being touched, these little hairs pene- trate the skin, and produce a disagreeable itching sensation. Advantage has been taken of this irri- tating mechanical action of cowhage, in the destruc- tion of worms, in the human body. For this pur- pose it is merely mixed with treacle, or a similar ingredient, to form an electuary. In such state, according to Dr. Bancroft, it is administered, in- discriminately, to the slaves of Guiana ; a teaspoon- ful to a child of three years old, and double the like dose to adults, three mornings in succession, fasting ; and followed by a dose of rhubarb. The Doctor states, that so afflicted are the slaves with intestinal worms, that this treatment was necessarily adopted three or four times a year, and with the most complete success. He at first entertained a doubt as to the safety of the practice, conceiving that the itching irritability produced b}' cowhage, on the external skin, might also be produced on the coats of the stomach and intestines ; but from the use of it on thousands of persons, without the least ill effect, he was constrained to recommend it as a safe and effectual vermifuge. India Soy is prepared from the seeds of the Dylichos soja ; which are boiled till soft, and then infused in salt and water. The Dolichos lignosus may be raised from seeds, or, from cuttings, and should have winter protection. Hort. Kew. 2, v; 4, 295. RUDBECK'IA PINNA'TA. PINNATE RUDBECKI A. Class. Order. SYNGENESIA. FBUSTRANEA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America 4 feet. Aug. Sept. Perennial. in 1803. No. 406. Rudbeck is a name familiar to most botanists, on account of the talent of both father and son, of this name ; both of whom preceded Linneus, in the botanical professorship of Upsal. Two volumes of the Campi Elysii, part of a magnificently designed work of the elder Rudbeck, may be seen in the Sherardian Library, Oxford. Pinnata, from the Latin pinna, a wing ; is applied to leaves which are composed of leaflets, or little wings, from a com- mon footstalk. No. 346 and 265, are pretty ex- amples of this sort of compound leaf. Similar species of Rudbeckia are sometimes mis- taken for the present one. The rough stiff hairs which cover its furrowed stems, will, however, deter- mine a doubt, respecting its identity. Its height demands that it be planted at the back of the flower border, or in the shrubbery. It will form an autumnal ornament, and assort well with the tall species of Phlox, the Asters, and late flowering annuals. It will flourish in any common garden soil, but the most so in a very rich loam. It may be divided in spring or autumn. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 130. . . NARCIS'SUS ANGUSTIFO'LIUS. NARROW-LEAVED NARCISSUS. Class. Order. HEXANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. AMARYLLIDEJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated S. Europe. 1 foot. April, May. Perennial. in 1626. No. 407. The story of Narcissus, the fabled boy of the ancients, may, very possibly, have preceded the name being- given to a flower, and thus it may have been used without reference to stupor, which it im- plies. See No. 225. Angustifolius, narrow-leaved. Notwithstanding the leaves of our plant are re- presented as somewhat broader than is usual with Narcissus angustifolius, it will be difficult to decide on its being any other species. It is particularly ornamental, producing abundance of odoriferous flowers ; and probably, if examined, without refer- ence to rarity, and independently of other prejudice, will be acknowledged as not less beautiful than the most beautiful of this delightful genus. This, and some other species of Narcissus, often fail to perfect their flowers. Their spathes form a mere inflated bladder. This is indicative only of lack of moisture, which we find remedied by making the soil very firm about their roots, where they can have a surface covering of turf to prevent rapid evaporation. Their bulbs increase abundantly. When parting is required, it should be performed in autumn. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 214. RIIODODEN'DRON CATA WBIEN'SE. CATAWBA RHODODENDRON. Class. Order. DECANDR1A. MONOG YNI A. Natural Order. ERICEjE. Native of Height Flowers in Duration Introduced N. America. 3 feet. June, July. Perennial . in 1809. No. 408. Rhododendron, in the Greek language, signifies rose tree. Catawbiense, is derived from the name of the river Catawba, in North America, near which this species was discovered by Mr. Fraser. Few shrubs are more desirable, either in the flower garden or the shrubbery, than the Rhodo- dendron. Its bright evergreen foliage is always a luxury ; and it has often been matter of regret, with persons of taste, that they have had so little success in the cultivation of this plant. Peat, or bog earth, is usually thought to be the most impor- tant ingredient in respect to soil. Doubtless, it possesses qualities very congenial to the nature of this shrub ; but experience has shewn that it will succeed, in some situations, without it ; moisture, aspect, and shade, being primary considerations. On its native hills, it flourishes in the greatest degree, on the northern side; it prevails near springs and rivers ; and oftentimes, mixes with the under- wood of forests. If these circumstances be held in recollection, and choice of situation be made accord- ingly, the Rhododendron will rarely fail to gratify its cultivator, by free growth and splendid flowers. Loudon’s Ency. of PI. 358. I . - ’ " Periploca Grteca. Narcissus interjectus . Spiraea bella . Aster Sibirica . £ Z>. Smith deif SPIRJE'A BELLA. PRETTY SPIRAEA. Order. PENTAGYNIA. Natural Order. ROSACEA. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Nepal. 3 feet. June, July. Perennial. in 1818. . No. 409. The thin and pliant stems of some of the plants belonging- to this genus, seem to have given rise to the origin and application of the present name, from the Greek speira, signifying a cord. Bella, from the Latin, pretty ; and none will deny the pro- priety of the connexion of this name with so elegant a shrub as the one now described. Its general habit is not greatly unlike that of the raspberry ; producing long succulent bottom shoots, annually ; part of which it will, generally, be best to cut away in the autumn, and give the remaining part proper support, by tying them to a slender stake; or to a trellis, against which they may be appropriately planted. Perhaps the most elegant effect is produced in the flower garden, by this plant, when a single stem only is permitted to grow from each stool. This being shortened in winter, to about three fourths of its original height, and its lateral shoots left but a few inches long, it will emit its numerous flowering branches in June, and assume an airy gaiety, highly ornamental. It will show elegance in the parterre as Sir Thomas Lawrence’s paintings do in the picture gallery. •103 Loudon’s Ency. Plants, 428. Class. ICOSANDRIA. PERIPLOCA GRiE'CA. GRECIAN PERIPLOCA. Class. PENTANDRIA. Order. DIGYNIA. Natural Order. ASCLEPIADEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Syria. 20 feet. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1597. No. 410. The name of this climbing- and twining shrub is not inaptly derived from the Greek word peri- ploke, signifying an intertwining and intricacy. Its specific name marks its native country. There are very few, we hope none, of the indivi- duals amongst mankind, but possess some quality commendable in the estimation of the most fasti- dious portion of society. It is too true, however, that the evil will, sometimes, counterbalance the good. Our vegetable inhabitants of the flower garden, fortunately, seldom exhibit any positively bad qualities, although a deficiency of attractive ones may be evident. The plant before us, for in- stance, is not rich in attractiveness of exterior, at first sight, but it has counterbalancing properties ; its blossoms become highly interesting on more in- timate acquaintance. Their colour is singular, and their formation more so. We seldom meet, in flowers, any appendage similar to the little inflected awns which seem carefully to unite in constituting a crown of protection over its parts of fructification. The parts of fructification too, themselves, indicate the most careful arrangement. The hoary-headed anthers unite, and form a canopy over the stigma ; which, itself, is dilated on the styles, as the cap of a mushroom on its stipe or stalk. Nicely enclosed beneath the whole structure, we find the important occupants — two small oval germens or incipient seed vessels, in the care of which is discovered such strong marks of the inexhaustible beneficence of an omnipotent Creator. Here is contrivance and exe- cution immeasureably superior to man’s proudest w orks of art ; yet how carelessly he every day passes by similar productions ; not deigning, perhaps, to look on them ; or ignorant of their existence. In another particular the Periploca Grseca is su- perior to most plants ; that is, in the perfection of its foliage. It is always untouched by insects; from which circumstance it may be inferred that the as- sertions of the old authors is not wholly without foundation. They call this plant dogsbane, because, as they say, if eaten by dogs or living animals, it cer- tainly kills them, unless an antidote be adminis- tered. This opinion prevailed before the Christian era, but whether correct or otherwise we cannot say. Its utility in assisting to cover trellis work or harbours, is evident; although it must not be for- gotten that it is a deciduous shrub ; and consequent- ly should be used along with one that is evergreen. Where it is not required for such purpose it may be trained up a single support, round which it will twine in a direction contrary to the apparent course of the sun; and at any height required, may be trained out as an umbrella, where it will be shown to advantage. It may be propagated by layers ; or very readily by cuttings, planted in March. Hort. Kew. 2. v. 2, 75. AS TER S1BIRICUS. SIBERIAN ASTER. Class. SYNGENES1A. Natural Order C0MP0SITA5. Native of Height Flowers in Duration Introduced Siberia. 2 feet. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1768. No. 411. The Greek word, aster, signifying a star, has been adopted to distinguish this extensive genus of plants, in allusion to their star-like blossoms. Si- biricus is applied to indicate the native country of the plant now represented. The species of Aster, now in cultivation, are very numerous — upwards of one hundred and fifty, about two-thirds of which have been brought to this country from North America. They are divided into several sections, principally by the forms of their leaves, which somewhat facilitates the botan- ist’s labour, but still considerable difficulty will arise in determining the species of so extensive a genus.* Most of them are late-flowering plants, hence the name of Michaelmas Daisy, by which they are so frequently distinguished ; and certainly, till the introduction of the Dahlia amongst us, many respectable gardens owed the chief of their autumnal gaiety to the Aster. The Aster Sibiricus is a valuable species, of low growth, and larger flowers than most others. It may be transplanted at any season ; requiring, of course, additional care if removed in summer. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 59. Order. SUPERFLUA. NARCISSUS INTERJEC'TUS. GREAT CURLED-CUPPED NARCISSUS. Class. Order. HEXANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. AMARYLLIDEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced S. Europe. 1 foot. April. Perennial. in 1810. No. 412. For the derivation of Narcissus, see 225. Inter- jectus, from the Latin, intervening, a term given by Mr. Haworth, to indicate its character as between two established species. This plant is the Philo- gyne interjecta, of that gentleman’s arrangement. This is a free-flowering species, which exhibits great gaiety amongst its welcome companions of the vernal month in which it flowers. Furnished, as the world now is, with concentrated preparations of all sorts, for medicinal purposes, we need not re- fer every vegetable simple to its table of supposed virtues, as did the ancients. Galen and his fol- lowers studied plants only to ascertain their medi- cinal properties; and Gerard notes the virtues of almost all that he mentions. Thus, the Narcissus is alluded to. “Galen saith, that the rootes of Nar- cissus haue such woonderful qualities in drying, that they consound, and glue togither verie great gashes or cuts, as happen about the vaines, sinewes, and tendons. They have also, a certain wiping, cleans- ing, and attracting falcultie.” The Narcissus inter jectus may be planted in any common soil. A cool situation should be preferred. Haworth’s Narcis. Monog. I ' $ KD- Smith del ? 104: S Witts scalp LITHOSPER MUM PURPU'REO-C^RU'LEUM. PURPLE AND BLUE GROMWELL. Class. Order. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. BORAGIN F,/E. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Inhabits England. 1 foot. May, June. Perennial. Chalky soil. No. 413. The ancient word, Lithosperraum, originated in the Greek lithos, a stone; and sperma, a seed. The compound specific term is translated in the English name.. The meaning of the old word, Groinwell, is uncertain. It was sometimes called pearl plant, from its white seeds. This is one amongst the prettiest native plants of which England can boast. Its changeable hue, and the brightness of its fine blue tints, when fully expanded, render it particularly attractive. Its flowering stems are rather short and upright, whilst its abortive stems run on the surface of the ground, twice or thrice the length of those which bear flowers. It rarely produces many seeds; and in no instance have we seen more than one succeed each flower, whilst the rudiments only of the other three remain in the calyx. Its seeds are singularly hard, glossy, and grey, like polished marble. It should be planted near to the front of the par- terre, that its little gay flowers might be fully expo- sed. Its trailing stems should be turned back, and hooked down, as layers for increase. It grows free- ly in a light soil, mixed with old mortar. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 288. 104 TETRAGONOL'OBUS SILIQUO'SUS. SQUARE-PODDED WINGED PEA. Order. DF.CANDRIA. Natural Order. J..EGO MINOS A2. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced S. Europe. 6 inches. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1683. No. 414. • The generic name before us is compounded of Greek words, signifying four-angled pod, see No. 375. Siliquosus, alludes to the seed vessel forming a siliqua ; that is, a long dry pod, having the seeds attached alternately to each stem which unites the valves or sides of the pod. Stocks, and other spe- cies of cheiranthus, are familiar examples. The legume, on the contrary, as our common pea, has them attached to one seam only. These are botani- cal distinctions which cannot have escaped the notice of even the careless observer. The stems of this plant spread frbm the root, on the surface of the soil, whilst the extreme ends of the shoots and lateral branches are raised from four to six inches high ; producing their yellow flowers through several successive weeks, which are succeed- ed by singularly- formed four-angled pods. It is nicely suited for ornamenting the lapidium, or stone border ; where the plant, reclining on stones and spar, is shown to the greatest advantage. Plant it in a dry situation. Divide in spring only, when it begins to vegetate. Sow seeds in April, in rich soil, and a warm situation. