Chapter III: Part 3

_C. oleíferia_ is cultivated principally in China for the oil which is expressed from its seeds, which is much used in the domestic cookery of the country; flower single white.

_C. Sesánqua_, Lady Banks's. The foliage of this species is very small, and paler, and the green not so fine, as any of the others. It seeds freely, and is often used as the female parent in producing new varieties; flowers small white and single, with many anthers. There are a Semi-double, and Double variety of it of the same colour.

_C. maliflòra_ is figured in the Botanical Register, under the name of _C. Sesánqua rósea_. The foliage is about the same shape as _C. Sesánqua_, but the appearance and habit of the plant are completely different, growing very freely and quite erect; flowers very abundant. A large plant of it will continue in bloom for the space of three months. The flowers are of about six weeks' duration, colour and shape of _Rose de meaux_; has been highly esteemed. One plant of it has been sold for one hundred and eighty dollars.

_C. Kíssii_. We believe it is single white, has not come under our observation, the only species that is a native of Nepaul.

_C. reticuláta_ was brought from China by Capt. Rawes. The foliage is very characteristic, being rougher than any of the other flowers, about five inches in diameter, brilliant scarlet, and semi-double. It was introduced into Europe in 1822, and is still very scarce. Twenty-five dollars are paid for a small twig of it. From present appearance, it will never be so plenty as many of the others, being tardy of propagation; only a few eyes on the extremity of each shoot make young wood, and if these are cut off, the plant does not seem to push afresh.

C. _japónica_, the original of many splendid varieties, probably to the amount of one hundred. The true one is in very few collections; it is single striped.

C. _japónica rùbra_ is the single red of our collections, and used as stocks to enarch, graft, or inoculate the other varieties upon, being easily struck by cuttings. It seeds very freely, when the stile is impregnated, and the seedlings make the strongest and best stocks.

C. _japónica álba_, single white. It is mentioned in some of our catalogues, as being very sweet-scented, though not very perceptible to us. The foliage and wood are very strong, being a free seeding variety, consequently particularly desirable, as a stock to grow new varieties from. Its flowers are large and abundant.

C. _semidúplex._ This is a flower with two rows of petals. Some good varieties might be got from it, if properly impregnated.

C. _rùbro-plèno_ is a strong growing and free-flowering variety. The flowers are large, double red, petals irregular, with the anthers in bunches amongst them; flowers are of long duration and showy.

C. _cárnea_, frequently known as Middlemist's blush. Colour pink, one of the original varieties, and frequently produces seeds; grows freely.

C. _myrtifólia_, known in some collections as _involúta_. There are two varieties of it, major and minor; the former is certainly the best, and has a very handsome, large, and regular red flower; the centre frequently is pink and purple; it is much the shape of _Double white_, only the petals are more cupped. The flower is of considerable duration. It is not properly named. The foliage, though the smallest of the variety, is much larger than that of any of our common myrtles, which might make many mistake its character; and another prominent feature is, the leaves are much recurved and shining.

C. _hexanguláris_. The flower is six angled, very compact, and dark red. It is an esteemed variety, and there has unfortunately been another inferior, substituted for it, in some of our collections. The foliage is similar in shape to _anemoniflòra_, with the nerves more sunk; the flowers are of an ordinary size.

C. _atro-rùbens_, Loddiges' red, is a very fine variety; colour dark red outside, petals large inside, small and irregular, forming a very distinct character; foliage stiff; grows freely and flowers well; and of long duration. We have seen a flower stand fresh on the plant two months; however, that cannot be a rule, as it depends on the situation.

C. _anemoniflòra_, or _Waratah_ (from the central petals, having the appearance of the Waratah plant, _Telopìa speciosissima_.) This variety is very characteristic, both in flower and foliage. The flower is dark crimson, with five or six regular large outside petals; those of the centre are very small, and neatly plaited, with the stile (female organ) prominent; the foliage is large and oblong, nerves very smooth, and the wood strong, bark light. Had this kind not been found, we would have been deprived of many most splendid varieties, which have originated from it, and we have no doubt they may become as diversified as the roses of the garden. This variety in a collection for that alone is invaluable. It seeds freely, and the pollen of any of the others applied to the style of this, will produce a new variety, which seldom fails of being double, provided the pollen is from a double variety. It must be applied the first day that the flower is expanded, for the flower is only of a few days' duration. Those that are not acquainted with the buds of this _Caméllia_, will take them to be dead, because, before expansion, they are very dark brown.

_C. dianthiflòra_, or Knight's _carnation Waratah_, is, when well grown, a very beautiful flower; shape and size same as _anemoniflòra_ (and a seedling from it by Mr. Knight, King's Road, Chelsea, London,) seemingly the stamens are crowned with small petals, red and white striped, appearing like a fine large carnation. The style appears fertile, and there is no doubt but some splendid varieties may be obtained from it.

_C. blánda_, or blush Waratah, flower in shape similar to _anemoniflòra_, rather larger, and of considerable duration.

_C. pompónia_, or Kew blush, flowers very large, white, with a tinge of blush at the bottom of the petals, which has a good effect in setting off the flower. They frequently bloom all blush, which appears rather curious on the same plant; shape one or two rows of guard or outside petals; those of the inside are short, stubby, and generally irregular, continues long in flower, yellow anthers among the short petals, and seeds when the female organ is perfect; foliage narrower than any of the others, a very fast grower, and flowers freely.

_C. pæòniflora_. The foliage, shape, and size of the flower of this, is similar to the last mentioned, colour a rich pink; we have never seen any of them vary from this; and have seen it seed very double.

_C. Walbánkii_, has a very large white irregular flower, by some called poppy-flowered. It is not so pure as the common double white; the anthers show amongst the petals, and the buds before expansion are very round, inclining to flatness; the foliage long and shining. The flowers are of considerable duration. We question with lutea-alba.

_C. alba-plèna_, common double white, is admired by the most casual observer, and is generally considered a very superior flower, from the purity of its whiteness, and the abundance of its large flowers, which are thickly and regularly set with round petals. The foliage is large, and the plant grows freely; we have seen one shoot grow two feet in one summer. It was imported into Europe from China, amongst the first of the varieties, about eighty years ago.

