Chapter M: A. S. Salm-Dyck. Monographia generum Aloes et Mesembryanthemi (24)

=B. stellatifolium= (star-leaved). _fl._ white, sweet-scented,
disposed in elegant, axillary, spiked racemes. August. _l._
whorled, simple, serrate. _h._ 15ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1731.

=BRACHYCHITON= (from _brachys_, short, and _chiton_, a coat of mail; plants covered with imbricated hairs and scales). ORD. _Sterculiaceæ_. A genus of tropical or sub-tropical Australian trees or shrubs, allied to _Sterculia_, from which it differs in very minor points. They are of easy culture in a loamy soil. Propagated by young cuttings, planted in sandy soil, in gentle heat.

=B. acerifolium= (Acer-leaved). _fl._ bright red. _l._
long-stalked, deeply five to seven-lobed. _h._ from 60ft. to 120ft.

=B. Bidwillii= (Bidwill's).* _fl._ bright red, arranged in axillary
bunches. _l._ stalked, heart-shaped, entire, or three-lobed, and
covered with a soft pubescence. 1851. (B. M. 5133.)

=B. diversifolium= (various-leaved). _l._ coriaceous, obtuse,
lanceolate, entire, or three-lobed, glabrous; lobes acuminate. _h._
20ft. to 60ft. 1824.

=BRACHYCOME= (from _brachys_, short, and _kome_, hair). Swan River Daisy. ORD. _Compositæ_. A genus of beautiful little half-hardy perennials or annuals, closely resembling _Bellis_ in structure. Involucral bracts membranous at the margin; receptacle pitted, naked. Fruit compressed, surmounted by a very short bristly pappus. _B. iberidifolia_ is one of the prettiest of summer annuals, and in the open border it flowers profusely, if in a dry, sunny spot. Towards the autumn, it may be removed to the greenhouse, where it will still continue flowering for several weeks. Seeds may be sown in a gentle hotbed, early in the spring, and, when large enough, planted out in borders or beds, 6in. apart; or they may be sown thinly out of doors, late in April, and thinned out, when they will flower a month later than those sown in the hotbed.

=B. iberidifolia= (Iberis-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ blue or white, with
a dark centre, about 1in. in diameter. Summer and autumn. _l._
pinnate; segments linear. Plant erect, glabrous. _h._ 1ft. Swan
River, 1843. See Fig. 274.

=BRACHYLÆNA= (from _brachys_, short, and _læna_, a cloak or covering; referring to the shortness of the involucre). ORD. _Compositæ_. A genus of South African evergreen greenhouse shrubs, nearly allied to _Baccharis_. They thrive in a compost of peat and loam. Propagated by cuttings, made of half-ripened shoots, placed in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell glass.

=B. dentata= (toothed). _fl.-heads_ yellow. _l._ lanceolate, acute,
entire, rusty beneath when young, when adult quite glabrous.

=B. nerifolia= (Nerium-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, in branching
racemes or panicles. August to November. _l._ lanceolate, serrated
with one or two teeth forward. _h._ 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1752.

=BRACHYOTUM= (from _brachys_, short, and _otos_, the ear; in reference to the short appendages at the base of the anthers). ORD. _Melastomaceæ_. A handsome greenhouse evergreen shrub, with a bushy habit. Allied, and requiring similar culture, to _Pleroma_ (which _see_).

=B. confertum= (crowded).* _fl._ purple, terminal, nodding, with
cream-coloured bracts. November. _l._ oblong or ovate, small,
three-nerved, with adpressed hairs. Andes, Peru, 1873. (B. M. 6018.)

=BRACHYSEMA= (from _brachys_, short, and _sema_, a standard; the standard of the flower is very short). ORD. _Leguminosæ_. Elegant procumbent or climbing greenhouse, evergreen shrubs. Racemes axillary and terminal, few-flowered. Leaves alternate, oval or ovate, entire, mucronate, silky on the under surface. They thrive in a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam, in equal proportions, made porous, if necessary, by the addition of sand. Increased by cuttings, made of half-ripened shoots in summer, placed in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a gentle bottom heat; or by layers. Seeds may be sown in March, in heat. Brachysemas require thorough drainage, whether grown in pots or planted out. _B. latifolium_ does best under the latter treatment, when it forms a magnificent climber for pillars or the roof.

=B. lanceolatum= (lanceolate-leaved). _fl._ rich scarlet, with the
margin of the vexillum white, red at the disk, with a large yellow
spot in the centre, each about 1in. long, disposed in axillary,
sub-compound racemes. _l._ opposite, rarely alternate, ovate
or ovate-lanceolate, entire, silky white beneath. _h._ 3ft. Swan
River, 1848. (B. M. 4652.)

=B. latifolium= (broad-leaved).* _fl._ crimson-scarlet, large;
vexillum oblong-ovate. April. _l._ ovate, flat, silky beneath. New
Holland, 1803. A handsome climber. (B. R. 118.)

=B. melanopetalum= (black-petaled). Synonymous with _B. undulatum_.

=B. undulatum= (undulated).* _fl._ deep violet-maroon, solitary
or twin; vexillum oblong, cordate, convolute, and bluntish above.
March. _l._ oblong-ovate, mucronate, undulated. New South Wales,
1820. A tall subscandent plant. SYN. _B. melanopetalum_. (B. R.
642.)

=BRACHYSPATHA= (from _brachys_, short, and _spatha_, a spathe; the spathe is much shorter than the spadix). ORD. _Aroideæ_. Stove tuberous perennial, allied to, and requiring the same cultivation as, _Amorphophallus_ (which _see_).

=B. variabilis= (variable).* _fl._ exhaling an abominable fœtor,
which is, however, of very short duration; spathe much shorter than
the spadix, greenish-purple, sharply acuminate, and many-nerved;
spadix whitish, with female flower at the base, and above
contiguous to them are the males without any intermediate neutral
flowers; anthers orange red; the naked apex of the spadix is very
long, wrinkled, and pitted on the surface. _l._ solitary, 18in.
across; the spotted petiole divides at the top into three main
divisions, each of which is again forked and deeply pinnately cut;
the segments alternate, sessile, or decurrent, very unequal in
size, ovate or oval-lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous, shining. _h._
3ft. India, 1876. (G. C. 1876, 129.)

=BRACHYSTELMA= (from _brachys_, short, and _stelma_, a crown; in reference to the short coronal processes of the flowers). ORD. _Asclepiadaceæ_. Extremely curious little suffruticose, tuberous, twining, greenhouse perennials. Corolla campanulate, having angular sinuses; corona simple, five-cleft, lobes opposite the anthers, simple on the back. Leaves opposite, membranous. They thrive best in fibry loam. Propagated by cuttings, which will root in sandy soil, in heat; also by divisions of the root.

=B. Arnotti= (Arnott's). _fl._ brown, green. _l._ in opposite
pairs, nearly sessile, crisped, ovate, dull green above, densely
grey, pubescent beneath. _h._ 4in. South Africa, 1868. (Ref. B. i.,
9.)

=B. Barberæ= (Mrs. Barber's). _fl._ dingy purple, speckled with
yellow. August. _l._ large, linear-oblong, acute. _h._ 6in. South
Africa, 1866. (B. M. 5607.)

=B. ovata= (ovate-leaved). _fl._ yellowish-green. _l._ ovate,
shortly-stalked, pubescent. _h._ 1ft. South Africa, 1872. (Ref. B.
226.)