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 391. Class ! DIADELPHIA. . GAZA'NIA RIGENS. RIGID GAZAN I A. Class. Order. SYNGENESIA. FROSTRANEA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced C.G.Hope. 6 inches. June, Aug. Perennial. in 1755: No. 415. This splendid little plant is named from the an- cient Persian word, gaza, signifying a royal trea- sure. Rigens, from the Latin, hard or stiff ; intend- ed to mark the rigidity of its foliage, or rather, that of the little spinous appendages on the margins of the leaves. The Gazania rigens, was formerly known as the Gorteria rigens, and was long cultivated as one of the most beautiful of greenhouse plants. Later ex- perience has proved it capable of standing as a frame plant ; and even, in mild winters, and a dry situation, to bear full exposure. In the direct rays of the sun it shines most conspicuously. Its delight- fully brilliant golden flowers, with their interior black velvet band, studded as it were, with here and theye a minute pearl, to heighten its effect, are ex- celled but by few competitors for admiration. Whilst in flower, slip off some of the offsets from its undermost parts. Plant them under a hand- glass, in a cool border, or in preference, on a hotbed. When rooted, pot them in sandy compost, protect in a cold frame, during winter, and turn into the bor- ders in May. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 140. * NIEREMBER'GIA PHGENI'CEA. PURPLE NIEREMBERGIA. ' Class. Order. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. # Natural Order. SOLANEJS. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Buenos Ayr. 6 feet. June, Oct. Perennial. in 1831. No. 416. Nierembergia, is a term adopted in honour of a Spanish jesuit of the name of Neirembergius. Phce- nicea, from the Latin, or rather from the Greek, sig- nifying purple. This plant has also been called Salpiglossis integrifolia, after Dr. Hooker, in Cur- tis’s Magazine. The name Petunia is now familiar to every one, from the general cultivation given to the white - flowering species, which we published under No. 208, as the Petunia nyctaginiflora. Our present plant differs from that, principally, in the form of its corolla, and the insertion of its stamens. This dis- crepancy Mr. Don has very properly thought in- sufficient to disconnect it from the genus Petunia. However, as Petunia is already separated from Nier- embergia for the same reason, it becomes requisite, if the two plants in question be considered as of the same genus, to unite them under that of Nierember- gia. We regret that any occasion should have arisen to remove these plants to a new genus, but as it oc- curs for the purpose of simplification, we most read- ily follow Mr. Don’s arrangement. Having disposed of the name, which our friends must do botanists the justice to allow, is not wholly a fastidiousness about words, hut arising out of forms and characters, which oftentimes baffle man’s nicest acumen, we may now refer to the plant itself, as a garden ornament. It will be readily acknowledged, by every one who has seen the Nierembergia phoenicea in per- fection, that a more beautiful display of flowers is not afforded by any plant, of similar habit, in the open garden. Its growth resembles that of the Nie- rembergia nyctaginiflora, but it is somewhat more slender; and like that plant is seen to much the greatest advantage when trained against a wall. Our plant was raised, early in the spring, from a cutting, forwarded in a hotbed, till the beginning of May, when it was a foot high, and then turned out of the pot into a light soil, against a wall, of south- ern aspect. At the present moment, less than three months from its being placed there, it covers a space little less than twenty square feet ; displays more than one hundred expanded blossoms ; and we have not a doubt of its spreading over double that space before the close of summer, and showing at once treble its present number of beautiful purple flowers. We have had no opportunity of exposing this plant to an English winter, but there cannot be a doubt of its being quite as hardy as the nyctagini- flora, which stands well by being kept dry in a cold frame. Its flowers, generally, prove abortive, still here and there, on our plant, an ovarium appears to be swelling. From seeds, sown early, in spring, in a hotbed, it will flower in autumn. Bot. Mag. 3113. Oollom i a linearis . Sa xif'ra g'a aiz oon Piptandms Nepalensis . Salvia grandi Clara . ‘ COLLOMIA LINEA RIS. LINEAR-LEAVED COLLOMIA. Class. Order. PENTANDBIA. M ONOG YNIA . Natural Order. POLEMONIACE JE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America. 1 foot. May, June. Annual. in 1826. No. 417. This generic name, derived from the Greek word, roll A, glue, alludes to the secretion of a glue-like substance on its seeds, which hardens on their sur- face. If this exterior coating be moistened a little, it will, simply by pulling it to pieces, extend and separate itself into minute fibres, affording'a good idea of the formation of silk from the soft flexible matter with which the silk-worm is supplied. Lin- earis, from its leaves being linear, or nearly of the same breadth throughout their length, excepting at their ends. The bright rosy colour of the flowers of this an- nual, makes it more attractive than its congener, the Collomia grandiflora ; and it promises to be nearly as hardy. Self-sown seeds vegetated and stood the last winter in the Birmingham Horticul- tural Society’s Garden, which sufficiently deter- mines the hardiness of its character Its first head of flowers is greatly superior to those of the lateral branches, which are rather inconspicuous, but are long continued in succession. It should be sown in autumn and spring, to se- cure early and late flowers. 103 Bot. Reg-. 1166. PIPTANTHUS NEPALENSIS. NEPAL PIPTANTHUS. Class. Order. DECANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. 1.EGCJMIN0SJS. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Nepal. 8 feet. May, June. Perennial. in 1819. No. 418. The generic name of this plant, Piptanthus, from the Greek pipto, to fall, and anthos, a flower ; was suggested by the falling off of its calyx, corolla, and stamens, altogether. This rather abruptly de- ciduous character, in slipping the whole floral en- velope from the incipient seed vessel, will be better understood by an inspection of the plate, where a small pod is shown, after the disunion of the parts. Nepalensis, from its native country. The Piptanthus Nepalensis is a handsome ever- green shrub, which deserves a situation in every respectable shrubbery. On its first introduction it was supposed to be too tender for our climate, but subsequent experience has shown that in a light dry soil it succeeds perfectly ; and its racemes of yellow flowers, although not produced in great abundance by the plant, when mingled with its bright green leaves, contribute greatly to ornament the shrubbery in spring. Should severe frost occur in the first winter after this shrub has been transplanted, we should recom- mend that a slight protection be given it. It is propagated by layers of the young branches. Sweet’s Fl.Gard, 264. . SAXIFRA'GA A1Z00N. MARGIN ATED SAXIFRAGE. Class. Order. DECANDRIA. DIGYNIA. Natural Order. SAXIFRAGES. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration Introduced Alps of Ear. 9 inches. June. Perennial. in 1731. No. 419. Saxifraga is an old name, compounded from the words saxum, frango, most probably on account of some real or supposed medicinal virtues of the plant, in breaking or destroying the stone in calculous and gravelly diseases. Aizoon, from the Greek aei, always ; and zoon, alive; a character which may not inaptly be applied to the whole genus, consist- ing of nearly a hundred species. If a single flower were not produced by any of this genus, almost every plant it contains would be valuable — would be ornamental. The beautiful evergreen tufts of some, compact as a velvet cush- ion; and the succulent motley leaves of others, wedge within wedge, to a central point, produce a lively variety, as well in winter as summer. They relieve the surface of the garden from that tameness and aridity which is wont to prevail, when wintry blasts have desolated its borders ; and the gay visi- tants— the splendid offspring of summer, have fallen to decay. Culture of the Saxifraga aizoon scarcely need be mentioned, as it will grow wherever a plant can be expected to grow. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 65. * SALVIA GRANDIFLO'RA. GREAT-FLOWERED SAGE. Class. Order. DIANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. LABIATiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated S. Europe. ) 2 feet. June, Sept. | Perennial. in 1616. No. 420. Salvia is derived from the Latin salvere, to be in health. We owe this, like many other of our names to the simplers of former ages ; either to the ancient Greeks, or the more recent disciples of Galen, who esteemed it somewhat like heresy to step out of the vegetable kingdom to look for medicines to allay the sufferings of the diseased. Several species of Sage were in high esteem a- mongst the ancients, but at the present day their virtues, if they possess any, are nearly forgotten. The Salvia officinalis, or common Sage, certainly retains a place in the estimation of the moderns, but it is in connexion with the antidotes of hunger, and not disease. Evelyn, in his Acetaria, pub- lished in 1699, writes in high praise of Sage. It is well to cast a glance backwards, occasionally, to see the notions of our forefathers, to compare them with our own, and to consider that at a like dis- tance of time, in futurity, our successors may look upon us and our opinions, as equally trite and un- worthy of regard. Vanity may intrude a difficulty against the belief that this will be the case ; but none will dare to deny the possibility ; and we may venture to say probability, as regards very much of our present knowledge. But we must return to John Evelyn, Fellow of the Royal Society, and a man of eminent talent. He says, in the work to which we have referred, that the tops of Sage, well picked and washed, with the flowers, retain all the noble properties of the other hot plants ; more espe- cially for the head, memory, eyes, and all paraly- tic affections. In short, he says, it is endued with so many and wonderful properties, that the as- siduous use of it is said to render men immortal. Evelyn was really an eminent man in his day, but if his zeal lead away his discretion in any par- ticular, it will be found in his Acetaria. This little work is, notwithstanding, a gem to the advocate of vegetable diet. He quotes his friend Cowley’s lines. Happy the Man, who from ambition freed, A little Garden, little field does feed. The field gives frugal nature what’s requir’d j The Garden what’s luxuriously desir’d : The specious evils of an anxious life, He leaves to fools to be their endless strife. And after treating extensively of numerous salad herbs and modes of dressing them, he says, some “directions are added to shew the plenty, riches, and variety, of the salad garden, and to justify what is asserted of the possibility of living (not unhap- pily) on herbs and plants, according to original and divine instruction, improved by time and long ex- perience.” If it were requisite, the Salvia grandiflora could be propagated by cuttings of the young stems ; but its increase at the root will generally suffice. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 54. Verbena radieans . Huneumnia ftunarne folia . Catananehe eaaulea . 'Viola tricolor. VIOLA TRICOLOR. Variety : Lady Bath. HEARTSEASE. Class. PENTANDR1A. Natural Order. violariea:. Native of Height Flowers in Duration Inhabits Britain. 6 inches. April, Oct. Perennial. Corn fields. No. 421. Viola, the Latin name of the Violet, says Sir J. E. Smith, most probably originated in its Greek synonym ion. At least, the vague and forced etymologies of this word, for which Latin authors have ransacked their own language, prove it not to have come from thence. Nor are the explanations of the Greek much more satisfactory, though the fable of this plant having sprung up on purpose to be the food of the metamorphosed io, is too poetical to be forgotten. Tricolor, three-coloured. Very few flowers have excited more attention than the two species of Violet — the sweet-scented, and the Heartsease. They even rival the rose it- self. Indeed the latter plant infinitely excels it, in the many endearing appellations which it enjoys. The name Heartsease is a volume in itself, and Kiss-at-the-garden-gate, must be acknowledged to be an elegant binding to it. Pansy, from the French name pensees, signifying thoughts, is also much used, with a great number of others, suffi- ciently ridiculous. The individual variety of this beautiful orna- ment of the garden which our figure represents, 106 Order. MONOGYNIA. is known as the Lady Bath Heartsease ; and was raised by Mr. Wheeler, of Warminster. We have seen no one which excels it in brilliancy and gaiety ; but it must be allowed that some of those which are of purple and white only, possess greater delicacy of colouring, and also bear less resem- blance to the adventitious progeny of this ever changeable flower. The fine large purples, and the clear white, should not be neglected ; and in regard to party-coloured sorts in general, they are so nu- merous, so beautiful, and with such exalted names, that we really are unable to select any for exclu- sive commendation. Hybridisation, with some pe- rennial species, has, probably, assisted in improving the habit and character of our little wild viola tri- color, and obtained for it so deserved a popularity. Seeds of the Heartsease should be sown early in the autumn, and when the seedlings are of suffi- cient size, they should be transplanted to the beds in which they are intended to flower in the fol- lowing spring. Cuttings of the Heartsease planted in April or May, and transplanted in September, become strong flowering plants in the ensuing spring. If the cuttings be put in early in Sep- tember, and transplanted in the following April, they assume their principal gaiety in the latter part of summer and autumn. A rich light soil, and a rather cool and shady situation, with occa- sional watering in hot weather, will be found con- ducive to the production of fine and well coloured flowers. To strike cuttings, they should be planted in a shady border of light soil, but not covered with glass. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 48. VERBE'NA RAD'ICANS. ROOTING VERVAIN. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. ANGIOSPERMIA. Natural Order. VERBENACEJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Chile. 6 inches. June, Sept. Perennial. in 1832. No. 422. The name of this genus was one applied by the Romans to some of their altar herbs. Pliny’s no- tice of it will be found under 277. Radicans, from the Latin radix, a root, is a term suggested by its habit of emitting roots from the joints of the stems. Many new species of Verbena have been lately introduced to this country from America, all of which are pretty; but the Chamsedrifolia, No. 293, is neither more nor less than splendid, from the in- tense brilliancy of its deep carmine flowers. The present new species is a prostrate plant, spreading pretty freely over the surface of the parterre. The cultivator should ever avail himself of the dictates of nature. Here we see the stems pro- trude young roots. Increase is freely offered ; but sometimes the joints are prevented from coming in contact with the soil, and the intention frustrated ; therefore the stems should occasionally be fastened down, and an abundance of distinct plants will be obtained. Pot a few young ones in August, and keep them in a cold frame during winter. Turn them out in April, into a light rich soil and warm aspect, and they will quickly become ornamental. HUNNEMANIA FUMARIiEFO'LIA. FUMITORY-LEAVED HUNNEMANIA. Class. Order. POLYANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. PAPAVERACEA?. