The Project Gutenberg eBook of The botanist's repository for new and rare plants; vols 1 & 2, by Henry C. Andrews

Title: The botanist's repository for new and rare plants; vols 1 & 2

Author: Henry C. Andrews

Release Date: February 8, 2023 [eBook #69992]

Language: English

Produced by: Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images available at The Biodiversity Heritage Library)

Index to Volume I
Errata Volume I.
Index to Volume II
Errata Volume II.

[Pg 1]

[Pg 2]

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.

[Pg 3] 

[Pg 4] 

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.

[Pg 5]

Knightsbridge, Oct. 1799.

ERRATA, VOL. I.

[Pg 6]

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.
[Pg 9][Pg 8][Pg 7]

PLATE I.

CORTUSA MATTHIOLI.

Alpine Sanicle.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 10]

PLATE 1

[Pg 13] [Pg 12][Pg 11]

PLATE II.

SPRINGALIA INCARNATA.

Star-flowered Springalia.

CLASS XIX. ORDER VI.

SYNGENESIS MONOGAMIA. Tips united. Flowers simple.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 14]

PLATE 2

[Pg 17][Pg 16][Pg 15]

PLATE III.

NEOTTIA SPECIOSA.

Flesh-coloured Neottia.

CLASS XX. ORDER II.

GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA. Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 18]

PLATE 3

[Pg 21][Pg 20][Pg 19]

PLATE IV.

RHODODENDRON DAURICUM.

Dauric Rhododendron.

CLASS X. ORDER I.

DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Ten Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 22]

PLATE 4

[Pg 25][Pg 24][Pg 23]

PLATE V.

GLADIOLUS LONGIFLORUS.

Long-flowered Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 26]

PLATE 5

[Pg 29][Pg 28][Pg 27]

PLATE VI.

HEMEROCALLIS CÆRULEA.

Blue Day Lily.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 30]

PLATE 6

[Pg 33][Pg 32][Pg 31]

PLATE VII.

PRIMULA CORTUSOIDES.

Siberian Primrose.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 34]

PLATE 7

[Pg 37][Pg 36][Pg 35]

PLATE VIII.

GLADIOLUS ALATUS.

Wing-flowered Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 38]

PLATE 8

[Pg 41][Pg 40][Pg 39]

PLATE IX.

ATRAGENE CAPENSIS.

Cape Atragene.

CLASS XIII. ORDER VII.

POLYANDRIA POTYGYNIA. Many Chives. Many Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 42]

PLATE 9

[Pg 45][Pg 44][Pg 43]

PLATE X.

ARISTEA CYANEA.

Blue-flowered Aristea.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 46]

PLATE 10

[Pg 49][Pg 48][Pg 47]

PLATE XI.

GLADIOLUS ROSEUS.

Rose-coloured Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 50]

PLATE 11

[Pg 53][Pg 52][Pg 51]

PLATE XII.

GERANIUM GRANDIFLORUM.

Largest flowered Crane’s-bill.

CLASS XVI. ORDER II.

MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 54]

PLATE 12

[Pg 57][Pg 56][Pg 55]

PLATE XIII.

EPIDENDRUM COCHLEATUM.

Purple flowered Epidendrum.

CLASS XX. ORDER I.

GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA. Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 58]

PLATE 13

[Pg 61][Pg 60][Pg 59]

PLATE XIV.

IXIA REFLEXA.

Reflex flowered Ixia.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 62]

PLATE 14

[Pg 65][Pg 64][Pg 63]

PLATE XV.

ANTHYLLIS ERINACEA.

Blue Broom of Spain.

CLASS XVII. ORDER III.

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. Chives in two sets. Ten Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 66]

PLATE 15

[Pg 69][Pg 68][Pg 67]

PLATE XVI.

AZALEA PONTICA.

Yellow Pontic Azalea.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 70]

PLATE 16

[Pg 73][Pg 72][Pg 71]

PLATE XVII.

PROTEA FORMOSA.

Coronet Protea.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 74]

PLATE 17

[Pg 77][Pg 76][Pg 75]

PLATE XVIII.

CORREA ALBA.

White Correa.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 78]

PLATE 18

[Pg 81][Pg 80][Pg 79]

PLATE XIX.

GLADIOLUS VERSICOLOR.

Changeable Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 82]

PLATE 19

[Pg 85][Pg 84][Pg 83]

PLATE XX.

ECHIUM GRANDIFLORUM.

Large-flowered Viper’s Bugloss.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.[Pg 86]

PLATE 20

[Pg 89][Pg 88][Pg 87]

PLATE XXI.

VEREIA CRENATA.

Scolloped-leaf Vereia.

CLASS VIII. ORDER IV.

OCTANDRIA TETRAGYNIA. Eight Chives. Four Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

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.

This genus of Plants must class with Linnæus’s natural order of Succulents, nearly approaching Crassula in habit; but as the Sexual System is the basis of our theory, we cannot admit it under that or any other yet described genus; we have therefore named it after James Vere, Esq. long and well known for his extended and liberal patronage to the professors and cultivators of the science; in whose beautiful and select collection at Kensington Gore, the present species, has for the first time, flowered in this kingdom. Mr. Anderson the gardener informs us, that this plant is a native of Sierra Leone; from whence it was sent to England, by Professor Eld. Elfzelius, in the year 1793; that he has treated it as a tender hot-house plant, keeping it constantly in the tan bed, by which means he has made it flower; but from every appearance of the plant, we should be led to think the common treatment of hot-house Succulents would answer for this. It is easily propagated by cuttings; grows to the height of three or four feet, having when in flower the appearance of a middle sized shrub; blows in the winter months, and thrives best in rich mould.[Pg 90]

PLATE 21

[Pg 93][Pg 92][Pg 91]

PLATE XXII.

GOODENIA CALENDULACEA.

Cape Marygold-leaved Goodenia.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower with all its parts complete.
2. A Blossom without the organs of fructification.
3. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud (magnified).

The Goodenias are all natives of New Holland, and received their generic name of Dr. J. E. Smith, President of the Linnæan Society; in honour of the Rev. Dr. Goodenough, whose valuable dissertation on the British species of Carex, does him the highest honour, as a botanist. The species of this genus (as yet discovered) are ten, from which we may infer that they are numerous; those only yet introduced to Britain are, the lævigata, ovata, and the present species; the others are described by the President, in the second volume of the Linnæan Transactions. This plant, though not to be ranked amongst the handsomest productions of that country, so replete with novelty, is yet possessed of sufficient merit to give it a place in our collections of greenhouse plants, flowering about the month of August; delighting most in an airy situation, and light soil. It is easily propagated by cuttings. Our figure was taken from a plant which flowered at the Hammersmith nursery, in 1797; where it had been raised from seeds, communicated by Colonel Paterson, then commanding at Port Jackson; to whose assiduous labours in collecting seeds, &c. the cabinets and collections of our natural historians are so very much indebted.[Pg 94]

PLATE 22

[Pg 97][Pg 96][Pg 95]

PLATE XXIII.

IXIA CAPITATA. Var. ovata.

Bunch-flowering Ixia. Var. Egg-shaped purple Petals.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A flower cut open, to shew the insertion of Chives.
3. The Chives as attached to the tubular part of the blossom, the border cut off (magnified).
4. The Shaft, Summits, and Seed-bud (magnified).

This fine species of Ixia, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was introduced to our collections about the year 1795, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, nurserymen; they having raised it from seeds received by them, from the Royal Gardens at Vienna; is certainly amongst the tenderest of its tribe: the root, being extremely subject to injury by wet, it should be dried as soon as it has done flowering. It is one of the earliest Ixias in bloom, being in high perfection about the middle of April; is increased but slowly by the root, thriving best in very sandy peat, or sand only. The figure here given was drawn from a plant which flowered at the nursery, Hammersmith, in 1798, for the first time.[Pg 98]

PLATE 23

[Pg 101][Pg 100][Pg 99]

PLATE XXIV.

CINERARIA AURITA.

Two-coloured-leaved Cineraria.

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement (natural size).
2. A floret of the ray (magnified).
3. A floret of the disk (magnified).
4. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud of a floret of the disk (magnified).

In the Sert. Anglic. of Mons. L’Heritier, this species of Cineraria has been described and figured under the specific character of Cruenta, from the botanic garden at Kew; where, according to the catalogue, it was first introduced by Mr. F. Masson, from the Canary Islands, about 1777; and by which specific it has hitherto been titled: but from what appearance or part of the plant, he could denominate it bloody, will not be easy to determine; from our idea of colour, he might as well have named it blue. Finding, therefore, a specific character certainly more fixed in the leaf, we have taken the liberty of altering Cruenta to Aurita; though that would not have been done, (as nothing is more contrary to our sentiments, than altering any published name) if there had been any glimpse of affinity to the plant in that title. This is unquestionably the handsomest species of Cineraria yet known, growing to the height of near three feet if encouraged. The specimen from which this figure was taken, and which was sent last March to the author, by Mr. James Colville, King’s road, Chelsea, had attained that size. By night it is extremely fragrant, continuing its blossoms from the month of February, till August; seeding abundantly, by which it may be propagated, producing many varieties; or by the suckers which are thrown up from the roots; thriving best in light mould or peat.[Pg 102]

PLATE 24

[Pg 105][Pg 104][Pg 103]

PLATE XXV.

CAMELLIA JAPONICA. Var. Flore albo pleno.

Double white Camellia.

CLASS XVI. ORDER V.

MONODELPHIA POLYANDRIA. Threads united. Many Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

Calyx imbricatus, polyphyllus: foliolis interioribus majoribus.

Empalement tiled, of many leaves: the inner leaves the largest.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER OF VAR.

Camellia floribus amplissimis, plenis albidis.

Camellia with large double white flowers.

Though it may be considered by some, as deviating from the botanical rule we prescribed to ourselves, at the outset of this work, not to figure any flower, but what could be systematically ascertained; double flowers, &c. having lost those constituent characters necessary to the Sexual System; yet having seen this most delightful plant in bloom last year, the temptation was too powerful to be resisted, for giving a figure of it in the Botanist’s Repository. This fine variety of the Camellia, was first imported from China about the year 1793, by Captain Connor of the Carnatic East-indiaman, for the gardens of the late I. Slater, Esq. a gentleman of most indefatigable spirit, for the introduction of new plants to this kingdom; indeed, it is to him we owe most of the plants received from China within these few years; he having procured a catalogue to be printed of all the described Chinese plants in that language, with the descriptions translated, and by various hands transmitted it to that country. The finest plants in this kingdom, of the double white Camellia, are now in the collection of Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. P.R.S. This, like the others of this genus, we may consider of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters; being a native of the Japanese isles, where, as well as in China, it was seen by Thunberg. As yet (from its scarcity) that cannot be ascertained; but from the easy method by which it is propagated by cuttings, we are in hopes it soon may. It is at present cultivated as a hot-house plant, where certainly it will be always seen in the greatest perfection; the flowers being of so delicate and brilliant a white, their beauty is easily destroyed, even by watering. Flowers in the autumnal months, and thrives best in rich loam.[Pg 106]

PLATE 25

[Pg 107]

PLATE XXVI.

CRASSULA ODORATISSIMA.

Sweet-scented Crassula.

CLASS V. ORDER V.

PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA. Five Chives. Five Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.

2. A Blossom cut open to shew the insertion of the threads.

3. One Petal of the blossom.

4. The five Pointals as they stand in the blossom, with their honey-cups attached to the bottom of the Seed-buds.

5. One Pointal (magnified).

The Crassula Odoratissima is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was introduced to our gardens about the year 1794, but did not flower till 1796. The scent of this plant at night is so very powerful, that by many it may be deemed almost offensive, though by others it is considered as most agreeable; the flavour is nearly affined to the tuberose. This is not a very shewy plant, growing about a foot high, and flowers from March, till May or June. It is most easily propagated by cuttings, lives in the common greenhouse with very little care, and in almost any sort of earth. This figure was taken at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, nurserymen, Hammersmith, where the plant was first raised.[Pg 108]

PLATE 26

[Pg 111][Pg 110][Pg 109]

PLATE XXVII.

GLADIOLUS RINGENS. Var. cinereo odorato.

Gaping Ash-coloured sweet Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open to expose the insertion of the Chives.
3. The Pointal (one Summit magnified).
4. A Seed in its coat.

This most desirable Gladiolus, is not a perfect novelty in the greenhouse; although extremely scarce, it has been introduced to us constantly from the Cape of Good Hope, but from its great delicacy has been repeatedly lost. The plants now in England, have been imported from Holland, from the collection of Messrs. Voorhelm and Co. who about the year 1793, purchased the largest collection ever formed at the Cape, from a Frenchman who had been many years resident there. The Gladiolus ringens about mid-day has the flavour of violets so powerfully, that a single plant is sufficient to scent a whole greenhouse. It is with difficulty preserved from rotting at the root; therefore should be grown in very sandy peat, and should be exposed to dry as soon as the flower is gone. Is propagated by the root, or by seed, which may be procured by great care not to over-water the bulb after flowering; but herein there is great danger.[Pg 112]

PLATE 27

[Pg 113]

PLATE XXVIII.

GERANIUM ELEGANS.

Round-leaved Geranium.

CLASS XVI. ORDER II.

MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular shape to its base.
2. The Chives, and Pointal, natural size.
3. The Pointal, magnified.

This truly elegant species of Geranium was introduced to us from the Cape of Good Hope, in the year 1795; being raised from seeds, received from thence, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in whose collection it flowered for the first time this year, about the latter end of May, and from which specimen this figure was taken. It is one of those that have in general seven fertile tips, and, therefore, must be placed under Mr. L’Heritier’s genus Pelargonium, by those who follow his new arrangement. It is a hardy plant, and requires only a common greenhouse for its protection, where it will seed; which seems to be the readiest mode of propagating it, as it produces but very few branches; thriving best in rich earth.[Pg 114]

PLATE 28

[Pg 117][Pg 116][Pg 115]

PLATE XXIX.