=B. spathulatum= (spathulate-leaved). _fl._ green. June. _l._
spathulate, oblong, hairy. _h._ 1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1826. (B.
R. 1113.)

=B. tuborosum= (tuberous). _fl._ purple. June. _l._
linear-lanceolate, ciliate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1821.
(B. M. 2343.)

=BRACKEN=, or =BRAKE FERN=. See =Pteris aquilina=.

=BRACTEATE.= Having bracts.

=BRACTEOLATE.= Having secondary bracts between the true bracts and the flowers.

=BRACTS.= Modified leaves placed near the calyx on the peduncle or pedicel.

=BRAHEA= (named after Tycho Brahe, the celebrated astronomer). ORD. _Palmeæ_. A small genus of dwarf palms, with fan-shaped leaves, and hermaphrodite, greenish flowers. They require rich light loam and fibrous peat, in equal parts, to which may be added a good portion of washed sand; thorough drainage and liberal supplies of water are also absolutely necessary. Propagated by seeds. During summer, they may be removed to the greenhouse, and can be employed with much success for sub-tropical gardening.

=B. dulcis= (sweet).* _l._ nearly circular, bright shining green;
petioles clothed with woolly tomentum, armed at the edges with
small close-set spines, and enveloped at the base in a network of
brown fibre. Stem stout. Mexico, 1865. A rare and slow developing
species.

=B. filamentosa= (filamentose). A synonym of _Washingtonia
filifera_.

=BRAINEA= (commemorative of C. J. Braine, Esq., of Hong Kong, China). ORD. _Filices_. Sori continuous along transverse veins, near the midrib, and also produced along the veins in the direction of the edge of the frond.

=B. insignis= (remarkable), which is the only species, has a
_trunk_ 3in. to 4in. thick; scales linear, nearly 1in. long. _sti._
firm, 3in. to 4in. long, scaly only at the base. _fronds_ 2ft
to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnæ close,
numerous, linear, finely serrated. Hong Kong, 1856. A very handsome
and interesting greenhouse tree fern, requiring a soil of loam and
peat, in equal parts, with the addition of some sharp sand, and
thorough drainage.

=BRAMBLE.= _See_ =Rubus=.

=BRASSAVOLA= (named in honour of A. M. Brassavola, a Venetian botanist). ORD. _Orchideæ_. A genus of epiphytal orchids, requiring the heat of an intermediate house. Flowers large, usually with narrow acuminate greenish petals and sepals, and a white lip, which is sometimes broad; column having a pair of great falcate ears on each side of the front, and eight pollen masses. Leaves solitary, succulent. They are of easy culture on blocks of wood, with a little moss, suspended from the roof. Water should be plentifully given during the growing season; at other times, a very small quantity will suffice. About seventeen or eighteen species have been introduced, of which the following only are worth growing:

=B. acaulis= (stemless). _fl._ large; sepals and petals long,
narrow, greenish and creamy-white; lip large, heart-shaped, and
pure white; base of tube spotted with dull rose. September. _l._
very narrow, rush-like. _h._ 4in. Central America, 1852. (P. F. G.
ii., 152.)

=B. Digbyana= (Digby's).* _fl._ solitary, 4in. across, produced
from the top of the bulb; sepals and petals creamy-white; lip same
colour, streaked with purple down the centre, and beautifully
fringed. Winter. _h._ 9in. Honduras, 1844. A compact-growing
evergreen. (B. M. 4474.)

=B. Gibbsiana= (Gibbs's).* _fl._ white, spotted with chocolate,
large, three on each spike. _l._ rather broad and very thick. This
rare, erect-growing species must be potted in peat and sphagnum.

=B. glauca= (glaucous).* _fl._ solitary, produced from a sheath at
the top of the bulb; sepals and petals yellow; lip orange, with a
white throat. Early spring. _l._ of a milky-green. _h._ 1ft. Vera
Cruz, 1837. A very handsome fragrant species, somewhat difficult
to flower, but this obstacle may be overcome by liberally growing
during the proper season, and giving it a severe dry rest. (B. M.
4033.)

=B. lineata= (lined).* _fl._ large, very fragrant; sepals and
petals creamy-white; lip large, pure white. _l._ long, terete,
channelled above, tapering to a point, very deep green. South
America, 1850. (B. M. 4734.)

=B. venosa= (veined).* _fl._ small and compact; sepals and petals
cream-coloured; lip white, strongly veined. A pretty free flowering
species. Honduras, 1839. (B. R. 26, 39.)

=BRASSIA= (named after Mr. William Brass, who was sent by Sir Joseph Banks to Cape Coast and the neighbouring districts as a botanical collector, at the end of the last century). ORD. _Orchideæ_. A genus of tropical American orchids, very nearly allied to _Oncidium_, with which, indeed, Reichenbach unites it. From this genus, however, _Brassia_ may be distinguished by its simple inflorescence, elongated tail-like sepals, and short column, which is quite destitute of the side lobes or ears that form a marked feature in the species of _Oncidium_. There are about seventeen species, of which many are not sufficiently attractive to deserve the cultivator's attention. They will succeed either in pots or in baskets, the drainage of which must be perfect. They require to be potted in good fibrous peat, broken in pieces not less in size than a walnut, placed in the warm end of a Cattleya or Brazilian house, and supplied liberally with water during summer. In winter, they must still be kept in a tolerably warm place, and given sufficient water to keep the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling. It is useless to dry off until shrivelling takes place, for experience assures us that when a plant shrivels it is generally safe to assume that it has been tried beyond its powers of endurance, and that its constitution has given way. Propagated by dividing the plants, when growth has commenced.

=B. antherotes= (brilliant).* _fl._ 7in. in diameter from tip to
tip of the sepals; sepals and petals yellow, brownish-black at the
base, narrow, 1/8in. broad, tapering; petals 1-1/2in. long; lip
triangular, yellow, barred with brown; spike strong, about 2ft. in
length. Tropical America, 1879.

=B. caudata= (tailed).* _fl._, sepals and petals yellow, barred
with brown, from 4in. to 6in. long; lip broad and yellow, spotted
with greenish-brown. When the plant is large and healthy, it
produces numerous drooping spikes, 18in. long, and many-flowered.
_h._ 1ft. West Indies, 1823 (B. R. 832.)

=B. Gireoudiana= (Gireoud's). _fl._, sepals and petals bright
yellow, spotted and blotched with deep red, produced in
many-flowered scapes of singular and beautiful flowers during
spring and early summer. This species much resembles _B. Lanceana_,
but has larger flowers. Costa Rica. (R. X. O. 1, 32.)

=B. Lanceana= (Lance's).* _fl._, sepals and petals lanceolate and
tapering, bright yellow, blotched with brown, or sometimes with
deep red; lip wholly yellow, slightly spotted at the base, and much
waved, deliciously fragrant; scapes radical, many-flowered. In the
typical species, the lip is rather more than half as long as the
sepals. _l._ rich dark green. _h._ 9in. Surinam, 1843. See Fig.
275. (B. R. 1754.)

=B. L. macrostachya= (large-spiked).* _fl._, sepals and petals
bright rich yellow, sparingly spotted with brown, as in the
type; sepals lengthened out into tail-like appendages, which are
sometimes nearly 5in. in length; lip wholly of a clear pale yellow.
Demerara.

=B. L. pumila= (dwarf). _fl._, sepals pale yellow, without spots or
markings; petals of the same colour, tinged with purple near the
base; lip about half the length of the sepals, slightly contracted
in the middle, yellow, with a brownish-yellow base. Caracas.

