Chapter I: Part 1

_Vol. 1._

_of the_
Botanist’s Repository

_Comprising
Colour’d Engravings_

of

_New and Rare Plants_

ONLY

With Botanical Descriptions &c.

----_in_----

_Latin and English_,

_after the_

Linnæan System.

_by_

_H. Andrews_

_Botanical Painter Engraver, &c._
]

PREFACE.

The utility of this undertaking at a crisis, when the taste for Botanical pursuits so universally prevails, will, it is presumed, be readily admitted by all those engaged in them, whether as theorists, collectors, or cultivators. Such a work, under the immediate direction of some principal leader in the science, of this country, has been a desideratum of long expectance; but either from the great expence necessarily incurred, before any adequate return could be made, or from the trouble attendant on publications, where colouring forms so considerable a part, as yet, every similar attempt has proved abortive. The Bot. Mag. of Mr. Curtis, a work of singular merit in its way, has occasionally furnished, it is true, a few specimens of new plants; but the greatest part, as its title-page indicates, consists of those well known, common plants, long cultivated in our gardens; the direct reverse of the proposals and intentions of the author, in the prosecution of this. From a wish to prevent confusion, it was a determined principle at the outset of the work, not to give any generic or specific synonims; but to follow the most generally accepted names, of known and named plants, without a cavil, of our best English botanists, or cultivators, if no flagrant error was perceptible, according to the Linnæan system: being satisfied, nothing contributed so much to repress the ardour of young botanists as the difficulty of affixing the right name to those plants, which, (from a captious desire in every publisher, to foist in something of his own coinage, upon the most trifling supposed difference,) have undergone several changes of title. If the plant was a certain novelty, with us, to have followed the sexual system, without a schism; upon that truly grand and comprehensive scale of nature; when the formation of a new genus was necessary; if not, to refer it to some one already made, if such was to be found, in any orthodox author: the specific name to be formed from some opposed, leading feature, in the habits of the different species of the genus. But although such were the Author’s intentions, when he entered on this business, yet, from a wish to oblige many of the supporters of the work, who have signified a wish that synonims should be given, an alphabetical Index, with all the various Synonims collated from the best authorities, shall be printed separate for the use of those who may wish for such an addition.

As a fair excuse for the Author, (who throws himself upon the candour of the Public,) in extenuation of the inaccuracies which have, and will necessarily occur in the prosecution of the work, it is just to say, that the difficulties to be encountered, and of which none but those engaged in similar concerns can form any adequate idea, are incalculable; arising chiefly from the nature of a monthly publication, composed entirely of novelty, which cannot be anticipated, and of course, so very little time can be allotted for revisal or correction. To remedy as far as possible such slips, a list of Erratæ will be given, with the Index, at the close of each volume.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE, Oct. 1799.

ERRATA, VOL. I.

Plate 2. Springalia, lege, _Sprengelia_. Bloss. one leaf, read, _one petal_.
Peri. 4-valvis, 4-locul. l. 5-val. 5-loc. S. V. 4 val.
4 cells, r. 5 val. 5 cells.

3. Cor. æquila, l. _æqualia_. Emp. Sheath, r. _Sheaths_.

7. Calyx, multiflorium, l. _multiflorum_.

9. Calyx, diciduis, l. _deciduis_. Stam. acumenatæ, l. _acuminatæ_.

11. Sp. Ch. post roseis, ins. (,).

12. Ord. II. r. IV. Seeds, become, r. _becomes_.

14. Emp. cup, r. _sheath_. Poin. put (,) after beneath.

15. Standard, cut, r. _cup_.

20. Sem. acumenatæ, l. _acuminatæ_.

23. Bloss. after spreading, put (,). No. 2 of Ref. put (_the_) before chives.

25. Sp. Ch. post plenis, ins. (,).

27. Ord. II. r. IV.

30. Line 6th of Descr. leave out (_not_).

37. Ord. II. r. IV.

41. Bloss. one leaf, r. _one petal_; divided
into six, r. _with six divisions_.

47. Stam. post subulata, ins. (,).

65. Emp. fruit-stalks, r. _fruit-stalk_.

67. Descr. line 2d, for makes an addition to, r. _makes one of_.

THE

BOTANIST’S REPOSITORY,

FOR

_NEW, AND RARE PLANTS_.

CONTAINING

COLOURED FIGURES

OF SUCH PLANTS, AS HAVE NOT HITHERTO APPEARED IN ANY SIMILAR PUBLICATION;

WITH ALL THEIR ESSENTIAL CHARACTERS, BOTANICALLY ARRANGED, AFTER THE SEXUAL SYSTEM OF THE CELEBRATED LINNÆUS;

_IN ENGLISH, AND LATIN_.

TO EACH DESCRIPTION IS ADDED,

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE PLANT,

AS TO ITS TIME OF FLOWERING, CULTURE, NATIVE PLACE OF GROWTH, WHEN INTRODUCED, AND BY WHOM.

THE WHOLE EXECUTED BY

_HENRY ANDREWS_,

AUTHOR OF THE COLOURED ENGRAVINGS OF HEATHS, IN FOLIO.

LONDON:

_PRINTED BY T. BENSLEY_, AND PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, Nº 5, KNIGHTSBRIDGE.

To be had of J. WHITE, Fleet-street, and all the Booksellers.

1797.

PLATE I.

CORTUSA MATTHIOLI.

_Alpine Sanicle._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium quinquefidum, persistens; laciniis obtusis,
concavis.

COROLLA. Monopetala, rotata, quinquepartita, laciniis sub-rotundis,
ad quarum basin prominent tubercula quinque.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque brevia. Antheræ bipartitæ, oblongæ,
erectæ, exteriori parte affixæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen ovatum. Stylus filiformis. Stigma simplex.

PERICARPUIM. Capsula ovata-oblonga, utrinque longitudinaliter
sulcata, unilocularis, apice quinquevalvi, valvularum marginibus
involutis.

SEMINA numerosa, oblonga, scabra.

EMPALEMENT. Cup with five divisions, permanent; the segments blunt,
and concave.

BLOSSOM. One leaf, wheel-shaped, five divisions, segments nearly
round, having five prominent tubercles at their base.

CHIVES. Five short threads. Tips divided in two, oblong, upright,
and fixed to the blossom by their backs.

POINTAL. Seed-bud egg-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped. Summit simple.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong egg-shaped, channelled on each side, of
one cell, the top has five valves, which are turned inward at their
margins.

SEEDS many, oblong, and rough.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Cortusa, foliis cordatis, laciniatis, petiolatis; calycibus corolla
brevioribus.

Sanicle, with heart-shaped jagged leaves that have foot-stalks;
empalements shorter than the blossoms.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, and Fruit-stalk. 2. The Blossom cut, and spread open, to expose the situation of the Chives. 3. The Pointal, magnified.