IXIA SPICATA. Var. viridi nigra.

Sea-green spiked Ixia.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.

2. A Blossom cut open, to shew its tubular character, and the insertion of the Chives at the mouth.

3. The Pointal complete, one of its Summits magnified.

The singularity of colour exhibited in this very fine species of Ixia, the extraordinary length of the spikes, the flowers of which are mostly all expanded at the same time; and which grow sometimes to the length of a foot, or more; will certainly entitle it to a place in every collection of exotics. We are indebted to the Hollanders for this plant, as they first introduced it from the Cape; and it is from them we received it but a few years since. It is amongst the hardiest, and easiest propagated of this genus; requiring a small degree of heat when near blowing, to make the flowers expand with lustre; thriving best in peat earth; propagating itself by the bulb; and flowering during the months of May and June.[Pg 118]

PLATE 29

[Pg 121][Pg 120][Pg 119]

PLATE XXX.

VACCINIUM ARCTOSTAPHYLLUS.

Madeira Whortle-berry.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, Pointal, and Chives; the blossom removed.
2. A Chive (magnified).
3. The Shaft, and its Summit (magnified).
4. A ripe Berry (natural size).

Numerous are the difficulties which occur in arranging plants according to any yet invented system; and although the sexual fails in the fewest instances, yet that is sometimes the case. The plant before us, although in habit, fruit, &c. seemingly perfectly allied to Vaccinium, and, from which characters, it has been placed under that genus, yet we doubt whether if Linnæus had examined the flower himself, (as he has accepted it under the name it here bears, and we have no doubt of its being the plant intended;) he would not have classed it in Octandria; for certainly it has in every instance ten chives, with the border of the blossom of five segments; the threads attached to the blossom. But, as it is the professed intention of this work as little as possible to confuse, by the introduction of new names for plants already known by established, and generally accepted ones; though erroneous from incorrectness, or otherwise, in the author who first published them; we shall attempt an alteration but rarely, and that cautiously, or for very glaring reasons; being thoroughly convinced of the difficulty of retaining only one name for each plant. The Vaccinium Arctostaphyllus is a native of the island of Madeira, where it grows to a considerable height: it has not been many years cultivated in our gardens; having been introduced to us first by Mr. F. Masson about the year 1786. The winters in common of this climate are too severe for it, therefore should be protected, although it will survive a mild one: it is best preserved in a pot, and kept as a greenhouse plant, where it is very ornamental; flowering about the months of July and August; thriving best in light mould, or peat; and is propagated by cuttings, or the seed, which it produces in abundance.[Pg 122]

PLATE 30

[Pg 125][Pg 124][Pg 123]

PLATE XXXI.

BORBONIA CORDATA.

Heart-shape leaved Borbonia.

CLASS XVII. ORDER IV.

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads in two sets. Ten Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. The Standard, or upper petal of the Blossom.
3. A Wing, or side petal of the Blossom.
4. The Keel, or lower petals of the Blossom.
5. The Pointal and Chives, natural size.
6. The Seed-vessel, attached to the Empalement.

The Borbonia cordata, with its various synonyms, may be found in the second volume of Linnæus’s Species Plantarum, page 994, from whence our specific character is copied. This plant, as well as most of the genus, are subject to lose their leaves from the lower part of the stem, which gives it rather a naked appearance when not in flower; but that is amply compensated by the very handsome appearance of its magnificent bunch of yellow blossoms. It grows to the height of three or four feet, producing but few branches. This figure was taken from a plant sent to the author, about the beginning of July, in full bloom, by Mr. Colville, nurseryman, of the King’s Road, Chelsea; who informs him that he raised it about the year 1795, from seeds which he had received from the Cape of Good Hope. The Borbonias are mostly hardy greenhouse plants, and delight in light earth; either peat, or very light dungy earth: they are in general difficult to propagate by cuttings; the surest method is by the seed, which they for the most part perfect in this climate.[Pg 126]

PLATE 31

[Pg 129][Pg 128][Pg 127]

PLATE XXXII.

ANTHOLYZA RINGENS.

Gaping Antholyza.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
3. The Pointal (natural size).

Although this species of Antholyza is not new in our gardens, yet has it been seen in flower but by few, as it blows so seldom; though the roots are by far the largest of any of the genus. The bulb from which this figure was taken, had received a little assistance from heat early in the season, and by that means was (apparently) brought into flower. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, has much the appearance of a common flag in the foliage, growing to the height of three feet, or more; requires the same earth as Ixias, propagates by the root, or seed, and flowers in the month of June; at which time a drawing was made from a plant then in bloom at the Hammersmith nursery.[Pg 130]

PLATE 32

[Pg 133][Pg 132][Pg 131]

PLATE XXXIII.

DIOSMA LATIFOLIA.

Broad-leaved Diosma.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete.
2. The Chives and Pointal, with the surrounding Seed-buds and Honey-cups.
3. The Pointal, natural size, with the Empalement attached.
4. The same magnified.
5. A Seed taken from its coat.

There are few genera of plants more deserving our notice than Diosma; the fragrance of the leaves of most of the species, and the beauty of the flowers of others, has rendered them so common, (being easily propagated by cuttings) that few collections but have a number of the different species. They are all very hardy greenhouse plants, the present species excepted; this, requiring a dry situation, and rather more warmth than the rest. It was sent to the royal gardens at Kew, about the year 1791, by Mr. F. Masson, to whose industry botany stands so much indebted. Of all the Diosmas this is the highest grower, aspiring to three or four feet, or more, if encouraged; delights in peat earth, and flowers about the month of August.[Pg 134]

PLATE 33

[Pg 137][Pg 136][Pg 135]

PLATE XXXIV.

CHELONE RUELLIOIDES.

Scarlet Chelone.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Leaf from the lower part of the Stem.
2. The Empalement.
3. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation of the Chives, and the imperfect rudiments of a fifth.
4. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (natural size).

The Chelone Ruellioides is a native of Chili, South America, and was introduced to the royal gardens at Kew in the year 1793, by Mr. Boutelow, the son of the gardener to the King of Spain, who was then in England pursuing his botanical studies. It is (apparently) a hardy plant, and fit to endure the open borders, but, as yet, we have not had a sufficient trial to ascertain it; hitherto it has been treated as a greenhouse plant. Being herbaceous, it is propagated by parting the roots, which should be done in spring, about the month of March. The proper season of its flowering cannot well be determined, as it has undergone such various treatment. The plant from which this figure was made was in full bloom at the gardens of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, in the month of June 1797, where it was seen to flower, for the first time in this country. The soil it seems to thrive in most, is a composition of loam, and rotten dung.[Pg 138]

PLATE 34

[Pg 141][Pg 140][Pg 139]

PLATE XXXV.

IXIA CRISPIFOLIA. Var. flore cæruleo.

Crisped-leaved Ixia. Blue Variety.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
3. A Chive (magnified).
4. The Pointal, one of the divisions of the Summit detached, and magnified.

This singular species of Ixia, is one amongst the many given by the Dowager Lady De Clifford to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy Hammersmith, in the year 1794; at which time, her ladyship had just received the bulbs in a present from the Cape. It is described by Thunberg, in his Dissertatio de Ixia, published in 1783. The root of this plant is of a most curious shape, having the appearance of being the half, rather than the whole; it is very delicate, is easily destroyed by moisture, therefore (except when in flower) should be kept very dry; it propagates by the root, the old one generally producing two; flowering about the month of June, or July, but requires the warmth of a moderate hothouse to expand its blossoms. Like other Cape bulbs, it should be planted in sandy peat.[Pg 142]

PLATE 35

[Pg 145][Pg 144][Pg 143]

PLATE XXXVI.

RHODODENDRON PUNCTATUM.

Dotted-leaved Rhododendron.

CLASS X. ORDER I.

DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Ten Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

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

It is to the industrious researches of J. Frasier, nurseryman, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, we are indebted for this charming species of Rhododendron, who introduced it in the year 1792 from the back settlements of Carolina, North America, where it is native. This species is by far the most delicate of any yet discovered on that continent; grows to the height of three, or four feet, and of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters in the open ground; a slight protection insures its flowering, as our late frosts are apt to injure the buds, which are very often without that assistance destroyed. The best method of propagating this shrub is by layers, which should be taken off in autumn, and protected the first winter. It flowers about the month of July, at which season this year a drawing was made from a plant, in the nursery of Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith. It (like most American plants) delights in sandy peat.[Pg 146]

PLATE 36

[Pg 149][Pg 148][Pg 147]

PLATE XXXVII.

GERANIUM FRAGILE.

Brittle-stalked Geranium.

CLASS XVI. ORDER II.

MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular shape to its base.
2. The Chives, and Pointal, (natural size).
3. The Pointal, (magnified).

The Geranium fragile has in general seven fertile tips, and thus comes under Linnæus’s first arrangement; and Mons. L’Heritier’s Genus Pelargonium. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in the year 1792. This plant seldom grows more than a foot high, but during the months of July, August, and September, it is covered with blossoms, which are of a pale yellow, striped at the bottom with red, standing nearly upright. It is rather a tender plant, requiring a dry stove, or hothouse, to preserve it in winter, being very subject to damp in the leaves; is easily propagated by cuttings, and thrives best in rich mould.[Pg 150]

PLATE 37

[Pg 153][Pg 152][Pg 151]

PLATE XXXVIII.

GLADIOLUS PRÆCOX. Var. flore rubro.

Red early-flowering Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives.
3. The Pointal, one of the Summits magnified.
4. A Seed.

Of all the species of this numerous Genus, this is the first to expand its blossoms, seldom flowering later than April; is extremely hardy, scarce requiring the warmth of a greenhouse for its protection, although a native of the Cape. About the year 1791, the bulbs of this plant were purchased of Messrs. Voorhelm, and Co. of Haarlem, in Holland, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, at whose nursery it has repeatedly flowered, and where this figure was taken. It is propagated by the root, as other Gladiolus, and requires the same earth, a light sandy peat.[Pg 154]

PLATE 38

[Pg 157][Pg 156][Pg 155]

PLATE XXXIX.

ECHIUM FEROCISSIMUM.

Prickly Viper’s Bugloss.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives in the tube.
3. The Shaft and its Summit, magnified.

Although there are few species of this genus, but are rough, or hairy; yet this by far exceeds any of them, or almost any other plant not actually spiny, for its extreme coarseness to the touch; nevertheless it is a very handsome shewy greenhouse plant, growing to the height of two feet, and blowing freely. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in 1794; at whose nursery it flowered for the first time, this year, in the month of July. The only method of propagating the Cape Echiums is by cuttings, and that is done with great difficulty; of course, this, as well as the other species, are very scarce: they delight most in rich light mould.[Pg 158]

PLATE 39

[Pg 161][Pg 160][Pg 159]

PLATE XL.

CHELONE CAMPANULOIDES.

Bell-flowered Chelone.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation of the four Chives, and station of the fifth imperfect thread.
2. The Pointal, (natural size).
3. The Seed-vessel, with the Empalement and Shaft still remaining attached.

This species of Chelone is of the same date in our gardens as the Chelone Ruellioides, and was introduced through the same medium: it is a native of Mexico in South America; will make a pretty addition to our greenhouse exotics; and is described and engraved by A. J. Cavanilles, in his first volume of Spanish plants. It seems to thrive best in rich, dungy earth, and is easily propagated by cuttings, or seeds; of which latter it produces abundance; but does not appear to be long lived. The plant from which this figure was taken, flowered (as we suppose for the first time in England) in the collection of B. Robertson, Esq. of Stockwell in Surry, and kindly communicated by him to the author.[Pg 162]

PLATE 40

[Pg 165][Pg 164][Pg 163]

PLATE XLI.

LACHENALIA PENDULA.

Drooping-flowered Lachenalia.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower spread open, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
2. The same, exhibiting the character of the outer Petals.
3. The Pointal, natural size.

The genus Lachenalia is certainly an infringement on Hyacinthus; the small distinction on which this new genus is founded can, at most, be considered but of sufficient consequence to form a specific character, so thought Linnæus: the son of Professor Jacquin has thought otherwise, having called it after a botanist of the name of De la Chenal; and under which it is now generally known; therefore we have not replaced it under its old title, though we have authority of such weight to corroborate our opinion. The Lachenalias are natives of the Cape of Good Hope, yet are of so hardy a nature as to require no farther protection than shelter from the severe frosts. Our species is the handsomest yet known, flowering about September; was, according to the Kew catalogue, introduced there by Mr. F. Masson in the year 1774. It was from a plant in the extensive collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham Common (to whose kind communications the author acknowledges himself much indebted), that this figure was taken, the latter end of September this year. No plant is more easy or certain to increase than this; the young offsets are produced in such abundance from the old bulb, which delights in a light soil; but its flowering is not so certain.[Pg 166]

PLATE 41

[Pg 169][Pg 168][Pg 167]

PLATE XLII.

ORCHIS CILIARIS.

Fringed Orchis.

CLASS XX. ORDER I.

GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA. Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Honey-cup with its Horn.
2. The upper Petal.
3. A side Petal.
4. One of the inner Petals.
5. The Chives, and Pointal attached to the horn of the Honey-cup.
6. The Chives, and Pointal, magnified; with the Chives drawn from their cells.

This handsome Orchis is a native of North America, and is found in all the states from Virginia as far north as Canada: it has been treated of by Ray, Morison, Gronovius, Royen, Linnæus, and others; but although so long known by name, it was not introduced to our gardens before the year 1796; having been sent that year from Philadelphia by Mr. J. Lyons, from the gardens of J. Hamilton, Esq. to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith; at whose nursery it flowered this year, in the month of July, when the drawing was made. It is a hardy herbaceous plant, thriving best in a shady border, and should be planted in a mixture of loam and peat earth. The propagation of this plant, like most of the genus, is difficult, the seeds being too small to be collected, and the root seldom producing more than one bud.[Pg 170]

PLATE 42

[Pg 173][Pg 172][Pg 171]

PLATE XLIII.