=B. Lawrenceana= (Lawrence's).* _fl._ large, sweet-scented; sepals
and petals bright yellow, spotted with cinnamon and green; lip
yellow, tinged with green. June to August. _h._ 1ft. Brazil, 1839.
(B. R. 27, 18.)

=B. L. longissima= (long-sepaled).* _fl._, sepals deep
orange-yellow, blotched and spotted, especially towards the base,
with reddish-purple, and lengthened out into tail-like appendages,
which, in well-grown examples, measure 7in. in length; petals about
2-1/2in. long and 1/4in. broad at the base, marked in the same
manner as the sepals; lip about 3in. long, pale yellow, dotted and
spotted towards the base with purple. August and September. Costa
Rica, 1868. A magnificent variety.

=B. maculata= (spotted).* _fl._ large; sepals and petals pale
yellow, irregularly spotted with brown; the former being short
compared with those of the other species; lip white, spotted about
and below the centre with brown and purple. Spring and early
summer. Jamaica, 1806. See Fig. 276. (B. M. 1691.)

=B. m. guttata= (spotted).* _fl._ on spikes 2ft. or 3ft. long;
sepals and petals yellowish-green, blotched with brown; lip broad,
yellow, spotted with brown. May to August. Guatemala, 1842. SYN.
_B. Wrayæ_. (B. M. 4003.)

=B. verrucosa= (warty-lipped).* _fl._ large; sepals and petals
greenish, blotched with blackish-purple; lip white, ornamented with
numerous little green protuberances or warts, hence the specific
name; scape many-flowered. May and June. Guatemala.

=B. v. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ twice the size of, and
a lighter colour than, the type. This variety is very rare, and is
said to be the best of the genus.

=B. Wrayæ= (Wray's).* A synonym of _B. maculata guttata_.

=BRASSICA= (old Latin name used by Pliny; from _Bresic_, the Celtic name for Cabbage). Cabbage. ORD. _Cruciferæ_. Herbaceous, usually biennial, rarely annual or perennial, or suffrutescent plants, usually with a short caudex. Flowers yellow, rarely white, but never purple nor veined. Radical leaves usually stalked, lyrate, or pinnatifid; cauline ones sessile or stem-clasping, entire; racemes elongated; pedicels bractless, filiform. Full cultural details will be found under the popular garden name of each variety.

=B. oleracea= (herb-like). _fl._ pale yellow, large. May and June.
_l._ glaucous, waved, lobed, smooth. Root-stem cylindrical, fleshy.
_h._ 1ft. to 3ft. England. Biennial.

=B. o. acephala= (headless). Borecole or Kale. Stem round,
elongated. _l._ expanded, racemes panicled.

=B. o. botrytis asparagoides= (Asparagus-like). The Broccoli.
_fl._ abortive. Stem taller than that of the Cauliflower. _l._
greyish-glaucous, elongated. Branchlets fleshy, bearing small
flower-buds at the top.

=B. o. b. cauliflora= (Cauliflower). Heads of flower-buds thick,
terminal. Stem short. _l._ oblong, of a greyish-glaucous colour.

=B. o. bullata gemmifera= (bud-bearing). Brussels Sprouts. Heads
small, numerous, rising from the axils of the leaves along an
elongated stem.

=B. o. b. major= (larger). Savoy Cabbage. Heads of leaves loose,
thick, terminal, roundish. _l._ blistered.

=B. o. capitata= (headed). The Cabbage. Stem round, short. _l._
concave, not blistered, crowded into a head before flowering;
racemes panicled.

=B. o. Caulo-rapa= (Kohl-Rabi). Stem tumid and somewhat globose at
the origin of the leaves.

=B. Rapa= (Rape). The Turnip. Radical leaves lyrate, destitute of
glaucous bloom, green, covered with bristly hairs; middle cauline
ones cut; upper ones quite entire, smooth.

=BRASSICACEÆ.= _See_ =Cruciferæ=.

=BRAVOA= (named after Bravo, a Mexican botanist). ORD. _Amaryllidaceæ_. A pretty little graceful bulbous plant, hardy in very sheltered positions, but in exposed situations requiring a slight protection in winter. It is an admirable plant for cool-house culture, and delights in a compost of light rich loam, leaf mould, and sand. Propagated by offsets, which are obtainable in autumn; or by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe.

=B. geminiflora= (twin-flowered).* Twin Flower. _fl._ rich
orange-red, tubular, drooping, disposed in the upper part of the
flower-stems, which are sometimes 2ft. long. July. _l._ linear,
ensiform, pale green. Mexico, 1841. (B. M. 4741.)

=BRAZILIAN TEA.= _See_ =Ilex paraguariensis= and =Stachytarpheta jamaicensis=.

=BRAZIL NUT.= _See_ =Bertholletia=.

=BRAZIL WOOD.= _See_ =Cæsalpinia brasiliensis=.

=BREAD FRUIT.= _See_ =Artocarpus=.

=BREAD NUT.= _See_ =Brosimum=.

=BREDIA= (named in honour of Professor J. G. S. van Bred). ORD. _Melastomaceæ_. An ornamental greenhouse shrub, thriving in rich light loam, leaf soil, and peat. Propagated by cuttings of the ripened shoots, inserted in sandy loam, under a hand glass, in heat; or by seeds.

=B. hirsuta= (hairy).* _fl._ rose-pink, about 1/2in. across,
disposed in loose, terminal, many-flowered cymes. Autumn. _l._
ovate acuminate, hairy. Japan, 1870. (B. M. 6647.)

=BREEZE.= The small particles or refuse of gas coke. It constitutes a very cheap fuel, but, unless mixed with good coke, is only suitable for boilers of the saddle type, having a good draught. Breeze must not, however, be confounded with coke-dust.

=BREVOORTIA COCCINEA.= _See_ =Brodiæa coccinea=.

=BREXIA= (from _brexis_, rain; the large leaves afford protection against rain). ORD. _Saxifrageæ_. Excellent stove trees. Flowers green, in axillary umbels, surrounded by bracts on the outside. Leaves alternate, simple, dotless, and furnished with minute stipules. Stems nearly simple. They require a compost of two parts loam and one of peat, with the addition of a little sand, to keep the whole open. A liberal supply of water must be given at all seasons. Cuttings, with their leaves not shortened, strike readily in sand under a hand glass, in heat; or a leaf taken off with a bud attached will grow. Leaves as in accompanying illustration (Fig. 277), and long, narrow, spiny-toothed ones, are often produced on the same plant. Probably the two species enumerated below are simply forms of one. Well hardened off, strong growing plants of _B. madagascariensis_ are very suitable for sub-tropical gardening.

=B. madagascariensis= (Madagascar).* _l._ obovate or oblong,
entire, while young minutely gland-toothed. _h._ 20ft. Madagascar,
1812. See Fig. 277.

=B. spinosa= (spiny). _l._ lanceolate, 20in. long, 2in. broad,
spiny-toothed. _h._ 20ft. Madagascar, 1820.

=BREXIACEÆ.= A section of _Saxifrageæ_.

=BRIAR.= _See_ =Rosa=.

=BRICKS.= In England, the standard thickness of brick walls is a Brick and a-half, that is, the length of one brick and the breadth of another. Thirty-two paving bricks, laid flat, will form one square yard of flooring; if set on edge, eighty-four will be required for the same space. The best Bricks for walls are those termed Stocks, which are well burnt. Grizzells and Place Bricks, being only partially burnt, are soft and not durable. In various parts of the kingdom, different clays and methods of manufacture cause a disparity in the weight and appearance of the finished article. Several forms are made to suit various purposes, but the standard size is 9in. long by 4-1/2in. wide, by 2-1/2in. thick, although, since the remission of the duty, some slight variations occur, owing to shrinkage and other causes. Fire Bricks are made of a particular kind of clay, which will stand intense heat when once burnt, and are used in furnaces and other places where durability under great heat is a desideratum. Fire-clay should always be used in place of mortar in building with these.