This beautiful little herbaceous plant, a native of the Germanic Alps, was known to, and described by all the elder, as well as modern botanical theorists; yet till this time, has there not been one good representation of it. Having been nearly lost to us for a number of years, it may be considered as deserving a place amongst those plants we deem rare; as a specimen of such it has been given. It delights much in shade; is perfectly hardy; thrives best in a light but pure soil; as dung, or other mixtures, are apt to rot the roots when in a state of inaction; flowering in May and June, and producing seeds. But the surest mode of propagation is by the root, which may be divided with success about September.

PLATE II.

SPRINGALIA INCARNATA.

_Star-flowered Springalia._

CLASS XIX. ORDER VI.

_SYNGENESIS MONOGAMIA._ Tips united. Flowers simple.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquefidum, persistens.

COROLLA. Monopetala, quinquefida, rotata, laciniis acumenatis.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, lineares, receptaculo inserta. Antheræ
pilosæ, erectæ, conatæ in cylindrum.

PISTILLUM. Germen superum, turbinatum. Stylus filiformis. Stigma
obtusum.

PERICARFIUM. Capsula quadrivalvis, quadrilocularis.

SEMINA plurima, minima, rotunda.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, cut into five segments, and remaining.

BLOSSOM. One leaf, cut into five segments, wheel-shaped, the
divisions sharp pointed.

CHIVES. Five threads, linear, fixed into the receptacle. Tips
hairy, upright, united into a cylinder.

POINTAL. Seed-bud above, turban-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped. Summit
blunt ended.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule four valves, four cells.

SEEDS many, small, and round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Springalia, foliis alternis, amplexicaulibus, mucronatis; corollis
sub-solitariis, incarnatis, rigidis, micantibus.

Springalia, with alternate leaves, embracing the stem, and sharp
pointed; blossoms mostly single, flesh-coloured, harsh, and
shining.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, (natural size). 2. The Blossom divided from the Empalement. 3. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud, (magnified). 4. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (magnified).

The Springalia, must certainly rank among the most beautiful of the various new genera which have been introduced from New Holland; the delicacy, brilliancy, and number, of its blossoms render it particularly attractive, whilst their extreme permanency adds greatly to its merits; the flower being of such singular durability, as to retain nearly the same appearance when the seeds are perfected, as at their first opening. The figure before us, was taken from a plant in the nursery garden of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, who raised it from seeds about three years since, and where it has flowered these two successive years. The Botany-bay plants, (as they are generally called) are best preserved in the greenhouse; but although this is sufficiently hardy for such treatment, yet its situation must be dry, being very susceptible of damps, flourishing best in sandy peat earth; continues flowering through the whole summer; and propagates easily by cuttings. The characters, and habit of this genus, like almost all the plants from New Holland, being perfectly new, there was a necessity to form a fresh generic name for it; which has been done by the deservedly eminent Dr. J. E. Smith, botanical professor, and president of the Linnæan Society.

PLATE III.

NEOTTIA SPECIOSA.

_Flesh-coloured Neottia._

CLASS XX. ORDER II.

_GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA._ Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ vagæ. Spadix simplex

COROLLA. Petala quinque, longitudine æquila, anguste-lanceolata,
erecta.

_Nectarium_ monophyllum, indivisum, acuminatum, intra petala
interiora positum, basin styli semiamplectens, erectum, superne
patulum.

STAMINA. Filamenta duo, ex limbo styli dorsali orta, lanceolata.
Antheræ duæ, lineares, longæ, locatæ in loculum filamenti.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum, curvatum, sulcatum, inferne attenuatum.
Stylus crassus, adnatus labio superiori nectarii. Stigma obsoletum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula unilocularis, carnosa, longissima, trivalvis.

SEMINA numerosa, minutissima.

EMPALEMENT. Sheath scattered. Fruit-stalk simple.

BLOSSOM. Petals five, of equal length, of a narrow spear-shape, and
upright.

_Honey-cup_ one leaf, undivided, sharp pointed, placed between the
two inner petals, half embracing the base of the shaft, upright,
spreading at the top.

CHIVES. Two threads, rising out of the back of the shaft,
spear-shaped. Tips two, linear, long, placed in the cells of the
threads.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath, curved, furrowed, tapering at the base.
Shaft thick, growing to the upper lip of the honey-cup. Summit
indistinct.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule with one cell, fleshy, very long, three
valves.

SEEDS numerous, very small.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Neottia, foliis radicalibus, undulatis, lato-lanceolatis, basi
attenuatis; floribus confertis, spicatis, incarnatis,
speciocissimis.

Neottia, with leaves growing from the root, waved, of a broad
spear-shape, tapered at the base; flowers pressed together in a
spike, flesh-coloured, and most beautiful.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom, Seed-bud, and Sheath, (natural size).

2. The Seed-bud, and three Petals of the Blossom; the two inner cut out, to shew the position of the Honey-cup, (natural size).

3. Seed-vessel, and Honey-cup magnified; shewing the situation, and shape of the Chives, within the Honey-cup.

4. The same magnified; shewing the situation of the Pointal,
at the back of the Honey-cup.

Professor Jacquin of Vienna, having figured the Neottia in the third volume of his Collectanea, with justice has determined it a new genus, and given it the name it here bears; the whole habit of the plant being entirely dissimilar to any old genera. It certainly must be placed somewhere near Limodorum, or Epidendron, from either of which, however, it stands perfectly distinct. This is the only species yet in England, and was introduced from the island of Jamaica, about the year 1793, by the Hon. Mrs. Barrington. The drawing from which the present figure is taken, was made (by her kind permission) from a plant in the extensive collection of the Hon. Lady Archer, Ham-common. Like all plants from that island, it requires the heat of a pine-stove, and rich earth, to make it flourish; is increased by the root, and flowers in the early part of the year.

PLATE IV.

RHODODENDRON DAURICUM.

_Dauric Rhododendron._

CLASS X. ORDER I.

_DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Ten Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX quinquepartitus, persistens.

COROLLA. Monopetala, rotato-infundibuliformis: limbo patente;
laciniis rotundatis.

STAMINA. Filamenta decem, filiformia, longitudine corollæ,
declinata. Antheræ ovales.

PISTILLUM. Germen pentagonum, retusum. Stylus filiformis,
longitudine corollæ. Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula ovata, quinquelocularis.

SEMINA numerosa, minima, lineares.

EMPALEMENT of five divisions, and remaining.

BLOSSOM. One leaf, of a roundish funnel-shape: the limb spreading;
and its segments rounded.

CHIVES. Ten hair-like threads, the length of the blossom, bent
downward. Tips oval.

POINTAL. Seed-bud five-sided, and dented. Shaft thread-shaped, the
length of the blossom. Summit blunt-ended.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oval, five-celled.

