Chapter I: Part 1

THE

BOTANICAL MAGAZINE;

OR,

Flower-Garden Displayed:

IN WHICH

The most Ornamental FOREIGN PLANTS, cultivated in the
Open Ground, the Green-House, and the Stove, are accurately
represented in their natural Colours.

TO WHICH ARE ADDED,

Their Names, Class, Order, Generic and Specific Characters, according
to the celebrated LINNÆUS; their Places of Growth,
and Times of Flowering:

TOGETHER WITH

THE MOST APPROVED METHODS OF CULTURE.

A WORK

Intended for the Use of such LADIES, GENTLEMEN, and GARDENERS, as
wish to become scientifically acquainted with the Plants they cultivate.

By _WILLIAM CURTIS_,

Author of the FLORA LONDINENSIS.

VOL. VIII.

"Much I love
To see the fair one bind the straggling pink,
Cheer the sweet rose, the lupin, and the stock,
And lend a staff to the still gadding pea.
Ye fair, it well becomes you. Better thus
Cheat time away, than at the crowded rout,
Rustling in silk, in a small room, close-pent,
And heated e'en to fusion; made to breathe
A rank contagious air, and fret at whist,
Or sit aside to sneer and whisper scandal."

VILLAGE CURATE, p. 74.

_LONDON:_

PRINTED BY STEPHEN COUCHMAN, For W. CURTIS, No 3, _St. George's-Crescent_, Black-Friars-Road; And Sold by the principal Booksellers in Great-Britain and Ireland, M DCC XCIV. */

[253]

LATHYRUS ARTICULATUS. JOINTED-PODDED LATHYRUS.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Stylus_ planus, supra villosus, superne latior. _Cal._ laciniæ
superiores 2-breviores.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LATHYRUS _articulatus_ pedunculis subunifloris, cirrhis
polyphyllis; foliolis alternis. _Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14._ _Murr.
p. 662._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 41._

CLYMENUM hispanicum, flore vario, siliqua articulata. _Tourn. Inst.
396._

LATHYRUS hispanicus, pedunculis bifloris, cirrhis polyphyllis
foliolis alternis. _Mill. Dict. ed. 6. 4to._

The seed-vessels are of the first importance in ascertaining the several species of Lathyrus, some being naked, others hairy, some long, others short, some having a smooth and perfectly even surface, others, as in the present instance, assuming an uneven or jointed appearance.

Of this genus we have already figured three annual species, common in flower-gardens, viz. _odoratus_, _tingitanus_, and _sativus_; to these we now add the _articulatus_, not altogether so frequently met with, but meriting a place on the flower-border, as the lively red and delicate white so conspicuous in its blossoms, causes it to be much admired.

It is a native of Italy, and was cultivated at the Chelsea Garden, in the time of Mr. RAND, anno 1739.

It is a hardy annual, requiring support, and rarely exceeding the height of two feet, flowering in July and August, and is readily raised from seeds, which should be sown in the open border at the beginning of April.

[254]

LOPEZIA RACEMOSA. MEXICAN LOPEZIA.

_Class and Order._

MONANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 4-phyllus. _Cor._ irregularis, pentapetala, duo superiora
geniculata, quintum inferne declinatum, plicatum, ungue arcuata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LOPEZIA _racemosa_ caule herbaceo ramoso; foliis alternis
ovato-lanceolatis, serratis; floribus racemosis. _Cavanilles Ic. et
descr. Pl._

Some plants have a claim on our attention for their utility, some for their beauty, and some for the singularity of their structure, and the wonderful nature of their oeconomy; in the last class we must place the present plant, the flowers of which we recommend to the examination of such of our readers as may have an opportunity of seeing them; to the philosophic mind, not captivated with mere shew, they will afford a most delicious treat.

We first saw this novelty in flower, towards the close of the year 1792, at the Apothecaries Garden, Chelsea, where Mr. FAIRBAIRN informed me, that he had that season raised several plants of it from seeds, communicated by Dr. J. E. SMITH, who received them from Madrid, to which place they were sent from South-America, and where the plant as Mons. CAVANILLE informs us, grows spontaneously near Mexico. In October 1793, we had the pleasure of seeing the plant again in blossom in the aforesaid garden, raised from seeds which ripened there the preceding year, but unfortunately from the lateness of their flowering, and the very great injury the plants had sustained from the Cobweb Mite (_Acarus teliarius_) vulgarly called the red Spider, there seemed little prospect that the seed-vessels would arrive at perfection.

The seeds were sown by Mr. FAIRBAIRN, in March, and the plants kept in the green-house till very late in the summer, when to accelerate their blowing, they were removed into the dry stove: it is worthy of remark, that these plants, even late in the autumn, shew no signs of blossoming, but the flowers at length come forth with almost unexampled rapidity, and the seed-vessels are formed as quickly, so that if the flowers were not very numerous, their blossoming period would be of very short duration; future experience may perhaps point out the means of making the plant blow earlier: in Spain, the blossoms appeared later than here, Mons. CAVANILLE observed them in the Royal Garden, in November and December, most probably in the open ground, as no mention is made of the plants having been preserved from the weather.

It was not till long after our description was taken, that we had an opportunity of seeing Mons. CAVANILLE'S most accurate and elegant work, above quoted, in which this plant is first figured and described; we have selected the most essential parts of his generic character, and adopted his specific description: there is one point, however, in which we differ from him; the part which he regards as the fifth Petal, we are inclined to consider rather as that indescribable something, called by LINNÆUS the Nectary, it is indeed of little moment whether we call it a Petal or a Nectary, but there are several reasons why, strictly speaking, we cannot regard it as a Petal: in general the number of Petals correspond with the number of the leaves of the Calyx, those of the latter are four; the base of this Nectary originates deeper than the claws of the Petals, springing in fact from the same part as the Filament, its structure, especially the lower part of it, is evidently different from that of the Petals, corresponding indeed as nearly as possible with that of the base of the filament.--_Vid._ DESCER.

Mons. CAVANILLE was induced to call this plant _Lopezia_, in compliment to TH. LOPEZ, a Spaniard[1].

[Footnote 1: In honorem Licent. THOMÆ LOPEZ, Burgensis, qui aliquot annos Regii Senatoris munere functus in America, CAROLO V. imperante. In patriam reversus breviarium historiæ naturalis novi orbis scripsit sub titulo de tribus elementis aëre, aqua, et terra, MS. apud eundem Muguozium.]