BIGNONIA LEUCOXYLON.

Oleander-flowered Trumpet Flower.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, shewing the proportionate length of the Chives to the Blossom, and their insertion; one of the Tips detached, and magnified.
3. The Pointal, (natural size); the Summit detached, and magnified.

This species of Bignonia is well known in most collections of hothouse plants, and was first introduced to the Chelsea gardens by Mr. P. Miller, the then gardener, in 1759, and may be found described in his Dictionary; but, notwithstanding its frequency, few have seen its blossoms. Owing to the naked appearance of the stem, and its growing to so considerable a height before it flowers, and that but rarely, has rendered it a plant but of little consideration; though perhaps, from the great beauty of its blossoms, it deserves more attention. Being a native of the West Indies, it does not flourish without the assistance of tan heat; but will live in any situation of the hothouse; thriving best in a mixture of loam and peat, and is readily propagated by cuttings. It was from a plant in the select and valuable collection at Paddington, belonging to the Hon. Dowager Lady De Clifford (to whom the author, as well as all the cultivators and professors of the science, stand much indebted for the zeal and patronage which her ladyship has shewn, in her endeavours to promote it), that this figure was taken in July this present year 1798.[Pg 174]

PLATE 43

[Pg 177][Pg 176][Pg 175]

PLATE XLIV.

IXIA CINNAMOMEA.

Cinnamon-smelling Ixia.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives attached.
3. The Chives, attached to the tubular part of the Blossom, the border cut off, (magnified).
4. The Shaft, Summit, and Seed-bud, (magnified).

Amongst this most extensive genus no species stands more distinct than this. The extreme sweetness and delicacy of its blossoms, which expand only by night, and close in the morning, give it a decided superiority over many of its congeners. Thunberg, who saw it at the Cape, has described it under the name it here bears; but till the year 1792 we had no knowledge of it, when it was first introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, from the Cape of Good Hope; at whose nursery it flowered the following year; where it continues to blow annually, and whence this figure was taken. It is rather a tender bulb, small, and easily rotted; should therefore be placed in the warmest part of the greenhouse, and kept dry when out of flower; is rather difficult to increase, as each bulb seldom produces more than one offset, nor that always, and rarely seeds.[Pg 178]

PLATE 44

[Pg 181][Pg 180][Pg 179]

PLATE XLV.

IRIS LONGIFOLIA.

Long-leaved Iris.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. The Chives as attached to the Seed-bud.
3. The Pointal complete.

This Iris is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced to us from the collection of Messrs. Voorhelm and Schnevoght, of Haarlem in Holland, about the year 1792. The leaves of this delicate Iris grow sometimes to the length of three feet, giving it a very singular appearance: it should be treated like the Cape Ixias, and protected from the weather, whilst in bloom, as the flower is injured by the lightest wind, and the duration of each blossom is but a few hours; there is, however, a good succession, which rise diurnally from the same sheath, seldom more than one at a time. This figure was taken in the month of June 1797 at the Hammersmith nursery. It has a singular mode of propagating itself; the old root dying, two young ones are formed above it, from whence the flower-stem arises: seldom ripe seeds are produced.[Pg 182]

PLATE 45

[Pg 185][Pg 184][Pg 183]

PLATE XLVI.

MASSONIA VIOLACEA.

Purple-flowered Massonia.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower complete.
2. The same cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
3. The Pointal.

This genus of plants perpetuates the name, as a botanist, (would it could likewise the mild, unassuming, and universally allowed amiableness of character) of Mr. Francis Masson, botanical collector to his Majesty; now exploring the untrod regions of North America, to add to the extensive collections of his royal and munificent Master, which stand so much indebted to his indefatigable industry for their present splendour. The Massonias are all rather tender, and require the same situation as Hæmanthus &c; that is, a dry stove; they are natives of the Cape of Good Hope, or, at least, grow within that point of Africa generally so called, but at some distance from the Cape town, near a mountain (according to Thunberg) of the name of Bocklands Berg. The root of this species is very subject to rot when the leaves are decayed, if watered at that time; therefore, like the Ixias, should be put aside, or taken out of the pot for two or three months, after flowering. It is very difficult to propagate, as the seeds are seldom perfected, and rarely makes any offsets; flowering in September, about the beginning of which month this figure was taken, from a plant in the collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham Common. It appears to thrive best in a mixture of peat and sandy loam.[Pg 186]

PLATE 46

[Pg 189][Pg 188][Pg 187]

PLATE XLVII.

MUSA COCCINEA.

Scarlet-flowered Plantain-tree.

CLASS XXIII. ORDER I.

POLYGAMIA MONOECIA. Various dispositions. Upon one Plant.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The upper lip of the blossom, shewn in front, as cut off close to the seed-bud.
2. The same, shewing the hinder parts, with the three small claws on the border.
3. The honey-cup, which forms the lower lip of the blossom.
4. The seed-bud, chives, style, and summit, of a female hermaphrodite flower.
5. A seed-bud cut obliquely, to expose the situation character of the seeds.
6. The chives, seed-bud, shaft, and summit, of a male hermaphrodite flower.

The honour of having introduced this supremely beautiful plant, pertains to, Thomas Evans Esq. of Stepney; a gentleman to whose zeal for the introduction of new plants our stoves are of late much beholden; he having received it, amongst many others, about the year 1792 from China, where, as well as in Cochin-China, Sumatra, Java, &c. it is very commonly found. Our figure was taken, in part, from a plant which flowered at James Vere’s, Esq. Kensington Gore, last December, and partly, from one in blossom about the same time, at the Hon. Lady Archer’s, Ham Common. The Musa Coccinea grows to the height of about three, or four feet before it blows, and without question, has no rival but Strelitzea Regina in the hothouse, where its brilliancy, tends in some degree, to dispel the gloom of winter, for at least three months. It increases itself by suckers, which are thrown up in abundance from a vigorous plant; may be taken off at any time, and will arrive at a flowering size in twelve months; if planted in rich earth, and kept growing in pine heat, or on a strong hotbed.[Pg 190]

PLATE 47

[Pg 191]

[Pg 193][Pg 192]

PLATE XLVIII.

IXIA BULBIFERA. Var: flore luteo.

Bulb-bearing Ixia. Var: yellow-flowered.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives attached.
3. The Shaft, Summit, and Seed-bud, (magnified).

The singular sporting of Nature in the Ixia bulbifera is not uncommon; its viviparous character (if it may be so called) constitutes a specific difference in many genera; Lilium, Lysimachia, &c. partake of it. The bulbs produced from the stem blow the second year, whereas those from seeds do not till the third. The flowers of this variety are the first that open, amongst the numerous species yet introduced, of this extensive genus; they are of a brilliant yellow, and seldom expand more than one at a time. The usual treatment of other Cape Ixias is suitable for this. The drawing was made at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, in the month of March 1798, they having introduced it about the year 1784.[Pg 194]

PLATE 48

[Pg 197][Pg 196][Pg 195]

PLATE XLIX.

MALPIGHIA CRASSIFOLIA.

Thick-leaved Malpighia.

CLASS X. ORDER III.

DECANDRIA TRIGYNIA. Ten Chives. Three Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, Chives, and Pointal, (natural size).
2. The Empalement, (magnified).
3. The Chives spread open, (natural size).
4. A Thread, and its Tip, (magnified).
5. The Pointal complete, (natural size).

Although, we have given to this species of Malpighia, the specific name under which it has been introduced; yet, there is much doubt, whether it is not the Verbascifolium of Linnæus; or indeed if they are not both the same plant, named from different specimens. Our species makes a very handsome hothouse plant, growing to the height of five, or six feet, before it flowers. It is a native of Jamaica, and most of the adjacent islands, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy about the year 1792. From the extreme tenderness of the young leaves, and shoots, it must be kept in a strong growing pine heat during the winter months; otherwise, they are subject to damp off. It is raised by cuttings, and seems to delight in a rich soil. The figure was made from a specimen communicated by the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Courtenay, in whose most superb collection at Powderham Castle, near Exeter, it flowered, for the first time in England, in the month of September 1798.[Pg 198]

PLATE 49

[Pg 201][Pg 200][Pg 199]

PLATE L.

IXIA CAPITATA. Var: flore aurantio.

Bunch-flowering Ixia. Var: Blossom gold colour.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives attached.
3. The Shaft, Summit, and Seed-bud, (magnified).

This variety of Ixia capitata was introduced at the same time as the Ixia bulbifera, flore luteo, viz. in 1784, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, from the Cape of Good Hope, and requires the same treatment. It flowers the latter end of May, or beginning of June; propagating itself abundantly by the root, which produces annually numerous young bulbs.[Pg 202]

PLATE 50

[Pg 205][Pg 204][Pg 203]

PLATE LI.

XERANTHEMUM SPECIOCISSIMUM.

Largest-flowering Everlasting Flower.

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. An Hermaphrodite floret, (natural size).
2. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud, (magnified).
3. The Pointal, and Seed-bud from a female floret, (magnified).

This handsome species of Xeranthemum was introduced, according to the Kew catalogue, by Mr. F. Masson from the Cape of Good Hope, in the year 1787; it is, nevertheless, a very scarce plant, being subject to decay from our winter damps; therefore requires a dry stove for its protection. The blossoms (or rather the flower-cups, for they are the persistent parts) are easily preserved for many years, in all their brilliancy, by cutting them, when they first expand; but our atmosphere seems uncongenial to the ripening of their seeds, and is with great difficulty increased by cuttings. The soil it most approves is sandy peat, with a small portion of loam. Our figure was taken in September last year, at the Hammersmith nursery.[Pg 206]

PLATE 51

[Pg 209][Pg 208][Pg 207]

PLATE LII.

GNIDIA PINIFOLIA.

Pine-leaved Gnidia.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower with its seed, (natural size).
2. The same cut open, to shew the situation and insertion of the Chives into the tube of the Empalement.
3. The Pointal, (magnified).

The essential distinguishing character, in Passerina, Gnidia, Struthiola, and Lachnæa, must certainly be considered as amongst the slightest generic divisions made by Linnæus. It is no small difficulty to distinguish the blossom in Gnidia, and Lachnæa, from the empalement in Passerina, and Struthiola; the same exact natural structure being alike in them all; and to us, appear noticeable in their small variations, rather as forming specific, than generic distinctions. As our plan is not to alter, upon any terms, what has been determinately settled by that great master in the arcana of nature, let our opinions be what they will; we are determined to prevent confusion (which has been but little attended to of late), to give it only as such, without presuming upon alteration. But as in the present instance, when a plant long named, but otherwise unknown to cultivators, has unfortunately been foisted from its rank by another, no ways answering to the characters of the describer; we shall consider it as our particular province to rectify the mistake, however generally the error may have obtained.—The Gnidia pinifolia is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, the seeds having been received from thence in 1795, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, at whose nursery it has flowered, for the first time in England, in the month of February this year, and where the drawing was taken. It is a hardy greenhouse plant, but is propagated with difficulty by cuttings; growing to the height of eighteen inches, being most exquisitely scented by night, continuing in flower at least three months, and thriving best in a light peat soil.

A figure of the plant generally known by the name of G. pinifolia, will be given with the next number, to the end our assertions may be properly investigated.[Pg 210]

PLATE 52

[Pg 213][Pg 212][Pg 211]

PLATE LIII.

MIMOSA STRICTA.

Harsh-leaved upright Mimosa.

CLASS XXIII. ORDER I.

POLYGAMIA MONOECIA. Various dispositions. Upon one Plant.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Floret, (natural size).
2. The Empalement, (magnified).
3. The Blossom, (magnified).
4. One Thread and its Tip, (magnified).
5. The Pointal, (magnified).

This species of New Holland Mimosa, has as yet, escaped even the indefatigable, and accurate Dr. Smith; it is from Port Jackson, whence the seeds were transmitted by Colonel Paterson in the year 1793. Being easily raised, it is found in most collections; the seeds preserving their vegetative quality many years, and striking readily by cuttings. It has the peculiar character attached to the Mimosas of that country, viz. winged seed-leaves, which are lost after the first year’s growth. This species has no smell, and grows to the height of three or four feet before it flowers; perfectly straight and compact, from which circumstance we have taken its trivial name.[Pg 214]

PLATE 53

[Pg 217][Pg 216][Pg 215]

PLATE LIV.

ALETRIS SARMENTOSA.

Creeping-rooted Bastard Aloe.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower.
2. The Chives, and Pointal.
3. The Pointal.

This species of Aletris was introduced to us, from the Cape of Good Hope, about the year 1789; it is a hardy plant, requiring the same management as Aletris Capensis, that is, to be kept in a dry part of the greenhouse; although the plant should be frequently watered when in bloom, as should mostly all plants, notwithstanding (as in the present instance is the case) their flowering in the winter months. This caution we have thought necessary, as it is a general rule with gardeners during that season, to put as little moisture as possible to their plants, whether in flower or not, to avoid damps. The little difficulty in propagating this handsome species of Aletris, will render it soon common; the roots grow nearly horizontally, and from their joints numberless young plants are produced; which character we were desirous of expressing in the figure, as from thence we have taken our trivial name; but from the size of the work, it was found impracticable. The drawing was made in December 1798, from a plant then in flower, at the Hammersmith nursery: we are nevertheless informed, that from being planted in a light, rich soil, it may be made to grow to the height of three feet; with a spike of flowers, one fourth the length of the flower-stem.[Pg 218]

PLATE 54

[Pg 221][Pg 220][Pg 219]

PLATE LV.