_C. flavéscens_, Lady Hume's blush, and by some called _buff_. It is a very double flower, and frequently hexangular; the bottom of the petals are most delicately tinged with blush; on looking into it, it shows more like a blush vapour than nature, and is a great favourite, and deservedly so, with the ladies: flowers and grows freely, foliage rhomboid, elongate, nerves very visible, surface smooth and pale green, distantly serrate.

_C. fimbriàta._ The size, shape, and set of the flower same as _alba-plena_, and the white as pure, with the edges of the petals deeply serrated, or rather fringed; is equally as free in flowering and growing. It is universally admired, and in great demand. Its character is unique, foliage very like _alba-plèno_. [See Frontispiece.]

_C. imbricàta_, said to be a very double red, with imbricated petals, and very handsome. We have not seen it in flower.

_C. variagàta_, is one of the old standard varieties, and very much esteemed. It is striped with red and white; sometimes the ground is red, with white streaks or blotches, and _vice versa_. The flower when well grown is large, and very abundant; foliage very fine dark green, similar to single white. We have had seed from it. The petals are regular, with the anthers showing amongst them; the flower double, though not so much so as many of the others.

_C. crassinérvis._ We have not the smallest doubt but this is the same as _hexangularis_, and in confirmation of our opinion, we have lately had the best authority in Europe to that effect.

_C. conchiflòra_, shell flowered, double, a very handsome shape, petals round, stiff set, and in the centre quite erect, red with occasional splashes of white.

_C. rubricáulis_, Lady Campbell's, very double, colour very rich dark red, with stripes of pure white, beautifully contrasted. The richness of this flower is very striking, and much esteemed; flowers freely.

_C. longifòlia_ is a single red, the foliage is large, and longer than the generality of them.

_C. chandlrerii_, or versicolor, colour vivid scarlet with occasional splashes of pure white; the flowers vary, and are of long duration, from six to eight weeks; foliage large and dark glossy green.

_C. aitònia_. This variety is a beautiful specimen of a single flower affording a developement of the organ of fructification; the petals are delicately penciled, and the anthers very bold, colour pink, and the flower very large; grows freely, and, in our opinion, is surpassed by none of the single sorts, for raising fine new varieties, if impregnated with the pollen from double flowers.

_C. althæiflòra_, hollyhock-flowered, is a great beauty, with large double dark red flowers, the veins are very prominent, petals frequently irregular; foliage large, and approaches to the foliage of single red; and is much esteemed.

_C. corallìna_, coral-flowered, a very deep scarlet double flower, and bears a high character.

_C. insígnis_, a most splendid double flower, large dull red colour; a very free grower, and highly estimated.

_C. anemoneflòra álba_. Those that have seen the common _anemoneflòra_ will be disappointed in the appearance of this, not being pure white, neither properly anemone-flowered, though a very good flower, and very distinct from any other; the petals are irregular, anthers abundant, shape resembling _pompone_; flower not so large.

_C. heterophylla_. The foliage of this varies very much, a character that none of the others possess; flower double red; and merits a place in collections.

_C. Woódsii_, flower fine double, rose colour; and much has been said in its favour.

_C. bícolor_, a single flower, with a rose ground and white streaks, very pretty, but not so large as many of the single ones.

_C. speciosa_ is a most splendid variety, has been called _China striped Waratah_. The guard petals are large, round, and bold; colour red with stripes of white; the centre is full of small petals, (like _anemoneflòra_,) and spotted; the foliage large and more heart-shaped than any of the others; grows freely, flower persistent, highly esteemed, and considered one of the finest of the coloured _Caméllias_.

_C. fúlgens_, flower large, and very bright double red, approaching to _C. atro-rubens_, but more brilliant; foliage a lucid green, very smooth, young wood and wood buds have a red appearance. We have no doubt but it will seed; if so, it will be a first rate breeder.

_C. grandiflóra_, a very large single rich red flower, foliage very large; a most splendid single variety, and grows freely. It is recommended to all who wish to improve their collections by raising new varieties.

_C. rósa sinénsis_, a very large double flower, colour bright pink, petals long and full, a very distinct variety, with a beautiful dark green shining foliage, grows and flowers freely, and is highly esteemed.

C. _intermédia_, a very large flower, shape of _C. pompònia_, outside petals streaked to the extremity with a rich blush, ground colour pure white, and is in high estimation; grows and flowers freely. It is in very few collections in Europe, and only in three in the United States.

C. _rose Waratáh_. The description of this flower is the same as _anemoneflòra_, but differs in colour, and being of longer duration, the foliage is uncommonly large.

C. _Pressíi's invincible_. It has been asserted that it is the same as that known by _C. punctata_ and _C. Pressíi_. We have not seen it flower, but have seen a drawing of it, the flower equally as large as _double white_, and same shape, with the petals as regular; the ground colour brilliant red, and spotted with pure white. It is one of the newest varieties, and much valued for its unique beauty; hence called _Invincible_; foliage large.

C. _Rose Mundií_, is like the garden rose of that name; a large flower, ground colour pink streaked with white.

C. _compàcta_ is a new double white, petals and flower not so large as the common, but more compact, and is considered a very fine variety.

C. _gloriòsa_, is said to be a fine dark double red.

C. _Róssii_, is said to be a fine rich double scarlet.

_Callicòma serratifòlia_, the only species and remarkable for tufted yellow heads of flowers, which come out at the axils, and continue from May to July. The foliage is ovate lanceolate, deeply serrated, and opposite.

_Carmichælia austràlis_, the only species, has very curious foliage, which the lilac leguminose flowers come out off, and continue from April to June.

_Cunònia capénsis_, the only species, and a handsome shrub, with large pinnated shining leaves, beautifully contrasted by numerous dense elongated branches of small white flowers, and twigs of a red colour, having the habit of a tropical more than a Cape of Good Hope plant.