DESCRIPTION OF THE LOPEZIA.

ROOT annual.

STALK five or six feet high, branched almost to the bottom, square,
of a deep red colour, smooth towards the bottom, slightly hairy
above: _Branches_ like the stalk.

LEAVES alternate, ovate, pointed, toothed on the edges, more so on
the larger leaves, slightly beset with soft hairs, veins prominent
on the under side, usually running parallel to each other and
unbranched: _Leafstalks_ hairy.

FLOWERS numerous, from the alæ of the leaves, growing irregularly
on hairy leafy racemi, standing on long slender peduncles, which
hang down as the seed-vessels are produced: in this and some others
of its characters, the plant shews some affinity to the _Circæa_.

CALYX: a _Perianthium_ of four leaves, sitting on the Germen,
leaves narrow, concave, reddish, with green tips, the lowermost one
widely separated from the others, and placed immediately under the
Nectary, _fig._ 1.

COROLLA four _Petals_ of a pale red colour, forming in their mode
of growth the upper half of a circle, the two uppermost linear, of
a deeper colour near the apex, jointed below the middle, with a
small green gland on each joint, standing on short round
footstalks, which are hairy when magnified, the two side Petals
nearly orbicular with long narrow claws, the part between the base
of the Petal and the claw of a deeper red or crimson, _fig._ 2.

NECTARY situated below the Petals, perfectly white, somewhat ovate,
the sides folding together, before the flower fully expands, nearly
upright, embracing and containing within it the Pistillum and
Stamen, on touching it ever so slightly with the point of a pin,
while in this state, it suddenly springs back and quits the
Pistillum, the lower elastic part of it is then bent in the form
represented in a magnified view of the flower on the plate, _fig._
4. this curious phoenomenon has not been noticed by CAVANILLE.

STAMEN: _Filament_ one, tapering and very slender just below the
Anthera, arising from the same part as (and placed opposite to the
base of) the Nectary the lower part of it broader, somewhat fleshy,
cartilaginous, and of the same nature as the inferior part of the
Nectary, with a groove as that has on the inside, so that before
the flower expands, the bases of each are like two half tubes, the
sides of which, nearly touching each other, wholly enclose the
Pistillum; as the fructification goes forward, the Filament,
endowed also with an elastic power, bends back soon after the
flower is open, betwixt the two uppermost Petals, and becomes
invisible to an inattentive observer; the Anthera, which is large,
is at first yellow, and afterwards dark brown, _fig._ 5.

PISTILLUM: _Germen_ below the Calyx, round, smooth, and green;
_Style_ filiform, white, length of the Filament; Stigma forming a
small villous head, _fig._ 6. in some of the flowers the Pistillum
appears imperfect, being much shorter than usual, and wanting the
Stigma, perhaps such have not acquired their full growth, _fig._ 6.

PERICARPIUM (from CAVANILLE) a round _Capsule_, of four cells, and
four valves, the cells many-seeded.

SEEDS very minute, ovate, affixed to a four-cornered receptacle.

[255]

CYTISUS SESSILIFOLIUS. SESSILE-LEAV'D, OR COMMON CYTISUS.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 2-labiatus: 2/3 _Legumen_ basi attenuatum.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

CYTISUS _sessilifolius_ racemis erectis, calycibus bractæa
triplici, foliis floralibus sessilibus. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed.
14._ _Murr. p. 666._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 50._

CYTISUS glabris foliis subrotundis, pediculis brevissimis. _Bauh.
Pin. p. 390._

CYTISUS vulgatior, the common Tree Trefoile. _Park. Parad. p. 440._

The term _sessilifolius_ has been given to this species of Cytisus, because the leaves are for the most part sessile, that is sit close to the branches, without any or very short footstalks; such they are at least on the flowering branches when the shrub is in blossom, but at the close of the summer they are no longer so, the leaves acquiring very evident footstalks.

It is a native of the more southern parts of Europe, and though in point of size and elegance it cannot vie with its kindred Laburnum, it is a deciduous shrub of considerable beauty, rarely exceeding the height of five or six feet, and producing a great profusion of bright yellow flowers, which continue in blossom a long while; they make their appearance in May and June, and are usually succeeded by seed-vessels which produce ripe seeds, by these the plant is readily propagated.

It is one of the most common shrubs we have, as well as one of the oldest inhabitants of our shrubberies, being mentioned by PARKINSON in his _Parad. Terrestris_.

[256]

IXIA LONGIFLORA. LONG-FLOWER'D IXIA.

_Class and Order._

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 6-partita, campanulata, regularis. _Stigmata_ 3.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

IXIA _longiflora_ foliis ensiformibus linearibus strictis, tubo
filiformi longissimo. _Ait. Kew. v. 4. p. 58._

GLADIOLUS _longiflorus_ caule tereti, tubo longissimo, spathis
foliisque linearibus glabris. _Linn. Suppl. p. 96._ _Gmel. Syst.
Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 86._

We are not acquainted with a tribe of plants which stand more in need of elucidation than those of this genus; of the vast numbers imported from the Cape within these few years, where they are chiefly natives, and that for the most part by way of Holland, few comparatively are well ascertained; some of them appear subject to great variation, both in the size and colour of their blossoms (whether in their wild state they are thus inconstant, or whether there are seminal varieties raised by the persevering industry of the Dutch Florists, we have not yet had it in our power satisfactorily to ascertain); others like the present one have their characters strongly marked, and less variable; in general they are plants of easy culture, requiring chiefly to be protected from the effects of frost, the least degree of which is presently fatal to most of them.

The treatment recommended for the _Ixia flexuosa_ is applicable to this and the other Cape species.

According to the _Hort. Kew._ this species was introduced by Mr. MASSON in the year 1774.

It flowers from April to June.

[257]

LYCHNIS CHALCEDONICA. SCARLET LYCHNIS.

_Class and Order._

DECANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 1-phyllus, oblongus, lævis. _Petala_ 5-unguiculata. _Limbo_
sub-bifido. _Caps._ 5-locularis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LYCHNIS _chalcedonica_ floribus fasciculatis fastigiatis. _Linn.
Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 435._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 16._

LYCHNIS hirsuta flore coccineo major. _Bauh. Pin. 203._

FLOS Constantinopolitanus. _Dod. Pempt. 178._

LYCHNIS _chalcedonica_ flore simplici miniato. Single Nonsuch, or
Flower of Bristow or Constantinople. _Parkins. Parad. 253._

The Scarlet Lychnis appears to have been a great favourite with PARKINSON, he calls it a glorious flower, and in a wooden print of him prefixed to his _Paradisus Terrestris_, we see him represented with a flower of this sort in his hand of the double kind.