=BRILLANTAISIA= (named after M. Brillant). ORD. _Acanthaceæ_. A very small genus of erect, branching, stove evergreen shrubs. Flowers large, in terminal panicles; corolla ringent; upper lip falcate and overarching, with a trifid apex, the lower one large, spreading, shortly trifid. Leaves ovate-cordate, on long petioles. For culture, _see_ =Barleria=.

=B. owariensis= (Owarian).* _fl._ violet-blue; cymes sub-sessile,
loose; panicles terminal. March. _l._ large, opposite, petiolate.
_h._ 3ft. Western Africa, 1853. This plant, in its habit of growth,
resembles some of the largest species of _Salvia_. (B. M. 4717.)

=BRISTLES.= Stiff hairs.

=BRISTLY.= Covered with stiff hairs.

=BRISTLY-TOOTHED.= Furnished with teeth like bristles, or with the teeth ending each in a bristle.

=BRIZA= (from _briza_, to nod). Quaking Grass. ORD. _Gramineæ_. A genus of ornamental hardy grasses. Panicle loose; calyx two-valved; corolla two-valved, awnless; exterior one ventricose, interior small and flat. Fruit adnate with the corolla. These extremely graceful plants delight in a soil composed of loam, leaf soil, and peat. Seeds may be sown in spring or autumn. For decorative purposes, the branches should be gathered as soon as full grown, and loosely placed in flower-stands, to dry. Tufts of these plants look extremely pretty on the rockery, or amongst hardy ferns.

=B. gracilis= (graceful). Synonymous with _B. minor_.

=B. maxima= (greatest).* _fl._, spikelets oblong-cordate, thirteen
to seventeen-flowered; panicle nodding at the end. June and July.
_l._ long, linear-acuminate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. South Europe, 1633. See
Fig. 278.

=B. media= (middle).* Common Quaking Grass. _fl._, spikelets
broadly ovate, of about seven florets (calyx shorter than the
florets), tremulous with the slightest breeze, very smooth, shining
purple. Branches of the panicle thread-shaped, divaricating,
purple. June. _l._ short, linear acuminate. _h._ 1ft. Britain. (S.
E. B. 1774.)

=B. minima= (least). Synonymous with _B. minor_.

=B. minor= (small).* Little Quaking Grass. _fl._, spikelets
triangular, seven-flowered; glumes longer than the flowers; panicle
with hair-like branches. June and July. _l._ pale green, short,
narrow. _h._ 8in. England (but very rare). An exceedingly pretty
little annual or perennial grass. SYNS. _B. gracilis_ and _B.
minima_. See FIG. 279. (S. E. B. 1775.)

=B. spicata= (spiked). A recent introduction from Brazil, described
as being very graceful and quite distinct, having erect spikes
about 8in. in height.

=BROADCAST.= A method of sowing seeds by means of the hand, scattering them over the surface of the ground as equally as possible. It is now superseded, for the majority of garden and field crops, by drilling, which not only economises the quantity of seed used, but greatly facilitates subsequent weeding and thinning out.

=BROCCOLI= (_Brassica oleracea botrytis asparagoides_). A cultivated variety of the Cabbage, having the young inflorescence condensed into a fleshy, edible head (see Fig. 280). To grow this popular vegetable successfully, it is necessary to have rich soil of a good depth, in an open situation, where the plants can have plenty of sun and air to keep them sturdy. They succeed the autumn Cauliflower, and are in season from November till May.

_Soil._ In preparing ground for Broccoli, trench, in the autumn, to the depth of from 1-1/2ft. to 2ft., and during the process work in a liberal dressing of rotten farmyard manure. Ground which has carried a crop of Celery is very suitable for the strong-growing kinds, as, by planting where the Celery rows have been, the necessity of trenching is, to a great extent, obviated. Smaller kinds, however, need to be planted closer in order to obtain a profitable crop.

_Cultivation._ At the beginning of May, prepare seed beds on a south border, and sow the earlier and sprouting kinds. The later varieties would, perhaps, be best sown in April, but they must not be put in early and allowed to remain too long in the seed bed. Sow thinly, to get the plants as sturdy as possible; and, to prevent clubbing, work in a little soot or wood ashes on the surface of the beds. Care must also be taken to pick off the club excrescences at planting time, should there be any, and to destroy the grub inside. Clubbing is not so frequent in ground which has been well trenched, and where the plants are not allowed to suffer from drought. Showery weather should be selected for transferring them to their permanent quarters. If it is desired that they should succeed potatoes, they may be planted between every two alternate rows, and the latter crop can be removed when ready. Broccoli succeed best where the ground is firm, and not recently dug or manured. Planting with a crowbar is preferable to digging the ground afresh. If grown by themselves, a distance of from 2ft. to 3ft. should be allowed between the rows, and an equal distance from plant to plant. Some of the early varieties will, in favourable seasons, follow the later Cauliflowers, while the latest will not be fit for use until the following spring. The heads should be cut as soon as they are large enough; they will keep good for a week in a cold place, while a day or two might open them too much if allowed to remain on the plants. Broccoli which have to stand the winter are liable to injury from severe frosts, and some method of protection is necessary. Two plans are recommended for both large and small gardens, and either or both may be adopted, as found convenient. The first is to apply a covering of fern or other dry protective material, not using too much, but giving sufficient to break the rays of the sun, which, perhaps, do as much harm as the actual frost. The other plan is to take up the plants as soon as the flowers can be seen, and lay them in under a hedge or wall until required for use. In sheltered positions, or where there are trees to break the force of the wind, the covering with dry litter during severe weather will generally be found sufficient; still, a little precaution in lifting will frequently save a valuable crop. Broccoli should never follow a crop of any other kind of cruciferous plants, particularly Cabbage.

_Sorts._ Veitch's Self-protecting Autumn, Purple and White Cape, Grange's Early White, and Snow's Winter White. These are the best for autumn and mid-winter supplies. A good selection for spring and late purposes is Mitchinson's Penzance, Knight's Protecting, Cooling's Matchless, Purple Sprouting, Model, Willcove, Leamington, and Cattell's Eclipse.

=BRODIÆA= (named after J. J. Brodie, a Scotch cryptogamist). SYN. _Hookera_. ORD. _Liliaceæ_. Pretty, slender, hardy, or in some positions only half-hardy, bulbs. The flowers are usually borne in large clusters or umbels; the prevailing colour is blue; _coccinea_ is, however, an exception, the flowers being scarlet. The scape is usually straight and slender, but strong. Leaves from two to four in number, enveloping the part of the scape beneath the surface, and procumbent thereon. Most of them are of easy culture in rich sandy loam; if grown in pots, a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and sand, suits them well. Increased freely by offsets, which should be left undisturbed with the parent bulbs till they reach a flowering state, when they may be divided and replanted in autumn.

=B. capitata= (headed).* _fl._ deep violet-blue, funnel-shaped,
disposed in a compact, many-flowered umbel; valves of the spathe
also deep violet. May. _l._ narrow, linear. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft.
California, 1871.