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Mexico. 2^ feet. June, Sept. Perennial. in 1827. No. 423. This genus was named by Robert Sweet, in honour of Mr. Hunneman, a gentleman intimately connected with natural history. He is the honp- rary agent in England, of the German Union, a society to which we have subscribed with much satisfaction. Its funds are expended in the col- lection of specimens in various departments of na- tural history, which are annually divided amongst its subscribers; and certainly the minerals which have been distributed indicate careful manage- ment. The Hunnemania somewhat resembles the Eschscholtzia, but its flower has rather the light of the glow-worm than the rich colouring of the deep yellow Eschscholtzia. Sow its seeds in autumn. The young plants will bear full exposure through a mild winter ; but, for security against disappointment, a pot of seed- lings should have occasional protection. Although considered annual only, under greenhouse protec- tion, it is perennial ; and in the open borders, also, it has, by care, been preserved through winter, even without the destruction of its stems. Cuttings do not root ; nor is division generally practicable. Sweet’s FI. Gar. 276. ' CATANANCHE CiERU'LEA. Variety : bicolor. TWO-COLOURED CATANANCHE. Class. Order. SYNGENESIA. POLY GAM 1 A jEQUALIS. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Hybrid S. Europe. 2§ feet. July, Sept. Perennial. origin. No. 424. The word, Catananche, is compounded from the Greek language, to imply compulsion, or powerful impulse ; in allusion to an imaginary quality for- merly attributed to it. The specific name, Cseru- lea, signifying blue, was given to the original plant, which we have published under No. 15; from seeds of which the present variety originated, in the gar- den of Mr. Smith, nurseryman of Worcester. Its colour renders its name somewhat paradoxical. Innumerable seedlings have been raised from this novel variety, but their flowers invariably depart from the colour of their immediate parent, and fol- low that of their original progenitor, the blue va- riety. The consequences of such circumstance may not be important, but the fact is, surely, worthy of a moment’s reflection from rational beings. We see the apparent incident, and ask ourselves if it be mere casualty. Who can reply? or who will tell us how it has been effected ? None need proceed further to be satisfied of his own ignorance, and to induce reliance on that power which alike guides even the tint of a flower and the destinies of man and of the universe. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 469. . S. Wafts, scalp 1-ilium martag'on . Eryngium alpiuum . Trapse olum xuajus . Dianthus superbus . # DIANTHUS SUPER/BUS. SUPERB PINK. Order. TR1GYNIA. Natural Order. CARY0P1IYLLE.E. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Europe. 2§ feet. June, July. Perennial . in 1596. No. 425. The Greek words Dios, of Jove; and anthos a flower, form a distinguished title for this genus. Linneus must have been strongly impressed with the beauty of Pinks and Carnations when he adopt- ed it ; and, perhaps, no one will venture to assert that his preference was undeserved. From the fa- miliarity which every one has with these flowers, there exists a difficulty of forming a just estimate of their rank in floral society. If they bore the frag- rance of the fabled groves of the East, and a conden- sation of all the beauties of the Garden of Eden, they could not perpetually move our admiration. Novelty obtains a prior claim. A new plant — a fresh and an unthought-of combination of colours and vegetable tissue, may well strike our imagina- tion. Hence the delights of a garden, delights which few, who can fully appreciate, would barter for ben- efits far more substantial. It may, probably, be asked why this species is called superb. Its flowers, it must be admitted, are less so than many others of the genus, but it must be recollected, that the term is continued from the old authors, who compared it with Pinks only, 107 Class DECANDRIA. which are more diminutive. Its height, generally, exceeds even that of the Carnation. Old authors extol this species for its fragrance. Parkinson calls it the feathered Pink of Austria, and says it is of a most fragrant scent, comforting the spirits and senses afar off; and Curtis justly ob- serves that a few of its flowers communicate to a nosegay a delicate and most delicious smell; or placed in a vial of water, they will even scent a small apartment. There is a white variety of this plant, but it is not oftentimes met with, although, formerly, it was the most common of the two. The Dianthus superbus is of short duration, which accounts for its scarcity in small collections. It should be propagated annually, by layers, or by cuttings ; or, which is far better, from seeds. Pro- fessor Martyn says it deserves a place in every curious garden, on account of the elegance and the delicious fragrance of its flowers ; and, also, that it grows naturally in a calcareous soil, and will thrive luxuriantly in a garden, if chalk be mixed with the common mould, but not otherwise. We doubt not but this admixture may frequently be useful, but we have seen it grow luxuriantly in a well manured strong loam — almost clay, without any addition of chalk. Its seeds should be sown in the spring, and if the open ground be chosen for this purpose, it should be on a light soil ; but it is far preferable to sow them in a pot, and submit them to the stimulus of a temperate hotbed. When the young plants are an inch or two high, they should be removed to a nursery bed, to remain till spring, when they should be removed to the borders for flowering. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 82. LIL'IUM MARTAGON. Variety: album. WHITE MARTAGON. Order. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. TDLIPACEA5. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Germ any 2 feet. June, July. Perennial. in 1596. No. 426. The Greeks are supposed to have derived their leirion, a Lily, from Leios, handsome. Respect- ing the word Martagon, we know nothing that is satisfactory. It was imported with some of the Martagon Lilies, in the sixteenth century, and may have been a provincialism, although it has been said to have been a name of Matthiolus. The Dutch, who excel in the growth of all sorts of bulbs, have not been idle in regard to the Lilium martagon. They have raised seedling varieties of various shades of colour, some single and some dou- ble, but still none possessing any peculiar attractions, which may account for very few being met with in English gardens. A good, and well arranged, col- lection of hardy Lilies, is very desirable. They oc- cupy little space, and occasion little trouble ; and to mention their beauty were quite superfluous. The white variety of Martagon is of somewhat more delicate habit than the common ; and altogether of smaller growth. When grown in peat, we have observed that it produced numerous small offsets, but its flowering stems were usually weak. It suc- ceeds best in a sandy loam. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 242. Class. H EX AN DR1 A. TROPiE'OLUM MA'JUS. Variety: sanguineum. GREATER NASTURTIUM. Class. Order. OCTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. TROPJSOLEjE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Peru. 6 feet. June, Oct. Annual. in 1686. No. 427. The origin of the generic name, Tropseolum, is found in the Greek tropaion ; whence comes the Latin Tropseum, and its diminutive, Tropoeolum, signifying a war-like trophy. This fanciful but ele- gant name, says Sir. J. E. Smith, was chosen by Linneus, for the present singular and striking genus, because he conceived the shield-like leaves, and the brilliant flowers, shaped like golden helmets, pierced through and through, and stained with blood, might very well justify such an allusion. This new variety of an old and favourite plant, has been much sought for, and considered by many as surpassing in attraction our long admired blaz- ing Nasturtium, which year after year has been en- couraged to climb over garden pales, or ramble un- molested, where shrubs or trees spread out a canopy over its vegetable flames. We cannot, however, predict for the present novelty, a lasting preference. We obtained a young plant of this variety a few months ago. Its early flowers were exceedingly rich in colour ; possessing a depth of tint, on their first opening, that is rarely excelled. But each day deteriorated its beauty ; and moreover, as the plant grew older, its flowers opened with less intensity of colour, till they became a muddy and an imperfect imitation of their former beauty. It has been said that this plant is less luxuriant in growth than its congener, the yellow variety, but we observe no dif- ference in this respect. Our plant is strong and rambling, eight feet across. Had Linneus’s daughter never seen but this new variety, we think, she had never interested the world, by making known her dis covey of flashing light or electric sparks, issuing from the flowers of Tropceolus majus, at evening twilight, and a little before sun-rise. This has been mentioned over and over again, and some persons have thought it really to be the case, whilst others have considered it an optical illusion, produced by the brilliant colour of the flowers. Dr. Darwin notices this phenomenon. “Ere thebright star which leads the morning sky, Hangs o’er the East his blushing eye, The chaste Tropae leaves her secret bed, A saint-like glory trembles round her head ; O’er her fair form the electric lustre plays, And cold she moves amid the lambent blaze.” As Linneus himself saw these scintillations, it is not to be disputed but some peculiar effect is occa- sionally produced ; but we have not been so fortu- nate as to witness it. The single Nasturtium, though perennial in Peru, is propagated here in spring as an annual, and as such it is quite successful. Early flowers may be raised by autumn sowing, with winter protection. The single as well as the double variety may be per- petuated by cuttings, assisted by a greenhouse. Hort.Kew. 2, v. 2, 339. ERYN'GIUM ALPINUM. ALPINE ERYNGO. Class. Order. PBNTANDRIA. DIGYNIA . Natural Order. OMBELLIFERA5. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Switzerland. 2 feet. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1597. No. 428. The Greek name, errigion, of Dioscorides, whence ours has been deduced, is of too uncertain an origin for speculation at the present day. The native country of this plant at once indicates in a considerable degree, the propriety of its specific name. Switzerland yields us many alpine beauties. Indeed, with its mountains, its vallies, and its south- ern climate, it possesses such botanical advantages, that it has been considered an Epitome of all Eu- rope. It is truly said that no country exhibits so diversified an appearance as Switzerland. The vast chain of Alps, with enormous precipices, extensive regions of perpetual snow, and glaciers that resemble seas of ice, are contrasted by the vineyard and cul- tivated field, the richly wooded brow, and the -ver- dant and tranquil vale, with its happy cottages and chrystal streams. The Eryngium Alpinum, with its fine feathery involucre beautifully tinted with blue, long continu- ance in perfection, and general singularity of effect, is worthy of a place in every respectable garden. It may be propagated by division of the roots, or by short cuttings of them ; and also by seeds. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 117. EDSmidi . M' 108 S. Wnttt . tcnlp. MADIA ELEGANS. ELEGANT MADIA. Class. Order. SYNGENESIA. SUPERFLOA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced America. 2 feet. July, Sept. Annual. in 1831. No. 429. The generic name. Madia, is from the word Madi ; a term employed by the Chilians, to distinguish one of the species of this genus. This newly-introduced annual, though not of ex- ceedingly splendid character, attracted considera- ble attention during the past summer. Its flowers are really pleasing; but its petals, when fully ex- posed to the sun, curl, and twist, exhibiting a half withered appearance; however, when evening ar- rives, its cooling influence exhilarates the Madia elegans, and the next morning we meet it in fresh- ness and beauty. Its mode of inflorescence should not pass unnoticed. Its first blossom is produced at the summit of its leading stem ; others open in succession downwards. Its lateral shoots, in like manner, are not first produced on the oldest part of the stem, near the bottom, but at the top of the leader; these, too, flower in like manner. Second- ary laterals exhibit the same peculiarity. It requires only the usual treatment of annuals. We would suggest the propriety of giving it a shady situation, that its flowers may the more regularly continue expanded. 108 Bot. Reg. 1458. PENTSTEMON RICHARDSONII. RICHARDSON’S PENTSTEMON. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. AGIOSPERMIA. Natural Order. SCROPHULARINA5. Native of Height Flowers in Duration. Introduced Columbia. 18 inches. June, Aug. Perennial. in 1825. No. 430. Pentstemon is a term which we have previously had occasion to notice. Richardsonii, from the name of an English botanist. We are glad to introduce any additional species of this genus to our friends, convinced, as we are, that they will meet them with pleasure. Of about thirty species of Pentstemon, now cultivated in Eng- land, one half have been introduced since we com- menced the Botanic Garden ; so that, as regards this genus, more remains to be done than at the outset. The Pentstemon Richardsonii is a more durable plant than some of its congeners. Of the roseum, No. 316, and antropurpureum, No. 275, we have raised numerous seedlings; but many of them, ex- cepting by cuttings, did not continue more than three years. Perhaps it is not greatly to be regretted, that these attentions are required at the hand of the cultivator. Propagation for our own borders, and also for distribution to friends, constitutes one amongst the many enjoyments of a garden. The Pentstemon Richardsonii does not admit of division at the root. It should be increased by cut- tings, about Midsummer, which readily strike root. Bot. Reg’. 1121. CENTAUREA CROCODY LIUM. BLUSH CENTAURY. Class. Order. SVNGENESIA. FRI'STRANEA . Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced'1 Levant. 18 inches. July, Aug. Annual. in 1777. No. 431. The Greek kentauros, signifying centaur, is the admitted origin of our word Centaurea. Cro- codylium is said to have been applied to this plant from some fancied resemblance of the spines of its calyx to the claws of a crocodile. The genus Centaurea is very extensive, contain- ing upwards of a hundred and fifty species of hardy plants, from all quarters of the globe. They seem to have been turned to very little account, either in medicine, the arts, agriculture, or domestic econo- my ; — with one exception, noticed in Sir J. E. Smith’s English Flora. The expressed juice of the corolla of the Centaurea cyanus, or Corn Blue-bottle, a com- mon weed of our fields, mixed with cold alum water, affords a good blue colour for drawing. This, how- ever, is not singular, for we have used the blue petals of several plants with success, and recommend the experiment to the curious among our readers. The Centaurea crocodylium, as an annual plant, affords a pleasing variety in the borders, continues long to produce its delicate pink flowers, and does not become straggling and obtrusive. It requires only usual treatment. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 161. . ■ . DELPHINIUM CONSOLIDA. BRANCHING LARKSPUR. Class. Order. POLYANDRIA. TRIGYNI A . Natural Order. RANDNCDLACRAE. Native of Height. Flowers in 1 Duration. England. 2| feet. j June, Aug. 1 | Annual. Native of Sandy Fids. No. 432. The name, Delphinium, is deduced from the old Greek authors, who employed their name in allu- sion to the similarity of shape in the dolphin and the flower to which they applied the appellation. Consolida is a term continued as a specific name of this plant, from its having been used as a generic one by some of the early European herbalists. The name is from the Latin consol idare, and intended to mark the virtue of the plant in soldering, or closing up a wound. In our last page, we mentioned the production of a blue colour, from the petals of Centaurea cyanus. The flowers of this Delphinium also yield a fine blue tint; which, with a little alum, may be used with good effect for water-colour drawings. This annual Larkspur, or Larksheels, as Gerard has it, should be seen in every garden. Its flowers are very ornamental ; and as there is a pink variety as well as blue, they may be mingled together with good effect, especially on entire beds. Its foliage being of so light and airy a character, renders the branching of the plant not objectionable, even in the mingled parterre. It is particularly hardy, for when once obtained, it may be easily kept. Its seeds vegetate, after falling from the plant, and excite, through the win- ter, an interest for their welfare. Many circum- stances give winter a charm. Even the anticipation of spring is a charm which we owe to the existence of winter. Hear, too, what Clare says — “ Come, bleak November, in thy wildness, come •, Thy mornings clothed in rime, thy evenings chill 5 E’en these have power to tempt me from my home, E’en these have beauty to delight me still. Though Nature lingers in her mourning weeds, And wails the dying year in gusty blast, Still added beauty to the last proceeds, And wildness triumphs when her bloom is past. Though long grass all the day is drench’d in dew, And splashy pathways lead me o’er the greens ; Though naked fields hang lonely on the view, Long lost to harvest and its busy scenes } Yet in the distance shines the painted bough, Leaves changed to ev’ry colour ere they die, And through the valley rivers widen now, Once little brooks which summer dribbled dry. Those yellow leaves that litter on the grass, ’Mong dry brown stalks that lately blossomed there, Instil a mournful pleasure as they pass : For melancholy has its joy to spare, — A joy that dwells in Autumn’s lonely walks. And whispers, like a vision, what shall be, How flowers shall blossom on those wither’d stalks, And green leaves clothe each nearly naked tree.” As this Larkspur bears the winter so well, it should be sown in autumn. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 318. OXALIS CRENATA. NOTCHED-PETALLED WOOD-SORREL. Class. Order DECANDRIA. PENTAGYNIA. Natural Order. OXALIDACEJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Lima. 3 feet. July, Sept. Perennial. in 1829. No. 433. Oxalis is a name deduced from the Greek oxys, signifying sour. Crenata, from the Latin, notched, in allusion to its flowers. The Oxalis crenata is a far more robust plant than any other of the genus; but notwithstanding this, its stems are tender, succulent, and admirably suited to the purpose of yielding a grateful acidity to salads, as well as forming a delicious tart, which, probably, no one but ourselves has tried. It is not on account of the flowers or herbage of the Oxalis crenata that it becomes an object of pe- culiar interest, but from its tuberous roots. These bear a great resemblance to the potato. Their form and their colour is precisely similar to it; and they may also be divided into cuttings or sets, for propagation, as is the usual practice with our every- day vegetable. The most important consideration, however, is their value as food. We have boiled them, and find them to be quite as agreeable as the potato; so similar that they may be eaten without the difference being observed. When roasted, they indicate a deficiency of farinaceous substance ; there- fore, to give the comparison of nutritive matter con- 109 j tained in the potato and oxalis, some decided shape, we have separated the starch and gluten from a like weight of each. We find that one avoirdupoise ounce of the Oxalis produces 42 grains ; whilst an ounce of potatoe, similarly treated, produces 106 grains ; hence a great advantage appears in favour of the potato. An allowance ought, however, to be made for the Oxalis having been fresh taken from the earth, which was not the case with the potato. Fu- ture and more perfect culture may also give to it an increase of solid matter, by the attainment of more perfect maturity. Time would not permit our sepa- ration of the pure starch by fermention, but we intend hereafter to pursue the analysis. These tubers when boiled, may be dried into a yellowish brown tenaceous substance, fit for keeping any length of time. On boiling again, they soften into a somewhat farinaceous palatable mass. In regard to the culture of this newly-introduced vegetable, very little knowledge has yet been ac- quired. Last spring we submitted tubers of it to several different modes of treatment, but although our increase has been considerable, — more than a hundred and fifty fold; still, on examination of what we now see to be the capabilities of this prolific plant, our culture we believe to be comparatively a failure. But we have made some progress towards a knowledge of its habits, so as to inform our read- ers what peculiarity of management is most likely to afford success. As our space will not admit all that we wish to state respecting the Oxalis crenata, we shall give the result of our culture in the annexed Auctarium. Don’s Syst. Gard. 1, 756. ERPCA CINE REA. GREY HEATH. Class. Order. OCTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. ERICACEAE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Inhabits Britain. 1 foot. July, Sept. Perennial. Commons. No. 434. Whether this term originated from the Greek word ereico, which has been previously noticed, on account of medicinal properties or its fragility, is difficult to determine. Cinerea, from the Latin, signifying ash-coloured. Some of its branches and leaves have a very fine grey woolliness, but this is rather a microscopic object. This hardy British Heath is highly ornamental in the garden ; and from the difference of colour in the flowers of its several varieties, the curious florist may form, even from this single species, an inte- resting collection. Deep crimson, pure white, and intermediate tints occur of the Erica cinerea. Notwithstanding the beauty of our indigenous heaths, they are seldom cultivated with care and success in a garden. Being somewhat impatient of surface culture, they cannot advantageously be planted promiscuously in the parterre, but should have a province of their own, in a pure atmosphere, and sandy peat; where they may live in quietude, unknown to the spade and the hoe. If their branches be pegged down, they will grow more freely, and soon admit of divisions. Hort, Kew. 2, v. 2, 392. ALSTRCEME'RI A PELEGRINA. SPOTTED ALSTRCEMERIA. Class. Order. HEXANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. AMARYLLIDACEJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Peru. 1 foot. June, Sept. Perennial. in 1753. No. 435. The title of the present genus was adopted by Linneus, in honour of his friend, Baron Alstrcemer, who sent him seeds from Spain, of the very species now before us. It is stated of the great naturalist, that in his anxiety for the winter preservation of the seedling plants of this newly-acquired trans- atlantic beauty, he made them nurslings of his own bedchamber. Pelegrina is its common name in Peru, which signifies a superb flower. The Alstroemeria pelegrina is beautiful. It has usually been treated as a greenhouse plant, and it certainly deserves any care that can be advantage- ously bestowed on it. It is, however, half-hardy, requiring only the cold frame. If it be treated as a border plant, the situation should be warm and dry, and the soil made very light, by a free admixture of leaf mould, sand, and the sifted mortar rubbish of an old building. A glazed frame, similar to a cucumber frame, forms a neat winter protection; beneath which, other half- hardy plants may also have a place. Under pot culture it does not increase and ripen seeds so freely as when planted out with due care. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 303. ■ AC0N1TUM VERSIC OLOR. SHADED MONK’S-HOOD. Class. POLYANDRIA. Order. TRIG YNIA. Natural Order. RANUNCULACEJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Europe. 3 feet. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1820. No. 436. The derivation of Aconitum cannot now be traced with certainty; ingenious etymologists have, consequently, multiplied the doubts by invention. Some think that the Greek word akon, signifying a dart, formed the root from whence it was deduced, because its poison was used upon darts to render them the more deadly. The name certainly was employed by the Greeks to distinguish a plant to which they attributed extraordinary virulence. See Aconitum napellus, No. 210. All the species of Aconitum should be regarded with suspicion, as highly poisonous, which some are well known to be, from respectably authenticated instances of death succeeding the use of them. Some persons discard all species of it from the garden. This would, to most florists, appear ra- ther fastidious, inasmuch as the English are not so passionately attached to vegetable diet, as to eat garden herbage indiscriminately. This species is of upright neat growth, and its flowers are ornamental ; particularly so when the root has become strong, and produces several stems. It may be increased by division. Loddig. Bot. Cab. 794. ' 1 ' lavatera triloba . Lupinus ornatus . Pyrothriun nlio'inosum . Ian aria triornithophora . LAVATERA TRI LOBA. THREE-LOBED LAVATERA. Class. Order. MONADELPHIA. POLYANDRIA. Natural Order. MALVACEAE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Spain. 4 feet. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1759. No. 437. Tournefort, the celebrated French botanist, adopt- ed the name of this genus in honour of Doctor La- vater, of Zurich, of whom but little is known. Al- though his public character may have possessed no claim to such distinction, his private worth, it may be presumed, fully justified Tournefort’s adoption of his name to assist a science fraught with so much of quiet delight. If we would be reminded of pious worth, subtle reasoning, and originality of idea, we must turn a thought upon the Lavater of the suc- ceeding generation, — upon him who said, “ The powers and faculties of the mind have representa- tive signs in the solid parts of the countenance.” Lavater’s science of Physiognomy engrossed the attention of his own country, and also of ours, for several years; and although it is now somewhat neg- lected, we would strongly impress on the minds of our young readers, that it is not neglected because wholly founded in error. It is an admitted truth, that not only the powers of the mind, but also the virtuous or wicked employment of those powers, will oftentimes be portrayed on the countenance. Ad- mitting this, surely the very worldling ought to avoid no evil doings, lest the habitual workings of his mind be seen in the lineaments of his face, as a beacon to warn society from his influence. If, when this handsome shrubby plant, — the La- vatera triloba, meets the eye of any of our readers, it excites one commendable sentiment, our aim is answered. True, it certainly is, that the tenants of the flower garden are not the mere eye objects, that here and there, a single earth-bound mortal may be found to pronounce them. Whether they carry the name of the Divine, whose piety we are called on to imitate; — of the Philosopher, whose researches are laid open to us ; — or of Kings, Countries, or less no- ble objects, their names alone, independently of their connexion with the works of wisdom in the creation, may frequently awaken a course of reflections, hav- ing a tendency to delight and improve the mind. The Lavatera triloba has long been cultivated in the greenhouse, and also as a frame plant. In some situations, however, it neither requires the protec- tion of the one or the other. It should be known as a plant that will grow in smoky districts, having been observed to flourish in the neighbourhood of coal mines on the southern side of the county of Staf- ford ; and there to bear full exposure through win- ter. We have not observed it produce seeds, al- though, under favourable circumstances, it certain- ly will do so. It is usually increased by cuttings. When the young shoots are two or three inches long, they should be carefully cut off, close to the old wood ; then planted in pots of very sandy compost, covered with bell glasses, and placed either in a greenhouse or hotbed. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 2l9. LUPINUS ORNA'TUS. ADORNED LUPINE. Class. Order. MONADELPHIA. DECANDRIA. Natural Order. LEGOMINOSA2. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Columbia. 2 feet. June, Oct. Perennial. in 1827. No. 438. The word, Lupinus, has already been explained. Ornatus, signifying- ornamented, may, correctly enough, be applied to most plants, if it be intended to intimate that the flower is an ornament to the herb. We know of no peculiar appendage to which the appellation alludes. Mr. Douglas, who sent seeds of this very beauti- ful species of Lupine to the London Horticultural Society, found it abundantly in the vicinity of the river Columbia, in gravelly, or light dry soils. He considered it one of the finest plants of the whole genus, an encomium which, from him to whom Eng- land owes almost half the Lupines it possesses, is some distinction. Its azure flowers, and silvery leaves, give it a delicacy which must be admired ; still, truth must admit that the fine racemes of flow- ers produced by the polyphyllus and some others, excel the present in beauty of character. The Lupinus ornatus does not increase much at the root, but its seeds supply the deficiency. These should be planted in April, in a light sandy soil, in the open ground, in preference to the hotbed, in which the young seedlings frequently damp off. Bot. Reg. 1216. PYRETHRUM ULIGINO'SUM. MARSH FEVERFEW. Class. SYNGEflfESIA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Hungary. 6 feet. July, Sept. Perennial. in 1816. No. 439. The Greek pyrethron of Dioscorides has been ascertained to be the Pellitory of Spain, or Anthemis pyrethrum of Linneus. The word pyr, fire, is con- sidered the father of this name, which designates the pungent or fiery taste of the root. The ancient name becoming unoccupied as a generic term, modern bo- tanists have adopted it for the present genus, on account of the resemblance of the respective plants. Uliginosum, from the Latin, is used in allusion to the native situation of the Pyrethrum uliginosum being generally wet or moist. At first sight, it may be inferred that our present plant is a subject of but little interest, for the flower garden, from its likeness to some of our natives. This, however, would be an incorrect inference; for, independently of its showy white ray, which assorts well with the abounding yellow and deeper tints of autumn, its boldness of growth and general charac- ter make it an object of attraction, even at a dis- tance, amongst the most splendid autumnal beauties. It spreads freely, by under-ground shoots, but not inconveniently so; and may be divided for increase. Soil or situation not important. Loudon’s Ency. of PI. 722. Order. SUPERFLCA. r LINA'RIA TRIORNITHO PHORA. THREE-BIRDS-BEARING TOAD-FLAX. Class. Order. DIDYNAM4A. . ANGIOSPERMIA . Natural Order. SCRO PH C LARINAS. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Portugal. 2 feet. July, Sept. Perennial. in 1710. No. 440. The generic term, Linaria, is deduced from Li- num, just as Toad-flax is from Flax. The Greek compound, which forms the specific name of our plant, shows, in an eminent degree, the facility of combination amongst the words of this language. It is deduced from treis, three; ornithos, of a bird ; and phora, carrying or bearing; hence trior- nithophora. An inspection of the plate will at once explain the application of this rather prolix title. The flowers are produced in threes, and have some- what the appearance of three birds sitting together. We are sure that our friends will be much grati- fied by an acquaintance with this beautiful plant. Although not of late introduction to this country, it is very rarely met with. We first saw it in the Bir- mingham Botanical Society’s rich collection, bear- ing an abundance of its singular flowers. Its mode of increase should be particularly regard- ed. In the latter part of summer, from its fibrous roots, a foot or more from the parent, spring up small young plants. These should be transplanted, or potted to have protection in very severe weather; and, in April, be turned into the borders. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 12. O * . Jasionp pereruiis . SaDgnisacba C anadmsi s . Ijliuni pomponinm. Hedysarom abseurom . ED Smith SdT S. Wefts sccilp. HEDYS'ARUM OBSCURUM. CREEPING HEDYSARUM. Class. Order. DIADELPHIA. DECANDRIA. Natural Order. LEGUM1NOS2E. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Europe. 6 inches. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1640. No. 441. Hedysarum is a name adopted from the ancient Greeks, and is now used to designate plants which have but little connexion with the idea the word was intended to indicate. It originated from the Greek hedus, sweet, and aroma, a perfume. From the description of Dioscorides, it is thought that the plant which originally bore the name, was a spe- cies of Fenugreek. In consequence of an obscu- rity, or confusion occurring in the descriptions of this plant, as given by different authors, in the time of Linneus, he called it obscurum. It is a matter of wonder to every one conversant with natural his- tory, that he should not have had more frequent occasion to register doubts and uncertainties, for he was a second Adam, to whom all things were brought to be named. The Hedysarum obscurum is a beautiful little plant for the borders, mounds, or artificial rock- work. It should be placed where it can be of easy approach and inspection, that its beauty may not be hidden by more diffuse subjects. It will be well suited to accompany the Orobus vernus, Orobus tetragonolobus, Cofonella Iberica, and the minor in species of Astragalus. There is an evident pleasure arising from these combinations, provided such assorting be not too extensively indulged. Plants of the same class harmonize in little coteries, as well as human beings. When congenial spirits meet, and promote reciprocal enjoyment, it is very natu- ral that the witnesses of these gratifications should partake in the pleasurable feelings. We well re- member the remark of a very amiable lady, on taking us through a beautiful flower garden, to a secluded nook of alpine primulas, — “ There, Sir, partake with me in the pleasure I have in seeing how much these beautiful little creatures flourish, and enjoy the society of each other.” These little assemblages are very pleasing, when made subser- vient to more general principles of distribution. Hedysarum was formerly a very extensive genus, comprising upwards of a hundred species, but it is now greatly reduced by distribution into other genera. The Hedysarum gyrans, known as the moving plant, must now be sought for as Desmo- dium gyrans. The singular property of this moving plant is known to many persons, although, as it requires the stove, in cultivation, but few can call it their own. Its leaves are produced in threes, and the side ones, which are smallest, have a singular spontaneous motion, chiefly up and down, but with- out regularity, or the least dependance, as regards their movement, of one leaf on another. The Hedysarum obscurum, of which a white va- riety is mentioned, will grow freely in any common soil, particularly in a sandy loam, which admits the free course of its creeping roots. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 346. SANGUISORBA CANADEN'SIS. CANADIAN GREAT BURNET. Class . Order. TETBANDIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. SANGUISORB EA2. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Canada. 5 feet. Aug. Sept. Perennial in 1633. No. 442. Sanguisorba is derived from the Latin sanguis, blood; and sorbeo, to absorb, from the astringent qualities of the Sanguisoba officinalis. Gerard says, “It stancheth bleeding, as well inwardly taken, as outwardly applied.” And Turner, an age earlier, reported that “ The herb, holden alone in the hand, is good for the same.” The Sanguisorba Canadensis cannot claim such virtues as the plant which first suggested for it a name; it is, however, a far more comely plant. Its fine long spikes of modest flowers may not rivet the admiration of the casual observer, but they will be seen by the experienced eye, to possess a delicacy, which, with their erect bearing, will obtain for them a place in the foreground of the home shrubbery. Here it will rise up, and form a fine contrast with the bright foliage of wide-spreading evergreens. Authors mention a red flowering variety of this plant, with thicker spikes than the pale one. Should this or the white Hedysarum obscurum, be pos- sessed by any of our friends, we hope they will communicate the fact, as we have never been able to meet with either. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 258. JASI'ONE PEREN'NIS. PERENNIAL SHEEP’S SCABIOUS. Class. Order. PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. CAMPANOLACEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced France. 1 foot. June, July. Perennial. in 1787. No. 443. The Greek word, jasione, is of uncertain origin, and the identity of the plant to which it was appli- ed, is equally doubtful. It has been said to be derived, in part, from ion, a violet, on account of its blue flowers; but we have Pliny’s authority for the ancient Jasione having had white flowers. When grown in pefection, the Jasione perennis is a neat and attractive flower, but it will not unfre- quently be met with in a weakly state; and more- over, be oftentimes entirely lost, though a few days previously, it had exhibited vigour and increase. In fact, the more luxuriantly it has grown, the more precarious is its existence, without due attention has been paid to its culture. Here we are reminded of an interesting inquiry now going on, regarding the cause that demands a rotation of crops. Formerly, it was believed that each species of vegetable absorbed a specific ingre- dient of the earth, and thereby deprived it of the requisite quantity of the peculiar ingredient neces- sary for the healthy growth of another crop of such species. Late physiologists, however, maintain that the plant discharges, from its roots, after elabora- tion, a portion of matter not applicable to its own increase, and that such matter is poisonous to a succeeding crop of its own species, but not to others. Hence the necessity of a change of crop. This we shall notice in another place; suffice it here to say, that the Jasione perennis, either from exhaustion of the soil, or from its deposition of superfluous re- crements, really cannot be successfully grown in the same spot, year after year. This plant produces, in autumn, an abundance of suckers, all round the parent plant. These emit strong string-like roots, which not only descend directly downwards, but also produce lateral fibres, so as closely to occupy the whole body of soil, im- mediately round the old plant. All trace of the parent plant will be lost ; and these sucker roots, closely matted together, will oftentimes, in spring, if left undisturbed, gradually decay. The more luxuriant the increase, the greater the danger of disease. Thus they proceed, though with healthy appearance above ground, till perchance, some un- congenial day or night disclose their morbidity, and their withered leaves meet us as the knell of their departed promise. If grown in pots in the same state, frame protection will not avert this failure. Thus proceeds the disease. The remedy is easy. The young plants must be raised, in au- tumn, and planted singly, or at least not too closely together; and they will, as Parkinson would say, flourish to the delight of every beholder. The most suitable soil will be peat, or peat and loam. Aspect is of minor importance, so that the situation be tolerably dry. Loudon’s Ency. of PI. 188. LILIUM POMPO'NIUM, POMPONE LILY. Class. HEXANDRIA. Order MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. TOLIPACEAi. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Siberia. 2 feet. May, June. Perennial. in 1629. No. 444. The word Lilium has been adopted from old Latin authors, who had derived it from the Greek lerion; a name, doubtless, applied to some splen- did plant of the East, generally belived to have been a species of Amaryllis. Pomponium, from the name of a place. This beautiful flower is not so generally culti- vated as it deserves; indeed, we are convinced that it only arises from many species of Lily being un- known, that they are not more generally introduced into almost every garden. Their roots demand no culture; their flowering stems grow up indepen- dently of the gardener’s care; and their flowers, from purest white, through various shades of attrac- tive hues, claim, proverbially, our admiration. According to Mr. Loudon, the Lilium pomponi- um has another claim to notice. He says, it is cul- tivated in Kamtschatka as the potato is in Britain, and that its bulbs are in like manner l^id up for winter store. They are there called savannas, and when boiled, taste exactly like a waxy potatoe. We need only observe, that the bulbs should not be moved when in an active state of growth. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 242. ltosa ludica Coronilla Iberioa . Verbena nrticifolia Digitalis lacimata . £ '-D. Smith dill 112 S. Wafts, sculp. RO SA INDICA. ROSE CLARE. Class. ICOSANDRIA. Order POLYGYNIA. Natural Order. ROSACE JE. Hybrid Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Origin. 10 feet. July, Oct. Perennial. in 1827. No. 445. The Celtic word, rhos, a Rose, from the word rhodd, of the same language, signifying red, has, with little variation, been transferred into numer- ous other languages, to convey a meaning similar to the original. Indica is applied as a specific name, to connect the plant with its native country. This, in the present instance, is but partially cor- rect, for the Rose Clare is, doubtless, a hybrid pro- duction, but we have not been able to ascertain whether it originated in this country or in France. Its beauty must be accepted as a compensation for its deficiency of hereditary family honours. It has been well said, by an eminent botanist, that the Rose is the most favourite of plants, in all coun- tries of the Globe ; the type of beauty and love, be- stowing its name to enrich other flowers ; which de- rive from thence, their chief celebrity ; and taking unquestioned precedence in all matters of ornament or taste. But thorns are proverbially the accom- paniments of Roses ; nor can any one be more sen- sible of this, than the botanist who attempts to ex- tricate and define the species of this beautiful fa- mily. Cultivated plants, in general, are known to U2 sport in luxuriant varieties; often transient indeed, but sufficiently durable to cause much perplexity to the accurate observer. The Rose Clare partakes of the habit and cha- racter of the China Rose, and there is little doubt but it has been raised from this species; where, or by whom, we cannot with confidence state. Re- port, however, states that it originated with a gen- tleman of the name of Clare ; and that it was raised from seeds brought from Italy. The great variety of seedling Roses which are annually raised, both here and on the continent, renders it a matter of little interest to nurserymen to know their origin. The qualities which constitute the passport of a plant to public favour are, to them, the principal consideration. In this particular, the Rose Clare has a distin- guished claim. It grows freely, wherever other Roses flourish, and produces an abundance of flow- ers, from the commencement of its flowering season to the close of autumn. A method of expeditious propagation, practised by M.Vibert, of St. Dennis, and mentioned by Mr. Loudon in the Gardener’s Magazine, may be novel to many of our readers. The species which it is intended to increase, is budded on the current year’s shoots of the Rosa reversa. When the buds begin to push, the stems in which they are inserted, are laid down; and the shoot proceeding from the bud, derives nourishment, as well from roots which it omits into the soil, as from the stock, and grows vigorously, so as to admit of layers being rooted and taken off in the same season. Itort Kew, 2, v. 3, 266. CORONILLA IBLR'ICA. IBERIAN CORONILLA. Class. Order. niADELPHIA. DECANDRIA. Natural Order. LEGUM1NOS/E. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Iberia. 6 inches. July, Sept. ’Perennial. in 1822. No. 446. The word, Coronilla, is derived from the Latin corona, a crown; and the diminutive of the word is implied by its termination. Hence the idea — a little crown; which is, aptly enough, applied to the pre- sent golden flowered species of the genus. Iberica, in the present instance, is not intended to apply to any part of Spain; but to a district bordering on Mount Caucasus, to which the plant is referred by Marschall, in his Russian Botany. The Coronilla Iberica is a delightful plant for the foreground of the parterre, a situation which it claims, as well on account of its attractions, as from its stature. It spreads freely, completely covering the surface of the soil with its neat foliage; from amongst which, rise its brilliant little coronets, in pleasing contrast to the ground-work wrought by its own procumbent branches. Luxuriant foliage and flowers will be yielded by a rich fresh loamy soil; but in a light and impo- verished one, although it may live and increase, they will be comparatively few and diminutive. It should be planted in an open situation, uninfluenced by the shade of trees. Ency. of PI. 628. DIGITA LIS LACINIATA. CUT-LEAVED FOX-GLOVE. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. AGIOSPERMIA. Natural Order. SCROPHULARIACEjE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Spain. 