It grows spontaneously in most parts of Russia, and is one of our most hardy perennials.

The extreme brilliancy of its flowers renders it a plant, in its single state highly ornamental; when double, its beauty is heightened, and the duration of it increased.

It flowers in June and July.

The single sort may be increased by parting its roots in autumn, but more abundantly by seeds, which should be sown in the spring; the double sort may also be increased by dividing its roots, but more plentifully by cuttings of the stalk, put in in June, before the flowers make their appearance; in striking of these, however, there requires some nicety.

This plant is found to succeed best in a rich, loamy, soil; and certain districts have been found to be more favourable to its growth than others.

A white and a pale red variety of it in its single state were known to CLUSIUS, and similar varieties of the double kind are said to exist; it is of little moment whether they do or not, every variation in this plant from a bright scarlet is in every sense of the word a degeneracy.

[258]

CORONILLA VARIA. PURPLE CORONILLA.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 2-labiatus: 2/3: dentibus superioribus connatis. _Vexillum_
vix alis longius. _Legumen_ isthmis interceptum.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

CORONILLA _varia_ herbacea, leguminibus erectis teretibus torosis
numerosis, foliolis plurimis glabris. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed.
14._ _Murr. p. 670._ _Ait. Kew. v. 3. p. 59._

SECURIDACA dumetorum major, flore vario, siliquis articulatis.
_Bauh. Pin. p. 349._

SECURIDACA II. altera species. _Clus. Hist. 2. ccxxxvij._ The
greater joynted Hatchet Vetch. _Park. Theat. p. 1088._

CLUSIUS, in his work above referred to, informs us that he found this plant growing wild in various parts of Germany, in meadows, fields, and by road sides; that it flowered in June, sometimes the whole summer through, and ripened its seeds in July and August; the blossoms he found subject to much variation of colour, being either deep purple, whitish, or even wholly white: CASP. BAUHINE notices another variety, in which the alæ are white and the rostrum purple; this variety, which we have had the honour to receive from the Earl of EGREMONT is the most desirable one to cultivate in gardens, as it is more ornamental than the one wholly purple, most commonly met with in the nurseries, and corresponds also better with its name of _varia_; it is to be noted however that this variety of colour exists only in the young blossoms.

The Coronilla varia is a hardy, perennial, herbaceous plant, climbing, if supported, to the height of four or five feet, otherwise spreading widely on the ground, and frequently injuring less robust plants growing near it; on this account, as well as from its having powerfully creeping roots whereby it greatly increases, though a pretty plant, and flowering during most of the summer, it is not to be introduced without caution, and is rather to be placed in the shrubbery, or outskirts of the garden, than in the flower border.

It will grow in any soil or situation, but blossoms and seeds most freely in a soil moderately dry.

PARKINSON in his _Theater of Plants_, mentions its being cultivated, as an ornamental plant. _Ait. Kew._

Its bitterness, will be an objection to its being cultivated for the use of cattle, for which purpose it has been recommended.

[259]

LILIUM CATESBÆI. CATESBY'S LILY.

_Class and Order._

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 6-petala campanulata: linea longitudinali nectarifera.
_Caps._ valvulis pilo cancellato connexis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LILIUM _Catesbæi_ caule unifloro, petalis erectis unguiculatis.
_Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 13._ _Gmel. p. 545._

LILIUM _Catesbæi_ foliis sparsis, bipedali, flore unico erecto,
corolla campanulata, petalis unguibus angustis longis. _Walt. Fl.
Carol. p. 123._

LILIUM _Spectabile_ foliis sparsis; floribus solitariis erectis;
petalorum unguibus angustis, alternis extus utrinque sulcatis,
laminis revolutis. _Salisb. Ic. Stirp. rar. t. 5._

At the close of the year 1787, Mr. ROBERT SQUIBB, sent me from South-Carolina roots of the Lily here figured, many of which have since flowered with various persons in this kingdom.

CATESBY in his Natural History of Carolina, gives a figure and short account of it; WALTER in his _Flora Caroliniana_ describes it under the name of _Lilium Catesbæi_; Mr. SALISBURY in the first number of his very magnificent work, lately published, presents us with a very highly finished likeness of this lily, accompanied by a most accurate and minute description of it, and judging from some appearances in CATESBY'S figure, that it was not the _Lilium Catesbæi_ of WALTER, names it _spectabile_; but as we are assured by Mr. SQUIBB, who assisted his friend WALTER in his publication, that it was the lily figured by CATESBY, we have continued the name given in honour of that Naturalist.

Of the different Lilies cultivated in this country, this is to be numbered among the least, the whole plant when in bloom being frequently little more than a foot high; in its native soil it is described as growing to the height of two feet; the stalk is terminated by one upright flower, of the form and colour represented on the plate; we have observed it to vary considerably in the breadth of its petals, in their colour, and spots.

It flowers usually in July and August.

This plant may be raised from seeds, or increased by offsets, which, however, are not very plentifully produced, nor is the plant to be made grow in perfection without great care, the roots in particular are to be guarded against frost; the soil and situation may be the same as recommended for the _Cyclamen Coum. p. 4. v. 1_.

[260]

METROSIDEROS CITRINA. HARSH-LEAV'D METROSIDEROS.

_Class and Order._

ICOSANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-dentatus, sinu germen fovens. _Petala_ 5, caduca. _Stam._
discreta, petalis multoties longiora. _Caps._ 3-4 locularis,
polysperma. _Banks. Gærtner._

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

METROSIDEROS _citrina_ foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigentibus.

Though many species of this genus have been raised from seeds, brought within these few years from the South Seas, where they are said to be very numerous; this is, we believe, the only one that as yet has flowered in this country: our drawing was made from a plant which blossomed toward the close of last summer at Lord CREMORNES, the root of which had been sent from Botany-Bay; previous to this period we have been informed, that the same species flowered both at Kew and Sion-House: as it is without difficulty raised both from seeds and cuttings, young plants of it are to be seen in most of the Nurseries near town; it would seem that they do not flower till they are at least five or six years old.