SEEDS many, small, and linear.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rhododendron, foliis glabris utrinque nudis, petiolis longissimis;
corollæ violaceæ, foliis ampliores, rotatæ.

Rhododendron, with smooth leaves, naked on both sides, and long
foot-stalks; the blossoms light purple, larger than the leaves, and
wheel-shaped.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Blossom, (natural size). 2. The Chives, and Pointal, (natural size); one tip detached, (magnified). 3. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (magnified).

Although this shrub has been described, and is well known to botanists, it has not, till within these very few years, been seen in Great Britain. It is a perfectly hardy plant, being a native of the coast of the Black and Caspian seas, and parts adjacent; from whence it has been conveyed to Petersburg by Dr. P. Pallas, and figured by him in his Flora Russica. Mr. Bush was the person who brought it to England, on his return from Russia. The flowers begin to appear in the month of March, continuing through April and May. As yet (from its scarcity) the best method of cultivating it can scarcely be known; but it seems to like a sheltered situation, and light soil, like most of the genus; and has been increased by layers. The drawing was made from a plant, at the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith.

PLATE V.

GLADIOLUS LONGIFLORUS.

_Long-flowered Gladiolus._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves.

COROLLA, sexpartita, ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in
tubum conata.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum
inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminium.
Stigma trifidum, concavum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plura, subrotunda.

EMPALEMENT. Sheath two valves.

BLOSSOM, cut into six segments, and gaping. Petals oblong, having
all their claws connected into a tube.

CHIVES. Three threads, awl-shaped, fixed into each alternate
division of the petals. Tips oblong.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives.
Summit divided in three, and concave.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, obtuse, three cells, three valves.

SEEDS many, nearly round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER

Gladiolus, foliis ensiformibus, plicatis, villosis; corollis
tubiformus, longissimis; petalis undulatis, reflexis.

Gladiolus, with sword-shaped, plated, hairy leaves; blossoms
trumpet-shaped, and very long; petals waved, and bent back.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation, and insertion of the Threads; the Threads, and Tips, remaining attached.

2. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and its Summit.

This species of Gladiolus, (as are most of the genus) is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, about Table Mountain; where the roots of Ixia, Antholyza, Gladiolus, &c. form a chief part of the food of the inhabiting monkies. It came to England amongst many other roots and seeds of beautiful and rare plants, collected by J. Pringle, Esq. of the island of Madeira, when on an excursion at the Cape; and sent by him to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith. Like most bulbs, it has its period of rest; during which, it should be kept without moisture, but whilst growing, requires abundance; flowering about June, or July, and producing good seeds. It should be treated as a greenhouse plant, and planted in light sandy earth. Like the Crocus, the old root perishing, a number of fresh ones are produced, which may, (if thought necessary) be kept out of the ground two or three months.

PLATE VI.

HEMEROCALLIS CÆRULEA.

_Blue Day Lily._

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Nullus.

COROLLA, sexpartita, infundibuli-campanulata.

STAMINA. Filamenta sex, subulata, longitudine corollæ, declinata;
superiora breviora. Antheræ oblongæ, incumbentes, assurgentes.

PISTILLUM. Germen sulcatum, superum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine
et situ staminium. Stigma obtuse-trigonum, assurgens.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula trigona, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plurima, subrotunda.

EMPALEMENT. None.

BLOSSOM, has six segments, of a funnel bell-shape.

CHIVES. Six awl-shaped threads, the length of the blossom, bent
downwards; the upper ones the shortest. Tips oblong, fixed by their
sides, and turned up at the ends.

POINTAL. Seed-bud furrowed, and above. Shaft thread-shaped, of the
length and position of the chives. Summit bluntly three-cornered,
turned up at the point.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule three-sided, three cells, three valves.

SEEDS many, nearly round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Hemerocallis, foliis cordatis, petiolatis; corollis cæruleis.

Day Lily, with leaves that are heart-shaped, and have foot-stalks;
the blossoms blue.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Chives, and Pointal, as placed in the Blossom. 2. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit. 3. A Seed of the shape and size when ripe.

The variety of character exhibited in this new species of Hemerocallis, so different from its congeners, in foliage, flower, and seed; would almost induce us to think like Gærtner, a generic division necessary; if we were not withheld, by that strong rule of Linnæus, (from which, it will be a leading feature of this work, not to swerve) not to increase the number of genera, but where absolutely necessary. This species, as well as a white variety, which has been figured by Kæmpfer; and continued since him by Welldenow, in his new Species Plantarum, under its present denomination; is a native of China, and introduced to our gardens from thence by G. Hibbert. Esq. of Clapham, from whose most extensive and beautiful collection this specimen was taken. It is as yet cultivated as a hothouse plant, where it flowers in the spring months, perfecting its seeds: perhaps when better known, it may be found, like many Chinese plants, to bear our climate. It is propagated as well by parting its roots, as from the seeds.

PLATE VII.

PRIMULA CORTUSOIDES.

_Siberian Primrose._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Involucrum polyphyllum, multiflorium, minimum. Perianthium
monophyllum, tubulatum, pentagonum, quinquedentatum, acutum,
erectum, persistens.

COROLLA. Monopetala. Tubus cylindraceus, longitudine calycis,
terminatus colo parvo hemisphærico. Limbus patens,
semi-quinquefidus; laciniis obcordatis, obtusis. Faux pervia.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, brevissima, intra collum corollæ.
Antheræ acumenatæ, erectæ, conniventes, inclusæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen globosum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine calycis.
Stigma globosum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula teres, longitudine fere perianthii,
unilocularis, dehiscens apice decem dentato.

SEMINA numerosa, subrotunda. Receptaculum ovato-oblongum, liberum.

EMPALEMENT. Fence of many leaves, including several flowers, and
small. Cup one leaf, tubular, five-sided, five-toothed, sharp,
upright, and remaining.

BLOSSOM. One petal. Tube cylindrical, the length of the cup,
terminated by a short hemispherical neck. Border spreading, half
cut into five divisions; the segments are inversely heart-shaped,
and blunt. Mouth open.

CHIVES. Five threads, very short, within the neck of the blossom.
Tips pointed, upright, approaching, within the tube.

POINTAL. Seed-bud globular. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the
cup. Summit globular.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule cylindrical, nearly as long as the cup, of one
cell, opening at the top, with ten teeth.

SEEDS numerous, and roundish. Receptacle oblong egg-shaped, and
loose.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Primula, foliis petiolatis, cordatis, sub-lobatis, crenatis;
corollis lætè purpureis.

Primrose, whose leaves have foot-stalks, are heart-shaped, slightly
lobed, and scolloped; blossoms of a bright purple.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Cup, and Fruit-stalk. 2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation of the Chives, and its internal formation. 3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit, (magnified).