=B. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ 1-1/2in. long, tubular,
rich blood-red below, the apex of the tube and the segments
yellowish-green; umbels composed of five to fifteen drooping
flowers. June. _l._ linear, loose, shorter than the scape. _h._
1-1/2ft. California, 1870. Very handsome, distinct from all other
species, requiring a warm, well-drained, and sunny position, and to
remain undisturbed. SYN. _Brevoortia coccinea_. See Fig. 281. (B.
M. 5857.)

=B. congesta= (close-headed).* _fl._ blue, with the crown paler;
segments cleft at the top; umbel bearing six to eight blooms. The
stamens in this species are metamorphosed into fleshy scales,
which adhere to the mouth of the perianth. Summer. _l._ few, long,
slender, channelled on the inside. Bulb small, roundish, and much
wrinkled. _h._ 1ft. Georgia, &c., 1806. A very free-growing and
rapidly increasing species.

=B. c. alba= (white).* _fl._ white; in other respects like the
type, but not so vigorous.

=B. gracilis= (graceful).* _fl._ deep yellow, with brown nerves,
1/2in. or rather more long, in few-flowered umbels. July. _l._
solitary, about 1/4in. broad, longer than the scape. _h._ 3in. to
4in. California, 1876. A scarce and rather tender little species,
but very pretty.

=B. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ bluish-purple, with
entire pointed segments; umbels bearing two to seven somewhat
scattered blooms. Summer. _l._ two to three or more, linear,
pointed, slender, grooved on the inside, furnished with a few
membranous scales. Bulb small, roundish, dry and wrinkled. _h._
1-1/2ft. North America, 1806. SYN. _Hookera coronaria_. (B. R.
1183.)

=B. Howellii= (Howell's).* _fl._ purplish-blue, about 3/4in.
across, sub-bell-shaped, in many-flowered umbels. July and August.
_l._ narrow acute, grooved, shorter than the scape. _h._ 18in. to
24in. California, 1880.

=B. ixioides= (Ixia-like). _See_ =Calliprora lutea=.

=B. lactea= (milky-white).* _fl._ white, usually with green
midribs, 1/2in. to 3/4in. across, saucer-shaped, in many-flowered
umbels. June and July. _l._ linear, acute, nearly as long as the
scape. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. California, 1833. SYNS. _Hesperoscordum
lacteum_, _Milla hyacinthina_.

=B. multiflora= (many-flowered).* _fl._ blue-purple, very numerous,
in sub-globose heads. May. _l._ linear, elongate, 1ft. to 2ft.
long, rather fleshy. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. California, 1872. (B. M.
5989.)

=B. volubilis= (twining). _fl._ rose-coloured, in dense umbels,
each containing fifteen to thirty blooms; scape twining, sometimes
12ft. long. July. _l._ narrow, linear-lanceolate, 1ft. long,
synanthous. California, 1874. Half-hardy bulb. (B. M. 6123.)

=BROMELIA= (named after Bromel, a Swedish botanist). ORD. _Bromeliaceæ_. A genus of stove herbaceous perennials, allied to the Pineapple. Flowers, corolla three-petaled, convolute, erect, or spreading at the top. Leaves densely packed, rigid, lanceolate, with spiny margins. Stems short. These plants require much the same treatment as _Billbergia_. Allied genera are _Æchmea_, _Ananassa_, _Billbergia_, _Disteganthus_, _Greigia_, _Karatas_, _Ruckia_ (which _see_).

=B. antiacantha= (opposite-spined). _fl._ purple, scarlet. Brazil,
1864. SYN. _B. sceptrum_.

=B. bicolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ scarlet, in a close central
sessile head. March. _l._ numerous, narrow, ensiform, outer
green, central crimson; elegantly radiate. Chili, 1872. SYNS. _B.
Joinvillei_, _B. pitcairniæfolia_. (B. H. 14.)

=B. bracteata= (red-bracted).* _fl._ pink; scape elongated; raceme
compound; bracts red, ovate-lanceolate. September. _l._ serrate,
spiny. _h._ 2ft. Jamaica, 1785.

=B. Fernandæ= (Fernanda's).* _fl._ yellowish, in ovoid heads;
bracts orange-red. July. _l._ linear-ligulate, 24in. to 30in. long,
recurved, spiny-edged. Para, 1872.

=B. Joinvillei= (Joinville's). A synonym of _B. bicolor_.

=B. Karatas.= _See_ =Karatas Plumieri=.

=B. pitcairniæfolia= (Pitcairnia-leaved). A synonym of _B. bicolor_.

=B. sceptrum= (sceptre-like). A synonym of _B. antiacantha_ and
_Karatas Plumieri_.

=BROMELIACEÆ.= An extensive order of stemless or short-stemmed plants, having rigid, channelled, and usually spiny leaves. Flowers very showy; outer perianth three-cleft, persistent, inner one of three withering segments; stamens six, inserted in the tube of the perianth. To this order belongs the Pineapple. The genera best known in gardens are _Ananassa_, _Æchmea_, _Billbergia_, _Bromelia_, and _Tillandsia_.

=BROMHEADIA= (in honour of Sir Edward Finch Bromhead). ORD. _Orchideæ_. A small genus of stove orchids, comprising a couple of species, with erect stems, large flowers, and cucullate lip, which is parallel with the column. For culture, _see_ =Ansellia=.

=B. palustris= (marsh).* _fl._, sepals and calyx white; lip white
externally, within streaked with purple, and having a yellow blotch
in centre; spike terminal, distichous, flexuous, many-flowered,
on a long peduncle; bracts short, stiff, tooth-like. June. _l._
distichous, oblong-linear, emarginate. _h._ 2ft. Singapore, 1840.
(B. R. 30, 18.)

=BROMUS= (from _bromos_, the Greek name for a wild oat). _Ord._ _Gramineæ_. _B. brizæformis_ (see Fig. 282) is an elegant biennial grass, with drooping panicles of spikelets, about as large as those of _Briza maxima_. It grows about 2ft. high, and is of very easy culture in common garden soil. Sow seeds outside in patches, in July, thinning out the plants when necessary. There are numerous other species belonging to this genus, but the above-mentioned is the only one worth growing in gardens. It forms a beautiful object in the mixed border, or among ferns.

=BRONGNIARTIA= (in honour of Adolphe Brongniart, a distinguished botanist, and one of the editors of "Annales des Sciences Naturelles"). ORD. _Leguminosæ_. Handsome greenhouse evergreen sub-shrubs, clothed with silky villi. Flowers large, purple; pedicels twin, axillary, one-flowered. Leaves impari-pinnate, with many pairs of leaflets, the terminal one not remote from the rest. They require a compost of sandy loam, leaf soil, and fibry peat, with perfect drainage. Cuttings of the young shoots, if firm at the base, will root if dibbled in sand, under a bell glass, in a cool house.

=B. podalyrioides= (Podalyria-like).* _fl._ purple, large.
September. _l._ with two to five pairs of leaflets; leaflets
elliptic-oblong, rounded, and mucronate at the apex, clothed with
adpressed hairs on both surfaces, but silky when young. _h._ 1ft.
New Spain, 1827.

=B. sericea= (silky).* _fl._ purple. September. _h._ 1ft. _l._,
leaflets ovate-oblong, acute, very silky on both surfaces. Mexico,
1843.

=BROOK-LIME.= _See_ =Veronica Beccabunga=.

=BROOM.= _See_ =Besom=.

=BROOM.= _See_ =Cytisus scoparius=.

=BROOM RAPE.= _See_ =Orobanche=.