_Cléthra arbórea_, and _C. arbórea variagàta_, are both fine shrubs; the latter is preferable; leaves are oblong, accuminate, and serrated with a gold edge; flowers white, downy, in large branching racemose spikes, and sweet-scented; grows freely.

_Cotoneásters_. Two of this genus are deserving a situation in the Green-house, _C. denticulàta_, and _C. microphylla_; the last is a native of the mountainous districts of Nepaul, and may prove hardy; the flowers are white, small, and solitary, but in the fall it is covered with pretty red berries, and then looks beautiful; culture very easy; will grow in any situation.

_Cròwea solígna_, is amongst one of the finest and easiest cultivated plants of New South Wales. It flowers at the axils of the leaves, colour pink, with five petals, connected by entangled hairs; in flower from April to December, and frequently through the winter; foliage lanceolate, and a fine green. The plant grows neat, and requires an airy situation; drain the pots well.

_Chorizèmas_, about six species, foliage very like some varieties of the _Holly_; flowers small and papilionaceous; colour red and yellow; though small, they are very neat. C. _nàna_ and C. _ilicifòlia_ are amongst the best; if grown from seed, they will flower freely the second year; drain the pots well.

_Cineràrias_, Cape aster, about twelve belong to the Green-house. They are herbaceous, or half shrubby, soft wooded plants. C. _speciòsa_, C. _amelloídes_, (now called _Agathæa cæléstus_,) C. _purpùrea_, and C. _lanàta_, are among the finest; flowers blue or yellow; the latter is considered the handsomest of the genus. The exterior petals are bright purple, and the interior ones white, and with _A. cæléstus_, flowers most of the year; flowers syngenesious and star-like. The herbaceous species must be treated as previously mentioned for that kind of plants.

_Cístus_, or Rock rose. There are above thirty species, principally natives of Europe, consequently hardy there, and form a great ornament to their gardens, being very abundant and various in flower; but with us they will not stand the rigour of winter. We have no doubt, however, but, through time, some kinds may be grown that will withstand the greatest cold of the middle states; they are low shrubby plants of easy cultivation. C. _ladaníferus_, C. _monspeliénsis_, C. _sálignus_, C. _popolifòlius_, and C. _undulàtus_, are perhaps the best; the flowers are of short duration, frequently only for one day; but the quantity makes up this deficiency, being constantly in flower in May and June, and sometimes flower again in autumn. C. _crèticus_ is most productive of the Gum laudanum, which is secreted about its leaves and branches. The flowers are generally five-petaled, and some of them large; centre full of stamens; the foundation of the natural order _Cistinea_.

_Clématis_, Virgin's Bower. There are only six of these belonging to this, all climbing plants. C. _aristàta_ and C. _brachiàta_ are the best; flowers in racemose clusters, pure white; foliage small; and natives of the Cape of Good Hope. The foliage of C. _aristàta_ is cordate and blotched.

_Cobæa scándens_, the only species. It is a climber of very rapid growth, has been known to grow above two hundred feet in one summer; large bell-shaped flowers; when they are newly expanded, they are of a pale green colour, and change to dark purple; will grow in the garden during summer, bearing a continual profusion of flowers, but will not stand frost. When this plant becomes too large in the house, do not cut it close to the root, except there is a young shoot arising to carry off the superabundant sap, for the old wood will not push, which will soon cause a mortification.

The best method to adopt in such case is to turn back a shoot, and lay it in the ground to root, when it will become a young plant; which should always be done as soon as it appears unsightly. It does best to be planted in the ground, but will not give any satisfaction as to flowering in a pot. It will flower as an annual if sown in pots this month, and placed in a warm room or hot-bed, and planted into the garden about the end of May.

_Coroníllas_, a very few are fine species in the Green-house. C. _glaúca_ is a celebrated plant amongst us, as a free and early flowering shrub. C. _valentíana_ and C. _viminális_ are equally so, flower from April to June, colour yellow; papilionaceous flowers in clusters; agree best with shade. In summer they ought to be kept behind a fence, or under a tree, as the sun would destroy them in a few weeks. Drain the pots well.

_Corréas_, five species, all very pretty dwarf shrubs, and flower profusely; foliage ovate, cordate, and either rusty or downy beneath. C. _álba_ and C. _rúfa_ have both white flowers a little tubular. C. _pulchélla_ is a very handsome erect growing plant, flowers large and tubular, of a deep pink colour, and grows freely: it is thought the finest of the genus. C. _speciòsa_ has been long admired as a splendid free flowering plant; flowers same shape as C. _pulchélla_, but not so large; colour red and yellowish green. C. _virèns_ is a very free grower, flowers same shape as the two last, colour entirely green. These three last mentioned are abundant flowerers, having a continued succession from November to June, possessing the valuable requisite of flowering through the winter, and ought to be in every collection. They require an airy situation, and the pots to be well drained. The plants in summer must not be fully exposed to the sun.

_Cratàgus._ There are none of these belonging to the Green-house; but there is a plant in the collections, known as C. _glabra_, which is _Photínia serrulàta_, a native of China, and is a very handsome plant, has long foliage, deeply serrated, very shining. _P. arbutifòlia_, a native of California, and is the finest of the genus; flowers in large dense panicles, foliage larger than the former, and not so deeply serrated; they are both comparatively hardy, and we soon expect to see them acclimated.

_Cupréssus_ may be desired in collections, as erect and handsome growing evergreen shrubs. C. _lusitánica_, the famed cedar of Goa; C. _péndula_ and C. _juniperoídes_ are the most desirable; flowers are insignificant, and yellowish; we have no doubt they may prove hardy. C. _lusitánica_ is the handsomest tree of the genus. Its abundant, very long dichotomous branchlets, distinguish it from all the evergreens of the conoferious tribe.

_Calámpelis scábra_, once _Eccremocárpus scáber_, is a very fine climber, where there is a convenience to plant it in the ground. It will flower profusely from March to November; foliage pinnate, with tendrils; flowers from the axils on young shoots in a kind of racemose, and of a golden colour; grows freely.