ZINNIA VIOLACEA.

Purple Zinnia.

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Floret of the ray with the seed attached, (natural size).
3. A Floret of the disk with the seed attached, (magnified).
4. The Chives and Pointal of an hermaphrodite floret.
5. The chaffy substance dividing the florets.

This elegant new species of Zinnia, is described and figured by J. A. Cavanilles, in his first volume of Spanish plants; where he says, it is a native of Mexico, South America, and was transmitted from thence to the royal gardens, where it perfected its seeds. In the year 1796, the Marchioness of Bute received it amongst many other curious seeds, from Madrid, through the medium of Professor Ortega. Being rather a tender annual, it should be sown in March, on a gentle hotbed; and transplanted into the open borders the beginning of May. The plant grows to the height of three feet or more, and makes in the months of August and September, a very considerable addition to the splendor of the flower garden. The seeds ripen freely, though the flower should be plucked before it appears decayed.[Pg 222]

PLATE 55

[Pg 225][Pg 224][Pg 223]

PLATE LVI.

ANTHOLYZA SPICATA.

Spike-flowered Antholyza.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
3. The Pointal, (natural size).

There are few species of this genus but furnish beautiful flowers; this is certainly among the most handsome, from the softness of its colour, and the regularity of the spike: what adds considerably to its merit, is, that the blossoms remain a considerable time before they fall, which unfortunately, is seldom the case with the flowers of this genus. It was received from the Cape of Good Hope in bulbs, sent by J. Pringle, Esq. of Madeira, in 1794, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy of Hammersmith; the drawing was made in the month of June 1797 at their nursery. Not being easily injured by damp, there is no necessity for removing it from its pot, as is necessary for most bulbs, but to increase it; one, or two young bulbs being annually produced, in addition from the old one. The best soil is a sandy peat, with a small proportion of loam.[Pg 226]

PLATE 56

[Pg 229][Pg 228][Pg 227]

PLATE LVII.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM GLABRUM.

Smooth-leaved annual Fig Marygold.

CLASS XII. ORDER IV.

ICOSANDRIA PENTAGYNIA. Twenty Chives. Five Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Seed-bud; the Blossom, Cup and Chives, cut off, the Pointals remaining.
2. The same, with the Cup and Chives.

As the extreme brilliancy of this plant cannot be done justice to in painting, we must rest satisfied with having done our best; every person in the least acquainted with the art, must know, that in yellow the shining colour existing in nature cannot be retained in a drawing. This species is annual, and according to the Kew Catalogue, was introduced to the royal gardens by Mr. F. Masson in the year 1787. The seeds should be sown on a hotbed in the month of February, and by the end of August the plants will flower, and continue to blossom till the end of October; never failing to perfect their seeds.[Pg 230]

PLATE 57

[Pg 233][Pg 232][Pg 231]

PLATE LVIII.

BORONIA PINNATA.

Hawthorn-scented Boronia.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, (natural size).
2. The Chives, and Pointal.
3. One Chive, (magnified).
4. The Pointal, and Honey-cup, (natural size).

This is the only species yet in our gardens, of a most beautiful new genus of plants, natives of New South Wales, first named, described, and with three other species, figured in the Tracts relating to Natural History by Dr. J. E. Smith, F.R.S. P.L.S. &c. Thus eternizing the name of an esteemed and faithful servant, who by his ardour in botanical pursuits, had merited the honour; rejecting the usual considerations, riches, or learning, does the Dr. no less credit as a man, for the kindness of his heart, than what his distinguished talents have gained him, by placing him in the first botanical seat in this kingdom. In the short history of the unfortunate end of Borone, the Dr. informs us, he had resigned him to Dr. Sibthorpe, as a most fit person to attend him in his last journey through Greece; where, at Athens, he met his death, by an accidental fall from a balcony: the Dr. did not long survive him.

The Boronia pinnata has much of the aromatic flavour of Diosma in its leaves and stem; the flowers, which appear about February, and continue till May, have the scent of the Hawthorn flower; it grows to a shrub of the height of eighteen inches, is propagated with difficulty by cuttings, and has not hitherto perfected its seeds in this country; requiring a dry situation in the greenhouse, and flourishes most in light sandy peat. The figure was taken from a plant which flowered last year, in the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, where it was raised from seeds in 1794.[Pg 234]

PLATE 58

[Pg 235]

PLATE LIX.

IXIA FISTULOSA.

Hollow-leaved Ixia.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The outer spath of the Empalement.
2. The inner spath of the Empalement.
3. A Flower cut open.
4. The Pointal, and Chives.
5. The Pointal.

This Ixia is of a very delicate nature, the root being subject to rot soon after the flower decays, if not then removed from its pot, and dried; the flowers expand about four o’clock in the afternoon, and are so extremely fragrant that they are smelt at a considerable distance. For this plant, our gardens are indebted to the Dowager Lady De Clifford, who received the bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope in the year 1794. The drawing was made from a plant, which flowered last year at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, Hammersmith, who had some of them in a present from her ladyship. Like other Ixias, it should be planted in light peat, and watered but seldom; its propagation is but slow, as seldom more than one new bulb is produced, upon the decay of the old one.[Pg 236]

PLATE 59

[Pg 239][Pg 238][Pg 237]

PLATE LX.

GERANIUM PUNCTATUM.

Dotted-flowered Geranium.

CLASS XVI. ORDER IV. Suppl. System. Veget. 1781.

MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement cut open, with the Chives and Pointal left on, (natural size).
2. The Threads cut open, to shew their number, and the situation of the two fertile ones, (magnified).
3. The Pointal, (magnified).

Perhaps amongst plants, there is no genus exhibits such varied and numerous species as Geranium; no one, in which the species are so allied in natural character, or so unfavourable to the sexual system, if some deviation from general rules was not allowed: the founder thought such licence necessary, and we implicitly follow him. Thus far we have thought proper to extenuate in the present instance; for should we follow Mons. L’Heritier, (as most of the modern correctors of Linnæus have done,) a new genus must inevitably be formed for this plant. Upon a close examination of the flowers, from a dozen different plants, invariably, only seven threads were found; two only with tips, and those placed immediately behind the shaft, whose summits were but four. This Geranium is rather tender, and requires a dry-stove heat to make it flower, which it will readily do with such assistance, in April; about the beginning of which month, this year, a drawing was made from a plant in the collection of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy. The roots or bulbs of this plant were first received in England by Thomas Johnes, Esq. in the year 1794, in whose magnificent conservatory at Havod they flowered the next year.[Pg 240]

PLATE 60

[Pg 243][Pg 242][Pg 241]

PLATE LXI.

ASTER DENTATUS.

Toothed-leaved Starwort.

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Floret of the circumference.
2. The Pointal of the preceding.
3. A Floret of the center, (magnified).
4. The Chives and Pointal of the preceding, (magnified).
5. The Shaft and Summit of the same, (magnified).

This plant cannot undoubtedly be considered as amongst the most beautiful of the vegetable productions of New Holland; but nevertheless, from the continuance of its flowering, is very desirable as a greenhouse plant, as it begins to expand its blossoms about December, and from that time till August is seldom seen without flowers. It is a low-growing shrub, seldom exceeding a foot in height, and very branching. Like most plants from Botany Bay, it delights in a light sandy peat soil, is easily propagated by cuttings, and seeds. The drawing was made from a plant in the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, who raised it first from seeds in the year 1793.[Pg 244]

PLATE 61

[Pg 247][Pg 246][Pg 245]

PLATE LXII.

GLADIOLUS GRAMINEUS.

Grass-like Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.
2. The Seed-bud, Chives, and Pointal (magnified).
3. The Pointal, (magnified).

This species of Gladiolus has been described by Thunberg, and from him by Linnæus, in his Suppl. Plant. p. 95, under the specific name it here bears. It is a little straining on the genus to introduce this species into it; as it is deficient in most of the essential characters; having a blossom without a tube, and the petals equal. From the Kew Catalogue we learn it was introduced in the year 1787, by Mr. F. Masson, to the royal gardens; is there said to flower most part of the year: a plant of such character is most desirable, but unfortunately we have never seen it in blossom but at the usual season for the flowers of this tribe; that is, from April till June. The capsules of this plant bear a strong resemblance to those of the Euonymus: generally perfecting their seeds. It is a very hardy bulb, blows early, and may be kept in a pit protected from the frost.[Pg 248]

PLATE 62

[Pg 251][Pg 250][Pg 249]

PLATE LXIII.

USTERIA SCANDENS.

Climbing Usteria.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives.
2. One Chive, (magnified).
3. The Pointal, (natural size).
4. The Empalement, and Seed-vessel nearly ripe, of its natural size.

This is another of those plants raised in the year 1797 by the Marchioness of Bute, at her charming little villa, Brompton, from seeds, sent to her ladyship from Spain by Dr. Ortega. It is a native of Mexico, North America, and will live through our winters with the protection of a greenhouse, to which it forms a beautiful ornament as a creeper; flowering from May till September, but does not appear to be a long-lived plant; is easily propagated by cuttings, or from seeds, which are ripened by November, or earlier; thriving best in light rich earth.[Pg 252]

PLATE 63

[Pg 255][Pg 254][Pg 253]

PLATE LXIV.

PÆONIA ALBIFLORA.

White Pæony.

CLASS XIII. ORDER II.

POLYANDRIA DIGYNIA. Many Chives. Two Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, Chives, and Pointals.
2. A Thread and its Tip (magnified).
3. The Seed-vessels.
4. A Seed.

This new species of Pæony is a native of Mongol Tartary, and the parts adjacent; of course, is sufficiently hardy to endure our severest winters. It has been described by Gmelin, in his Flora Sibirica; and figured by Dr. Pallas, in his Flora Rossica, under the specific title it here bears. J. Bell, Esq. of Isleworth, procured some plants of it from St. Petersburg, about the year 1791; where it had been introduced by Dr. Pallas some time before, when on his travels through Tartary. It forms a handsome, upright growing, herbaceous plant; the flowers standing much above the foliage, are much handsomer before they are expanded, than when fully so; as the under part of the petals are tinged with red, which contrasted with the purity of the white of the other parts, renders them at that period extremely beautiful. The figure was taken at the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, this year, in the month of June, during which month it is in perfection. Like the rest of the Pæonies, it is easily propagated by the root; requiring little attention in its cultivation, as it will live in almost any soil or situation.[Pg 256]

PLATE 64

[Pg 259][Pg 258][Pg 257]

PLATE LXV.

OPHRYS LILIFOLIA.

Lily-leaved Ophrys.

CLASS XX. ORDER I.

GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA. Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Honey-cup cut off the blossom.
2. The Seed-bud and Pointal (natural size) shewn sideways.
3. The same (magnified) shewn in front, with the cup lifted up, to expose the parts of fructification.

Gronovius, in his arrangement of the plants discovered by Mr. J. Clayton in Virginia, P. i, page 185, has described this plant; and Linnæus after him, in his second edition of the Species Plantarum, page 1341, has it likewise, but thought it only a large variety of a species found in marshy grounds in Sweden; however that may be, it is perfectly new to Britain, as a plant in our gardens. This species of Ophrys seems much more easy to preserve than most of its congeners, as, since its introduction, the bulbs seem to acquire additional size, and the spikes of flowers to grow larger each year. Our drawing was taken from a plant in the extensive collection of the Right Hon. the Marquis of Blandford, Bill-hill, Berkshire, in the year 1797, about the beginning of the month of July; having been sent the preceding year from Philadelphia, by J. Lyons, gardener to William Hamilton, Esq. of that State. It is a hardy plant, and will thrive in a sheltered border, if planted in light earth, and kept moist; is propagated but slowly by the root, which seems the only method; as the seeds are too small of all this natural order to raise them by that means.[Pg 260]

PLATE 65

[Pg 263][Pg 262][Pg 261]

PLATE LXVI.

GLADIOLUS POLYSTACHIUS.

Branching Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, with the Chives attached.
3. The Pointal and Seed-bud, one summit magnified.

This species of Gladiolus has been long known in herbariums, as it is very common about Table mountain, at the Cape of Good Hope; Jacquin, Thunberg, Gmelin, Welldenow, &c. have it under the tribe of Ixia, with the specific names of Scillaris, Fabricii, &c. but notwithstanding, we have no hesitation in placing it under its true genus Gladiolus. The upright character of the chives, their insertion into the tube of the blossom, and not at the mouth, the difference in the shape of the petals, the situation of the summits behind the chives, &c. leave no room for doubt where its station should be. Although plentiful at the Cape, it has not been long an inhabitant of this clime; having flowered for the first time in the year 1797, at Bulstrode, the seat of his Grace the Duke of Portland. What contributes much to the value of this plant is, that it continues in flower at least two months, from the beginning of June till the end of July; propagates itself abundantly by the roots, which are not subject to rot, though not removed from the pots in which they have flowered. Thrives in peat earth.[Pg 264]

PLATE 66

[Pg 267][Pg 266][Pg 265]

PLATE LXVII.

GERANIUM INCISUM.

Jagged-leaved Geranium.

CLASS XVI. ORDER IV.

MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. The Chives and Pointal, (natural size).
3. The Chives cut open.
4. The Pointal, (magnified).

This pretty species of Geranium, from the Cape of Good Hope, is one of those having seven fertile tips; therefore a Pelargonium of Mons. L’Heritier. It is a low growing plant, seldom exceeding eight or nine inches in height, keeping very compact; but is subject to damp in the leaves, if kept moist in winter, though otherwise pretty hardy. Mr. C. Lodiges, of Hackney, first raised it from seeds which he received from Vienna, about the year 1793. It is readily propagated by cuttings, or seeds, and continues to flower all the summer mouths; requiring light rich earth to make it flourish.[Pg 268]

PLATE 67

[Pg 271][Pg 270][Pg 269]

PLATE LXVIII.