This species of Primrose is figured by Gmelin, in his Flora Siberica. It was in the year 1794, that the seeds of this plant were sent by Professor P. Pallas, from Siberia, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith; at whose nursery the drawing of this most charming plant was made: though a native of so cold a clime, it seems with difficulty to endure the severity of ours; thriving best in a pot, under any flight shelter, or a very dry situation if planted out: it is increased by the root, which should be parted in March; and flowers in June, and July.

PLATE VIII.

GLADIOLUS ALATUS.

_Wing-flowered Gladiolus._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves.

COROLLA, sexpartita, ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in
tubum conata.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum
inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminium.
Stigma trifidum, concavum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plura, subrotunda.

EMPALEMENT. Sheath two valves.

BLOSSOM, of six divisions, and gaping. Petals oblong, having their
claws formed into a tube.

CHIVES. Three awl-shaped threads, fixed into the alternate
divisions of the petals. Tips oblong.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives.
Summit cut into three, and concave.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, blunt ended, three cells, three
valves.

SEEDS many, nearly round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gladiolus, foliis ensiformibus, costatis; petalis lateralibus
latissimis.

Gladiolus, with sword-shape, ribbed leaves; the side petals of the
blossom the broadest.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement, with the Chives, detached from the Petals, as they stand in the Blossom, and apparently attached to each other; with the natural position of the Pointal.

2. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud; one of the divisions of the Summit magnified.

This species of Gladiolus, although so scarce with us, is certainly one of the most common found near Cape Town; and, notwithstanding its extreme beauty, has been overlooked by most collectors; who, from its great frequency, have generally considered it as forming, undoubtedly, part of every collection of exotics. It is of an extreme delicate nature, and overmuch wet easily destroys it; differing from most Cape bulbs, in requiring a light loamy earth, and the assistance of a dry stove, to make it flower well; which it will do by such aid, about May, or June; seldom producing seeds, and propagating but slowly by the root. From the fugitive character of this plant, it is difficult to ascertain the first cultivator; for although it does not appear amongst the Gladiolus in the Hortus Kewensis, it must undoubtedly have come into that immense collection at different periods, but never flowered; which is the reason we do not find it there described, which has been done by Linnæus, in his Species Plantarum, under the name it here bears; as well as by Plukenet, in his Phyto graphia, and others under various synonims. This figure was taken from a plant that flowered at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s in 1796.

PLATE IX.

ATRAGENE CAPENSIS.

_Cape Atragene._

CLASS XIII. ORDER VII.

_POLYANDRIA POTYGYNIA._ Many Chives. Many Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium tetraphyllum; foliolis ovalibus, patentibus,
obtusis, deciduis.

COROLLA. Petala duodecim, linearia, basi angustissima, obtusa,
patula.

STAMINA. Filamenta plurima, brevissima. Antheræ oblongæ, acumenatæ.

PISTILLUM. Germina plurima oblonga. Styli villoli. Stigmata
simplicia, longitudine antherarum.

PERICARPIUM. Nullum.

SEMINA plurima, desinentia in caudam pilosam.

EMPALEMENT. Cup four-leaved, which are oval, spreading, blunt, and
deciduous.

BLOSSOM. Petals twelve, linear, narrowest at base, blunt, and
spread open.

CHIVES. Threads many, very short. Tips oblong, pointed.

POINTAL. Seed-buds numerous, oblong. Shafts hairy. Summits simple,
the length of the tips.

SEED-VESSEL. None.

SEEDS many, terminating in a hairy tail.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Atragene, foliis ternatis; foliolis incisis, dentatis, rigidis;
flore incarnato, semipleno.

Atragene, with three divisions; the smaller divisions jagged,
toothed, and harsh; the flower flesh-coloured, and semidouble.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Petal cut off close to the receptacle.

2. The Fruit-stalk, Chives, and Pointals; the Chives thrown to one side, to expose the situation of the Pointals; one tip magnified.

3. A Seed of the size when ripe.

This plant has been considered by Burmann, Hermann, and other Cape botanists, as an Anemone, to which genus it certainly may as easily be referred as Atragene: but as it has been clearly described by Linnæus, under that genus, we have not hardiness enough to dispute his authority. It is (as the trivial name implies) a native of the Cape of Good Hope, but at some considerable distance within land; whence it requires a dry stove to preserve it, suffering much from damps. It is only since the year 1795, that this plant has been found in our greenhouses; being then introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, nurserymen, where it has flowered and perfected seeds; which seems to be the only means of propagating it: the soil it prefers is a mixture of peat and loam; flowering about March, or April.

PLATE X.

ARISTEA CYANEA.

_Blue-flowered Aristea._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves, laceræ, persistentes.

COROLLA, hexapetala, oblonga, æqualia, obcordata, persistentia,
patens.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, erecta, subulata. Antheræ sub-simplices,
magnæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus filiformis, erectus. Stigma
trifidum, concavum, reflexum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, triquetra, trilocularis, loculis
compressis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plura, compressa, scabrida, sub-semicircularia.

EMPALEMENT. Sheath two valves, ragged, and, remaining.

BLOSSOM, of six petals, oblong, equal, inversely heart-shaped,
remaining, spreading.

CHIVES. Three threads, upright, awl-shaped. Tips almost simple, and
large.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft thread-shaped and erect. Summit
cut into three, concave and reflected.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, three-sided, three cells, cells
compressed, three valves.

SEEDS many, flat, rough, nearly semicircular.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Aristea, foliis ensiformibus, radicalibus; floribus capitatis,
cyaneis.

Aristea with sword-shaped leaves growing from the root; the flowers
grow in heads, and are of a bright blue.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Valve of the Sheath spread open. 2. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud, (magnified.) 3. A perfect Seed, (magnified.)

The Aristea is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and has been described under various synonyms, by Plukenett as a Gramen, by Petiver as Bermudiana Capensis, and by Van Royen, Burmann, and Linnæus, as an Ixia. But although differing from Linnæus is against the fixed intention of this undertaking, where there is a possibility of avoiding it; yet in this instance of alteration he must have acquiesced, having undoubtedly never seen the plant himself. The blossom, seed-vessel, seeds, habit, root, and growth, of the plant, so totally differ from the character of Ixia, &c. that we have not hesitated, in accepting the name given it in the Hortus Kewensis; where, it is said to have been introduced, to that collection, by Mr. F. Masson in 1774; though no specific description is given of it; from which we may conjecture, it never flowered there. The figure here given, was taken from a plant which flowered at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, in 1797. The Aristea being rather a delicate plant, requires an airy, warm situation in the greenhouse, flowering readily about the month of July, or August; requiring to be kept in a small pot, the soil a light loam. It propagates by seeds, and slips.

PLATE XI.

GLADIOLUS ROSEUS.

_Rose-coloured Gladiolus._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves.