_Celástris_, staff-tree, about twenty-five species; of no particular beauty. Some of them have numerous small white flowers, in cymes and panicles; foliage generally ovate, acute, and serrated. C. _pyracántha_, C. _cymósa_, C. _multiflòrus_, and C. _lúcidus_, are the most conspicuous, and all the genera are of easy culture.

_Coòkia púnctata_, Wampee-tree of China, named in honour of the celebrated Capt. Cook. The fruit is much esteemed in China, where it grows to about the size of a walnut, in bunches; leaves pinnate, ovate, lanceolate, accuminate; when rubbed, have a strong odour; flower small white in racemose spikes, of slow growth.

C. _allistàchys_. There are two of them very handsome large growing shrubs. C. _lanceolàta_ and C. _ovàta_, foliage silky-like, and light coloured; flowers yellow, papilionaceous, and very abundant.

_Davièsias_, above ten species, principally natives of New South Wales, all yellow papilionaceous flowers. _D. ulicìna_, _D. latifòlia_, _D. aciculàris_, and _D. inricssàta_, are very fine species, flower and grow freely, and require to be well drained; bloom from April to August.

_Diósmas_. This genus is now very much divided, and only contains about thirteen species: the generas that they have been given to, are _Adenándra_, _Barosma_, _Acmadènia_, and _Agathósma_. We will enumerate a few of the finest species of each. _D. capitála_, _D. oppositifólia_, _D. longifòlia_, _D. rùbra_, and _D. teretifòlia_, are the most conspicuous, all small white flowers except _D. rùbra_; foliage small, and all handsome growing evergreens.

_Adenándras_, eight species. This genus is the most select of those that have been subdivided. _A. speciòsa_, _A. umbellàta_, _A. álba_, _A. fragràns_, and _A. uniflòra_, are all splendid flowers: and all white except _A. fragràns_, which is red. Pots must be well drained.

_Barósmas_, above ten species. _B. serratifòlia_, _B. pulchèlla_, purple, _B. f[oe]tidíssima_, blush, _B. odoràta_, white, and _B. dioíca_, pink, are the finest.

_Acmadènias_, five species. _A. lavigàta_, _A. púngens_, and _A. tetragònia_, blush, are good species.

_Agathósmas_, above twenty-five species, many of them very celebrated free flowering shrubby plants. _A. accuminàta_, _A. hybrida_, _A. Thunbergiàna_, _A. imbricàta_, _A. prolífera_, _A. pátula_, and _A. pulchélla_, which is the finest of the genus, the dried leaves of which the Hottentots use as powder to mix with the grease with which they anoint their bodies. Some travellers assert that it gives them so rank an odour, that they sometimes could not bear the smell of those who were their guides. In fact the foliage of all the five last mentioned generas, if rubbed by the hand while on the plant, has a very strong smell, some of them very agreeable, others disagreeable. They are all heath-like and evergreen small neat growing shrubs. They require while growing luxuriantly to have their young shoots topped to make them bushy; drain all the pots well, and keep them in airy situations, and not crowded with other plants, or they will become slender and unsightly.

_Dryándras._ This genus is closely allied in character and habits to _Bánksia_, and contains above sixteen species. D. _nívea_, has a most beautiful foliage, very long and deeply indented. D._formòsa_, has a scent like the fruit of an Apricot. D. _nervòsa_, D. _floribúnda_, D. _armàta_, D. _plumòsa_, D. _Baxtèri_, D. _nervòsa_, and D. _falcàta_, are the most conspicuous, and all highly desirable plants in collections. They are very delicate of importation; flowers are straw and orange coloured and thistlelike. Seeds in small cones. Treat them the same as directed for _Bánksias_.

_Dillwynias_, above twelve species, and plants very little known. D. _floribúnda_, D. _teretifòlia_, and D. _phylicoides_, are desirable plants; flowers small, papilionaceous, and colour yellow. They are very liable to suffer from too much wet; while dormant, therefore, the pots must be effectually drained.

_Dampièras_, four species. The genus is named in honour of Captain W. Dampier, a famous voyager, has Lobelia-like flowers, either blue or purple. C. _purpùrea_, C. _undulàta_, and C. _strícta_, are the finest; the two former are shrubby; the latter is herbaceous; they all flower freely.

_Edwárdsias_, about four species, very beautiful foliaged plants and have very curious yellow flowers, but do not flower until the plant becomes large. _E. grandiflòra_, _E. chrysòphylla_, and _E. meirophylla_, are the best, and are tolerably hardy, though doubtful of ever being acclimated. The flowers are leguminose, foliage ovate, pinnate, from eight to forty on one footstalk, and appears to be covered with gold dust. The hardier they are grown, the more visible it will appear.

_Elichrysums_. This genus is now extinct, and two splendid species of it given to others. _E. proliferum_ is now _Phænàcoma prolífera_, and has beautiful purple everlasting rayed flowers, and highly esteemed: the foliage round, ovate, smooth, and closely imbricated. _E. spectábile_ is now _Aphélexis hùmilis_, has pine-like foliage, and large light purple flowers and everlasting; care must be taken that they are not over watered; drain the pots well.

_Enkiánthus_, only two species, both very fine. _E. quinqueflòrus_ has large ovate accuminate foliage, flowers pink, and pendulous; very handsome. _E. reticulátus_, the foliage is netted, and the flowers blush; they are liable when dormant to suffer from wet. Be sure to drain the pots well, and sparing in water while in that state.

_Epácris_, above twelve species, and all very ornamental. _E. grandiflòra_ has been celebrated ever since it was known; the foliage is small, flat, and accuminate; flowers tubular and pendulous, bright crimson, with a tinge of white, and very abundant, in flower from January to June. _E. pulchélla_ is likewise a most beautiful plant; foliage very small and closely set, flowers pure white, and in long spikes, sweet-scented. _E. impréssa_, foliage impressed, and flowers rose-coloured. _E. paludòsa_, flowers white, and grows very handsomely. _E. purpuráscens rùbra_ is a good variety, with bright red flowers. They are mostly erect growing plants; flower from March till June, and a rough, turfy, sandy soil is found most congenial. They are natives of the mountainous districts of New South Wales. The pots must be well drained; the roots will run with avidity amongst the potshreds.