GOODENIA OVATA.

Oval-leaved Goodenia.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement and Seed-bud.
2. A Blossom, with the parts of fructification attached.
3. The Chives, and Pointal (magnified).

In the second volume of the Linnæan Transactions, Dr. Smith enumerates ten species of the genus Goodenia; this species makes an addition to the number. The oval-leaved Goodenia is a half woody plant, making long willow-like branches, which mostly decay in the winter, though a great part of the plant remains; it is a hardy greenhouse plant, requiring little trouble either to keep or propagate; the latter of which is done by cuttings. About the year 1793, a parcel of seeds was received by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, sent to them by Colonel Paterson from Port Jackson, New Holland; amongst them, the seeds of this plant; it nevertheless did not flower till the year 1798, about the month of June. It is certainly a desirable plant, never failing to flower from June till September, if kept growing in vigour, which it will surely do if planted in light peat earth.[Pg 272]

PLATE 68

[Pg 275][Pg 274][Pg 273]

PLATE LXIX.

LAMBERTIA FORMOSA. Var. longifolia.

Red-flowered Lambertia. Long-leaved variety.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, with the Pointal as it stands in the blossom.
3. One segment of a Flower, with the Chive attached.
4. The Pointal (magnified).
5. A Capsule.
6. A Seed.

Of all the plants yet introduced from New Holland, that have hitherto flowered with us, this unquestionably takes the lead for beauty, considering the plant altogether. It is a hardy greenhouse plant, growing to the height of six or eight feet before it flowers; when the blossoms break from the ends of almost every branch. The seeds of this plant were among the first which arrived from Botany Bay, in the year 1788; when two varieties of it were raised by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, at their nursery, who were fortunate enough to procure all the seeds which came home that season. This fine genus has received its title, (under the sanction of Dr. Smith, see the Linn. Trans. page 214, vol. 3.) from Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq. fellow of the Royal and Linnæan Societies; a gentleman whose zeal for the advancement of the science is unbounded, and whose labours to that end, as well as his endeavours to render botany of universal benefit, by combining the useful with the pleasing; (witness his work on the Cinchonas, or Jesuits’ Barks) do him the greatest credit. Our drawing was made from a plant which flowered for the first time in this kingdom, in the collection of J. Robertson, Esq. of Stockwell, Surrey, in July 1798. It is without difficulty raised by cuttings, and thrives in peat earth.[Pg 276]

PLATE 69

[Pg 279][Pg 278][Pg 277]

PLATE LXX.

GNIDIA SIMPLEX.

Heath-leaved Gnidia.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower, (natural size).
2. The same cut open, and magnified.
3. The Pointal, (natural size).
4. The same magnified.

The flowers of this species of Gnidia, like most plants of this natural order, are fragrant, which increases much towards night. It is one of those delicate Cape plants requiring a dry stove, or an airy warm situation in the greenhouse; where it continues to flower through the months of April and May, and frequently will blossom a second time in September and October. It is easily propagated by cuttings; delighting most in peat earth, and seldom grows more than a foot high. Our drawing was made, (by his kind permission) at the beautiful and unique conservatory of R. James, Esq. Grosvenor-place, from a plant in his valuable and select collection, in May this year.

Unfortunately the G. Simplex having been introduced to our gardens before the G. Pinifolia, (see our figure, Pl. LII.) it was found in most collections under that title; but we have no hesitation in placing this plant under the specific name given it by Linnæus, in his Mantissa Plantarum of 1767, page 67; where, to the usual specific character, he has superadded an accurate description of it.[Pg 280]

PLATE 70

[Pg 283][Pg 282][Pg 281]

PLATE LXXI.

CLEMATIS VIORNA.

Blue thick-petal’d Virgin’s Bower.

CLASS XIII. ORDER VII.

POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA. Many Chives. Many Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Chives, and Pointals; the petals being removed.
2. The Pointals.
3. A Chive, (magnified).
4. A Pointal, (magnified).
5. A Seed nearly ripe, (natural size).

Doubts have been entertained, among some botanists, whether this plant is the Clematis viorna of Linnæus, as given by him, with various synonims, in his Sp. Plan. By collating the different specific characters from the synonims adopted by him, we have no hesitation in our decision. Being a native of Virginia and Carolina, it is not so hardy as some others from the northern parts of Europe or America; but, nevertheless, is not killed by our winters, as it is herbaceous, and not making its shoots till late. In a warm situation against a wall or trellis, it will begin to blossom in July, and continue to flower till destroyed by the frost. As yet it is rather scarce in our gardens, being but of a late introduction, though long known by description. Our figure was taken at the Hammersmith nursery, where it is in high perfection, being planted in a mixture of loam and peat earth: it is most readily increased, by parting the roots in spring; as the seeds seldom come to maturity in this climate.[Pg 284]

PLATE 71

[Pg 287][Pg 286][Pg 285]

PLATE LXXII.

STYPHELIA TRIFLORA.

Three-flowered Styphelia.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives remaining attached, to shew their insertion into the tube of the Blossom.
3. The Pointal, (natural size,) the Summit detached, and magnified.
4. The Honey-cup, (magnified).

The Styphelias constitute a very extended tribe of plants, indigenous only to New Holland; we are indebted to the pupil of Linnæus, the celebrated Dr. Solander, for this generic title, which, (as Dr. Smith has fairly observed) is expressive of the habit of this whole genus, having its origin in στυφελὸς, harsh, or hard; a character which seems invariable in every species that has come under our notice. The S. tubiflora, although set off by Dr. Smith, in his fourth number of New Holland Botany, with so much grace, must, (and we have no doubt of his concurrence) give place to S. triflora, which undoubtedly claims the palm from all its congeners hitherto discovered. The only specimen alive or dead, and from which our figure was taken, of this plant, which has come to our knowledge, is to be found in the extensive collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham-common; from whose exertions the exotic collections of this kingdom, are likely to acquire such considerable additions.

The S. triflora was raised from seed at Clapham in 1796, but did not flower till this year, in the month of June, continuing in blossom through July, and part of August. It grows to the height of near three feet, branching but little; the whole stem being hid by the leaves. Mr. Allen the gardener, to whose kind communications we are much indebted, informs us he has kept it in peat earth, and that he thinks it is to be raised by cuttings.[Pg 288]

PLATE 72

[Pg 290][Pg 289]

INDEX

TO THE PLANTS CONTAINED IN VOL. I.

[Pg 291]

[Pg 292]

[Pg 293]

Vol. II.

of the
Botanists 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.

[Pg 295]

[Pg 294]

PLATE LXXIII.

DAPHNE PONTICA.

Pontic Spurge-Laurel.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower cut open, to shew the situation of the Chives.
2. The Pointal, (natural size).
3. A ripe Seed.

Tournefort in his Voyage to the Levant, Vol. III. has described this plant under the name of, Thymelæa Pontica Citrei foliis; Dr. P. Pallas in his Flora Rossica, has likewise figured and described it, under the title it bears in the Sp. Plan. p. 511; from both of whom we learn, that it is a native of the coast of the Black Sea, and therefore perfectly hardy, at least sufficiently so to endure our climate. It is the handsomest in foliage of any species of the genus, having, like most of them, fragrant flowers; which begin to shew themselves with the first budding of the plant in spring, about the first week in March. Like our common Spurge-laurel it delights in shade, making a pretty evergreen shrub, about two feet in height; and grows best in a light loamy soil. Although this plant has been long known by name, it had not been seen in England till 1795, a year subsequent to its being sent in seeds to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith. It flowered for the first time here, in 1798; but our drawing was not made till this year, about the middle of April. It is propagated by the seed, or cuttings.[Pg 297]

PLATE 73

[Pg 300][Pg 299][Pg 298]

PLATE LXXIV.

PERSOONIA LANCEOLATA.

Lance-shaped leaved Persoonia.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom.
2. One division of the Blossom with its Chive.
3. The Pointal (natural size).
4. The same (magnified).
5. The Receptacle, with the Honey-cups (magnified).
6. A Berry cut in two, the Seed taken out.
7. A ripe Seed.

Every step we make in the examen of plants, from that endless source for botanical research, New Holland; nature almost as constantly, presents us with a perfectly new face; such is the object of our present consideration. Dr. Smith, P. L. S. in the Linnæan Transactions, Vol. IIII. p. 215, considering a new Genus as necessary for this tribe of plants, has named it in honour of C. H. Persoon, much noted for his works on the fungi. This is a handsome, spreading greenhouse plant, growing about five feet high, and covering itself with deep yellow blossoms. It is propagated by cuttings, or seeds, which come to maturity with us, and are produced in great numbers. J. Willson, Esq. of Islington, raised this species from seeds about the year 1791; from a specimen in whose collection our figure was taken, this year in July, and where it flowered for the first time last year, in the month of August, and is still in bloom, although many seeds are already perfected, from the flowers of last year.[Pg 301]

PLATE 74

[Pg 304][Pg 303][Pg 302]

PLATE LXXV.

PHYSALIS PROSTRATA.

Trailing Winter-cherry.

CLASS V. ORDER I.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives attached.
3. The Pointal (natural size).
4. A ripe Seed-vessel.

This beautiful species of Physalis, as a tender annual, should be sown early in March, on a strong hotbed; and kept, when potted, in the greenhouse, being impatient of cold or wet, and perishes if exposed to either. It is a native of Peru, South America, and has been figured by Professor Jacquin in his Ic. Rar. I. t. 38; likewise by Mons. l’Heritier in his Stirp. Nov. p. 43. t. 22; and was first transmitted to England in the year 1782, by Mons. Thoin, from France. Although it has been cultivated here some years, it is but little known, owing to its great delicacy when young, being very liable to damp off in the hotbed.[Pg 305]

PLATE 75

[Pg 308][Pg 307][Pg 306]

PLATE LXXVI.

PROTEA PINIFOLIA.

Pine-leaved Protea.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete.
2. One Petal of the Blossom, (magnified), with its Chive attached.
3. The Pointal and Seed-bud, (magnified).
4. A ripe Seed.

The Pine-leaved Protea from the Cape of Good Hope, is rather a delicate plant; and is subject to be killed, if not kept in the driest, and warmest part of the greenhouse, being very susceptible of damps. It makes a very fine appearance when in bloom, growing to the height of two feet or more upright, and with few branches; every part of the plant, (which is uncommon in this genus,) is quite smooth and shining. This species of Protea is an inhabitant of our gardens, since the year 1780; when it was first introduced by William Forsyth, Esq. of Kensington, but has been rarely seen to flower, as it is found but in few collections; owing to the difficulty of propagating it, by the only possible method in this country, cuttings. The soil it approves most, as do most of the Proteas, is a light loam. The drawing was taken at the Hammersmith nursery, from a plant which flowered there in August this year.[Pg 309]

PLATE 76

[Pg 312][Pg 311][Pg 310]

PLATE LXXVII.

PERSOONIA LINEARIS.

Linear-leaved Persoonia.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A flower complete.
2. One Petal of the flower, with its Chive, (magnified).
3. The Pointal, (natural size).
4. The same, (magnified).

The Linear-leaved Persoonia, is indigenous to the same clime as the Lance-shaped leaved, given in our last number; grows to nearly the same height, and makes a handsome greenhouse plant, continuing to flower through the autumnal months; and producing good seeds. J. Robertson, Esq. of Stockwell, Surry, raised this species from seeds in the year 1794; with whom it flowered last year, for the first time in England; and for whose kind communication of a specimen in flower, (from which our drawing was made,) we beg our grateful acknowledgment. It is raised by seeds, or cuttings; and should be planted in peat earth.[Pg 313]

PLATE 77

[Pg 316][Pg 315][Pg 314]

PLATE LXXVIII.

IXORA PAVETTA.

Sweet Ixora.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, (magnified).
2. A Blossom with the seed-bud attached, (natural size).
3. The same with the Empalement, (magnified).
4. The Pointal, (natural size).
5. The same, magnified.

To the Lady Dowager de Clifford are we indebted, for the introduction of this new species of Ixora, a native of the East Indies; her Ladyship having received it from thence, in the year 1796. It is a tender hot-house plant, growing to the height of a foot, or more, and very bushy; the bunches of flowers are very large, covering nearly the whole upper part of the plant, and are exceedingly fragrant. The blossoms begin to expand about the beginning of August, and continue to blow in succession, till the end of October. The only plant we have yet heard of, in England, is in her Ladyship’s collection at Paddington; where it has flowered for the first time this year, and where our drawing was made. It is propagated like the other species of Ixora, by cuttings, and should be kept in rich earth.[Pg 317]

PLATE 78

[Pg 320][Pg 319][Pg 318]

PLATE LXXIX.

CROWEA SALIGNA.

Willow-leaved Crowea.

CLASS X. ORDER I.

DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Ten Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. The Chives.
3. One Chive detached, natural size.
4. The same magnified to shew the situation of the Tip.
5. The Pointal, natural size.
6. The same magnified.
7. A ripe Seed.

The number of handsome flowering plants from New Holland, already figured in the Botanist’s Repository; leads us to hope, the first, and indeed most generally prevailing opinion, that the insignificance of the flowers produced by the plants of that country, rendering them scarcely worth cultivation for ornament; must be nearly, if not quite done away: and we have reason to think, when farther explored, few countries will be able to stand a competition with it, for the singularity, variety, or beauty of its vegetable productions. The Willow-leaved Crowea we consider as one amongst the many strong arguments, to favour our opinion; it is rather a delicate plant, and should be kept in a dry and warm part of the greenhouse, where it will flower from the month of July, till November; growing three feet high, if planted in light sandy peat; and is easily propagated by cuttings. Although, this is the only species at present, in cultivation with us; there is little doubt from the number of handsome specimens of other species, which we have seen, in the different herbariums from Botany Bay; and from the character of the seeds, much resembling those of the Diosma, which are not subject to rapid decay; but we shall very soon be possessed of many more of this very beautiful Genus. Our drawing was made from the nursery at Hammersmith, where it was raised from seeds, in the year 1790. The generic title of this plant, is derived from the name of an English botanist at Norwich, Mr. James Crowe, F. L. S. see Linn. Tran. Vol. IV. page 222.[Pg 321]

PLATE 79

[Pg 324][Pg 323][Pg 322]

PLATE LXXX.