_Metrosideros_ is a name given originally by RUMPHIUS in _Herb. Amboin_ to some plants of this genus, the term applies to the hardness of their wood, which by the Dutch is called Yzerhout (Ironwood): FORSTER in his _Gen. Pl._ figures this and another genus on the same plate, under the name of _Leptospermum_; SCHREBER in his edition of the _Gen. Pl._ of LINNÆUS, unites _Metrosideros_, _Melaleuca_, _Leptospermum_, and _Fabricia_, under the genus _Melaleuca_; GÆRTNER in his elaborate work on the seeds of plants, makes separate genera of these, agreeably to the ideas of Sir JOSEPH BANKS and Mr. DRYANDER, who on this subject can certainly boast the best information.

We cannot, without transgressing the allotted limits of our letter-press, give a minute description of the plant figured; suffice it to say, that it is an ever-green shrub, growing to the height of from four to six or more feet, that its leaves on the old wood feel very harsh or rigid to the touch, and when bruised give forth an agreeable fragrance, the flowers grow in spikes on the tops of the branches, and owe their beauty wholly to the brilliant colour of the filaments.

[261]

ERODIUM INCARNATUM. FLESH-COLOURED CRANE'S-BILL.

_Class and Order._

MONADELPHIA PENTANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-phyllus. _Cor._ 5-petala. _Nect. Squamulæ_ 5 cum
filamentis alternantes; et glandulæ melliferæ, basi staminum
insidentes. _Fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus; rostra spiralia,
introrsum barbata. _L'Herit. Geran._

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

ERODIUM _incarnatum_ pedunculis paucifloris, foliis tripartitis
ternatisve trifidis scabris, caule fruticuloso. _L'Herit. n. 21.
tab. 5._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 415._

GERANIUM incarnatum pedunculis bifloris, foliis tripartitis
trifidis glabris, petalis integris, arillis glabris. _Linn. Suppl.
Pl._

GERANIUM _incarnatum_ foliis incisis quinquelobis punctatis;
petiolis longissimis, pedunculis trifloris. _Cavanill. diff. 4. p.
223. n. 314. t. 97. f. 3._

In the 80th number of this work we gave a figure of the _Pelargonium tricolor_, a plant very generally regarded as the most beautiful of the genus; we now present our readers with the representation of an _Erodium_, which has to boast nearly an equal share of admiration.

This species, as we learn from the _Hortus Kewensis_, is a native of the Cape, and was introduced by Mr. MASSON in the year 1787.

Its usual time of flowering is July and August; in this point it is inferior to the _Pelargonium tricolor_, which blossoms through the spring as well as summer months.

It produces seeds but sparingly; cuttings of the plant are struck with less difficulty than those of the _Pelargonium_ above mentioned, the same treatment is applicable to both plants, they must be regarded as green-house plants of the more tender kind, which are liable to be destroyed in the winter season by a moist cold atmosphere.

[262]

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM AUREUM. GOLDEN FIG-MARIGOLD.

_Class and Order._

ICOSANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-fidus. _Petala_ numerosa linearia. _Caps._ carnosa infera
polysperma.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM _aureum_ foliis cylindrico-triquetris punctatis
distinctis, pistillis atro purpurascentibus. _Linn. Syst. Nat. ed.
10. p. 1060._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 190._

This Mesembryanthemum is one of the taller and more upright species, as well as the earliest in point of flowering, producing its blossoms from February to May; these are large and of a bright orange hue, the pistilla in the centre are purple, and serve at once to distinguish and embellish them.

It was first described in the _10th ed._ of _Linn. Syst. Nat._ and afterwards inserted in the _Hort. Kew._ of Mr. AITON, who informs us that it is a native of the Cape, and was cultivated by Mr. MILLER, in the year 1750. Prof. MURRAY omits it in his _12th ed._ of the _Syst. Vegetab._ of LINNÆUS, as does Prof. GMELIN in the last edition of _Linn. Syst. Nat._

The facility with which this tribe in general is increased by cuttings is well known; this is raised as readily as the others.

[263]

GLYCINE BIMACULATA. PURPLE GLYCINE.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 2-labiatus. _Corollæ_ carina apice vexillum reflectens.

_Specific Character._

GLYCINE _bimaculata_ caule volubili lævi, foliis simplicibus
cordato-oblongis, racemis multifloris.

Of the many plants which within these few years have been raised from Botany-Bay seeds, this is one of the first which flowered in this country, and one of the most ornamental; to the greenhouse it is indeed an invaluable acquisition: we regret that the size of our paper and the imperfection of the colouring art, will not admit of our giving a representation of it more adequate to its beauty.

It rises up with a twining shrubby stalk to the height of six, eight, or more feet; these multiplying greatly by age, become loaded with a profusion of purple flowers, growing in racemi, the richness of which is enlivened by the appearance of two green spots at the base of the vexillum; for the most part the blossoms go off with us without producing any seed-vessels; in some instances, however, perfect seeds have been produced, and we have seen a plant in bloom raised from such in the charming retreat of JOHN ORD, Esq. Walham-Green.

A great excellence of this plant is the duration of its flowering period, it begins to put forth its blossoms in February, and continues to do so during most of the summer.

In the Nurseries about town, it is known by the name of _Glycine virens_, a name given the plant originally by Dr. SOLANDER; the latter of these terms we have taken the liberty of changing to _bimaculata_, as being more expressive of an obvious character in the flower: we might, perhaps, been justified in altering the genus, as its characters do not appear to be peculiarly expressive of a Glycine, nor indeed of any other genus in this numerous natural order.

It is raised readily from seeds.

We think it highly probable, that in warm sheltered situations, this climber might grow in the open ground; to such as have it in abundance, we recommend them to make the experiment.

[264]

CISTUS FORMOSUS. BEAUTIFUL CISTUS.

_Class and Order._

POLYANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 5-petala. _Cal._ 5-phyllus, foliolis duobus minoribus.
_Capsula._

Mr. LEE, Nurseryman of Hammersmith, informs me, that in the year 1780, he raised the Cistus here figured from seeds, the produce of Portugal, and as its flowers were uncommonly beautiful, he was induced to name it _formosus_.

It approaches so near to the _Cistus halimifolius_ in point of habit, in the form and colour of its leaves and flowers, that we are inclined rather to regard it as a variety of that plant, than as a distinct species; at the same time it must be allowed to be a very striking variety, the flowers being at least thrice as large as those of the _halimifolius_ usually are, and the whole plant more hairy: as an ornamental shrub, it is highly deserving a place in all curious collections.