_Erìcas_, heath. There are in cultivation in Europe above five hundred and fifty species and varieties of this magnificent genus. About sixty, years ago it consisted only of a few humble British plants, with the heath of Spain, _E. Mediterrànea_, which is at present most common in our collections, though in a few years we may expect to see it supplanted by others more splendid.

In their native countries, they are adapted to a great many useful purposes. In the north of Britain, the poorer inhabitants cover their cabins or huts with heath, and build the walls with alternate layers of it and a kind of cement made with straw and clay. They likewise brew ale, and distil a hot spirit from the tender shoots; and it has been known to be used in dyeing, tanning, and many other useful domestic purposes. Encomium on their beauty is not requisite; they are almost as diversified in colour as colour itself. Many are graceful, and most elegant; hundreds are pretty; a few noble and splendid; others grotesque, curious, and odoriferous. To cultivate and propagate them is one of the most delicate branches of horticulture. Nevertheless, it has been said by a scientific writer, that "those who complain of the difficulty of growing the heath are ignorant people who have never had a heath to grow." The most splendid collection in Europe is under the care of Mr. M'Nab, of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, where there are two large houses devoted to their culture; and through the whole year a continued profusion of bloom is kept up. Some of the plants are six feet in diameter, and twelve feet high. The soil used is a coarse sandy peat. Pots drained with potshreds, and pieces of freestone, are put down the sides of the large pots and tubs: where these can be had they are essential to the culture of mountainous plants, preventing them from being saturated with moisture, or from becoming dry, they being retentive of moisture, thus keeping the roots in a medium state; for if once the roots are allowed to get thoroughly dried, no art of the gardener can recover them. This may be the true reason why they are said to be difficult of cultivation.

In the summer season the pots must be kept out of the sun, for in a few hours the pot would become heated, dry the roots, and cause death, or a brownness of foliage which would never again become natural. Too much fire heat will hurt them. They only require to be kept free from frost, need a great deal of air and plenty of light; consequently, should be placed near the glass, that they may have the benefit of all the air that is admitted. Their flowers are as varied in shape as variety or colour, but they all partake of a wax-like nature, and are very persistent. For the finest and most select varieties, see the catalogue at the end of this work.

_Eròdiums_, Heron's bill. There are about thirty species, all of a Geranium character, and there are among them some very pretty flowering, soft wooded, shrubby, herbaceous, and annual plants. Only a few of them belong to the Green-house, of which _E. incarnàtum_, _E. crassifòlium_, and _E. laciniàtum_, are the finest; culture similar to _Gerànium_. The flowers of these are scarlet, pentapetalous, and veiny.

_Eucalyptus_, above fifty species of them, and the tallest growing trees of New Holland; foliage very diversified, generally of a hard glaucous texture. From their rapid growth, they soon grow higher than the loftiest house. The most conspicuous are _E. cordàta_, _E. rostràta_, _E. radiàta_, _E. pulvigéra_, _E. glòbifera_, _E. pulverulénta_, and _E. resínefera_. In Van Dieman's Land, a manufactory has been established, where a tannin is extracted from many of the species. The last mentioned produces gum, like that which the druggists call _Kino_. They ought not to be too much fostered, as it would in some degree retard their growth. They are of a very hardy nature. When large, the plants will flower freely, and are similar in flower to _Myrtle_; many stamina proceeding from a hard nut-like capsule.

_Eupatòrium._ There is only one species deserving of cultivation in the Green-house; flowers syngenesious, white, and in large flattened panicles; very sweet-scented. The plant, when growing freely, in the beginning of summer, should be topped, which would make it more bushy; if not, it is apt to grow straggling. Known as _E. elegáns_, in our collections.

_Eutáxia's_, two species. _E. myrtifòlia_ is a most beautiful free-flowering evergreen shrub; foliage small, but very neat; flowers leguminose, small, and very many; colour yellow and red; grows freely. The young plants should be frequently topped, or they will grow naked and unsightly. _E. pùngens_, similar to the other except in foliage. They flower from March to June, and ought to have a place in every Green-house. Culture very easy.

_Euchìlus obcordàtus_ is the only species: Flowers similar to _Eutàxia_; foliage almost unique, being inverse, cordate; time of flowering from March to June.

_Fúchsias_, Ladies' ear drop. About twelve species. Several of them elegant and handsome shrubs. _F. virgáta_ and _F. cònica_ are the most splendid of deciduous Green-house shrubs; the nerves of the leaves and young wood of the former are tinged with purplish red; the large pendant flowers which are produced from the axils of the leaves of the young wood continue during the growing season. _F. cònica_ grows strong, foliage green, flowers pendant, corolla more spreading than the other, and when in flower is a complete mass of scarlet blossoms. It flowers all summer. _F. coccínea_ is a common and celebrated plant, and deservedly so. _F. microphylla_ is a neat glowing, small flowering species. _F. arbórea_, has very large foliage, and rose coloured flowers; a scarce species, but very desirable. _F. gràcilis_ and _F. thymifòlia_, are both fine; most of the flowers are a bright scarlet, the stamens are encircled with a petal of bright purple, and are of very curious construction; they bear a dark purple berry, and are of the easiest cultivation, but during summer they must be carefully kept in the shade.

_Gelsèmium nìtidum_, Carolina jessamine, a most beautiful climbing evergreen, flowering shrub. In the months of April and May, it produces many large yellow trumpet-like blossoms of delicious fragrance. If much fostered in growth, it will not flower so freely.

_Gnaphàlium_, everlasting. This genus has got all the beautiful Cape species taken out of it, and given to _Astélma_ and _Helichrysum_. Of _Astélma_ there are above ten species, most of them very splendid, everlasting flowers. _A. exímia_ has brilliant red flowers. _A. spiràlis_, _A. speciosíssima_, _A. frùticans_, and _A. imbricàtum_, are all very fine; pots must be well drained.