BUCHNERA FŒTIDA.

Stinking Buchnera.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives.
3. The Pointal magnified.
4. A ripe Seed-vessel.

This species of Buchnera is an annual, and a native of the Cape of Good Hope; from whence, it was introduced to England in the year 1795, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy. It should be raised with other tender annuals in spring, and kept, either to ornament the greenhouse with them in pots, or planted in a warm part of the flower border, about the beginning of June. It will begin to flower about July, and generally has perfected seeds by September; although, it will continue to bloom till destroyed by the frost, as there is a constant succession of blossoms.[Pg 325]

PLATE 80

[Pg 328][Pg 327][Pg 326]

PLATE LXXXI.

SOWERBIA JUNCEA.

Rush-like Sowerbia.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Fence.
2. A Blossom complete.
3. The Chives expanded.
4. The Pointal.

The very great resemblance this plant bears in habit, to some species of the garlick and rush, led us, at first sight, to consider it of one of those Genera: but as Dr. Smith has in the fourth Volume of the Linn. Trans. p. 220, constituted it a new genus, from the construction of the chives, we make no scruple to follow such good authority. It is named after Mr. James Sowerby, so well known for his numerous botanical engravings, as attached to different works; but especially, for his excellent coloured plates of English plants. Messrs. Lee and Kennedy of Hammersmith, were the first, who raised this plant from seeds, received in 1792 from Botany Bay. Our drawing was taken in May 1798, the first time it flowered there; it is the full size of the plant, the flower-stem cut off, it being twice the length of the leaves. There is no smell to any part of the plant; but nevertheless, it is very desirable in the greenhouse, from the character of the flowers, which retain their colour with little change, till the seeds are perfected. To increase it, the roots may be parted early in spring, and should be planted in peat earth.[Pg 329]

PLATE 81

[Pg 332][Pg 331][Pg 330]

PLATE LXXXII.

BANKSIA SERRATA.

Sawed-leaved Banksia.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER. Schreb. Gen. Plant. 191.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower, the summit not yet escaped from the Chives.
2. The same with the summit relieved; magnified, to shew more clearly the shape of the
petals, and the singular situation of the Chives.
3. The Pointal, natural size.
4. A ripe Seed.

This species of Banksia, was the first to vegetate amongst the number of different seeds, which were received by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, from Botany Bay in 1788; thus, has the pre-eminence of seniority here, to all the plants which have been introduced from thence, to Great Britain. From the living and dead specimens we have already seen, this Genus bids fair to rival Protea in the number of its different species; from which, nature seems to have marked but a slight line for Generic distinction. Our figure was taken from a plant now in flower in the greenhouse, (we believe for the first time in Europe,) at the agreeable retreat of J. Ord, Esq. Purser’s-cross, Fulham, being nearly seven feet high; indeed, we have seen specimens which have attained to twelve feet, and more. It is increased by cuttings, and will grow in almost any earth. The cones to which the seed-vessels are fixed, something resemble those of the stone pine, but much larger, and the wood more hard: the seeds are inclosed in capsules which are placed at a considerable distance from each other, at irregular intervals; the spaces filled up with long harsh threads, and apparently abortive seed-vessels.[Pg 333]

PLATE 82

[Pg 336][Pg 335][Pg 334]

PLATE LXXXIII.

MORÆA TRICOLOR.

Three-coloured Moræa.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. An outer Petal of the Blossom.
2. An inner Petal of the same.
3. The Chives and Pointal; the petals being cut off, to expose the situation of the Chives hid
under the summits.

To G. Hibbert, Esq. of Clapham Common, we owe the introduction of this beautiful little Moræa, he having received it from his collector at the Cape, in the spring of 1799. It is certainly a perfectly new species here, and we believe has not been seen to flower in Europe before, as it is not in the extensive Collections, of the Emperor of Germany; at least it is not to be found amongst the many figured by Professor Jacquin. The very short duration of the blossoms, at first, had determined us to name it specifically, fugax; but finding we were anticipated in that name, by Jacquin, in his Hortus. III. tab. 26, we have adopted that of tricolor. The drawing was made at Clapham this year, in October; although we conceive the regular season for its blowing would be, June, or July, if planted like other Cape bulbs in autumn. The only means of seeing this plant in perfection, is, by keeping it entirely from the air when near flowering, as it is too delicate to bear the least exposure; it begins to expand about twelve o’clock, and is quite decayed by three. From every appearance, without a supply from the Cape, this delicate little bulb will, (as many others have) be soon lost to this country.[Pg 337]

PLATE 83

[Pg 340][Pg 339][Pg 338]

PLATE LXXXIV.

BUCHNERA PEDUNCULATA.

Solitary-flowered Buchnera.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, magnified.
3. The Pointal.
4. A Capsule.

This is another beautiful little species of Cape Buchnera, and which, we can consider as little better than biennial; much similar, to some species of different genera from thence; such as, Hebenstreitia, Mahernia, &c. For although they produce woody stems, yet the plants seldom last beyond the second year. From their short duration, it is necessary to keep up a succession yearly; which is done, by making cuttings of them early in spring. Our drawing represents the branch of a plant, in the collection of R. James, Esq. Grosvenor-place, taken in the month of July 1799. It is a very shewy greenhouse plant, and should be plotted in rich mould; if kept free from damps, will continue to flower till the end of November.[Pg 341]

PLATE 84

[Pg 344][Pg 343][Pg 342]

PLATE LXXXV.

MAHERNIA ODORATA.

Sweet Mahernia.

CLASS V. ORDER V.

PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA. Five Chives. Five Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The cup, (natural size).
2. The Chives, Honey-cups, and Pointals, as they stand in the flower.
3. The same, with the Chives thrown back, as far as the slight junction of the honey-cups
will permit, without tearing.
4. A Chive with its honey-cup, (magnified).
5. The Seed-bud and Pointals, (magnified).

Many species of this Genus have, hitherto, been arranged as Hermannias, to which they are undoubtedly very nigh affined; in nothing essentially varying, but in the character of the chives, being, in this, placed on honey cups, which are wanting in the other; the same natural appearance however of the junction of the supporters of the tips, being common to both. From this small change of the identity of character, so necessary in our artificial system, they are thrown to a wide distance in classification; the one standing in the fifth, the other in the sixteenth class! The Mahernia odorata is from the Cape of Good Hope, and was sent in seeds to England about the year 1792. It is but a short-lived greenhouse plant, and must be raised every two years, at least, from cuttings; which should be made about the beginning of March, and placed on a gentle hot bed, they will by this means become good sized plants by midsummer. The flavour of the blossoms is exactly that of the Jonquil, it continues to flower through the whole year, but is as yet to be found in few collections, although from its different attractions we have no doubt of seeing it soon in most. Rich earth, of old cow dung, and loam, seems to be the soil it most affects. Our drawing was made at the nursery Hammersmith, in July 1799.[Pg 345]

PLATE 85

[Pg 348][Pg 347][Pg 346]

PLATE LXXXVI.

BIGNONIA PANDORANA.

Norfolk Island Trumpet Flower.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives.
3. The Pointal, and Seed-bud, (magnified).
4. A Seed.

This species of Trumpet Flower, is a native of Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean, lying in 29 deg. 2 min. south lat.; therefore, must be kept with us as a greenhouse plant; and, as a creeper, may be placed to twine round the pillars, or to cover trellis work; being of quick growth (if planted in peat earth,) and flowering abundantly from the month of March, ’till June. It is easily increased by cuttings, made in the spring, or by suckers, which it frequently produces from the root. The plant from which our drawing was made, flowered (and we believe for the first time in England) in 1798, in the collection of J. Vere, Esq. Kensington Gore.

Naturalists, when in detailing the history of the various articles passing under their review, should receive with caution, any matter which seems tending to the marvellous; but for the authenticity of the authority, from whence we are furnished with the account of the singularly pestiferous character of this plant, we can with confidence pledge ourselves. Colonel Paterson, now commanding at Port Jackson, New Holland, sent the seeds from Norfolk Island, when he was stationed there, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy Hammersmith, who first raised it, in the year 1793. The N. I. Trumpet Flower is, in its native soil, a deciduous plant; upon the return of the season, in which the young tendrils begin to shoot, and the leaves begin to appear; within fifteen, or twenty days, the whole plant is entirely covered with a white downy insect, of the genus Aphis, something similar to our blight; which, in a very short time from their first appearance on this plant, become so completely dispersed over every vegetable production, that scarce a green leaf is to be seen through the whole extent of the island. So great a plague was this insect thought to be, from its effects on vegetation, by those who were sent to colonize the island, that it was considered as one of the principal reasons for abandoning the settlement.[Pg 349]

PLATE 86

[Pg 352][Pg 351][Pg 350]

PLATE LXXXVII.

IXIA ARISTATA. Var. atropurpurea.

Ragged-sheathed Ixia. Var. dark purple.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The sheath.
2. A Flower cut open.
3. The Pointal, complete.

This truly specious Ixia, has at different periods long since, been seen in our exotic collections; but the delicacy of its root, and of consequence, the difficulty of preserving it, when out of flower, was, no doubt, the occasion of its having been as often lost to us for a time. To the Dutch we are indebted for the last introduction of it to this country, about four years since, amongst many others; from their immense collections of Cape bulbs at Haarlem. Although the root is particularly susceptible of wet, yet, by timely taking up the bulb, even before the upper part of the plant is decayed; and keeping it entirely free from moisture, till it is again planted in October, there will be little danger of its perishing. Our figure was taken in the month of June 1799, at Clapham, from a plant in the Collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Light sandy peat, with a small portion of rotten old cow-dung, will give it the most vigorous growth.[Pg 353]

PLATE 87

[Pg 356][Pg 355][Pg 354]

PLATE LXXXVIII.

ERANTHEMUM PULCHELLUM.

Blue-flowered Eranthemum.

CLASS II. ORDER I.

DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Two Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, with its four small leaflets.
2. The Blossom cut open, to shew the part of insertion of the Chives.
3. One of the Chives, (magnified.)
4. The Pointal, (natural size.)
5. The same, (magnified.)
6. The Seed-bud.
7. A Seed.

Eranthemum, although standing in our ancientest tables, as a name to different plants; must have been, hitherto, considered as a dead letter in all our modern ones, as attached to the tribe of plants it now titles: but perhaps, to none of the former more aptly could it have been applied; (especially this species, as the Greek word Ήράνθεμον, a compound of Ής the spring, and ἀνθέω to blossom, fairly indicates;) since the E. pulchellum first begins to flower in January, and continues to blossom till May. Linnæus in treating this Genus, acknowledges to have seen but one imperfect specimen; and from this circumstance, left the description of the seed-vessel, and seed, to be determined by future Botanists; as yet, that has not been accomplished, even by the indefatigable and accurate Schreber; indeed, had the character of the pointal been likewise omitted, it would have been as well; since, in place of one, the two unequal summits, (which might escape observation in a dried specimen, from their disproportion in length, and upright situation;) point out a stronger Generical distinction from Justicia, to which it much affines, than either, the regular shape of the limb of the blossom, or the situation of the chives. Our species is a native of the coast of Coromandel, in the East Indies, and was first received in seeds from Dr. Roxburg, at the Royal gardens Kew, in the year 1796. It is a most desirable plant, for although it has hitherto been kept in the hot-house, we have no doubt from its flowering and thriving there, with so little care, in any situation; but that it will soon be considered as a proper inhabitant of the greenhouse. It is with the greatest ease, and certainty, increased by cuttings. Our drawing was made this month, from a plant in flower at the Hammersmith nursery.[Pg 357]

PLATE 88

[Pg 360][Pg 359][Pg 358]

PLATE LXXXIX.

GNIDIA LÆVIGATA.

Shining-leaved Gnidia.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete.
2. The same cut open, with the Chives attached; the Pointal taken out.
3. The Seed-bud and Pointal, (magnified.)

This Gnidia is from the Cape of Good Hope, from whence it was first sent to England about the year 1783, by Mr. F. Masson to the Royal gardens Kew. It is a tender, and delicate greenhouse plant, very subject to be destroyed by the autumnal rains, or over watering during the winter. It is with great difficulty raised from cuttings, and its seeds seldom or ever, we believe, are perfected with us; from which circumstance, it is to be found in very few collections. Our drawing was made from a plant, in the possession of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, about the middle of July 1799.[Pg 361]

PLATE 89

[Pg 364][Pg 363][Pg 362]

PLATE XC.

SEPTAS CAPENSIS.

Cape Septas.

CLASS VII. ORDER IV.

HEPTANDRIA HEPTAGYNIA. Seven Chives. Seven Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. The Chives, and Pointals, (magnified).
3. One of the Pointals detached, (natural size).

We are happy in having procured for the entertainment of our botanical friends, a specimen of so singular a plant as the Septas: which, from the conformity of its constituent generic characters in point of numbers, has given it the title it bears and forming for itself an order of plants, in which it stands alone. No plant is better known to botanists than Septas by name; but as yet, there exists only one miserable uncoloured figure of it; which is to be found in the Mantissa of Plukenet, tab. 340, fig. 9. The first plants seen of Septas in England, were purchased in roots from Holland, under the name of Saxifraga Tuberosa, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy Hammersmith. The beginning of August this year, a drawing was taken from a plant in the collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, he having received some fine bulbs of it, in the spring, from his collector at the Cape. There are few plants rival Septas for beauty that are of equal size; it is herbaceous, should be removed from its pot when in a state of inaction, and dried like the Anemonie. The bulbs may be cut, or parted at the time of removal for propagation.[Pg 365]

PLATE 90

[Pg 368][Pg 367][Pg 366]

PLATE XCI.