18 inches. July, Aug*. Perennial. in 1827. No. 447. Digitalis, from the Latin digitale, the finger of a glove. Laciniata, also from the Latin, adopted in allusion to the jagged edges of the leaves of this species. The Digitalis laciniata is yet but little known to English botanists; and although it has borne the two or three last winters without injury, we do not anticipate that it will become a plant of so hardy a character as to stand, unprotected, in severe sea- sons. Its general habit and appearance is more delicate than most others of the same genus. In dry summers it produces seeds, from which it can be abundantly increased ; so that young plants may be kept in reserve, under protection, to meet emergencies, should the plants, in full exposure, sink under the influence of an unfavourable winter. It may also be propagated by cuttings. These should be struck under glass, on a little artificial heat; and afterwards potted, and kept in the cold frame till the following spring. Occasionally, the roots will admit of being divided, but not to much extent. Loamy soil should be preferred to that which is peaty; and a warm situation. Bot. Reg. 1201. VERBENA URTICIFO'LI A. NETTLE-LEAVED VERVAIN. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. A N G IOSPEKM I A . Natural Order. VERBENACEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced tf. America. 3 feet. July, Sept. Perennial. in 1683. No. 448. Verbena, a Roman name for herbs used in ancient sacrifices. Urticifolia, from urtica, a nettle ; and folium, a leaf. Old authors mention two species of Verbena, which probably were our officinalis and supina. Of these, as sacred herbs, much was thought and writ- ten. Turner says of the latter species, “They call it Hierobatone, that is, an holy herb, because it is very good for to be hanged upon men against en- chantments, and to purify or cleanse with all. Some say, that if the broth of it be sprinkled in feasts or bankets, that the guests or drinkers thereby are made merrier.” It cannot be deemed uninstructive thus, occasionally, to trace the developement of the human mind, to compare the present with the past, and to contemplate the future by analogy. The Verbena urticifolia is an upright plant, of strong growth ; and although its flowers, taken se- parately, are small, they become showy in the aggre- gate. From the height of the plant, with its erect long spikes of blossoms, it is either suitable for the front of the shrubbery, or the back of the flower border. It may be freely increased by division. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 40. TKifft scalp. Traclivmene cserolea. C istos aeutifolms. Pfleonia ednlis . Cyrisus CIS'TUS ACUTIFO'LIUS. ACUTE-LEAVED ROCK-ROSE. Class. Order. POLYANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. CISTINEA5. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated S. Europe. 18 inches. May, Sept. Perennial. in 1820. No. 449. The ancient Greeks had their plant, kistos; which name, it is believed, they derived from their own word, rise, a box; in allusion to the seed ves- sel of the plant. Hence comes the Latin cista, and the English chest, and almost obsolete kyste. Nearly all the species of Cistus are indigenous to the southern provinces of Europe; they are, con- sequently, somewhat more susceptible of injury, from severe frost, than could be wished; otherwise the abundance and the beauty of their flowers w ould be a passport for them into every garden. The common Gum Cistus is not unfrequently de- destroyed in exposed situations. The present spe- cies, however, we have never seen injured by the se- verity of our climate. It is a spreading dwarf shrub, not exceeding two feet high, although its slender branches, unpruned, will extend three feet wide. The entire plant bears a free succession of flowers through the whole of summer; and it may, very ap- p*opriately, ornament the mingled herbaceous de- partment, as well as the foreground of the shrub- bery. It may be increased, without difficulty, from layers, cuttings of the young shoots, or by seeds. 113 Sweet’s Cistineae, 78. TRACHYME'NE C^ERULEA. BLUE-FLOWERED TRACHYMENE. Class. Order. PENTANDRIA. DIG Y N1 A. Natural Order. UMBELLIFERjE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. Holland. 18 inches. July, Sept. Annual. in 1827. No. 450. The genus Trachymene is named from the Greek trachys, rough; and mene, a membrane, in allu- sion to the rough membranaceous coat of the seeds. Caerulea, from the Latin, blue. This plant was at first considered, by botanists, as distinct from Trachymene, and a new genus was established by De Candolle to receive it. Subse- quent examinations induced a different opinion. It may not, on casual inspection of this new and interesting annual, be observed that it belongs to the umbelliferous order of plants; in which blue flowers so rarely occur. White and inconspicuous tints generally prevail, as may be observed by many of our native umbelliferous flowers, which are so prevalent in and about the hedges of England. These ask examination. Their little white or blush blossoms, sent out on distinct spokes, emanating from one point, in regular rays, like those of a pa- rasol, have a peculiar beauty of arrangement. The Trachymene cserulea, should be sown early, on a hotbed, that it may shew itself in perfection in autumn. Its late flowering will generally prevent seeds being ripened, unless under protection. Bot. Mag. 2875. m PiEO'NIA ED'ULIS. Variety; fragrans. ROSE-SCENTED EATABLE PjEONY. Class. Order. POLYANDRIA. D1GYNIA. Natural Order. RANUNCULACEA2. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced China. 2 feet. Jane. Perennial. in 1805. No. 451. Paeon, after whom this genus was named, was one of those personages known only by the fables of the ancients. Edulis, from the edible quality of the roots and seeds. Under a former number, 311, we published one of the varieties of the beautiful Paeonia edulis. The increased attention to them, and the beauty, not to say magnificence, of the varieties of even this one species alone, certainly demand further notice. The sweet-scented Chinese Paeony was introduced to this country, by Sir Joseph Banks, in the year 1805; but this is believed to be the second introduc- tion to England of the same plant. We are not aware, whether, by culture only, or whether by seed- ling varieties, it has happened that a difference occurs in the colour of the sweet-scented Paeony ; it is, however, certain that plants may be sometimes seen with much paler flowers than the individual from which our drawing was taken. By the liberality of the London Horticultural Society, many good collections of Paeonies are now distributed through the country; and where space will admit, they should not be neglected. They really grow and flourish independently of the care, it may be said in defiance of the neglect, of the cul- tivator; a recommendation not often due to showy plants which are principally met with in nurseries, and the gardens of professed florists. In a few in- stances, we have seen the Paeonia moutan, or tree Paeony, as it is usually called, planted on a lawn, and when in full flower, a more imposing object is rarely witnessed. A display, on one plant, of from fifty to two hundred of the most magnificent blos- soms that the gardens of Great Britain can boast, may be admitted to become a source of pleasure. The Tree Paeony has the advantage of progressive growth, from year to year, which ultimately pro- duces a height and circumference which all other species, from the annual destruction of t^eir herba- ceous stems, can never attain. Excepting in size, the flowers of several of the herbaceous Paeonies stand forth its successful rivals. We wish, particularly, to excite the attention of our readers to this genus of plants, from a convic- tion that, to many, who almost despise the old offi- cinal Paeony, a slight acquaintance with a few of the more esteemed sorts, would open the way to augmented gratification. All Paeonies may be increased by dividing their roots, in autumn; but if divided into small portions, they require two or three years before they will flower in perfection. Many also produce seeds, even some of the double varieties, if their stigmas be fertilized by the application of pollen from a single flower. Their seeds should be sown in the open ground, as soon as ripe. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 316. CY'TISUS ARGENTEUS. SILVER-LEAVED CYTISUS. Class. Order. monadelphia. decandria. Natural Orcfy. LEGUMINOSiE.0 Native of Height. Flowers in Duration . Introduced France. 3 feet. July. Perennial. in 1739. No. 452. Cytisus is derived from Cythnus, an island now called Thermia, where, according to Pliny, it was indigenous. Argenteus, from the Latin argenteum, silver; which alludes to the silvery effect produced on the plant by a close white hairiness. The Cytisus argenteus, in its natural state, is a low spreading, and rather inconvenient shrub for display; but like some others of the same genus, when assisted by art, becomes a conspicuous orna- mentof the garden. Its slender decumbent branches, clothed, as the poet would say, with golden flowers and silver leaves, when lifted from their lowly birth- place, to the eminence their beauty deserves, are peculiarly attractive. Grafted on single stems of the Laburnum, from four to six feet high, standards are formed with gracefully drooping branches. These, interspersed with standard roses, judiciously disposed over the garden or pleasure grounds, give character, and a picturesque appearance, not at- tainable by the use of naturally grown shrubs. This species of Cytisus, as well as the Cytisus laburnum, for standard stocks, may be raised from spring-sown seeds. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 322. Galeg'a Persica . Iris Bothenica . Eri'VeiHii astmeoides . ERIGERON ASTEROIDES. ASTER-LIKE ERIGERON. Class. Order. SYNGBNESIA. SUPERFLUA . Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Uncertain. 15 inches. July, Aug. Perennial . in 1812. No. 453. The generic name, Erigeron, has passed from the ancient Greeks, through many oblivious centuries to the present day. It is compounded of er, sig- nifying spring, or early; and geron, an old man. Hence the compound term has allusion to its bearing the appearance of hoary-headed age, in spring, or in early growth, as some species expand only a head of hoary seed down, similar to senecio. The Erigeron asteroides is, perhaps, the most de- sirable hardy plant of the genus, and is very little known. It has not, unfrequently, been made an inhabitant of the greenhouse, although, in dry situ- ations, it bears, uninjured, full exposure to the se- verity of our w inters. It flowers abundantly from August to October, and when neatly supported by small iron stakes, such as are described in the eighth section of the Auctarium, is very ornamental. It will grow in any rich garden soil, and may be increased by division of its roots in spring. It may also, be increased by cuttings in the summer. These should be planted in a very sandy compost, under glass, and have oc- casional shade till they have emitted roots. *14 Loudon’s Ency. of PI. 704. . - " . CINERARIA MARITIMA. SEA RAGWORT. Order. SUPERFLUA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated S. Europe. 2f feet. July, Sept. Perennial. in 1633. No. 454. The word. Cineraria, is derived from the Latin cineres, ashes; to indicate the ash-like colour of the leaves and stems of the plants of this genus; a pe- culiarity arising from their downy or tomentous surface. Maritima, from the Latin mare, the sea; a specific name chosen to indicate its native situa- tion— the sea coast. To the same circumstance which it owes its syste- matic name. Cineraria, it is also indebted for the less classical, but equally expressive, one of Pow- dered Beaux. Its almost white stems and foliage, are very conspicuous in the open garden; and claim some recommendation, for it really becomes a showy plant, independently of its flowers. The Cineraria maritima is rarely submitted to full exposure, which, it must be allowed, is an over- sight, inasmuch as its appearance is unique, and its habit sufficiently hardy to bear most of our winters. It should be planted in a dry and rather poor soil, in a warm situation. And as cuttings readily root, under a hand-glass, a few plants may be propaga- ted annually, to receive the shelter of a sitting-room or shed, in very severe weather. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 75. Class. SYNGENESIA. GALE'GA PER'SICA. PERSIAN GOAT’S-RUE. Order. DECANDRIA. Natural Order. LEGDMINOSiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Persia. 4 feet. June, Aug. Perennial. in 1816. No. 455. The word, Galega, is believed to have been de- rived from the Greek gala, milk; to mark the plant as producing it in animals which feed on its herbage. The Galega Persica bears a strong resemblance to the Galega officinalis, but it is far less common, and of comparatively recent introduction. It is also rather more robust in habit, and of taller growth. It is an abundant flowerer, producing one of its white racemes at the axil of each leaf. The natural order, leguminosae, to which this ge- nus belongs, is a most important one in the susten- ance of animal life. The pea, bean, vetch, trefoil, and numerous other plants belonging to it, are universally known. Nearly the whole may be re- cognised at first sight, from their papilionaceous or butterfly-like flowers. These have a peculiar arrangement of their petals, admirably adapted for the protection of their parts of fructification, from injury by summer showers. Whether our attention be arrested by the mineral or vegetable world, enough in the economy of either will continually manifest itself to form a useful les- son to man. The solicitude of the most insignifi- Class. MONODELPHI A . cant animal, in the protection of its offspring, and the manifold devices by which vegetable fructifica- tion is preserved from the opposing operations of the elements, must, each in their turn, offer matter of admiration. How much to be lamented is it, that these perpetual indications of divine wisdom so rarely arouse human apathy. The force of these considerations is peculiarly pressed on our notice, at the present moment, by the following incident. At a friend’s house, we have just witnessed the parental attentions of a chaffinch, which has built its nest beneath the shelter of a rose tree, on the sill of the dining-room window. The bird, now sitting, evinces no alarm from persons within the room. In this situation her every action is open to scrutiny; and we can conceive the pleasure many of our read- ers would have in watching her apparent wisdom and purpose in the protection of her eggs and nest. In the lowest grade of life — in the vegetable king- dom, irritability, influenced by a direct stimulus, effects the required protection. Expansion and contraction of vegetable appendages are the princi- pal operations. To the superior grade of creation — to man, is given reason, the faculty of the soul, to guide his purposes of self-preservation. To the in- termediate class — to inferior animals, instinct is given, as in the brooding chaffinch which we have mentioned. When her little castle is assailed by rude storms, she ruffles her feathers, sits high, spreads partially her imbricate wings, and forms an architectural roof of plumage, that bids defiance to the watery element. Who can define the limits of reason and instinct! Sweet’s FI. Gard. 244. I RIS RUTHENICA. RUSSIAN IRIS. Class. Order. TRIANDRIA. MONOGYN1A. Natural Order. IRIDEJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Russia. 