_Helychrysums_, above forty species, chiefly belonging to the Green-house, all everlasting flowers. _H. grandiflòrum_, _H. arbòreum_, _H. orientàle_, _H. fràgrans_, _H. adoratìssimum_, _H. frùticans_, and _H. fúlgidum_, are all very esteemed species, mostly soft white foliage. The pots should be well drained, and the plants kept in an airy situation, as they suffer from the least damp. If the flowers are cut off before they fade, they will retain for many years all the splendour of their beauty; but if allowed to decay on the plant, they will soon become musty, and all their colour fade.

_Gompholòbiums_, a genus of very pretty delicate plants, all papilionaceous; flowers generally yellow with a little red; foliage very variable. G. _barbígerum_, G. _polimórfum_, G. _latifòlium_, G. _grandiflòrum_, and G. _venústum_, are fine, the pots must be well drained, and care taken that they are not over watered; they grow freely.

_Genístas_: a few of these are very pretty free flowering shrubs. G. _canariénsis_, G. _tricuspidáta_, G. _cuspidòsa_, and G. _umbellàta_, are the finest Green-house species. All of them have yellow leguminose flowers in great abundance; leaves small, lanceolate.

_Gnídias_, about ten species of pretty Green-house shrubs. G. _símplex_, G. _serícea_, G. _imbérbis_, and G. _pinifòlia_, flower the most freely; flowers straw colour, tubular, and corymbose. G. _símplex_ is sweet-scented, leaves small; the pots must be well drained, and care taken that they do not get either too wet or too dry, for the roots are very delicate. The plants must be kept near the glass, or they will be drawn weak.

_Goodènia_, a genus of about twelve species, with cordate, serate, alternate foliage. G. _stellígera_, and G. _suáveolens_ are sweet-scented; G. _ovàta_ and G. _grandiflòra_ are the best. They are principally small shrubs, with terminale or axillary flowers, and flower during summer.

_Gortèria personàta_ is the only species that belongs to this genus, and is an annual. There are several plants in our collections known as _Gortèrias_, but which properly are _Gazània_, of which there are five species. G. _rìngens_, when the flowers are fully expanded, (which will only be while exposed to the sun, closing at night, and opening again with the influence of the sun's rays,) is a great beauty. The rays of the flowers are bright orange, and the centre dark purple. _G. pavónia_ has handsome foliage; flower similar to _G. rìngens_, except the centre of the flower being spotted, and is thought to be the finest, but does not flower so freely. _G. heterophylla_ is of the same character, except the foliage, which is variable, the colour orange and vermilion. They are half shrubby dwarf growing plants, and during the months of July, August, and September, are liable to damp off at the surface of the earth, from the action of heat, and too much water. Pots must be well drained, and the plants kept partially in the shade. Their flowers are syngenesious, and about two inches in diameter.

_Grevílleas_, about thirty species. A few of them very handsome in flower and foliage, among which are _G. punícea_; _G. acanthifòlia_, (beautiful foliage); _G. concínna_, very pretty straw and rose-coloured flowers; _G. juniperìna_, green and straw-coloured; _G. lineàris_, white flowers. The flowers of the whole are curious, though not very attractive. Some carry their flowers in racemose spikes, others on flowering branches, which are recurved; the petals are very small and rugged; the stile longer than the appendage. They grow freely, flower and ripen seeds; all evergreen dwarf shrubs.

_Hàkeas_, about forty species, not generally so interesting or attractive as the last genus; flowers all white; construction similar to _Grevíllea_, but the foliage more varied. _H. gibbòsa_, _H. nítida_, _H. salígna_, _H. suavèolens_, sweet-scented, _H. conculàta_, and _H. lambérti_, are the best, and afford a curious variety of foliage; flower in June. Drain the pots well.

_Hemerocállis_, Day Lily. Only _H. speciòsa_ of this genus belongs to the Green-house; the flower is spacious, and of copper colour. A native of Jamaica. It has not found its way into our collections. It is herbaceous, and while growing requires much water. The plant known with us as _H. japónica_ is now _Fúnkia álba_, (and justly, for the most superficial observer could have distinguished it as not belonging to _Hemerocállis_.) It requires to be much fostered to flower well, and plenty of water. If properly treated, it is a magnificent flower, and continues flowering from July to September. We doubt not it may prove a hardy herbaceous plant, (the same as _F. cærùlea_,) if protected during the first winter.

_Hermánnias_, a genus of about forty species, all natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and not worth cultivating. They have yellow cup-like flowers, and are of the easiest cultivation. Several species are in our collections.

_Hibbértias_, about ten species. Three of them are very fine climbing evergreen shrubs, viz. _H. glossulariæfòlia_; _H. dentàta_; _H. volùbilis_, if closely approached has a disagreeable smell; _H. fasciculàta_, _H. salígna_, and H. _pedunculàta_, are evergreen shrubs; they have pure yellow flowers of five petals, blooming from May to September.

_Habránthus_, about ten species of small South American bulbs, nearly allied to _Amaryllis_. H. _Andersónii_, H. _versícolor_, and H. _robústa_ are the finest; they are in colour yellow, blue, and lilac. We have very little doubt but these bulbs will do to plant out in the garden in April, and be lifted in October. Keep them from frost. Thus treated, they are very desirable bulbs.

_Hòveas_, about eight species, pretty plants of New South Wales, blue pea-flowering evergreen shrubs; the finest are H. _lineàris_, H. _rosmarinifòlia_, H. _longifòlia_, and H. _Célsii_, which is the most superb, and flowers in abundance. They grow and flower freely; the pots should be drained.

_Hydrángea horténsis_ is a well known plant, and much esteemed for its great profusion of very elegant, though monstrous, flowers. They are naturally of a rose colour, but under certain circumstances of culture they become blue. If grown in brown loam with a little sand, they will preserve their original colour; but if grown in swamp earth with a little mould of decayed leaves, they will become blue. The swamp earth and vegetable mould being more combined with aluminous salt than brown loam, is the cause of the change; and, when first found out, (which was merely by chance,) was thought a great wonder. It must have a very plentiful supply of water when in flower, which is produced on the shoots of the previous year. They will neither grow nor flower well if they are not kept constantly in the shade. When kept in the sun, the foliage is very brown; and by being neglected in watering, we have seen the flowers completely scourged. Being tolerably hardy, when the winters are mild, by a little protection in the open air, they will flower profusely; the flowers will be very large, and in bloom from June to October. They are deciduous, soft wooded shrubs.