CAMELLIA JAPONICA. Var. flore pleno variegato.

Double-striped Camellia.

CLASS XVI. ORDER VI. of Schreber’s 8th ed. of Gen. Plant.

MONODELPHIA POLYANDRIA. Threads united. Many Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER OF VARIETY.

Camellia foliis brevioribus, latioribus; floribus plenis, variegatis.

Camellia with shorter and broader leaves; flowers double and striped.

In hopes that the subject will plead our excuse, in thus again, obtruding a kind of nonentity, in reference to the sexual system, on our scientific friends; and that a figure, of so rare, and beautiful a plant, would be agreeable to all; we have, once more, put by the etiquette of science, for the charms of beauty; yet for this deviation, we think an apology necessary, as it is undoubtedly not conformable to the plan of our undertaking.

This variety of the Camellia Japonica, is of the same date in our gardens, as the double white, and was introduced through the same medium. As yet this plant is found in but very few collections, and is sold at a very high price; not being of free growth, few cuttings, or grafts can be obtained. It has hitherto, been treated as a hothouse plant; but there is no doubt it is equally hardy with the common sort, upon which, all the plants we have as yet seen, and indeed those that were first imported from China, were grafted; an instance in proof, that horticulture must have, there, attained to a considerable degree of perfection, in the operative part: as well as, that possessing double flowering varieties, of their most beautiful plants, which are only produced by a series of cultivation, for ages; incontestably proves the antiquity of the art, (if any fresh proofs were necessary,) in that country. Our figure was made from a drawing taken partly, from a plant which flowered in August last year, in the collection of J. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham; and partly from one now (April) in full bloom, in the conservatory of R. H. James, Esq. Grosvenor-Place; the only ones we have as yet seen in flower; wherefore the time of flowering cannot as yet be fixed.[Pg 369]

PLATE 91

[Pg 372][Pg 371][Pg 370]

PLATE XCII.

CRINUM SPIRALE.

Spiral-stalked Asphodel Lily.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Flower, cut open and magnified; to shew the point of insertion of the Chives, at the
base of the border.
3. The Pointal and Seed-bud (magnified).
4. The Seed-bud cut transversely, and magnified; to shew the situation of the seeds in the
cells, before the splitting of the outer coat, when matured.
5. The Seeds, as they appear after the bursting of the containing coat, and of their natural size.

This curious little plant, has been figured by professor Jacquin in his Ic. rar. 2. tab. 363, under the name of Crinum Tenellum; Thunberg, (who no doubt saw the living plant) in his Prodromus, p. 58, gave it first, the specific title of Spiralis, which to us seems the best possible, we have retained it; although, we differ from him as to the Genus, and which there is no doubt every botanist will, on the examination of the figure, with its appendages. That this plant should ever have been placed under Hæmanthus, by any botanist, is certainly matter of wonder, yet the point is too clear to be contended; scarce one of the essential constituent characters, of the genus, are to be found in our plant, and yet so perfectly in every part answering to Crinum. In Hæmanthus, the fence is composed of many leaves; the segments of the border, standing upright; the Chives longer than the blossom, and fixed into the tube; the Summit simple! &c. &c. We submit this, nevertheless, with deference to superior judgments, as a late publication of much repute, has this plant, under the Generic title we have rejected. The drawing was made in the beginning of March, this year, at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, Hammersmith; by whom, it was received from the Cape of Good Hope in 1792. It is a very hardy bulb, requiring no more protection than a pit, to secure it from the frost. It increases but slowly by the root, but occasionally produces ripe seeds; and should be kept constantly in its pot, in a mixture of peat and loam.[Pg 373]

PLATE 92

[Pg 376][Pg 375][Pg 374]

PLATE XCIII.

ASTER REFLEXUS.

Reflexed-leaved Starwort.

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.
2. A Floret of the circumference.
3. The Pointal of the foregoing.
4. A Floret of the centre (magnified).
5. The Chives and Pointal of a floret of the centre (magnified).
6. The Shaft and Summit of the same (magnified).

The singular merit of this pretty greenhouse plant, is, that its blossoms are still to be seen through the whole year; and is kept with as little care, as is required for any. It is with ease, and certainty, increased by cuttings, put in about the month of May; or by seeds, which it sometimes perfects by being kept from the rain in autumn. It is a plant known by name, to most botanists; but has not been introduced to us, till the year 1794, when it was received in seeds from the Cape, at the nursery Hammersmith; where it has flowered, these two successive years, and where our figure was taken.[Pg 377]

PLATE 93

[Pg 380][Pg 379][Pg 378]

PLATE XCIV.

GALAXIA OVATA.

Oval-leaved Galaxia.

CLASS XVI. ORDER I.

MONADELPHIA TRIANDRIA. Threads united. Three Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Sheath.
2. A Flower cut open, to shew where the threads are fixed to the tube of the blossom.
3. The Chives with the Pointal inclosed, the Blossom cut away.
4. The Pointal and Seed-bud.

Any species of this Genus, must be interesting to the English botanist; as, till last year, not one was to be found, in any collection of this country. The G. ovata is figured in Cavanilles, Diss. 6. p. 340. t. 189; and described by Thunberg, in his Nova Genera Plantarum, p. 50. It is a most singular little plant, but we much fear will prove a fugitive to us; like the Ferraria, (to which in many particulars it very nearly affines) its beauty is but of a few hours duration: indeed, so short is the period, that had not Mr. Hibbert taken a sketch of it, whilst in perfection; and from which our drawing was completed, we could not have accomplished a figure of it. As yet, the true season of its flowering cannot be ascertained; but, it was in the month of October, that the plant flowered last year 1779; the bulbs having been received, from the collector for the Clapham collection, still at the Cape, in the spring of the same year. The treatment for this, appears to be the same as that necessary for most Cape bulbs; light sandy peat, a little warmth when approaching to flower; and to be removed from the pot afterwards.[Pg 381]

PLATE 94

[Pg 384][Pg 383][Pg 382]

PLATE XCV.

AMARYLLIS RADIATA.

Rayed Lily Daffodil.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Petal, with the Chive attached.
2. The Pointal and Seed-bud, the Petals cut off.

This species of Lily, certainly not a novelty to many as a plant, is nevertheless in its blossom, to most, quite so; for, though few collections are without it, yet we are pretty well assured, in no one has it flowered, at least for many years within the vicinity of London; except, in that of the Right Hon. the Marchioness of Rockingham, at Hillingdon near Uxbridge; for whose kind communication, (though personally unknown to her Ladyship,) of a most beautiful specimen, of which our figure conveys but a faint idea of the brilliancy; we can only thus, express our sincerest thanks. Mr. Greig, who had the goodness to bring the flower himself; informs us, the mode of his treating it is, to plant the bulbs in light sandy peat, and confine them to small pots, nearly half filled with broken tiles, and keep them on a shelf of the hothouse. It is a native of China, was introduced by the late Dr. Fothergill; and generally flowers, according to Mr. Greig, in the month of February, or March; and is increased abundantly from the root, by offsets.[Pg 385]

PLATE 95

[Pg 388][Pg 387][Pg 386]

PLATE XCVI.

PUNICA GRANATUM. Var. flore albo.

White Pomegranate.

CLASS XII. ORDER I.

ICOSANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Twenty Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower cut open, to shew the insertion of the Petals and Chives, into the cup; with the
situation of the Pointal.
2. The same shewn from the reverse side.

This handsome variety of the common Pomegranate, (for it cannot be considered as a species,) will, it is to be hoped, prove an agreeable addition to our gardens; though not as a fruit tree, yet as an ornamental plant, of the middling hardy class. Indeed we have little doubt of this, if we may judge by analogy, from its deciduous character, or from its natural affinities; as the other sorts of this species, viz. single red, double red, yellow flowered, and another new variety with large red blossoms and larger leaves, all endure our winters, with little, or no protection, in the southern, or western counties of the island; and are all natives of the same clime: from whence, no doubt, they, like the Orange-tree, &c. &c. have been originally transported; though at present considered as indigenous, to all the different countries on the coasts of the Mediterranean sea, where the single red is cultivated for its fruit; the agreeable acidity of which, is considered as a great luxury, in allaying the thirst occasioned by the intense heat, of those parching regions. In the month of April last year 1799, a fine branch, in full flower, was obligingly communicated by Lady Hume, from her select collection at Wormley Bury, Herts; from which our figure was taken, and where it was then flowering for the first time in England. Her Ladyship had received the plant, amongst a number of others, from China, in the year 1796. The fruit did not ripen, which we attribute to its being kept in the hothouse, to which situation, all plants coming from the East, are necessarily consigned on their first importation. The mode of increasing it is certain and easy, by cuttings, or layers; and it grows most luxuriant in light earth, composed of rotten leaves or rotten dung, and light sandy loam.[Pg 389]

PLATE 96

[Pg 392][Pg 391][Pg 390]

PLATE XCVII.

VACCINIUM FORMOSUM.

Red-twigged Whortle-berry.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Blossom and Cup.
2. The Chives and Pointal, magnified.
3. The Seed-bud a little advanced, with the Cup upon it.
4. A nearly ripe Berry, cut transversely, magnified.

From the number of different new and old known species, of this genus, which we have been enabled to examine this spring; and of which drawings have been made, (a figure from one of them being intended to be given in each successive No. till they are finished;) we are more fully confirmed, in what was asserted in a former part of the work, that V. Arctostaphyllus, with the greater part of those plants, now known as Vacciniums, should be placed in Decandria. It is true, a certain latitude has been given by Linnæus, in an observation on the genus, by allowing, that a fourth in addition to the usual number is frequently found, in the different parts of the flower. But when so essential a part of the fructification is, with a very few exceptions, constant through a numerous genus, we cannot but think, in a system, founded chiefly on that basis, that in such case, the mere character of the fruit should give way to first principles; and that those with ten chives should be placed to Andromeda. Or, if the distinction of a dry, from a moist capsule, should be thought of sufficient weight, on which to form a new genus, those species, with ten chives, and berries, might be so arranged. Indeed, the difference in the general habit, of those with ten, from those with eight chives, would well warrant such an alteration. But such a change we have declined making, upon the grounds we have, and are determined to pursue; not to alter any established name, if even a little erroneous; but only to point out the error, or the apparent necessary alteration.

This species of Whortle-berry was first introduced, (according to the Kew Catalogue,) in 1770, by Mr. William Young, from N. America; and is consequently hardy enough to bear the severity of our common winters. It should be planted in sandy peat earth, on a dry, sheltered border. It is propagated by layers, which should be put down in spring, and taken off the succeeding summer. The leaves of this species are deciduous, when planted in the open ground; but, if kept in the greenhouse, where it will be found very ornamental, it becomes an evergreen. Our figure was made at the nursery, Hammersmith, in May this year.[Pg 393]

PLATE 97

[Pg 396][Pg 395][Pg 394]

PLATE XCVIII.

PULTENÆA DAPHNOIDES.

Daphne-like Pultenæa.

CLASS X. ORDER I.

DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Ten Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Cup, with its two appendages, magnified.
2. The Standard of the Blossom.
3. One of the Wings of the Blossom.
4. The two Petals of the Keel.
5. The Chives and Pointal, natural size.
6. The same, magnified.
7. The Pointal.
8. The same, magnified.
9. A half-ripe Seed-vessel, with the Cup remaining attached, magnified.

From the number of species of this genus of plants, already in Britain, we may conclude, that it is one of the most extended in New South Wales; twelve distinct ones have already flowered, drawings of most of them we have, which will be brought forward in due course. Dr. Smith, in the third No. of New Holland Botany, has named this tribe of plants after Dr. R. Pulteney, F. R. and F. L. S. of Blandford, Dorsetshire; well known for his Sketches of the Progress of Botany in England. But there is little doubt, that although no such kind attention as this of Dr. Smith had been shewn, to perpetuate the name of Dr. Pulteney, he had, by his excellent life of Linnæus, insured his own to live for ever. The Pultenæas, in systematic order, rank after, but very close to Sophora; but are little allied in general habit, as are few plants from that country to those of any other. This species was first raised in 1792, in many gardens about the metropolis the same year; but did not flower till 1796. It is a hardy greenhouse plant, generally flowering about the month of May; but the blossom is of short duration. Sandy peat is the soil it most approves; and its increase is produced, either from seeds, which sometimes ripen with us, or from cuttings placed in gentle heat about the month of May. The drawing was made from a plant in the Hibbertian collection at Clapham, this year.[Pg 397]

PLATE 98

[Pg 400][Pg 399][Pg 398]

PLATE XCIX.

GLADIOLUS BLANDUS.

Large White-flowered Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives attached.
3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summits.

Of all the different species of so handsome a genus, no one is more desirable than this; as the root or plant is preserved with little care, and it rarely misses flowering; at the same time that the blossoms are of long duration, and not subject to injury from the weather; changing to a fine blush colour, when approaching to decay. From the Kew Catalogue we learn, that the G. Blandus was first introduced, from the Cape of Good Hope, by Mr. F. Masson in 1774. It thrives in most sorts of earth, but sandy peat seems the most proper for this, as well as most Cape bulbs. Our figure was taken from a plant in the collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, this year, the end of May.[Pg 401]

PLATE 99

[Pg 404][Pg 403][Pg 402]

PLATE C.

EMBOTHRIUM SERICEUM.