=BROOM, SPANISH.= _See_ =Spartium junceum=.

=BROSIMUM= (from _brosimos_, edible; fruit edible). Bread Nut. ORD. _Urticaceæ_. A genus of stove evergreen shrubs or trees, principally of economic value in their native countries. Male and female flowers generally in a globular head, but sometimes borne on separate trees; calyx and corolla wanting. Leaves entire. They generally thrive in a rich fibry loam. Cuttings of ripe wood, with their leaves on, root if placed in sand, in moist heat.

=B. Alicastrum.= _fl._, catkins globose, stalked, twin, axillary.
_fr._ coated. _l._ ovate-lanceolate. _h._ 6ft. Jamaica, 1776.

=BROUGHTONIA= (named after Mr. Arthur Broughton, an English botanist). ORD. _Orchideæ_. A very compact-growing stove evergreen, allied to _Lælia_, succeeding best if suspended from the roof on a block of wood, with a little moss; it requires a free supply of heat and water when in a growing state. Propagated by dividing the plant. The colour of the flowers is very distinct.

=B. sanguinea= (blood-coloured).* _fl._ blood-coloured, rather
large, disposed in a terminal panicle; scape divided; column
distinct, or at the very base united with the unguiculate lip,
which is lengthened at the base into a tube, connate with the
ovarium. Summer. _l._ twin, oblong, seated on a pseudo-bulb. _h._
1-1/2ft. Jamaica, 1793. (B. M. 3076.)

=BROUSSONETIA= (named after P. N. V. Broussonet, a French naturalist, who wrote numerous works on Natural History). ORD. _Urticaceæ_. Ornamental fast-growing, deciduous, Mulberry-like trees. They require rather good open garden soil, and prove hardy in situations which are not very exposed. Propagated by suckers and cuttings of ripened wood, inserted in autumn, in a cool house; and by seeds, sown when ripe, or kept till the following April.

=B. papyrifera= (paper-bearing).* The Paper Mulberry. _fl._
greenish, diœcious; males in pendulous, cylindrical catkins, each
flower in the axil of a bract; females in peduncled, axillary,
upright globular heads. May. _l._ simple, alternate, exstipulate,
variously lobed or entire, hairy, large. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. China,
1751. There are several varieties, differing in the shape and
character of the leaves. (B. M. 2358).

=BROWALLIA= (named in honour of John Browall, Bishop of Abo, who defended the sexual system of Linnæus against Siegesbeck, in a book entitled "Examen epicriseos," &c., 1739). ORD. _Scrophularineæ_. A genus of handsome shrubs or herbs. Flowers blue or white, axillary and terminal; corolla salver-shaped, resupinate from the contortion of the peduncle; tube fifteen-nerved, ventricose at top. Leaves alternate, stalked, ovate in outline. They thrive best in a rich, open, sandy soil. To have strong plants in bloom by Christmas and after, seeds should be sown in July, in pans or pots of light rich sandy soil, and kept in a close frame, or hand light, where they can be shaded till germination takes place. When large enough to handle, the seedlings may either be pricked out, three in a pot, or potted singly, according to the size of the specimens required. In the former way, they form fine masses for conservatory or greenhouse decoration, or to cut from; and in the latter, they are very suitable for window recesses, &c. After potting, they should be stood in a pit or frame, and syringed every morning and evening, to ward off attacks of insect pests. An abundance of well-diluted liquid manure is required as soon as the flower-buds appear. To keep the plants dwarf and bushy, it will be needful to stop them about three times during the remainder of the summer and autumn, keeping as near the glass as possible; they should be housed by the end of September. These elegant little greenhouse annuals are unrivalled for affording choice, neat sprays for bouquets during the winter and early spring months, or for growing as pot plants, to furnish warm greenhouses or sitting-room windows. Many of the species and varieties are largely employed for summer decoration of the flower garden, with highly satisfactory results; for this purpose, seeds should be sown in gentle heat early in spring, and the plants transferred to the flower borders late in June, or early in July, having been previously encouraged in pots, and well hardened off.

=B. abbreviata= (shortened). _fl._ light red; pedicels shorter than
the calyx; calyx campanulate, with teeth as long as the tube. _l._
oval, hairy when young, quite glabrous when mature. 1852. (R. G.
94.)

=B. demissa= (low).* _fl._ of a bright but pale blue colour,
sometimes red or purple; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, downy.
June. _l._ ovate-oblong, acuminated, oblique at the base. _h._ 6in.
to 1ft. Panama, 1735. (B. M. 1136.)

=B. elata= (tall).* _fl._ deep blue; calyx beset with glandular
hairs; peduncles axillary, one or many-flowered. July. _l._ oval,
acuminated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Peru, 1768. Of this extensively-grown
species there are two varieties, one with white flowers, and the
other, _grandiflora_, with pale blue, both of which are well worth
growing. See Fig. 283. (B. M. 34.)

=B. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._, corolla with a
greenish-yellow tube, which is clothed with glandular villi, and a
white or very pale lilac limb; peduncles one-flowered, axillary,
racemose at the tops of the branches. July. _l._ ovate, acute,
attenuated into the petioles at the base. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. Peru,
1829. (B. M. 3069.)

=B. Jamesoni= (Jameson's).* _fl._ bright orange, with
lighter-coloured throat, tubular. June. _h._ 4ft. New Grenada,
1850. This species has been recently re-introduced, after having
been lost to cultivation for over thirty years. (B. M. 4605.)

=B. Roezli= (Roezl's). _fl._ large, either of a delicate azure
blue, or white, with a yellow tube. Spring to autumn. _l._ shining
green. An exceedingly pretty species, having flowers double the
size of any other, and forming a dense compact bush, 1-1/2ft. to
2ft. in height. Rocky Mountains.

=BROWNEA= (named after Patrick Browne, M.D., author of a History of Jamaica). ORD. _Leguminosæ_. Very handsome stove evergreen trees or shrubs, allied to _Amherstia_. Flowers of a rose-scarlet colour, rising in fascicled heads from the axillary buds. Leaves abruptly-pinnate, when young flaccid, and with the leaflets revolute at the edges; leaf-bud long and stipulaceous. All the species are well worthy of the most extensive cultivation. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand, is a soil well adapted for them, and great care should be taken not to over-water the plants in winter, as too great a supply will be sure to kill them. Propagated by cuttings, taken from ripened wood, planted in a pot of sand, and placed under a hand glass, in a moist heat.

=B. Ariza= (Ariza).* _fl._ richest scarlet, produced in a
large, globular, drooping head of immense size. Summer. _l._
pinnate, usually with six or eight pairs of pinnæ, which are
oblong-lanceolate, and sharply tapered to a point. _h._ 20ft. to
40ft. Columbia, 1843. This noble tree requires a large house to
fully perfect its beauty. SYN. _B. princeps_. (B. M. 6459.)

=B. Birschellii= (Birschell's). _fl._ rose-coloured, in drooping
racemes. April to July. _l._ pinnate; leaflets oblanceolate, 6in.
long. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. La Guayra, 1872. (B. M. 5998.)

=B. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ scarlet, fascicled. July to August.
_l._ with two to three pairs of oval-oblong, acuminated leaflets.
_h._ 6ft. to 10ft. Venezuela, 1793. (B. M. 3964.)

=B. grandiceps= (large-headed).* _fl._ red, in dense capitate
spikes. July. _l._ with usually twelve pairs of oblong-lanceolate
glandless leaflets, ending in a long cuspidate acumen; branches and
petioles pubescent. _h._ (in its native home) 60ft. Caraccas, 1829.
(B. M. 4859.)