COROLLA, sexpartita ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in
tubum conata.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum
inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminium.
Stigma trifidum, concavum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plura, subrotunda.

EMPALEMENT Sheath two valves.

BLOSSOM, of six divisions, and gaping. Petals oblong, having their
claws formed into a tube.

CHIVES. Three awl-shaped threads fixed into the alternate divisions
of the petals. Tips oblong.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives.
Summit cut into three, and concave.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, blunt-ended, three cells, three
valves.

SEEDS many, nearly round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gladiolus, foliis lanceolatis, tortis, rubro marginatis,
pubescentibus; floribus roseis odoratissimis.

Gladiolus, with spear-shaped leaves, twisted, red-edged, and downy;
blossoms rose colour, and sweet scented.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Valves of the Sheath. 2. A Flower cut open, to expose the insertion of the Threads, the Threads, and Tips remaining attached. 3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit magnified. 4. A Seed natural size, inclosed in its Tunic.

This most beautiful species of Gladiolus, is but of very recent date in England; in the year 1795 it was seen first to blow here, in the collection of J. Ord, Esq. Purser’s-cross, Fulham; but has since, repeatedly, at the nursery, Hammersmith, from whence this figure was taken. Professor Jacquin has figured this plant, in his last Fasciculus; but, undoubtedly, from a dried specimen, as his figure gives no idea of the brilliancy of this delightful plant. The fragrance of its flowers, added to the singularity and beauty of its leaves, must place it in the foremost rank of its congeners. To preserve the bulb of this delicate Gladiolus, as soon as the stem begins to decay, it should be taken from the pot, and kept dry till October; when it should be replanted, and treated as other Cape bulbs. It increases by offsets, and flowers about the month of May, or June.

PLATE XII.

GERANIUM GRANDIFLORUM.

_Largest flowered Crane’s-bill._

CLASS XVI. ORDER II.

_MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA._ Threads united. Ten Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium pentaphyllum: foliolis ovatis, acutis, concavis,
persistentibus.

COROLLA. Petala quinque, obcordata, seu ovata, patentia, magna.

STAMINA. Filamenta decem, subulata, corolla breviora. Antheræ
oblongæ, versatiles.

PISTILLUM. Germen quinquangulare, rostratum. Stylus subulatus,
staminibus longior, persistens. Stigmata quinque, reflexa.

PERICARPIUM nullum. Fructus pentacoccus, rostratus.

SEMINA solitaria, reniformia, sæpe arillata; Arista longissima,
demum spirali.

EMPALEMENT. Cup five leaves: leaves egg-shaped, sharp pointed,
concave, and permanent.

BLOSSOM. Five petals, inversely heart-shaped, or egg shaped,
spreading, and large.

CHIVES. Ten threads, awl-shaped and shorter than the blossom. Tips
oblong, easily turned round.

POINTAL. Seed-bud five-angled, and beaked. Shaft awl-shaped, longer
than the chives and remaining. Five reflexed summits.

SEED-VESSEL none. Fruit five dry berries, beaked.

SEEDS, solitary, kidney-shaped, often furnished with a dry husky
coat, and a very long awn, which become spiral.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Geranium, calycibus monophyllis, foliis quinque-lobis, glabris,
dentatis; floribus amplissimis. sub-albidis.

Geranium, empalements of one leaf; leaves five-lobed, smooth, and
toothed; the flowers very large, nearly white.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular structure. 2. The Chives, and Pointal, as placed in the flower, (natural size.) 3. The Shaft, Summits, and Seed-bud, (magnified.)

Of all the species of this numerous tribe, introduced to us, from the Cape of Good Hope, this stands singularly pre-eminent; whether for delicacy of foliage, or beauty of flower, of which, the most finished drawing would convey but a faint idea. The figure before us, was taken from a plant in the valuable collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham; from whom we understand, that it was sent in 1794 to the Royal Gardens at Kew, by Mr. F. Masson. To keep this plant in a flourishing condition, it should be kept in a window of the stove, in winter, as the heat of a greenhouse is scarce sufficient at that season. It flowers in July, or August, and requires the soil generally used for Geraniums, a mixture of rotten dung, and loam; being easily propagated by cuttings.

To dissent from most of the late publications on the science of Botany, may seem presuming; yet, when it shall be considered, that we take Linnæus for our sole guide, where that great master has incontestibly fixed a Generic character, to a tribe of plants, which undoubtedly, came clearly under his inspection; from his dictates, ours must emanate, although his authority may be questioned by others. If any good reasons had been found, to disunite a Genus, which nature has so palpably distinguished throughout all its numerous species; he certainly, who had minutely examined so many, would not in his factitious System have allied them; though nature had apparently so done. We must therefore, after him, think no Generic division necessary. For the sake of correctness, where a Genus is so extended in its species as Geranium, Erica, &c. are; the conformity of particular parts, may form a secondary arrangement, as we find it constantly in Linnæus; the Heaths, from the shape of their tips, the Geraniums, from the number of fertile Chives; which a French Botanist of the name of L’Heritier, has thought of sufficient moment to create two new Genera on, Erodium and Pelargonium, retaining the old name Geranium for those only, with ten perfect Chives. Mons. L’Heritier and his followers must, therefore, forgive us for ranking one of his Pelargoniums under the old standard.

PLATE XIII.

EPIDENDRUM COCHLEATUM.

_Purple flowered Epidendrum._

CLASS XX. ORDER I.

_GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA._ Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ vagæ. Spadix simplex. Perianthium nullum.

COROLLA. Petala quinque, oblonga, longissima, patentissima.

_Nectarium_ basi tubulatum, turbinatum, intra petala deorsum
positum, ore obliquo, bifido: superiori labio brevissimo, trifido;
inferiori in acumen producto.

STAMINA. Filamenta duo, brevissima, pistillo insidentia. Antheræ
tectæ labio superiore nectarii.

PISTILLUM. Germen tenue, longum, contortum, inferum. Stylus
brevissimus, adnatus labio superiori nectarii. Stigma obsoletum.

PERICARPIUM. Siliqua longissima, teres, carnosa.

SEMINA numerosa, minutissima.

EMPALEMENT. Sheaths scattered. Fruit-stalk simple. Cup none.

BLOSSOM. Five petals, oblong, of a great length, and spreading
much.

_Honey-cup_ tubular at the base, turban-shaped, placed between the
lower petals, mouth oblique and divided: the upper lip very short,
cut into three divisions; the lower terminating in a point.

CHIVES. Two very short threads, fixed on the pointal. Tips covered
by the upper lip of the honey-cup.

POINTAL. Seed-bud slender, long, twisted, and beneath. Shaft very
short, fixed to the upper lip of the honey-cup. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Pod very long, round, and fleshy.

SEEDS numerous, extremely small.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Epidendrum foliis oblongis, geminis, glabris, bulbo innatis; scapo
multifloro; nectario cordato, purpureo.