It will grow very well in the open border in warm sheltered situations, it may be kept also in a pot, by which means it may more readily be sheltered during the winter, either in the greenhouse or under a frame.

It flowers early in May, and may be increased by cuttings.

[265]

IXIA BULBOCODIUM. CROCUS-LEAV'D IXIA.

_Class and Order._

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 1-petala, tubulosa; tubo recto, filiformi; limbo 6-partito,
campanulato, æquali. _Stigmata_ tria, simplicia. _Thunb. Diss.
de Ixia._

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

IXIA _Bulbocodium_ scapo unifloro brevissimo, foliis angulatis
caulinis, stigmatibus sextuplicibus. _Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 13. p.
76._

IXIA _Bulbocodium_ scapo ramoso, floribus solitariis, foliis
sulcatis reflexis. _Thunb. Diss. n. 3._

CROCUS vernus angustifolius. 1. 11. _Clus. Hist. i. p. 207._
violaceo flore, 208. _ejusd._

There are three plants cultivated in the gardens of the curious to which _Bulbocodium_ is applied, either as a generic or a trivial name, viz. _Narcissus Bulbocodium_, _Bulbocodium vernum_, already figured, and the present plant: the _Ixia Bulbocodium_ and _Bulbocodium vernum_ are given in this work, not so much for their beauty as their rarity, not so much to gratify the eye, as to communicate a knowledge of two plants but little known, and liable to be confounded from a similarity of their names.

This is one of the few hardy species of the genus, and grows wild in many parts of Spain and Italy; it is said to have been found in Guernsey: it affects hilly and dry situations, will grow readily in almost any soil, especially if fresh, and not infested with vermin: it flowers about the middle of April, the blossoms do not expand fully unless exposed to the sun, and are not of long duration: authors describe the wild plants as varying greatly in colour, _vid. Clus._ they are most commonly pale blue.

Like the Crocus, it increases readily by offsets.

Was cultivated by Mr. MILLER, in 1739, _Ait. Kew._ Bulbocodium, 1. in the 6th edition of his Dictionary in 4to, is not this plant, but the _Anthericum scrotinum_, _Jacq. Fl. Austr. v. 5. app. t. 38._

[266]

RANUNCULUS AMPLEXICAULIS. PLANTAIN-LEAVED CROWFOOT.

_Class and Order._

POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ deciduus. 5 phyllus, (rarius 3-phyllus) _Petala_ 5, (rarius
2, 3, aut 8) intra ungues squamula vel poro mellifero. _Styli_
persistentes. _Sem._ incrustata, erecta. _Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 13.
Gmel._

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

RANUNCULUS _amplexicaulis_ foliis ovatis acuminatis
amplexicaulibus, caule multifloro, radice fasciculata. _Linn. Syst.
Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 515._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 265._

RANUNCULUS montanus foliis plantaginis. _Bauh. Pin. 180._

RANUNCULUS pyrenæus albo flore. _Clus. app. alt. auct. ic. 4 ta._
_Ger. emac. 963. fig. 2._

The leaves of the _Ranunculus amplexicaulis_ in part surround the stalk at their base, whence its trivial name; in colour they differ from most others of the genus, being of a greyer or more glaucous hue, which peculiarity joined to the delicate whiteness of the flowers, renders this species a very desirable one to add to a collection of hardy, ornamental, herbaceous plants, more especially as it occupies but little space, and has no tendency to injure the growth of others.

It is a native of the Apennine and Pyrenean mountains, and flowers in April and May.

CLUSIUS is the first author who describes and figures this species. JOHNSON in his _ed._ of GERARD copies his figure, and mentions it as being then made a denizen of our gardens.

It is readily propagated by parting its roots in Autumn, and provided it has a pure air will succeed in most soils an situations.

[267]

PYRUS SPECTABILIS. CHINESE APPLE TREE.

_Class and Order._

ICOSANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-fidus. _Petala_ 5. _Pomum_ inferum, 5-loculare,
polyspermum.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

PYRUS _spectabilis_ umbellis sessilibus, foliis ovali oblongis
serratis lævibus, unguibus calyce longioribus, stylis basi lanatis.
_Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 175._ _Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 13._ _Gmel. p.
842._

The Chinese Apple-Tree when it blossoms in perfection, answers truly to the name of _spectabilis_; a more shewy or ornamental tree can scarcely be introduced to decorate the shrubbery or plantation; its beauty like that of most trees, whose ornament consists chiefly in their blossoms, is however but of short duration, and depends in some degree on the favourableness of the season at the time of their expansion, which usually takes place about the end of April or beginning of May; the flowers are large, of a pale red when open, and semi-double, the buds are of a much deeper hue, the fruit is of little account, and but sparingly produced. Trees of this species are to be met with in some gardens of the height of twenty or thirty feet.

Dr. FOTHERGILL is regarded as the first who introduced this Chinese native, he cultivated it in the year 1780; such plants of it as were in his collection, passed at his decease into the hands of Messrs. GORDON and THOMPSON, in whose rich and elegant Nursery, at Mile-End, this tree may be seen in great perfection.

Though perfectly hardy, as its blossoms are liable to be injured by cutting winds, it will be most proper to plant it in a shelter'd situation.

It is usually increased by grafting it on the Crab stock.

[268]

GLYCINE RUBICUNDA. DINGY-FLOWERED GLYCINE.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 2-labiatus. _Corollæ_ carina apice vexillum reflectens.

_Specific Character._

GLYCINE _rubicunda_ caule perenni volubili, foliis ternatis,
foliolis subovalibus integerrimis, pedunculis subtrifloris.

The plant here figured, and very generally known to the Nurserymen, in the neighbourhood of London, by the name of _Glycine rubicunda_, is a native of New South-Wales, and was introduced to this country about the same time as the _Glycine bimaculata_ already figured.

It is a shrubby, twining plant, running up to the height of five, six, or more feet, producing blossoms abundantly from April to June, which are usually succeeded by seed-vessels which ripen their seeds with us.

The flowers though large and shewy, have a kind of dingy or lurid appearance, which greatly diminishes their beauty. We have observed the blossoms of some plants more brilliant than those of others, and we think it highly probable, that, at some future period, seminal varieties may be obtained with flowers highly improved in colour.

This species is readily raised from seeds, is of quick growth, and may be regarded as one of our more hardy green-house plants: probably it may succeed in the open air, if planted in a warm situation, and sheltered in inclement seasons.

[269]

ORNITHOGALUM NUTANS. NEAPOLITAN STAR OF BETHLEHEM.