1 foot. Aug. Sept. Perennial. in 1804. No. 456. The rainbow’s varied colouring has been thought to be assumed by some of the present genus; hence the application of Iris, the Greek name of the “ hea- venly bow.” Ruthenica, belonging to Russia. Although we scarcely ever entered a flower gar- den without meeting a few old friends of the Iris family, yet a tolerably complete assemblage of them is very rare. The genus comprises upwards of eighty species — all beautiful, unobtrusive, and with two or three exceptions, quite hardy. The Iris Ruthenica is by no means common, and is rendered the more desirable by the lateness of its season of beauty. In the general catalogues it will be found to be registered as flowering in April and May, but our plant is an autumnal flowerer. It is dwarf, and is likewise pleasantly scented, a quality not prevalent amongst Irises. This plant has a tendency to form an obtuse angle either above or below the germen; and sometimes at both of these situations, as will be observed by our figure. It is not, however, a permanent character. The plant may be divided in spring or autumn, and flourishes in peat and loam. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 117. ' ' FJ Xlfatts.smfyl. ROSA RA PA. DOUBLE BURNET-LEAVED ROSE. Class. Order. ICOSANDRIA. POLYGYRIA. Natural Order. ROSACEA. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America. 5 feet. June, Aug. Perennial. in 1726. No. 457. The derivation of the word Rosa has been recent- ly noticed. Rapa, the systematic name of the tur- nip, has, we presume, been adopted as a specific name for this Rose on account of its round fruit and long leafy calyx; which, together, bear some resem- blance to that vegetable. We have pleasure in noticing this Rose from ex- perience of its value as an unfailing ornament. It is commonly cultivated as a straggling bush; in which form it has less to recommend it than many other species; but pruned to a head, on its own stem, it assumes the habit and appearance of a budded standard. We have now one in view, bearing a thousand blossom buds. All the strong Roses may be grow n on their own stems, in precisely the same forms as budded stocks. There is no general charm in budding, productive of peculiar growth. The compact head, of small laterals, can be produced by pruning alone; and so regulated as to be far more ornamental than the loose bushes usually seen. The situation, and other circumstances, should, of course, influence the taste in adopting any particular mode of training. Where 115 Rose trees form fence lines, the natural fence-like character should be assumed ; but where there is no attempt at natural grouping, where the charm is de- pendent on the neatness, on the floral elegance, and nicety of keeping in detail, Roses may be so pruned as greatly to aid the design. Here it is that dwarf standards should embellish the picture. If Roses be already established, in proper situa- tions for standards, it only remains that attention be paid to pruning, and this peculiarity of form may at once be produced. It is true that all Roses are not equally suitable to the purpose. But those of the more delicate Chinese species, whose stems w ould not strengthen into a sufficiently firm stand- ard, may be budded ; and, certainly, with some ad- vantage to the size of their flowers. We aim not at superseding the budding of standards; but of bringing into view the more easy means of arriving at similar results ; of which means, from the pres- sure of fashion, cultivators seem to have lost sight. To effect this purpose, young free-growing suck- ers should, in summer, be tied to upright stakes, and kept quite free of small lateral shoots. When they are as tall as is required, stop them, by cutting half an inch off their tops. If this can be done in the middle of summer, side shoots will be soon emitted, all of which should be cut off excepting the three upper ones. In the succeeding February, prune each of these three laterals back, to within two or three eyes or buds of the stem, and they will flower in the summer. If the suckers be not tall enough in one season, another season must be taken, ob- serving the same general rules. Lindley’s Ros. Monog. 15. GERANIUM IBERICUM. IBERIAN CRANE’S-BILL. Order. DECANDRIA. Natural Order. GERANlACEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Iberia. 2 feet. June, Aug. Perennial. in 1802. No. 458. The Greek word, geranos, a crane, is the root of our present generic appellation. Pelargonium, and Erodium also, which were originally considered Geraniums, have their names from the Greek of the stork and the heron; each of the three being chosen from the resemblance of the fruit of the plant to the head and bill of the bird. This free-flowering species of Geranium is very desirable Avhere it can be allowed room to increase and shew its boldness and beauty of character. It has a considerable resemblance to our native spe- cies the Geranium pratense, excepting that it is less robust and intrusive. The pratense being rather adapted to the shrubbery than the flower garden, excepting it be the blue and white striped variety, which, from its gaiety and rarity, is worthy of a more distinguished place. The Geranium Ibericum should not be placed too near the front of the borders, nor near low de- licate plants, as its expanding branches cannot be interfered with by tying up, without injury to its general beauty. Its roots may be divided. The sort of soil and the aspect are unimportant. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 186. Class. monadelphia. CRYPTOSTEMMA CALENDULACEUM. MARYGOLD-FLOWERED CRYPTOSTEMMA. Class. Order. SYNGENESIA. FRUSTRANEA. Natural Order. com posit m. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced C.G.Hope. 18 inches. July, Aug. Annual. in 1752. No. 459. The name, Cryptostemma, is compounded of the Greek words kryptos, signifying hidden; and stemma, a crown; to indicate the covering or se- clusion of the seed crowns by the woolly fibres of the seed vessel. The specific name is chosen in allusion to the likeness of the plant to the calen- dula or marygold. This annual has never been common in England, principally, we believe, on account of the small quantity of seed which it usually ripens. Like many of the syngenesious flowers, it is subject to atmospheric influence, and never expands fully in wet weather. This meteoric irritability of flowers should not escape the attention of the observant florist. It is one amongst the innumeraJble minor indications of a perpetually superintending provi- dence. The Cryptostemma calendulaceum is somewhat tender; and if sown in the borders, this should not be done till the end of April. It is far better to sow it three weeks sooner, in a hotbed, which will en- sure an earlier blossom, and a greater chance of fertile seeds. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 141. SE'DUM OPPOSITIFOLIUM. OPPOSITE-LEAVED STONECROP. Class. Order. DECANDRIA. PENTAGYNIA. Natural Order. CRASSULACEjE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced S. Europe. 6 inches. July, Sept. Perennial. in 1795. No. 460. The Latin word, sedere, to sit, constitutes the root of the generic name Sedum. It is intended to apply to the close manner of the growth of the plants of this genus on their native rocks. This is the Anacampseros ciliaris of Hayworth’s Arrangement of Succulent Plants. The Sedum oppositi folium should not be dispen- sed with in any garden where there is a stone to place it against. There are certain associations in the minds of men, by which they are governed, often imperceptibly, but still the fact exists. With our- selves, Sedums and stones are so completely inse- parable, that to plant them in the common borders, would seem to be setting all propriety at defiance. No situation would, we believe, prove destructive to this plant, for we have exposed it to extremes of wet and dry, to sun and shade; but never observed it fail. In flower, and out of flower, it is healthy and ornamental. This plant may be divided at the root; and in- crease may be encouraged, if required, by confining the branches to the soil, and adding a little light compost about them. Curtis’s Bot. Mag. 1807. * JS.D. Smith del 116. S. Waits scalp. LUBINIA ATROPURPU'REA. DARK PURPLE LUBINIA. Class. PENTANDRIA. Natural Order. PRIMULACE iE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced C. G. Hope. 2 feet. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1820. No. 461 . Lubinia is a name adopted by Commerson, in honour of M. de St. Lubin, a French traveller, to the East. Atropurpurea, from the Latin ater, sig- nifying dark; and purpura, purple. Dr. Hooker connects it with the genus Lysimachia. This is a plant of singular appearance, which has hitherto been, principally, found in the collections of curious florists. Its great depth of colouring, w hen examined individually, gives it a somewhat sombre cast ; but in the borders, when well grown, and hav- ing the sun’s rays to brighten its rich tints, it be- comes an interesting ornament. It is not, however, in the borders alone that we have sought its beauty. We have searched it with microscopic eye; and the result, as is usual with diligent enquirers into the works of nature, presents us with additional evidence of human incapacity to comprehend the beauty of •the arrangements by which we are surrounded. On examining the deep crimson petals of the Lubinia, under a magnifier, we observed a number of minute pearl-like substances, spread over their whole interior surface. Its crimson filaments were also similarly gemmed. They appeared as grains 116 Order. MONOGYNIA. of farina, fallen from the anthers, but a comparison shewed them to be evidently brighter. This indu- ced the application of a more powerful magnifier. The result was gratifying. The inner surface of the rich-coloured petals, and the filaments also, were now seen to be adorned with prominent glands — each a little globe, on a cylindrical pedestal. On the sun’s rays being fully reflected on a small por- tion of a petal, it instantly became a most dazzling object — a ground-work of fine crimson, studded with brilliants. The most apathetic must exclaim. Wherefore this labour ; wherefore this great splen - dor and beauty. That these glandular appendages have certain uses in the economy of the plant, none dare deny, but what they are, all are equally ignorant. The Lubinia has creeping roots, which, in a very light soil, will spread and spring up at a distance of two feet, from the parent plant. This habit is sometimes inconvenient, and we have thought that it tends to impoverish the flowering stems. In a strong soil, this propensity will be greatly checked, and its flowers w ill be proportionately finer. Not having a convenience of planting it in stifFloam, we enclosed its roots in a pot of tolerably rich earth; and although it does not grow as tall as when set at liberty, its flowering is equally successful. Its creeping roots, which yield sufficient increase, should be taken up in Autumn, potted, and placed in a cold frame, during winter. Such roots as are left in the open ground, may be preserved by a slight covering of tan, which will protect them from the effects of severe frosts. Hooker’s Exot. Flora, 180. CENTAUREA OCHROLEUCA. IVORY-COLOURED CENTAURY. Class. Order. SYNGENESIA. FRUSTRANEA . Natural Order. COMPOSITJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Caucasus. 18 inches. June, Sept. Perennial. in 1801 . No. 462. Chiron, the wise Centaur, was intended to be honoured by the adoption of the name Centaurea. This philosopher, of the early ages of Greece, is said to have formed the constellations; amongst which, he himself, was placed by Musaeus. The fabled Centaurs of the ancient poets, originated in real life; but, as was usual with Eastern poets, each, in succession, added extravagancies of his own in- vention. Ochroleuca bears reference to the pale ochreous tint of its flow ers. This species of Centaurea makes a good border plant, both by its flowers and its foliage ; and ex- hibits none of the spreading propensity which is found so troublesome in some of its congeners. Its tubular flowers have a delicacy of formation, which, with the softened tint of white, contrasted with a party-coloured calyx, place it amongst the best of the cultivated species. A few of this extensive ge- nus of plants are of large and bold character, but the extreme coarseness of their herbage is a decided drawback on their attractions. Its culture is simple. It will grow in any situa- tion and admit of division, at almost any season. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 146. LINA'RIA ITALICA. ITALIAN TOADFLAX. Class. DIDYNAMIA. Natural Order. SCROPHCLARIN JE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Italy. 2^ feet. May, Sept. Perennial . in 1830. No. 463. Linaria, a word altered from Linum; and given to this genus, on account of the general resem- blance of the herbage of the two genera. This, like several other species of Linaria, is an upright slender plant, of neat growth. Its nu- merous long racemes of flowers are particularly or- namental, and as they are produced during three or four successive months, the plant is a desirable appendage to the parterre. The whole of this genus was, by Linneus, inclu- ded under antirrhinum, and notwithstanding their separation has, long since, been determined, many cultivators disregard the distinction; some, perhaps, from not having studied their difference. We will point out a definite rule for distinguishing the one genus from the other. The flowers of Linaria, have each a spur from the bottom of the corolla. Those of Antirrhinum have no such appendage. Other essential differences exist, but this one is sufficient. The roots of Linaria Italica, may be divided at the usual seasons. It also increases by suckers, which occasionally strike out from its roots, and produce a blossoming progeny in the Autumn. Order. ANGIOSPERMIA. . * PHLO'MIS HERBA-VENTI. WIND HERB. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA . GYMNOSPERMIA. Natural Order. LABIATJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced S. Europe. 18 inches. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1596. No. 464. The word Phlomis, like very many of those hav- ing a Greek origin, was founded on one of the uses to which the plant was applicable. The woolly sur- face of the leaves, was employed, we are told, for making lamp wicks; thus, phlogmas signifying flame, formed the root of the term. There is, in- deed, a species called the lamp-wick Phlomis, a native of the southern parts of Europe, the entire leaves of which are said, from their downy surface, to form admirable wicks. Herba-venti, signifying wind herb, is retained as a specific name, from its having been used for this plant by Bauhin, the elder of the celebrated brothers of this name. Its appli- cation was occasioned by the leaves being some- times anatomized by wet weather; when, losing their parenchyma or, pulpy part, they become pervious to the wind. The Phlomis herba-venti is a show y free flowerer, and when well established, produces its flowering stems in abundance, and becomes very attractive. If planted in a light dry soil it is sure to flourish. It may, occasionally, be divided, although too fre- quent a removal should be avoided. Hort.Kew.2,v. 3, 417. . ' . Ro s a c enti folia Hyssopns ofientalis. Leptostelma max iiuniu . Dioitalis livbrixla . KI> Smith lid* S' . Wtftj ROSA CENTIFO'LIA. VARIEGATED PROVINS ROSE. Variety : Village Maid. Class. Order. ICOSANDRIA. POLYGYNIA. Natural Order. ROSACEA2. Hybrid of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated France. 