Epidendrum with oblong leaves growing by pairs, smooth, rising from
the bulb; stalk many flowered; honey-cup heart-shaped and purple.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Blossom, without the Honey-cup; disposed to shew the situation of the Chives, and Pointal, which are covered by the Honey-cup.

2. The Honey-cup.

3. The Tips.

4. The Summits.

Of all plants, none furnish a more agreeable speculation to the Botanist, than those of this class; the singular construction of the whole flower, leads the observer to form analogous comparisons from it to animal life: particularly amongst the Orchis, and Ophris, of our own country; where bees, flies, lizzards, and butterflies are accurately shaped in the honey-cup. The Genus Epidendrum, takes its Generic title from its place of growth, being what Botanists term parasitical, that is, growing on another plant; which is the case, with most of the species of this Genus: yet is cultivated here with success, by planting it in a mixture of rotten wood, and loam. A plant, from which this figure was taken, was a present to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy from the Honourable Mrs. Barrington, who received it from Dr. Dancer’s botanical garden Jamaica, of which island it is a native; therefore must be kept in the stove. It is propagated by dividing the bulbs.

PLATE XIV.

IXIA REFLEXA.

_Reflex flowered Ixia._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves, oblongæ, persistentes, germina
distinguentes.

COROLLA. Petala sex, oblonga, æqualia, lanceolata.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, subulata, corolla breviora, situ æqualia.
Antheræ simplices.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum, ovatum, triquetrum. Stylus simplex,
erectus, longitudine staminum. Stigma trifidum, crassiusculum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula subovata, triquetra, trilocularis, loculis
compressis, trivalvis.

SEMINA subrotunda, plurima.

EMPALEMENT. Cup two valves, oblong, remaining, and dividing the
seed-buds.

BLOSSOM. Six oblong petals of an equal length, and spear-shaped.

CHIVES. Three awl-shaped threads, shorter than the blossom, placed
equally. Tips simple.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath egg shaped, and three-sided. Shaft
simple, upright, the length of the chives. Summit cut into three,
and thickish.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule, nearly egg-shaped, three-sided, three cells,
pressed together, three valves.

SEEDS many, nearly round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ixia floribus spicatis, reflexis; foliis ensiformibus, glabris.

Ixia, with flowers growing in a spike, and bent backward; leaves
sword-shaped, and smooth.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement (magnified). 2. The Blossom. 3. The Chives (magnified). 4. The Pointal (magnified).

No genus exhibits greater diversity, either in the figure, or colour of the blossoms, of its various species than Ixia; the extreme delicacy of their colours, rendering it absolutely necessary to protect them both from wind and rain; even watering them over their heads (as is usual with greenhouse plants), at once destroys their brilliancy. The bulbs of this species were gathered at the Cape, by J. Pringle, Esq. from whom they were sent to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in 1795, at whose nursery they flowered the ensuing spring, when this figure was taken. No particular treatment is necessary for this plant, other than what is given to Cape bulbs in general, viz., an airy situation, and light soil. Is propagated by seeds, and by the roots.

PLATE XV.

ANTHYLLIS ERINACEA.

_Blue Broom of Spain._

CLASS XVII. ORDER III.

_DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA._ Chives in two sets. Ten Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, ovato-oblongum, parum inflatum,
villosum; ore quinquedentato, inæquali; persistens.

COROLLA papilionacea:

Vexillium longius, lateribus reflexis, ungue longitudine calycis.

Alæ duæ, oblongæ, vexillo breviores.

Carina compressa, longitudine alarum, alis similis.

STAMINA. Filamenta decem, connata, assurgentia. Antheræ simplices.

PISTILLUM. Germen oblongum. Stylus simplex, adscendens. Stigma
obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Legumen subrotundum, tectum intra calycem, minimum,
bivalve.

SEMEN unum, alterumve.

EMPALEMENT. Cup of one leaf, oblong egg-shaped, a little swelled,
and hairy; mouth cut into five unequal teeth; permanent.

BLOSSOM, butterfly-shaped.

Standard longer, sides bent back, the claws as long as the cut.

Wings two, oblong, shorter than the standard.

Keel compressed, as long as the wings, and like them.

CHIVES. Ten threads, connected, rising upwards. Tips simple.

POINTAL. Seed-bud oblong. Shaft simple, ascending. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Pod roundish, covered by the cup, very small, of two
valves.

SEEDS. One or two.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Anthyllis fruticosa, spinosa; foliis simplicibus; floribus ex
cæruleo purpurascentibus.

Broom, shrubby, and covered with prickles; leaves simple; blossoms
of a purplish blue.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Cup. 2. A Blossom, the cup taken off to shew the exact situation and shape of its various parts. 3. The Chives, as they inclose the pointal (natural size.) 4. The Threads magnified, and cut open, to shew their tubular shape. 5. The Pointal, magnified.

Owing to the difficulty in propagating and preserving some plants, although frequently introduced to us, and well known; yet are they more scarce to be found, in our best collections, than plants of seemingly more difficult acquisition. This species of Anthyllis has been mentioned under various synonyms by most botanical authors from Clusius downwards. Mr. T. Johnson, in his edition of Gerard of 1633, has given a description of this plant from Clusius, and a cut; both of which are excellent (considering the then infant state of the art of engraving), under the title of Genista spinosa humilis; Dwarf Furze. It is termed Erinacea by Clusius (says he), from the Spanish name of the hedge-hog, Erizo, of which country it is a native, in the kingdom of Valencia: from which we might infer, that, like other plants of that country, it would live through our winters; which is not the case. It must be kept as a greenhouse plant, and watered but sparingly. The soil it prefers is a light loam; is propagated by cuttings, and flowers in April, or May.

PLATE XVI.

AZALEA PONTICA.

_Yellow Pontic Azalea._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quinque-partitum, acutum, erectum,
parvum, persistens.

COROLLA. Monopetala, campanulata, limbus quinquefidus: laciniarum
lateribus inflexis.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, filiformia, receptaculo inserta,
libera. Antheræ simplices.

PISTILLUM. Germen ovatum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine corolla,
persistens. Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula ovata, quinquelocularis, quinquevalvis.

SEMINA plurima, compressa.

OBS. Figura petali in aliis infundibuliformis, in aliis
campaniformis est; stamina in quibusdam declinata longissima.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf with five divisions, sharp pointed,
upright, small, and permanent.

BLOSSOM. One petal, bell-shaped, margin five-cleft: segments with
the edges bent inwards.

CHIVES. Threads five, thread-shaped, fixed to the receptacle, and
loose. Tips simple.

POINTAL. Seed-bud egg-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of
the blossom, permanent. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule egg-shaped, with five cells, and five valves.

SEEDS many, and flat.