_Class and Order._

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 6 petala, erecta, persistens, supra medium patens,
_Filamenta_ alterna basi dilatata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

ORNITHOGALUM _nutans_ floribus secundis pendulis, nectario stamineo
campaniformi. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 328._ _Ait.
Kew. v. i. p. 443._

ORNITHOGALUM exoticum magno flore minori innato. _Bauh. Pin. p.
70._

ORNITHOGALUM Neopolitanum, the Starre-flower of Naples. _Park.
Parad. p. 138. p. 137. f. 8._ _Clus. app. alt. p. 9. fig. 7._

Authors have given to this species of Ornithogalum the name of Neapolitan, following CLUSIUS by whom the plant is figured and described, and who so called it, merely on receiving it from Naples; it may perhaps be doubted whether it be originally a native of Italy. Prof. JACQUIN has figured it in his _Flora Austriaca_, the plant being common about Vienna, in garden-walks, under hedges, and in meadows, he does not however, from that circumstance, regard it as an original native there. CASP. BAUHIN informs us that HONORIUS BELLI sent it him from Crete under the name of _Phalangium_, leaving its true habitat to be settled more precisely hereafter, we shall observe, that it is one of those plants which soon accommodate themselves to any country; producing a numerous progeny both from roots and seeds, and by no means nice as to soil or situation; it is not long before it becomes a weed in the garden, from whence it is apt like the _Hyacinthus racemosus_, already figured, to pass into the field or meadow.

Its flowers, which if not beautiful are singular and delicate, make their appearance towards the end of April, they are of no long duration, seldom continuing above a fortnight, and are succeeded by seed-vessels which produce abundance of ripe seed, by which, as well as by its bulbs, the plant may be increased.

In the _Hortus Kewensis_ it is set down as a Greenhouse plant, one of the rare errors which occur in that most useful work.

[270]

GLYCINE COCCINEA. SCARLET GLYCINE.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 2-labiatus. _Corollæ_ carina apice vexillum reflectens.

_Specific Character._

GLYCINE _coccinea_ foliis ternatis, foliolis subrotundis undulatis.

We here present our readers with another Glycine, very lately raised by several persons in the neighbourhood of London from Botany-Bay seeds, and which we have called _coccinea_ from the colour of its blossoms.

It is a shrubby, climbing plant, which, if supported, will grow to the height of many feet, producing a great number of flowers on its pendant branches; the leaves, which grow three together, are nearly round, and, in the older ones especially, are crimped or curled at the edges; the flowers grow for the most part in pairs, are of a glowing scarlet colour, at the base of the carina somewhat inclined to purple, the bottom of the vexillum is decorated with a large yellow spot, verging to green, which adds much to the beauty of the flower.

It blossoms from April to June, and appears to be fully as much disposed to produce seed vessels, and perfect seeds, as the _rubicunda_, and by which alone it has hitherto been propagated.

We must rank it among the more tender green-house plants.

[271]

CYRTANTHUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS. NARROW-LEAVED CYRTANTHUS.

_Class and Order._

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ tubulosa, clavata, curva, 6-fida, laciniæ ovato-oblongæ.
_Filamenta_ tubo inserta, apice conniventia. _Linn. Fil._

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

CYRTANTHUS _angustifolius_ foliis obtuse carinatis rectis, floribus
cernuis, _Linn. Fil. Ait. Kew. v. i. p. 414._

CRINUM _angustifolium_ foliis linearibus obtusis, corollis
cylindricis: laciniis alternis interglandulosis. _Linn. Suppl.
195._

CYRTANTHUS is a genus which takes its name from the curvature of its flower, was established by the younger LINNÆUS, and adopted by Mr. AITON in the _Hortus Kewensis_.

The present species is a native of the Cape, and was added to the royal collection at Kew, by Mr. MASSON, in the year 1774. The plant from whence our drawing was made flowered the preceding May with Mr. WHITLEY, Nurseryman, Old Brompton, who received it from Holland, and who has been so fortunate as to obtain young plants of it from seed.

It flowers in May and June; requires the same treatment as other Cape bulbs, and may be increased by offsets and seeds.

At the extremity of each alternate segment of the corolla there is a kind of small glandular hook, deserving of notice.

[272]

GLADIOLUS TRISTIS. SQUARE-LEAVED CORN-FLAG.

_Class and Order._

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 6-partita, ringens. _Stamina_ adscendentia.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

GLADIOLUS _tristis_ foliis lineari-cruciatis, corollis
campanulatis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 86._ _Ait.
Kew. v. 1. p. 63._

LILIO-GLADIOLUS bifolius et biflorus, foliis quadrangulis. _Trew.
Ehret. t. 39._

GLADIOLUS _tristis_ foliis linearibus sulcatis, caule bifloro, tubo
longissimo, segmentis æqualibus. _Mill. Dict. ed. 6. 4to._

LINNÆUS gave to this species of _Gladiolus_ the name of _tristis_, from the colour of its flowers, which however possess scarcely sufficient of the sombre to justify the appellation; still less so if they vary in the manner represented in TREW'S _Ehret_, where they are painted in gay and lively colours: in the specimens we have seen, the blossoms have been of a sulphur colour, shaded in particular parts with very fine pencillings, especially on the under side: most authors describe the flowering stems as producing only two flowers, LINNÆUS has observed that they sometimes produce many, we have seen them do so where the plant has grown in perfection; in their expansion, which usually takes place in April and May, they give forth a most agreeable fragrance.

It is a native of the Cape, and other parts of Africa; was cultivated by Mr. MILLER, and flowered in the Chelsea Garden in the year 1745. _Ait. Kew._

The leaves which so characteristically distinguish this species are highly deserving of notice, instances of such rarely occur; as the bulbs produce numerous offsets, the plant is propagated by them without difficulty, and requires the same treatment as other Cape bulbs.

[273]

DIOSMA UNIFLORA. ONE-FLOWERED DIOSMA.

_Class and Order._

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 5-petala. _Nectaria_ 5, supra germen. _Caps._ 3. s. 5.
coalitæ. _Sem._ calyptrata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

DIOSMA _uniflora_ foliis ovato oblongis, floribus solitariis
terminalibus. _Linn. Sp. Pl. ed. 3. p. 287._ _Syst. Vegetab. ed.
14._ _Murr. p. 239._ _Ait. Kew. v. 1. p. 276._

CISTUS humilis æthiopicus, inferioribus foliis rosmarini sylvestris
punctatis, cæteris autem serpylli subrotundis, flore carneo. _Pluk.
mant. 49. t. 342. f. 5._

The _Diosma uniflora_ another native of the Cape, that never failing source of vegetable riches, was introduced to the Royal Garden at Kew by Mr. MASSON in the year 1775, it flowers in our Green-Houses from April to June, and is usually propagated by cuttings.