=B. latifolia= (broad-leaved). _fl._ red, in dense fascicles;
involucre tomentose. _l._ with one to three pairs of ovate or
obovate-cuspidate leaflets. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. Caraccas, 1824.

=B. macrophylla= (large-leaved).* _fl._ orange-scarlet, in dense
heads, often measuring nearly 3ft. in circumference. Central
America, 1879. (G. C. 1873, p. 779.)

=B. princeps= (chief). A synonym of _B. Ariza_.

=B. racemosa= (clustered).* _fl._ rose-coloured, racemose;
involucre and calyx clothed with fine tomentum. _l._ with
four pairs of unequal-sided, oblong, or oblong-lanceolate,
cuspidately-acuminated leaflets, which are glanduliferous at the
base. _h._ 4ft. Caraccas, 1826.

=B. Rosa del Monte.= _fl._ scarlet, in dense heads; leaflets of
the involucre roundish, imbricated, and, when in a young state,
rather velvety. June. _l._ with two to three pairs of oval-oblong
acuminated leaflets; branches and petioles glabrous. _h._ 8ft.
South America, 1820. (B. R. 1472.)

=BROWNLOWIA= (named in honour of Lady Brownlow, daughter of Sir Abraham Hume, and a great patroness of botany). ORD. _Tiliaceæ_. Very handsome greenhouse evergreen trees, thriving well in a mixture of loam and peat. Cuttings of ripe shoots will root if placed in sand, under a hand glass, in heat.

=B. elata= (tall).* _fl._ yellow; panicle terminal, conical, spreading.
May. _l._ large, cordate, acute, seven-nerved, smooth. _h._ 60ft.
India, 1823. (B. R. 1472.)

=BRUCEA= (commemorative of James Bruce, the celebrated African traveller). ORD. _Simarubeæ_. Ornamental stove evergreen shrubs. Flowers small, purplish inside, disposed in interrupted glomerate spikes, or racemes. Leaves impari-pinnate, with six pairs of opposite, entire or serrated leaflets, without dots. Branches, peduncles, petioles, and nerves of leaves, clothed with rufescent down. They thrive in a loamy soil; and cuttings from ripened wood strike freely, in a pot of sand, under a hand glass, in a moderate heat.

=B. antidysenterica= (antidysenteric). _fl._, racemes simple,
spike-like. May. _l._, leaflets quite entire, clothed with rusty
villi on the nerves beneath. _h._ 8ft. Abyssinia, 1775.

=B. sumatrana= (Sumatra).* _fl._ dark purple; racemes usually
compound. May. _l._, leaflets serrated, villous beneath. _h._ 20ft.
Sumatra, 1822.

=BRUCHUS GRANARIUS.= _See_ =Bean Beetle=.

=BRUCHUS PISI.= _See_ =Pea Weevil=.

=BRUGMANSIA.= _See_ =Datura=.

=BRUNFELSIA= (named after Otto Brunfels, of Mentz, first a Carthusian monk, and afterwards a physician; he published the first good figures of plants in 1530). SYN. _Franciscea_. ORD. _Scrophularineæ_. Elegant free-flowering stove evergreens. Flowers sweet-scented; corolla large, funnel or salver-shaped, with a long tube, and a flat, five-lobed, obtuse, nearly equal limb. A light rich soil, or a compost of loam, leaf soil, and peat, is necessary to grow these plants successfully. Propagated by cuttings, planted in sand, and placed under bell glasses, in a moderate heat. When rooted, they should be placed in small pots, in a compost somewhat more sandy than that already mentioned. While growing, they require to be kept in a moist stove temperature, and should be hardened by placing them in a drier, and somewhat cooler, temperature after each growth is completed; the pots should be changed as often as the roots become thick around the ball of earth. The larger plants flower freely, and should be slightly pruned in annually, before commencing their new growth, thus securing neat and compact specimens. Repotting should be effected directly they have done flowering. The plants should then be placed in a temperature ranging from 60deg. to 68deg., and both the roots and foliage liberally supplied with water. When flowers appear--about October or November--the syringing must be less frequently performed. At this period, if it be desirable to prolong the flowering season, the plants should be removed to a temperature of about 48deg. A few administrations of weak liquid manure during the growing season are of great value.

=B. acuminata= (taper-pointed-leaved).* _fl._ bluish-violet, few,
sub-cymose, terminal. April. _l._ oblong, acuminated, attenuated
a little at the base, glabrous; bracts lanceolate, acuminated,
glabrous. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Rio Janeiro, 1840. (B. M. 4189.)

=B. americana= (American).* _fl._ first yellow, then white, very
sweet-scented; axillary flowers solitary, terminal ones numerous.
June. _l._ obovate, elliptic, acuminated, longer than the petioles.
_h._ 4ft. to 6ft. West Indies, 1735. There are narrow and
broad-leaved varieties of this species. (B. M. 393.)

=B. calycina= (cup-shaped).* _fl._ purple, disposed in large
trusses, which are produced in succession throughout the whole
year. _l._ large, lanceolate, shining light green. _h._ 2ft.
Brazil, 1850. One of the largest-flowered species grown. (B. M.
4583.)

=B. confertiflora= (dense-flowered). _fl._ soft blue, cymosely
crowded, terminal. January to June. _l._ nearly sessile,
oblong-acute, attenuated at the base, rather pilose, ciliated,
yellowish-green above; bracteoles oblong, attenuated at the base,
and are, as well as the calyces, clothed with rusty hairs. _h._
1ft. to 2ft. Brazil.

=B. eximia= (choice).* _fl._ produced from the points of the
shoots, upwards of 2in. in diameter, deep purple. January to July.
_l._ oblong-lanceolate, dark green, but not glossy. _h._ 2-1/2ft.
Brazil, 1847. (B. M. 4790.)

=B. grandiflora= (large-flowered). _fl._ greenish; limb of corolla
2in. in diameter, corymbose, terminal. June. _l._ elliptic-oblong,
acuminated. Branches twiggy. _h._ 3ft. Peru.

=B. hydrangeæformis= (Hydrangea-like).* _fl._ beautiful
bluish-violet; cymes terminal, hemispherical, large. April. _l._
oblong, acute, cuneiform at base, quite glabrous, 1ft. long; bracts
lanceolate, aggregate. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1840. This is one
of the most elegant species of the genus. (B. M. 4209.)

=B. latifolia= (broad-leaved). _fl._ at first lavender-colour, with
a distinct white eye, eventually becoming almost white; deliciously
fragrant, sub-cymose, terminal. Winter to early spring. _l._
broad-elliptic, acutish, greyish-white, 6in. to 7in. long, and 2in.
to 2-3/4in. broad. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1840. (B. M. 3907.)

=B. Lindeniana= (Linden's).* _fl._ rich purple, with a light eye.
_l._ ovate-acuminate, dark green. Brazil, 1865. (B. H. 1865, 226.)

=B. uniflora= (one-flowered). _fl._ solitary; corolla with a
whitish tube, and a bluish-violet or purple limb. Winter. _l._
elliptic, acute; branches greenish, hoary, diffuse, spreading. _h._
1ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1826. (L. B. C. 1332.)

=BRUNIA= (named after Corneille de Bruin, better known under the name of Le Brun, a Dutchman, a traveller in the Levant). ORD. _Bruniaceæ_. Elegant little greenhouse evergreen Heath-like shrubs, more or less branched, with the branches in whorls, erect or spreading. Flowers capitate, furnished with three bracts each, or sometimes deficient of the two lateral ones. Leaves small, closely imbricate. They require a compost of peat and sand, with a little leaf soil added, firm potting and good drainage. Cuttings of young shoots root freely in sand, under a hand light, in summer.