OBS. The shape of the petal in some is funnel-shaped, in others
bell-shaped; the chives in some are bent downward, and very long.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Azalea, foliis ovato-oblongis, pilosis, alternis; floribus
amplissimis, luteis; staminibus longissimis, declinatis.

Azalea, with oblong egg-shaped leaves, hairy, and alternate;
flowers very large, and yellow; chives very long, and bent
downward.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, (natural size.) 2. The Chives as they appear within the blossom. 3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit. 4. A Capsule cut horizontally, exposing the number of its cells.

America has furnished our gardens with an extensive variety of beautiful shrubs; amongst them, the Azaleas hold a distinguished place; some for the beauty, others for the fragrance, of their blossoms: the present species far surpasses all of them for both. It is a native of the coast of the Black Sea, or Pontus Euxinus, through the whole of its extent, on the Asiatic side, from the city of Trebisonde; from whence its trivial name. That a plant of such extreme beauty, and sweetness, should so long have been a stranger to our European gardens, though known to, and described by, so many botanical travellers, must seem matter of wonder; but still it is an uncontested fact. Mons. Tournefort, in his Voyage to the Levant, has given an ample description of it, under the title of Chamærhododendros Pontica maxima, mespili folio, flore luteo; where he says, it grows to the height of seven or eight feet, and that the flowers are of a most exquisite flavour. Dr. P. Pallas, in his Flora Rossica, has likewise figured, and described it, under the name it here bears; but apparently his drawing was made from a dried specimen, as the brilliancy of the flower is by no means preserved; but it is to him we are indebted for this fine plant. In his voyage to the Crimea and countries adjacent, in 1792, he procured the seeds of this, amongst many other valuable and rare plants; parcels of most of which were sent by him to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy. Hammersmith; by whom plants were raised of it, and many other sorts, the next year. It is a deciduous shrub, extremely hardy, and blows early in the spring; is propagated, like other Azaleas, by layers and seeds; grows best in peat earth, with a small portion of loam.

PLATE XVII.

PROTEA FORMOSA.

_Coronet Protea._

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium commune, imbricatum; squamis inæqualibus,
persistentibus.

_Proprium_ nullum.

COROLLA tetrapetala. Petala sæpe cohærentia, sæpius divisa,
lineari-oblonga: unguibus erectis, limbo patenti.

STAMINA. Filamenta nulla. Antheræ quatuor, lineares, vel oblongæ,
sub apice limbi corollæ; insertæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen superum, oblongum. Stylus filiformis, corolla
longior. Stigma simplex, clavatum.

PERICARPIUM nullum. Calyx patens, induratus, vix mutatus.

SEMINA solitaria, subrotunda, vel compressa.

RECEPTACULUM commune nudum, villosum, paleaceum, vel conus.

EMPALEMENT. Cup common, sealed; scales unequal, and remaining.

_Proper_ none.

BLOSSOM four-leaved. Petals frequently adhering, oftener divided,
of a linear oblong shape: claws upright, border spreading.

CHIVES. Threads none. Tips four, linear, or oblong, fixed within
the border of the blossom.

POINTAL. Seed-bud above, and oblong. Shaft thread-shaped, longer
than the blossom. Summit simple, and club-shaped.

SEED-VESSEL none. Cup spreading, hard, and scarcely changing.

SEEDS solitary, nearly round, or flat.

RECEPTACLE the common, is naked, hairy, chaffy, or a cone.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Protea, foliis lanceolatis, pubescentibus; caule villoso; flore
aurantio flavo; semine sub-rotundo, glabro, magnitudine pisi
majoris.

Protea, with lance-shape downy leaves; stem hairy; blossom orange
yellow; seed nearly round, smooth, the size of a large pea.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Flower complete, as it stands on the Receptacle. 2. The Blossom expanded, to shew the situation of the Chives.

Of all the varied genera of plants which decorate that mine of botanical riches, the Cape of Good Hope, and the adjacent country, no one stands more conspicuous than Protea. Few travellers who have not noticed the singularity and beauty of their foliage; indeed they are of such extreme brilliancy, that no one, however indifferent to botanical researches, can pass them unobserved; forests of them being so numerous, the Protea Argentea, or Silver Tree, produces almost the only wood of the country; growing to the height of thirty or forty feet. But although the leaves of this numerous tribe are mostly beautiful, many of their blossoms are but trifling, except in the eye of the botanist: the Protea Formosa, however, is one amongst many which stand as powerful exceptions: the great beauty of this charming plant has induced us to adopt the trivial name it here bears. It has been introduced to the Royal Gardens at Kew by Mr. F. Masson, botanical collector to his present Majesty; from whose liberal patronage the science of Botany has of late been brought into such general estimation. This species, from the downy character of the whole plant, is apt to damp, if not kept in an airy situation in winter; though the warmth of a common greenhouse is quite sufficient for its protection. It is with difficulty propagated by cuttings; and has not hitherto perfected its seeds in this kingdom. Our drawing was made from a plant which flowered in the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in the year 1796, about the month of August.

PLATE XVIII.

CORREA ALBA.

_White Correa._

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

_OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quadridentatum, campanulatum,
erectum, persistens.

COROLLA. Petala quatuor, oblonga, concava, apice reflexa,
marginibus crassis.

STAMINA. Filamenta octo, erecta, filiformia, receptaculo inserta.

PISTILLUM. Germen turbinatum, superum. Stylus filiformis,
longitudine staminium. Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula coriatea, lanata, quadrilocularis,
quadrivalvis.

SEMINA quatuor, solitaria, subrotunda.

EMPALEMENT. Cup of one leaf, five-toothed, bell-shaped, upright,
and permanent.

BLOSSOM. Four petals, oblong, concave, reflexed at the end, and
thick at the edges.

CHIVES. Eight threads, upright, thread shaped, and fixed into the
receptacle.

POINTAL. Seed-bud turban-shaped, and above. Shaft thread-shaped,
the length of the chives. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule leathery, and woolly, four cells, four valves.

SEEDS, four, solitary, and nearly round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Correa, foliis subrotundis, supra tomentosis, subtus lanigeris;
floribus terminalibus, quaternis, albidis.

Correa, with leaves nearly round, downy on the upper surface,
woolly on the under surface; flowers terminate the branches by
fours, and are white.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. The Chives, and Pointal. 3. A Thread, and Tip, (magnified.) 4. The Shaft and Summit, (magnified.)

The Correa is a native of Port Jackson, in New Holland, and commonly termed a Botany-bay plant: it was first raised in the year 1793, from seeds which were given by Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. to J. Vere, Esq. of Kensington-gore, and from a plant in whose collection our figure was taken. It receives its generic title from Mr. Joseph Correa de Serra, a native of Portugal; a gentleman of very distinguished talents as a man of science in general, and botany in particular. Of this genus there are as yet but few species discovered; the Alba grows to a shrub of the height of four or five feet, woody and tough; both stem and leaves are covered with a thick flannelly substance, particularly the under side of the leaves, which gives the whole plant a whitish appearance. It continues to flower through the months of April, May, and June; may be propagated easily by cuttings, should be kept as a hardy greenhouse plant, and thrives best in peat earth.