This plant forms a small bushy shrub, the leaves are thickly and irregularly set on the branches, quite up to the flowers, which stand singly on their summits, and are larger than those of any other known species of Diosma, expanding as we have found on trial beyond the size of half-a-crown, which the blossom does in our figure, though it will not appear to do so to the eye of most observers; they are without scent, the calyx is large and continuing, composed of five ovato-lanceolate leaves, reddish on the upper side, and if viewed from above visible between the petals; the petals are five in number, much larger than the calyx, and deciduous, of a white colour with a streak of red running down the middle of each, surface highly glazed, the stamina are composed of five short filaments, white and slightly hairy, broad at their base and tapering gradually to a fine point, by which they are inserted into the hind part of the antheræ, near the bottom; the antheræ are as long as the filaments, of a brown purple colour, bending over the stigma, and opening inwardly, each carrying on the upper part of its back a gland-like substance, of a pale brown colour: besides these parts there are five filamentous bodies alternating with, and of the same length as the stamina, of a white colour, and hairy, each dilating at its extremity where it is of a reddish hue, and presenting towards the antheræ an oval somewhat concave surface, which secretes a viscous liquid; in some flowers that we have examined, and we regret seeing but few, we have observed these nectaries (for such they may be strictly called) closely adhering by their viscous summits to the glandular substances at the back of the antheræ[2]; the germen is studded with a constellation of little glands, which pour forth, and almost deluge it with nectar; the stigma is composed of five little round knobs: seed vessels we have not seen.

[Footnote 2: What the use of this very extraordinary apparatus may be we can at present scarcely conjecture, future observation may perhaps enable us to speak more decisively; when we figure the _Diosma ericoides_ we shall probably have more to say of this species.]

[274]

BORBONIA CRENATA. HEART-LEAVED BORBONIA.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ acuminato-spinosus. _Stigma_ emarginatum. _Legumen_
mucronatum.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

BORBONIA _crenata_ foliis cordatis multinerviis denticulatis.
_Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 643._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p.
9._

FRUTEX _æthiopicus_ leguminosus, foliis rusci majoribus in ambitu
spinulis fimbriatis. _Pluk. Alm. 159._

PLANTA leguminosa æthiopica, foliis rusci. _Breyn. Cent. t. 28._

_Borbonia_ is a genus of plants established by LINNÆUS in the 6th edition of his _Genera Plantarum_; of this genus there are six species enumerated in the 3d edition of the _Species Plant_. and two in the _Hort. Kew._ the latter of which, the _crenata_, introduced from the Cape by Mr. MASSON, in 1774, is here figured.

It is a small shrubby plant, rarely exceeding the height of three feet, producing its flowers in a small cluster on the summits of the branches; these are of a yellow colour, and have nothing about them peculiarly singular, or beautiful; it is the foliage alone which renders this plant desirable in a collection.

It flowers from June to August, and in favourable seasons ripens its seeds, by which the plant is usually propagated.

[275]

LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA. COMMON TULIP-TREE.

_Class and Order._

POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 3-phyllus. _Petala_ 6. _Sem._ imbricata in strobilum.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LIRIODENDRON _Tulipifera_ foliis lobatis. _Linn. Syst. Veg. ed.
14._ _Murr. p. 507._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. 250._

TULIPIFERA virginiana, tripartito aceris folio: media lacinia velut
abscissa. _Pluk. Alm. 379. t. 117. f. 5. & t. 248. f. 7._ _Catesb.
Carol. 1. p. 48. t. 48._

LIRIODENDRON foliis angulatis truncatis. _Trew. Ehret. t. x._

The Tulip-tree is a native of most parts of North-America, MARSHALL describes it as often growing to the size of a very large tree, 70 or 80 feet in height, and above 4 feet in diameter; he mentions two varieties, one with yellow and the other with white wood; that with yellow wood is soft and brittle, much used for boards, heels of shoes, also turned into bowls, trenchers, &c. the white is heavy, tough, and hard, and is sawed into joists, boards, &c. for building.

RAY informs us in his _Hist. Pl._ that this tree was cultivated here by Bishop COMPTON, in 1688: and from MILLER we learn, that the first tree of the kind which flowered in this country, was in the gardens of the Earl of PETERBOROUGH, at Parsons-Green, near Fulham; in Mr. ORD'S garden, at Walham-Green, there is, among other choice old trees, a very fine tulip-tree, which is every year covered with blossoms, and which afforded us the specimen here figured. It flowers in June and July, rarely ripens its seeds with us, though it does readily in America.

The foliage of this plant is extremely singular, most of the leaves appearing as if truncated, or cut off at the extremity; they vary greatly in the division of their lobes, the flowers differ from those of the tulip in having a calyx, but agree as to the number of petals, which is six; and so they are described in the sixth edition of the _Gen. Pl._ of LINN. but in _Professor_ MURRAY'S _Syst. Veg. Ait. H. K. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 13_, by GMELIN, 9 are given, this in the first instance must be a mere typographical error arising from the inversion of the 6.

This tree is found to flourish most in a soil moderately stiff and moist, is usually raised from seeds, the process of which is amply described by MILLER in his Dictionary.

[276]

BLITUM VIRGATUM. STRAWBERRY BLITE.

_Class and Order._

MONANDRIA DIGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Col._ 3-fidus. _Petala_ O. _Sem._ 1. calyce baccato.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

BLITUM _virgatum_ capitellis sparsis lateralibus. _Linn. Syst.
Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 53._ _Ait. Kew. v. 1. p. 7._

ATRIPLEX sylvestris mori fructu. _Bauh. Pin. p. 519._

ATRIPLEX sylvestris baccifera. _Clus. Hist. cxxxv._

This plant, not unfrequently met with in gardens, is known to most cultivators by the name of _Strawberry Spinach_; the leaves somewhat resembling those of the latter, and the fruit that of the former: C. BAUHINE likens its berries to those of the Mulberry, to which they certainly bear a greater resemblance: in most of the species of this genus the calyx exhibits a very singular phenomenon, when the flowering is over, it increases in size, becomes fleshy, and finally pulpy, containing the ripe seed, which however it does not wholly envelope; thus from each cluster of flowers growing in the alæ of the leaves are produced so many berries, of a charming red colour, to which the plant owes its beauty altogether, for the flowers are small, herbaceous, and not distinctly visible to the naked eye; they can boast however of being of the first class in the Linnean system _Monandria_, to which few belong.