_Hypéricums_, St. John's wort, about twenty species. A few of them are very showy, and with few exceptions have yellow flowers. _H. monógynum_, H. _balearicum_, H. _floribúndum_, H. _canariénse_, H. _ægyptìacum_, and H. _cochinchinense_, which has scarlet flowers, are amongst the best, and all of them flower freely; five petals, filaments many in three or five parcels. They are all of very easy cultivation, and bloom generally from April to September.

_Ilex_, Holly, of _I. aquifòlium_. There are above one hundred species of them in cultivation in Europe, differing in variegation, margin, shape, and size of the leaves; some are only prickly on the margin of the foliage, others prickly over all the surface. In Europe they are all hardy, but with us few or none of the varieties are so. If they become acclimated, they will be a great ornament to our gardens, being all low evergreen shrubs. The most common and conspicuous varieties are the _hedgehog_, _striped hedgehog_, _white edged_, _gold edged_, and _painted_; the flowers are white and small, berries yellow or red; they do not agree with exposure to the sun. _J. Cassíne_ and _J. vomitòria_ have very bitter leaves, and, though natives of Carolina, we have to give them the protection of a Green-house. It is said that at certain seasons of the year the Indians make a strong decoction of the leaves, which makes them vomit freely, and after drinking and vomiting for a few days, they consider themselves sufficiently purified.

_Illíciums_, Aniseed-tree, three species. _I. floridànum_, has very sweet-scented, double purple flowers, and the plant grows freely and systematically if properly treated, and deserves the attention of the admirers of flowers. _I. parviflòrum_ has small yellow flowers; _I. anisàtum_ is so very like _I. parviflòrum_ in every respect, as to make us conclude they are the same, were _I. anisátum_ not a native of China, and the other two natives of Florida. When the leaves and capsules of either of them are rubbed, they have a very strong smell of anise;--they grow very freely.

_Indigófera_; Indigo-tree, about twenty species, belong to the Green-house, and are chiefly pretty free flowering shrubs. _I. denudàta_, _I. amæna_, _I. austràlis_, _I. angulàta_, _I. càndicans_, and _I. filifòlia_, are very fine; flowers papilionaceous, in long panicles; colour various, red, blue, yellow, and pink.

_Isopògons_, about ten species of _Pròtea_-like plants, all natives of New Holland. They are very stiff shrubs, with leaves very much divided, and cone-like flowers at the extremity of the shoots. _I. formòsus_, _I. anemonifòlius_, _I. attenuàtis_, and _I. polycéphalis_, are the finest; flowers are straw, lilac, white, and yellow coloured; the pots must be well drained, and the plants not over-crowded.

_Justícias._ Only a few of these belong to the Green-house, and are very simple looking flowers. The most beautiful of them belong to the Hot-house. _J. nìgricans_, small striped flower; _J. orchioídes_ and _J. Adhátoda_, Malanut, are the only ones that are worth observation, and are very easily cultivated. _J. Adhátoda_ has good looking foliage, but does not flower until the plant becomes large; colour white and light purple.

_Jacksònias._ A genus consisting of five species. The foliage is varied, and all natives of New South Wales. _J. scopària_ is similar to a plant in our collections, called _Vimenària denudata_. _J. hórrida_, and _J. reticulàta_, are the finest; the small flowers come out of the young shoots, are yellow and papilionaceous; the pots should be well drained.

_Kennèdias_, about nine species, all evergreen climbers, of the easiest culture, and flower abundantly. _K. monophylla_, blue flowered, and _K. rubicúnda_, crimson flowered, are common in our collections. _K. prostràta_, (once _Glycine coccínea_) one-flowered scarlet, and _K. coccínea_, many flowered scarlet, are very pretty. _K. Comptoniàna_ has splendid purple flowers, and _K. inophylla_ is thought the most superb. It is very rare, and we have not seen it flower. They are large purple. The pots should be well drained; and if the plants are much fostered, they will not flower so well; flowers are either in racemose spikes, or solitary, which is rather too much distinction for the same genus.

_Lambértias_, four species of very fine plants, natives of New Holland. L. _formòsa_ is the finest of the genus that we have seen; flowers large and of a splendid rose colour. L. _echinàta_ is said to be finer, but has not flowered in cultivation. L. _uniflòra_ has single red flowers, and L. _inérmis_ orange coloured. They are rare plants in the collections on this side of the Atlantic. Drain the pots well; the foliage is narrow, and of a hard dry nature.

_Lasiopètalums_, only two species. There were a few more, but they are now _Thomàsias_, plants of no merit whatever, in regard to flower; foliage three lobed, small, rough, and rusty-like. _Thomàsia solanàcea_ and _T. quereifòlia_, are the best species; foliage of the former is large, cordate, and deep indented; they are all of the easiest culture.

_Lavándulas_, Lavender, about seven species belong to the Green-house, and a few of them very pretty soft-wooded, half shrubby plants, and if touched, are highly scented. L. _dentàta_ has narrow serrated foliage, very neat. _L. formòsa_ and _L. pinnàta_ are desirable; blue flowers on a long spike; should be kept near the glass; they are of the easiest culture.