=B. nodiflora= (knot-flowered).* _fl._ white; heads globose, size
of a cherry, on the tops of the branches. July. _l._ lanceolate,
awl-shaped, trigonal, acute, smooth, closely imbricate, not
ustulate at the apex. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1786.
See Fig. 284.

=BRUNIACEÆ.= An order of much-branched Heath-like shrubs, usually having small leaves, which are crowded and entire. Flowers in terminal heads; petals five, alternating with the lobes of the calyx. The typical genus is _Brunia_.

=BRUNONIA= (named after Robert Brown, the most eminent botanist of his time). ORD. _Goodenoviæ_. A stemless greenhouse perennial herb, with the habit of _Scabiosa_, downy from glandless simple hairs. Flowers distinct, with a whorl of five membranous bracts; corolla blue, marcescent. Radical leaves quite entire, spathulate; scapes undivided, each bearing one head; head hemispherical, lobate; lobes involucrated by foliaceous bracts. It thrives in a compost of decayed manure, or leaf soil and peat, with a little loam added; thorough drainage is necessary. Propagated by divisions, in early spring, previous to repotting.

=B. australis= (southern)* is the only species known to be in
cultivation. _h._ 1ft. New Holland, 1834. (B. R. 1833.)

=BRUNSVIGIA= (named after the noble House of Brunswick). ORD. _Amaryllideæ_. Very showy greenhouse bulbous plants, from the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers red, on very long pedicels. Bulbs large. Leaves broad, horizontal; perianth with an evident longer or shorter tube, curving upwards, funnel-shaped, deeply six-parted, deciduous; segments sub-equal, many-nerved, flat, and recurved at the apex; stamens on the tube much curved upwards; scape appearing in summer without the leaves; umbels many-flowered. Propagation is effected by offsets, of which the large bulbs produce but few. These, when secured, may be removed after reaching some considerable size, carefully potted in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, with good drainage, and kept tolerably warm and close until established; water must be given but sparingly until root-action has commenced. The best place for growing the offsets into a flowering size is on a shelf near the glass, in a temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg. With an abundance of water while growing, and kept dry while semi-dormant, thus allowing them a rest, the bulbs will speedily increase in size; but it may be years before flowers are produced. Culture: This may be divided into two periods-one of growth, and one of rest. After the latter period, they should be allowed to start into fresh growth, without stimulation, and, as soon as started, liberal supplies of water should be given, and a genial temperature of from 60deg. to 65deg. maintained, to make them grow vigorously. Good-sized pots are also necessary, with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in equal parts. They are usually confined to the greenhouse, or warm conservatory, but are sometimes successfully grown in a south border at the base of a wall, planted out in a pit, upon which the lights may be placed in winter, and matted if necessary, as they cannot endure frost. A good depth of soil, consisting of fibrous loam, peat, and sand, in equal proportions, with good drainage, should be prepared. In all cases, the bulbs should be planted somewhat deeply. One of the most satisfactory methods of ensuring the flowering of these plants consists in subjecting the bulbs, when at rest, to a hot dry heat of 70deg. or more, which thoroughly ripens them; but, after this treatment, it will be necessary to encourage the after-growth to the fullest possible extent.

=B. ciliaris= (hair-fringed). _fl._ dull purple. _l._ strongly
fringed with white hairs. _h._ 1ft. 1752. (B. R. 1153.)

=B. Cooperi= (Cooper's).* _fl._ sulphur-coloured, edged with red;
umbels twelve to sixteen-flowered. _l._ ligulate-obtuse, bifarious,
fleshy. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1872. (Ref. B. 330.)

=B. falcata= (sickle-leaved).* _fl._ red. May. _l._ sickle-shaped,
with a muricated, discoloured, cartilaginous edge. _h._ 9in. 1774.
(B. M. 1443.) SYN. _Ammocharis falcata_.

=B. Josephineæ= (Josephine's).* _fl._ scarlet; scape twice as long
as the rays of the many-flowered umbel. _l._ strap-shaped, erect,
spreading, glaucous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. This handsome species is much
grown. 1814. (B. M. 2578.) _Minor_ and _striata_ are varieties.

=B. multiflora= (many-flowered).* _fl._ red, loosely umbellate.
June. _l._ linguiform, smooth, lying on the ground. _h._ 1ft. 1752.
(B. M. 1619.)

=B. toxicaria= (poison-bulb).* _fl._ pink; umbel hemispherical,
many-flowered. September to October. _l._ many, erect, oblique,
glaucous. _h._ 1ft. 1774. (B. R. 567.) _B. coranica_ is a variety
of this. 1815. (B. R. 139.)

=BRUSSELS SPROUTS= (_Brassica oleracea bullata gemmifera_). A cultivated variety of the Cabbage (Fig. 285). Leaves blistered. Stems covered with small, close heads. To secure this vegetable in its best form, it must be grown on deeply-worked and rich ground. In addition, the seeds should be obtained from a good source, as there are many spurious stocks in cultivation. Plenty of room must be allowed the plants to develop, and the tops and leaves should not be removed till after the sprouts are gathered; dead leaves, of course, excepted. It is a bad plan to plant Brussels Sprouts amongst potatoes or other crops, as they become unduly weakened, and never give such good returns as when grown by themselves.

_Soil and Cultivation._ In February, and early in March, sow thinly in a cold frame, or carefully prepare seed beds on a warm south border. As soon as the plants are large enough, prick them off into prepared soil, to grow on; about the end of April, transplant into a piece of rich ground, which has been previously prepared for them, setting in rows from 2ft. to 3ft. asunder, and 2ft. apart in the rows. The earlier the plants are put out, the better; and they should be watered-in when planted, so that they receive as little a check as possible. They must be kept clear of weeds, and earthed up as soon an they get a good size. During severe frost, some light dry litter may with advantage be thrown over them for protection; and the less they are interfered with when frozen, the better.

_Sorts._ The Imported is the best strain for general use; other good sorts are: Sutton's Matchless, The Aigburth, and Scrymger's Giant.

=BRYA= (from _bryo_, to sprout; the seeds germinate before falling from the tree). ORD. _Leguminosæ_. A small genus of stove shrubs or small trees, furnished with stipular spines, and solitary, or clustered, or pinnate leaves. The undermentioned species thrives in a rich fibry loam. Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings, placed in a hotbed.

=B. Ebenus= (ebony). Jamaica Ebony. _fl._ bright yellow; peduncles
two to three together, axillary, one to two-flowered, shorter than
the leaves. July and August. _l._, leaflets aggregate, obovate.
_h._ 12ft. to 14ft. West Indies, 1713. (B. M. 4670.)

=BRYANTHUS= (from _bryon_, a moss, and _anthos_, a flower). ORD. _Ericaceæ_. A genus of small trailing shrubs, allied to _Loiseleuria_. Flowers terminal, somewhat racemose; calyx five-leaved, imbricate; corolla deeply five-parted, spreading. Leaves crowded, spreading, flattish. For culture, _see_ =Menziesia=.

=B. empetriformis= (Crowberry-leaved). _fl._ reddish-purple,
clustered near the extremities of the branches. _l._ crowded,
linear, on short adpressed petioles. _h._ 6in. North-west America,
1829. SYN. _Menziesia empetrifolia_. (B. M. 3176.)