Strawberry Blite is a hardy annual, growing spontaneously in some parts of France, Spain, and Tartary; is not a very old inhabitant of our gardens, Mr. AITON mentioning it as being first cultivated by Mr. MILLER in 1759. Its berries are produced from June to September; in their taste they have nothing to recommend them, though not pleasant they are harmless.

CLUSIUS we believe to be the first author who gives a figure and description of it.

It affects a dry soil, and open situation; in such there is no necessity to give any particular directions for its cultivation, as it comes up readily from seed spontaneously scattered, so much so as sometimes to prove a troublesome weed.

[277]

MAHERNIA PINNATA. WINGED MAHERNIA.

_Class and Order._

PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-dentatus. _Petala_ 5. _Nectaria_ 5 obcordata, filamentis
supposita. _Caps._ 5-locularis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

MAHERNIA _pinnata_, foliis tripartito pinnatifidis. _Linn. Syst.
Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 308._ _Ait. Kew. v. 1. p. 398._

HERMANNIA foliis tripartitis, media pinnatifida. _Linn. Sp. Pl. ed.
3. p. 943._

HERMANNIA frutescens, folio multifido tenui, caule rubro. _Boerh.
Lugd. 1. p. 273._

LINNÆUS, in his _Spec. Pl._ regarded this plant as a species of _Hermannia_; finding afterwards that it differed materially in its fructification from that genus, he made a new one of it in his _Mantissa_, by the name of _Mahernia_; still, however, the two genera are very nearly related: one principal difference consists in the nectaria of the _Mahernia_, which are very remarkable.

This species was introduced from the Cape, where it is a native, by Mr. MASSON, in 1774, and is now very generally met with in our green-houses. It produces its little bells, of a lively red when they first open, from June to August, or September; is a small delicate plant, and easily raised from cuttings.

[278]

LILIUM CANDIDUM. WHITE LILY.

_Class and Order._

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 6-petala, campanulata: linea longitudinali nectarifera.
_Caps._ valvulis pilo cancellato connexis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LILIUM _candidum_ foliis sparsis, corollis campanulatis, intus
glabris. _Linn. Sp. Pl. ed. 3. p. 433._ _Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._
_Murr. p. 324._ _Ait. Kew. v. 1. p. 429._

LILIUM album flore erecto et vulgare. _Bauh. Pin. 76._

LILIUM album vulgare. The ordinary White Lily. _Park. Parad. p. 39.
t. 37. f. 4._

We may rank the White Lily among the very oldest inhabitants of the flower-garden; in the time of GERARD it was very generally cultivated, and doubtless at a much earlier period; a plant of such stateliness, so shewy, so fragrant, and at the same time so much disposed to increase, would of course soon be found very generally in gardens, into which its introduction would be accelerated on another account; it was regarded as a plant of great efficacy; among other extraordinary powers attributed to it, we are gravely told that it taketh away the wrinkles of the face.

LINNÆUS makes it a native of Palestine and Syria; Mr. AITON of the Levant.

Its blossoms, which open early in July, continue about three weeks, and when they go off leave the flower-garden greatly thinned of its inhabitants.

Of the White Lily there are three principal varieties:

1. With double flowers.
2. With flowers blotched with purple.
3. With striped leaves, or leaves edged with yellow.

The two first of these are to be esteemed merely as curiosities; in the third the plant acquires an accession of beauty which it has not originally; though many persons object to variegated leaves, as conveying an idea of fickliness, that complaint cannot be urged against the foliage of the striped Lily, to which the borders of the flower-garden are indebted for one of their chief ornaments during the autumnal and winter months; early in September these begin to emerge, and towards spring another set rises up in their centre, of more upright growth, and which announce the rising of the flowering stem.

Besides these varieties, LINNÆUS has considered the _Lilium album floribus dependentibus s. peregrinum_ of C. BAUHINE, the _Sultan Zambach_ of CLUSIUS, and the _Hortus Eystettensis_, as one of its varieties also: MILLER regards this plant as a distinct species, and those who have attentively examined the figures and descriptions of CLUSIUS and the _Hort. Eyst._ will be of the same opinion.

The Lily increases most abundantly by offsets, hence it becomes necessary that the bulbs should be taken up, and reduced every second or third year; but the striped leaved variety increasing much more slowly, should remain unmolested for a greater length of time.

There is scarcely a soil or situation in which the Lily will not grow, it will thrive most in a soil moderately stiff and moist; though a native of a warm climate no severity of weather affects it with us: we may learn from this, not to regulate the culture of plants invariably by the climate in which they grow spontaneously.

The best time for removing the bulbs of this plant is about the middle of August, before they shoot forth their leaves; but they may be transplanted any time from September to spring.

[279]

PLUMERIA RUBRA. RED PLUMERIA.

_Class and Order._

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

Contorta. _Folliculi_ 2. reflexi. _Semina_ membranæ propriæ
inserta.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

PLUMERIA _rubra_ foliis ovato-oblongis, petiolis biglandulosis.
_Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 254._ _Ait. Kew. v. 1. p.
298._

PLUMERIA flore roseo odoratissimo. _Tourn. Inst. 659._ _Trew.
Ehret. Tab. xli._

_Plumeria_ is a genus of plants named by TOURNEFORT in honour of his countryman the celebrated PLUMIER, it comes near to Nerium or Oleander, and contains several species, all natives of warm climates.

The present plant is a native of Jamaica, where it is known by the name of Red Jasmine, from whence seeds and large cuttings are often sent to this country; here they require the stove to bring them to flower: seed-vessels they are never known to produce.

The flowers, which are very odoriferous, are produced in July and August in large bunches, on the summits of the branches, from whence the leaves also proceed; the stems, which grow to a considerable height as well as thickness, are naked, and the whole plant loses its foliage from the middle of winter till about the beginning of May; the branches and other parts of the plant, when broken off, give forth a milky juice, the leaves are handsome, and the veins remarkable.

Being too tender to bear the open air of this climate, it is kept in the stove even during summer, in hot weather it must have plenty of air, and in cold seasons be sparingly watered.