PLATE XIX.

GLADIOLUS VERSICOLOR.

_Changeable Gladiolus._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves.

COROLLA, sexpartita, ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in
tubum connata.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum
inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminum.
Stigma trifidum concavum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plura, subrotunda.

EMPALEMENT. Sheath two valves.

BLOSSOM, of six divisions, and gaping. Petals oblong, having their
claws formed into a tube.

CHIVES. Three awl-shaped threads, fixed into the alternate
divisions of the petals. Tips oblong.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives.
Summit cut into three, and concave.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, blunt-ended, three cells, three
valves.

SEEDS many, nearly round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gladiolus, foliis lineari-cruciatis; floribus maximis,
versicoloribus.

Gladiolus, with linear cross-shaped leaves; flowers very large, and
changeable.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement. 2. The Pointal, and Seed-bud; one of the divisions of the Summit magnified. 3. A ripe Seed, natural size, in its tunic.

That colour bears the character given it by Sir Isaac Newton, our present subject (as did the prism) adds another proof. The Gladiolus versicolor might, like the camelion, equally be a subject of contention, to those who have seen its blossom at different periods of the same day; for, strange to tell! it is brown in the morning, and continues to change from that colour till it becomes light blue by night. During the night it regains its pristine colour; and this change is effected diurnally, whilst the flower is in its vigour; but upon the decay, the change is less powerful, gradually fixing in a dark brown; which, however, does not take place in less than nine or ten days. This is the only flower, we have ever noticed, to regain the colour that has once forsook it. A drawing was began about ten o’clock in the morning, but before it was finished the plant was so totally altered in colour that there was an absolute necessity for taking a second day to complete it. The bulbs of this plant were sent from the Cape of Good Hope by J. Pringle, Esq. of Madeira, in 1794, amongst many others, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith, where the drawing was made. It flowers about the month of June; is increased by the root or seed; and thrives best in peat earth.

PLATE XX.

ECHIUM GRANDIFLORUM.

_Large-flowered Viper’s Bugloss._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium quinquepartitum, erectum persistens; laciniis
subulatis erectis.

COROLLA. Monopetala, campanulata. Tubus brevissimus. Limbus
erectus, sensim ampliatus, quinquefidus obtusus; laciniis sæepius
inæqualibus; superioribus duabus longioribus, infirnis minoribus,
acutis, reflexis. Faux pervia.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, subulata, longitudine corollæ,
declinata, inæqualia. Antheræ oblongæ, incumbentes.

PISTILLUM. Gemina quatuor. Stylus filiformis, longitudine staminum.
Stigma obtusum, bifidum.

PERICARPIUM nullum. Calyx rigidior, in sinu semina fovens.

SEMINA quatuor, subrotunda, oblique acumenata.

EMPALEMENT. Cup with five divisions, upright, permanent; segments
awl-shaped, upright.

BLOSSOM. One petal, bell-shaped. Tube very short. Border gradually
widening, with five clefts, blunt. Segments oftenest unequal, the
two upper ones the longest; the lower ones smaller, sharp, and
reflexed. The mouth open.

CHIVES. Five threads, awl-shaped, the length of the blossom,
declined, and unequal. Tips oblong, fixed sideways to the threads.

POINTAL. Seed-buds four. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the
chives. Summit blunt, and two-cleft.

SEED-VESSEL none. The cup growing more harsh, contains the seeds.

SEEDS four, roundish, obliquely tapering.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Echium, foliis nitidis, lanceolatis, hispidis; caule fruticoso;
corollis maximis, æqualibus, rubris.

Viper’s Bugloss, with shining, lance-shaped, hairy leaves; stem
shrubby; blossoms very large, equal, and red.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Blossom cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives. 3. The Shaft and its Summit magnified. 4. A ripe seed.

The Echium Grandiflorum is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was sent from thence by Mr. F. Masson to the Royal Gardens at Kew, about the year 1791. The superior beauty of this species to the rest of its congenors makes it considered as a valuable greenhouse plant, although its intrinsic merit is sufficient to ensure it that character; the rich green of its foliage, contrasted to the colour of the blossoms, gives to each a singular brilliancy. It is rather a tender greenhouse plant, grows about two feet high, and becomes naked at the lower part of the stem; is with difficulty propagated by cuttings, seldom perfecting its seeds; thrives best in rich earth, and flowers in April and May. The drawing was made from a plant in the collection of the Marquis of Blandford, Bill-hill, Berks.

PLATE XXI.

VEREIA CRENATA.

_Scolloped-leaf Vereia._

CLASS VIII. ORDER IV.

_OCTANDRIA TETRAGYNIA._ Eight Chives. Four Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis lanceolatis, concavis,
erectis, acutis, persistentibus.

COROLLA monopetala, ventricosa; limbus patens, revolutus
quadripartitus; laciniis ovatis, acuminatis.

_Nectaria_ quatuor; singulum squamula debilia, minima, singulo
germini ad basin extrorsum inserta.

STAMINA. Filamenta octo, brevia, quorum quatuor medio, quatuor vero
ad basin corollæ adnatæ. Antheræ subrotundæ simplices.

PISTILLUM. Germina quatuor, oblonga, definentia in stylos
subulatos. Stigmata obtusa.

PERICARPIUM. Capsulæ quatuor, ovatæ acuminatæ, rectæ, trigonæ,
longitudinaliter sutura introrsum dehiscentes.

SEMINA plurima minima.

EMPALEMENT. Cup four leaved, which are lance-shaped, concave,
upright, sharp-pointed, and permanent.

BLOSSOM of one leaf, big bellied; border spreading, rolled back,
and divided into four egg-shaped, pointed segments.

_Honey-cups_ four, each consisting of a small slight scale, fixed
on the outside the base of each seed-bud.

CHIVES. Eight short threads, four of which are fixed to the middle,
and four to the base of the blossom. Tips nearly round, and simple.

POINTAL. Four seed-buds, oblong, ending in awl-shaped shafts.
Summits blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Four capsules, egg-shaped, tapering, upright and three
sided, opening inwards along the seam.

SEEDS many, very small.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Vereia, foliis oppositis, crenatis, patentibus; racemis longissimis
laxis; floribus luteis.

Vereia, with opposite, scolloped, spreading leaves; very long loose
spikes, and yellow flowers.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, (natural size.)

2. A Blossom cut open to shew the situation of the Chives.

3. The Seed-vessel, Shafts, and Summits, with the scales of the Honey-cups, as they stand in the blossom, (magnified.)

4. One Capsule of the Seed-vessel detached.