3 feet. June, July. Perennial. in 1833. No. 465. The derivation of the word Rosa has been late- ly noticed. Centifolia, from the Latin, hundred- leaved ; in allusion to its many petals. So numerous have the varieties of seedling Roses become, and so mingled are the characters of some of them, that it is difficult to give them a place in connexion with any distinct species. The beautiful flower of which we have now the gratification of giving a figure, is a novelty of no common order. It is quite unlike the old variegated York and Lan- caster Rose. It is more compact in the arrange- ment of its petals, as well as richer in its general colouring ; and it cannot fail of becoming a de- lightful favourite in the rosary. It has lately been obtained from France, by several English nursery- men, but by whom it was there raised we are not informed. Like other attractive seedling varie- ties, it was, of course, entitled to an attractive flo- rist’s cognomen, and our continental neighbours have adopted the very modest one of Village Maid. Grown on standards it will highly decorate the gar- den or lawn; and we recommend the Village Maid as worthy the patronage of all rose-loving florists. H YSSO'PUS ORIENTA'LIS. ORIENTAL HYSSOP. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. G YMNOSPERMIA. Natural Order. LABIATiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Caucasus. 2 feet. June, Sept. Perennial. in 1816. No. 466. The systematic name, Hyssopus, is deduced from the Hebrew, ezob, signifying a herb for sacred uses. Some authors have stated that the original word was compounded from the Greek, to signify “showering on the countenance,” in allusion to a custom of that people, who, in their religious cere- monies, used powdered Hyssop to sprinkle on the heads of worshippers. They either believed that it purified those on whom it was showered; or, they used it as typical of purification. Whether the hys- sop of holy writ has any connexion with our present subject is not easy to ascertain. There is not, that we are aware of, in the works of old writers, any dis- tinct evidence to guide such enquiry. The first scriptural notice of Hyssop, is a re- markable one — the institution of the passover, stat- ed in the book of Exodus. It is also referred to in several other passages, clearly showing the es- timation in which it was held as a plant of puri- fication; both literally and emblematically. St.John says, they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. The other evangelists say, “ put it on a reed.” Hence several writers conceive that Hyssop supplied the place of the reed; and, consequently, must have been a large shrub to afford a branch adequate to the purpose mentioned. In the first book of Kings we read that Solomon “ spake of trees, from the ce- dar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the Hyssop that springeth out of the wall.” Here Hyssop and the cedar are opposed to each other, as the extremes of large and small. From this and other variance of description, some commentators have assumed that the name of our present subject, was one em- ployed generally for any aromatic plant; but, con- sidering that a thousand years transpired between the splendour of Solomon and the crucifixion of our Saviour, it surely is unnecessary to endeavour the reconciliation of a name to the same individual plant. The wonder would most naturally arise if the plant and name continued so long in connexion. From the apparent qualities of the Hyssopus orientalis, it may be presumed to possess all the virtues of its congener, with greater beauty ; conse- quently it may serve the double purpose of an or- namental shrub, and an aromatic and medicinal one. Hyssop tea, sweetened with honey, is a pop- ular remedy for coughs and affections of the lungs. The Hyssopus orientalis, or angustifolius of Bieb- erstein, is a remarkably free-flowering ornamental little shrub, of neat growth ; and is more powerfully aromatic than the Hyssopus officinalis, or common Hyssop of our gardens. It may be propagated by division, from cuttings, or by seeds. If seeds are sown early in spring, the plants will flower in the succeeding autumn. LEPTOSTELMA MAX IMA. GREAT LEPTOSTELMA. Order. SUPERFLUA. Natural Order. COMPOSITE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Mexico. 6 feet. Aug. Sept. Perennial. in 1828. No. 467. The name, Leptostelma, is compounded of the two Greek words, leptos, signifying slender; and stelma, a crown; in allusion to the slender petals of its ray. Maxima, from the Latin, greatest. We wish that Mr. Don, at the time he established a new genus for this plant, had given it a different specific appellation. A name of comparison, when the genus comprises but one species is somewhat anomalous. This bold herbaceous plant, but for its size, bears most of the general character of the genus Erigeron; indeed, the botanical characters also, of the tw o gen- era, are very closely allied to each other. The com- posite flowers of Leptostelma, each composed of such delicate parts, and elevated six or seven feet high, make it a desirable appendage to the herbaceous ground or shrubbery. It may, appropriately, have a place amongst the tall phloxes, delphininums, heli- anthemums, asters, and others of the tall composite. Notwithstanding it is a native of Mexico, it has borne, uninjured, three successive winters of Eng- land; therefore, doubtless, in the severest seasons, it would require but a slight protection. It may be divided at the root; and will grow in any aspect. Sweet’s FI. Gar. s. 2, 38. Class. SYNGENESIA. ' DIGITALIS HY'BRIDA. campbell’s hybrid foxglove. Class. Order. DIDYNAMIA. ANGIOSPERMIA . Natural Order. SCROPHCLARINiE. Hybrid of Height. Flowers in Duration. Originated England. 3 feet. June, July, Perennial. in 1825. No. 468. In the similarity which the flowers of this genus bear to the finger of a glove, has originated the name Digitalis, and its application to these plants; the root of the word being the Latin digitale. The origin of the Digitalis, which we now intro- duce, has been a subject of considerable interest to physiologists. Botanists have not agreed in opin- ion on the subject of hybrid plants — whether such productions will be permanently established amongst the vegetables of the earth, or whether they will be lost to future generations, unless propagated again, as at first, from their parent species. Difference of opinion also exists regarding the species and genera between which varieties can be raised. The plant now before us, has been propagated between the Digitalis ambigua, and Gloxinia speciosa, by Mr. Alexander Campbell, curator of the Manchester Botanical and Horticultural Society’s Garden. We cannot give our readers any information so satisfactory as that with which Mr. Campbell himself, has furnished us. He says, “ The close resemblance which the flowers of Digitalis bear to those of Gloxinia, suggested the idea that a cross between them was practicable. I selected a shoot of Digitalis ambigua for the experiment; half a dozen of its flow- ers were carefully fertilized with the pollen of Glox- inia speciosa; the shoot was denuded of the remain- der of its flower buds, and no more attention was bestowed till the capsules were ripe. One half of those impregnated, produced perfect seeds, which were sown immediately, when ripe, and placed in a warm frame till they vegetated, after which they went through the usual process of potting, &c. Thus en- couraged, they were fit to be transplanted into the open borders, the following spring; and I had the satisfaction to see one, which took the lead of the rest, in flower late the ensuing autumn; and the whole of them flowered, in great profusion, in # the succeeding year.” Mr. Campbell further states that it is a remarkably free flowerer, continuing from June till frosts set in; which he very reason- ably suggests may arise from its sterility; all his attempts to fertilize it having proved ineffectual. Most of our readers are aware that no plant can perfect its seeds, unless the pollen or powder pro- duced by its own anthers, or the anthers of a plant nearly related to it, falls on its stigma. This we explained under Potentilla Russelliana, No. 304; and practically illustrated in Potentilla atrosangu- inea-pedata. No. 385, an intermediate variety, which we raised between the two very distinct species, in- dicated in its compound appellation. How far na- ture will admit this system of hybridization, becomes a curious and most interesting enquiry. It is ev- ident that the present division of genera, forms no bar to the production of mules between them. E.D. Smith . dell Llbertia foimosa. Lytlrroiu ditTusum. Tliermopsis t’ali area. S.Walts.scuip . THERMOPSIS FABACEA. FABA-LIKE THERMOPSIS. Class. Order. DECANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. LEGUMINOSJE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated Siberia. 2 feet. May, June. Perennial. in 1818. No. 469. Thermopsis, is compounded of the Greek ther- mos, a lupine; and opsjs, a resemblance. The general resemblance, indeed, of this genus to the lu- pine, authorises the comparison, although there is a considerable difference in their botanical charac- ters. Fabacea, from phago, to eat, whence comes, also, faba, the systematic name of our garden bean, on account of its esculent quality. The natural order of leguminosae, contains, on the whole, so highly ornamental a division of trees, shrubs, and herbs, that, even at first sight, the in- troduction of any subject contained in it, is sufficient to excite interest and enquiry. Humboldt estimates that it contains about one twelfth of the phaenoga- mous plants, scattered over the earth. The Thermopsis fabacea is very little known, al- though a desirable perennial for the mingled flower border. It is quite hardy, as may be indicated by its native country. In spring, it admits of division, but as it ripens seeds, pretty freely, we would re- commend propagation from these. Where variety of soil is at command, a preference should be given to that which is light and of good depth. Bot. Reg. 1272. LY'THRUM DIFFU'SUM. DIFFUSE LYTHRUM. Class. Order. DODECANDRIA. MONOCYNIA. Natural Order. LYTIiRA RIE AS. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced N. America. 18 inches. July, Aug. Perennial. in 1800. No. 470. The Greek lythron, signifying clotted or black blood, gave this name, from the flower’s hue. The specific appellation of this plant, in some de- gree, conveys an idea of its being a diffuse and a straggling plant. Although its branches, when long, are more or less spreading, they simply require a little tying together, which will produce a neat and unobtrusive growth. It is not, however, in all sit- uations, that compactness or neatness of growth is really advantageous, either to the appearance of the plant, or the general effect produced in the little landscape of a flower garden. It is evident, that in small gardens, where neatness of keeping forms one of the most attractive and pleasing features, a sacri- fice must oftentimes be made of the natural charac- teristic vegetable outline, especially amongst the her- baceous kinds. These, and more particularly such as are only of annual growth, are apt to ramble widely and inconveniently, over a space which can- not be afforded them. Their succulency and ten- derness generally unfits them for self-support. The consequence is evident; assistance must be given; and a most inharmonious appearance may be the result, unless such operations be conducted with some regard to the natural inclination of vegetable forms. The stakes, or other supports for plants, even if of the neatest appearance in themselves, can but be unsightly, when too prominent in the borders. A support is not unfrequently encompassed by an unsightly bundle. Operations of this description are, frequently, proceeded in without reflection; a precedent being at first followed, a habit is acquired, and the j udgment influenced. Thus, even in trifles, we trace the origin of prejudices, and catch a glimpse of a powerful barrier to improvement. On the other hand, rather than every one, competent or incom- petent, should interfere with existing usages, it were better to follow' the partially imperfect. Our hint on the subject of supporting plants, may awaken attention to the subject, which is nearly all that can be requisite. It may, perhaps, be noticed that sticks or supports, should not stand higher than the plants themselves. They may be forced into the earth, and drawn up again as required; and also that low and recumbent plants, may be supported, by small sticks being placed under them in a slanting direction. Other methods will readily be contrived by the ingenious cultivator. The Lythrum diffusum, as, indeed, are the Lythrums generally, is ornamental, although not conspicuously gay. Their long spikes of flowers, afford a pretty variety, and deserve a place in the best collections. It may be increased in spring by dividing the hard woody crown; or by cuttings, with a heel to them, taken from the crown, when a few inches high; and also by seeds. Sweet’s FI. Gar. 149. I RIS SAMBU'CINA. ELDER-SCENTED IRIS. Class. Order. TRIANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. Natural Orde n* IRIDEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Cultivated S. Europe. 2 feet. June. Perennial. in 1658. No. 471. Iris, the Greek name of the rainbow. Sambu- cina, from sambucus, the systematic name of the el- der given in reference to the scent of this species. Few only, amongst the numerous species of Iris, are distinguished for their odor; this however, is scented, and not unpleasantly, though its aroma is altogether inferior to that of the Persian Iris — a little early-flowering beauty, which we must not omit, at some early opportunity, to introduce to our readers. The Iris Sambucina is of the tuberous rooted division of Irises, of the medicinal virtues of which the old botanists were very profuse in their praise; but regarding the bulbous species little oc- curs, probably from their being comparatively few in number. Amongst other prescriptions, the green roots are recommended to be infused in rose-water, to make a cosmetic; mainly good against all sorts of scars, marks, freckles, and sun -burned complexions. Gilbert, who was an inveterate versifier, says, “ Irises, like rainbow, several colours show, With ease persuaded to increase and grow.” We may adopt his opinion in the culture of this interesting species of Iris. It increases freely. Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 119. LIBERTIA FORMOSA. BEAUTIFUL LIBERTIA. Order. MONOGYNIA. Natural Order. IRIDEiE. Native of Height. Flowers in 1 Duration. Introduced Chiloe. 2 feet. May, June. 1 Perennial. in 1832. No. 472. The name of this genus was adopted by Sprengel, in honour of Mademoiselle M. A. Libert, a Belgian lady of talent and industry, who has added many interesting plants to the Flora of France. Formosa, from the Latin, beautiful or handsome. From Dr. Lindley, in the Botanical Register, we learn that the Libertia formosa was found by Mr. James Anderson, in the island of Chiloe, growing on the sea shore, within reach of the waves. We were favoured with a specimen of it by Mr. M‘ Intosh, from gardens, which are associated with the feelings of every British subject, by a remembrance the most melancholy. It is but necessary to name Clare- mont, and the mind gladly turns from the sad recol- lection of its associations. The Libertia formosa is a charming addition to the flower garden. It is much like the white vari- ety of Tradescantia Virginica; but notwithstanding it is smaller, it is more gay, from having a greater number of flowers expanded at the same time. It may be divided, or raised from seeds. Till a win- ter, more severe than the two last, shall have proved it quite hardy, it should have frame protection. Bot. Reg. 1630. Class. TRIANDRIA. i MAL'VA MUNROA'NA. MUNRo’S MALLOW. Class. Order. M ONA DELPHI A . POLYANDRIA. Natural Order. MALVACEAS. Native of Height. Flowers in Duration. Introduced Columbia. 3 feet. June, 0