_Laúrus._ A few species are Green-house plants. This genus has been divided to _Cinnamòmum_; still there are a few celebrated plants in the original. L. _nòbilis_, sweet bay, though hardy, is kept under protection. It will bear the winter with a little straw covering, notwithstanding there should be a plant kept in the house in case of accident by frost or otherwise; there is a variegated variety of it. _L. índica_, royal bay, _L. f[oe]tens_, _L. aggregàta_, and _L. glúaca_, are favourites. There is a species known in our collections as _L. scábra_. The Camphire tree, known as _L. camphòra_, is _Cinnamòmum camphòra_; the wood, leaves, and roots of this tree have a very strong odour of camphire. It is obtained by distillation from the roots and small branches, which are cut into chips, and put into a net suspended within an iron pot, the bottom of which is covered with water, having an earthen head fitted in it; heat is then applied, and the steam of the boiling water acting upon the contents of the net, elevates the camphire into the capital, where it concretes on the straws, with which this part of the apparatus is lined. They are all fine evergreens, (which the name denotes,) and easily cultivated,

_Lìnums_, Flax, two or three species are very fine, and flower freely. _L. trigynum_ has large yellow flowers in clusters, and _L. ascyrifôlium_, whose flowers are large, blue, and white, and in long spikes. The shape of them is very like the flower vulgarly called Morning-glory.

_Lobèlias._ Several of them when well treated, form most magnificent flowering plants; they are principally herbaceous. L. _Tùpa_ has the largest foliage, and fine scarlet flowers. L. _speciôsa_, flowers light purple; L. _fúlgens_, crimson flowers; L. _spléndens_, scarlet flowers. The three last are of the same habit; the colours brilliant; and to grow them well, they should be divided, (if there are several shoots arising,) when they begin to grow, putting them first into four inch pots, and shifting them frequently, having them to flower in those of nine or ten inches, which will be about the end of June, or first of July, and they will continue until October. The pots must be always kept in pans or saucers filled with water; likewise give plenty to the surface of the earth, which is to be done during their time of growth and flowering. If this is attended to, they will produce flower stalks from four to six feet in height, and covered with branches and spikes of flowers from bottom to top. The corolla is pentapetalous, three down and two up; they require a little shade. The genus consists of about eighty species; seventy of them are exotics; many of them natives of the Cape of Good Hope, with little flowers of brilliant colours. L. _cærùlea_, L. _Thunbérgii_, L. _corymbôsa_, L. _pyramidàlis_, and L. _ilicifòlia_, are very fine species, of weak growth, but flower freely.

_Lomàtias_, about six species; flowers are white or straw colour, and similar to _Grevíllea_, but the foliage more handsome.

_Lophospérmum scándens._ This is a magnificent new climbing soft wooded shrub, with purple, campanulate flowers, which are produced from the axils on the young wood; they bloom from May to September; leaves large, cordate, and tomentose; grows rapidly, and flowers abundantly.

_Lachnæas_, about five species, remarkable for their downy heads of white flowers; leaves small, ovate, lanceolate. L. _glaùca_, L. _conglomeràta_, and L. _eriocéphala_, are the best species. The pots must be well drained, and in summer the plants protected from the sun.

_Leonòtis_, Lion's-ear, four species. They have very fine scarlet tubular flowers, orifice-toothed. They come out in large whorls, and look elegant; but neither plant nor foliage has an agreeable appearance. They are of the easiest culture. L. _intermédia_, and L. _Leonùrus_, are the best flowering species.

_Leucospérmums_, about eighteen species, of Proteacious plants, chiefly low growing, and are mostly downy or hairy; flowers yellow, in terminale heads. L. _formósum_, L. _grandiflòrum_, L. _tomentósum_, and L. _candicans_, rose-scented. These are fine species. For treatment, see _Pròteas_.

_Lipàrias_, about five species, much esteemed for their beauty of foliage; leaves ovate, lanceolate, downy or woolly; flowers yellow, leguminose, and capitate. L. _sphærica_, L. _tomentósa_, L. _villósa_, and L. _serícea_, are the finest. L. _vistìta_ and L. _villósa_ are the same, although put in many catalogues as different species. None of them ought to be much watered over the foliage, as it adheres to the down, and causes the young shoots to damp off. Drain the pots well, and keep the plants in an airy situation.

_Lysinèmas_, four species, closely allied to _Epácris_. In every respect treatment the same. L. _pentapítalum_, L. _conspicum_, and L. _ròseum_, are the best; the flowers of the two former are white. L. _silaifòlia_ has leaves bipinnatifid and smooth, segments wedge-shaped and cut. L. _dentàta_ and L. _ilicifòlia_ are the finest; the pots should be drained.

_Lonícera japónica._ There is a plant in our collections known by that name, which is now _Nintooa longiflàra_; flowers of a straw colour, but come out white. It has been known to withstand the winter, but does not flower, and is frequently killed entirely.

_Lychnis coroàta_, is an esteemed Chinese plant; flowers-in abundance, pentapetalous, large, and a little indented at the edges; colour a red-like orange; flowers terminale and axillary. The roots must be divided every spring, or they will dwindle away to nothing. Perhaps a good method of treatment would be to divide the roots, and plant them in the garden; they would flower well, and could be lifted in the fall, and put under protection. We have no doubt that it may become acclimated. If not done so, plant them in four inch pots, and repot them into those of six inch in May. Do not expose them while in flower to the mid-day sun, for it will deteriorate the fine colour.

_Leptospérmums_, about thirty species, all pretty New Holland evergreen dwarf shrubs, with small white flowers. L. _baccàtum_, L. _péndulum_, L. _juníperinum_, L. _ovátum_, L. _stellàtum_, L. _grandiflórum_, and L. _scopàrium_, are the best of the species. The latter was used as tea by Capt. Cook's ship's crew. It is an agreeable bitter, with a pleasant flavour, when fresh. When young plants are growing, they ought to be frequently topped to make them bushy, and kept in an airy situation, or they will be drawn and unsightly. They are of very easy culture.

_Leucadéndrons_, Silver tree, above forty species, all natives of Cape of Good Hope. They are evergreens with handsome, silvery-like foliage. L. _argentéum_ (once _Pròtea argentéa_) is a great beauty; foliage white, lanceolate, and silky. It is a plant that has been long in cultivation, greatly admired, and much sought for, and is the finest of the genus. L. _squarròsum_, L. _stellàtum_, (once _Pròtea stellaris_) L. _tórtum_, L. _servíceum_, L. _margìnàtum_, and L. _plumôsum_ (once _P. parviflòra_) are all fine species. The pots must be well drained, and the plants never over-watered. They are very desirable in collections for their beauty of foliage; flowers similar to _Pròtea_.