Silky Embothrium.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete.
2. A Petal of the Blossom, magnified.
3. The Seed-bud and Summit, magnified.
4. A ripe Seed-vessel.
5. A Seed.

Whem the figure of this plant, or a variety of it, was published by Dr. Smith, in the third No. of his New Holland Botany, it had not then flowered in England; and from the leaves only, of the dried specimens, it was scarce possible to trace, amongst such a variety of new faces, this species of Embothrium. It nevertheless was in many collections, and in some, all the varieties, although it had not then flowered in any. About the end of the year 1791 the seeds of this plant, with many others, were received by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith, transmitted to them from New South Wales, by Col. Paterson. As a hardy greenhouse plant, it will always be coveted, as it is seldom without flowers through the whole year. Our plant appears to differ sufficiently, from the three varieties given by the Doctor, to form a fourth; as the leaves on this are by no means constantly three together, but are often scattered. We have notwithstanding nearly copied his specific character. It should be planted in light sandy peat, and may be increased by cuttings, or by seeds, which occasionally ripen, whilst the plant is still in flower.[Pg 405]

PLATE 100

[Pg 408][Pg 407][Pg 406]

PLATE CI.

HYPOXIS STELLATA.

Star-flowered Hypoxis.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Chives and Pointal, cleared from the Blossom.
2. A Chive.
3. The Pointal.

Though we have little doubt in referring this plant to the title under which we have figured it, and by which it has been long known to most botanists, at least by name; yet have we great ones, whether it ought in any wise to be considered as such. Thunberg, perhaps the only botanist, who has seen it in flower, thought so, and placed it to a genus he had named Fabricia. Certainly no one character of the genus Hypoxis, can be traced in the flower. The husk is of one valve, the petals not even close at the base, the threads flat, the summits three, and halbert-shaped, the shaft pillar-shape and short, &c. But, as upon our old plea, we do not choose to change generic names when long established, this plant, for us, must still remain an Hypoxis; tho’ it could not now be placed, at any rate, to Fabricia, as that title is given to a family of plants, natives of New Holland. The star-flowered Hypoxis is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, is rather a tender bulb, and does not often flower. It was according to the Kew Catalogue first introduced to the Royal Gardens by Mr. F. Masson, in the year 1788; but as the time of flowering is not mentioned, we suppose it did not flower there. The root should, like other Cape bulbs, be removed from the pot after flowering, and replanted in October. It propagates itself pretty freely by offsets, if planted in light sandy peat, mixed with a little loam. The drawing was made in June, this present year, at the Hammersmith nursery.[Pg 409]

PLATE 101

[Pg 412][Pg 411][Pg 410]

PLATE CII.

EPIGÆA REPENS.

Creeping Epigæa.

CLASS X. ORDER I.

DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Ten Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Cups of the Empalement.
2. The inner Cup, disengaged from the outer.
3. A Blossom cut open, to shew its hairy interior.
4. The Chives and Pointal, as they stand in the Blossom.
5. The Pointal, (magnified).

The Creeping Epigæa is the only species of the genus yet in Britain; it was first introduced by P. Collinson, Esq. in 1736, from N. America; where it is found in most parts, from Virginia, as far north as Canada. The flowers of this plant are extremely fragrant, and are produced from March till May. Hitherto, very few situations have been found congenial to its cultivation, or growth; indeed, so subject is it to perish from the moisture, or changeableness of atmosphere in our winter months, to which it is not subject in its native clime, being during that season covered with a deep snow; that unless an occasional supply had not been procured from America, the plant must, long ere this, have been lost to us. The soil which appears best adapted for its preservation, is a light sandy loam: if planted in the open air, it should have a sheltered situation, on a dry border; but the most likely mode to preserve it, is by keeping it as a greenhouse plant. It is with difficulty increased by cuttings, but may be divided at the root, with success, in March. Our figure was made at the nursery of Mess. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, this year, in the month of April.[Pg 413]

PLATE 102

[Pg 416][Pg 415][Pg 414]

PLATE CIII.

PROTEA SPECIOSA, nigra.

Black-flowered Protea.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete, as it stands in the Empalement.
2. The four Petals of the Flower thrown open, to shew the situation and character of the tips.
3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit.

It is to the curious and beautiful structure of the empalement, (the flowers being nearly concealed within it,) that this species of Protea owes its specific title, and for which it is so much admired. There are different varieties of it, which are considered by Thunberg, in his Diss. de Prot. of 1781, as distinct species; but which are certainly only varieties of one stock: we have drawings of two of these, the one flesh-coloured, the other white; and hope to be able to demonstrate as just, our postulatum, when the synonims are given, as proposed, at the close of this volume. This plant was first introduced to the Royal Gardens at Kew, from the Cape of Good Hope, in 1786, by Mr. F. Masson: it flowers at a very early age, and when the stem is not more than two feet high, mostly from the centre or leading branch of the plant. It is propagated by cuttings, which should be put in about the end of May, three or four, at most, in a pot, filled with good stiff loam, which should be pressed hard to the lower end of the cuttings, and the pot placed under a hand-glass in the shade. When the plants are to be removed into separate pots, it will be necessary to add a small portion of peat earth to the loam, and place them in an airy and dry part of the greenhouse. These directions are necessary to be observed, in the culture of nearly every species of this extended genus. Our figure was taken in the month of July 1799, from a plant in the Hibbertian collection, Clapham-common.[Pg 417]

PLATE 103

[Pg 420][Pg 419][Pg 418]

PLATE CIV.

LACHNÆA ERIOCEPHALA.

Woolly-headed Lachnæa.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The terminating Leaves of the branches, which inclose the small heads of flowers.
2. A Flower, magnified.
3. A Flower cut open, natural size, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
4. The Seed-bud and Pointal, magnified.

The figure of this curious new plant was taken from a specimen most obligingly communicated by the Hon. Wm. Hen. Irby, from his valuable and extensive collection at the Parsonage, Farnham Royal, near Windsor, Bucks. The genus Lachnæa has hitherto, with us, remained in obscurity; as the L. Conglomerata has not as yet flowered, and the L. Eriocephala was not in our collections till within these five years; about which time it was introduced by Mess. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, from the Cape of Good Hope. It differs but little in habit from Passerina Grandiflora, and until it flowered this year, was considered as a variety of that plant. May be propagated with ease by cuttings, and continues to flower from March till August. A mixture of peat and loam is the soil it most approves; but it is very susceptible of damps.[Pg 421]

PLATE 104

[Pg 424][Pg 423][Pg 422]

PLATE CV.

VACCINIUM CRASSIFOLIUM.

Thick-leaved Whortle-berry.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. Cup and Seed-bud, natural size.
2. A Blossom cut open.
3. The Chives and Seed-bud, the leaflets of the cup cut off, magnified.
4. The Pointal, magnified.

This species of Whortle-berry was introduced from Carolina, about the year 1794, by Mr. J. Fraser, nurseryman. It is another of those with ten chives, five cells in the berry, and five segments in the borders of the cup and blossom. It is an evergreen, and will live through a mild winter, on a warm border; but cannot resist the cold of a severe one, though a small degree of protection is sufficient for its preservation. As a greenhouse plant, it is very decorative, flowering about June; in which month this year our drawing was made, at the Hammersmith nursery, from a plant in that collection. The pabulum best calculated to preserve it in a flourishing state, is a mixture composed of sandy peat two parts, and light loam one part. To propagate it, the younger branches should be laid down about the end of May, and they will be rooted by the ensuing spring.[Pg 425]

PLATE 105

[Pg 428][Pg 427][Pg 426]

PLATE CVI.

HOUSTONIA COCCINEA.

Scarlet Houstonia.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement and Pointal, the Blossom taken off.
2. The Blossom cut open, to shew its interior structure.
3. The Seed-bud and Pointal, the leaflets of the cup being removed, magnified.

The Houstonia coccinea has been placed, by some late botanical authors, under the genus Hedyotis; but such authorities can have no weight with us, when opposed to an established name, a nearly general conformity in the essential generic characters; and though last, not the least in our estimation, the corroborating testimony of Sir J. Banks, Bart. P.R.S. &c. by whom it was sent to the Royal Gardens, Kew, in 1793. It is a native of Mexico, South America; and like the Hemimerises,[A] Fuchsias, Chelones, &c. of that country, is very subject to damp; but being partly herbaceous, the root is most frequently preserved, although the upper part has perished. Though it requires the protection of a greenhouse in winter, it may be made an ornamental plant for the flower borders in autumn, by putting single cuttings, in small pots filled with rich earth, into the heat of a hotbed, early in March, they will be fit to transplant into the open ground the latter end of June, and will flower about August, continuing to blossom till destroyed by the frost; or if taken up and put into large pots, will flower till Christmas. Our figure was taken from a beautiful plant, in the collection of R. H. James, Esq. Grosvenor-place, in 1799.

PLATE 106

[Pg 432][Pg 431][Pg 430]

PLATE CVII.

ALLIUM GRACILE.

Sweet-scented Garlic.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Blossom cut open.
2. One Petal of the Blossom and its Chive, magnified.
3. The Pointal and Seed-bud.
4. A Capsule with ripe Seeds.

From a plant in the collection of J. Vere, Esq. Kensington Gore, our drawing was made, this year, early in the month of May; and from an accurate scrutiny, are inclined to think it might be considered as a new genus; for certainly it does not well affine to the one here assigned it, in several instances; but as our professed principles are, as rarely as possible, to increase the number of genera, we have retained it under Allium. The flowers of this plant are fragrant in the extreme, at night; so much so, that one is sufficient to scent a large room; the flavour something like the Heliotrope. Being a native of Barbadoes, from whence it was sent by Mr. J. Ellcock in 1791, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, it requires the heat of a hothouse, where, without the assistance of the bark bed, it will flower, and increase from the bulb abundantly.[Pg 433]

PLATE 107

[Pg 436][Pg 435][Pg 434]

PLATE CVIII.

GERANIUM RENIFORME.

Kidney-shape-leaved Geranium.

CLASS XVI. ORDER IV. Of Suppl. system. Veget. 1781.

MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its hollow structure.
2. The Chives and Pointal, natural size.
3. The Threads cut open, to shew their number, as well as the general number of fertile tips, magnified.
4. The Pointal and Seed-buds, magnified.

From the Hort. Cantab. published this year, by the accurate Mr. J. Donn, we learn that this fine species of Geranium was introduced to the Royal Gardens, Kew, about nine years since; yet, till within these two years, it has not been seen in any other collection. Our drawing was made in July 1799, from a plant in the Clapham collection. This Geranium must be treated rather as a dry-stove than as a common greenhouse plant, for it affines much to G. Fulgidum, and a few others, which are inhabitants of the sandy deserts of the more interior parts of Africa, and which require more heat than is proper for those from Table Mountain, or the vicinity of the Cape. It is propagated by cuttings made about the month of March, and placed under a small glass, either in a hotbed, or in the bark bed of the hothouse: it may be increased by the root likewise, and from seed which is sometimes perfected. A compost of cow dung, at least two years old, one part, sea sand one part, and light loam two parts, is the most proper for many of the tenderer sorts of this genus.[Pg 437]

PLATE 108

[Pg 440][Pg 439][Pg 438]

PLATE CIX.

CHRYSANTHEMUM TRICOLOR.

Three-coloured Corn-Marygold.

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

SYNGENESIA, POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. An outer Scale of the Empalement.
2. An inner Scale of the Empalement.
3. A female Floret of the Circumference, with its Pointal.
4. An hermaphrodite Floret of the Center.
5. The above, magnified.
6. The Chives of an hermaphrodite Floret, magnified.
7. The Pointal of an hermaphrodite Floret, magnified.
8. The Receptacle, natural size.

Mr. James Donn, Curator of the Botanic Gardens, Cambridge, through whose medium we possess this new species of Crysanthemum, informs us, in his catalogue for 1800, that it is a native of the coast of Barbary, and from whence it was first received in 1797. The C. Tricolor is but of annual growth, should be raised on gentle heat about March, and may be either kept in pots, or planted in the open borders, where it will flower from July till October; but much of the brilliancy of the flowers will be lost, if treated in the last manner, as the least wet, or even the dew, will affect their colours. The seeds are perfected in less than a week, after the decay of the flower, and are produced in abundance. Our figure was taken from a plant in the Hammersmith nursery, which had been raised from seed, communicated by Mr. Donn to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy.[Pg 441]

PLATE 109

[Pg 444][Pg 443][Pg 442]

PLATE CX.

PROTEA SPECIOSA, latifolia.

Broad-leaved shewy Protea.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete, as it stands in the Empalement.
2. The same opened, to shew the situation of the Chives.
3. The Seed bud and Pointal.

The drawing of this magnificent plant was made at the nursery of Messrs. Grimwood and Wykes, Kensington, this year, early in the month of August; as we were informed by Mr. Wykes it was then in flower for the first time in England. In the year 1786 it was sent, in seeds, to the royal gardens, Kew, by Mr. F. Masson, from the Cape of Good Hope; where certainly its beauty must be great; as, even there, amidst that world of beauties, it should be honoured with such a specific title; in which, considering it as only a variety of our P. speciosa nigra, we entirely agree with Willdenow; where the last synonim of that species, copied by him in his Sp. Pl. from Ray’s Historia Plantarum of 1719, must have been taken from a plant of this variety. The treatment, and culture of this, and P. Speciosa nigra, are exact in every thing.[Pg 445]

PLATE 110

[Pg 448][Pg 447][Pg 446]

PLATE CXI.

GLADIOLUS STRIATUS.

Streaked-flowered Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Flower cut open with the Chives attached.
3. The Seed-bud and Pointal, natural size, one Summit detached, magnified.

This species of Cape Gladiolus was brought to us, from Holland, about the year 1788; it is a very hardy bulb, the flowers continuing perfect more than a week, and are not easily injured either by wind or rain. But the greatest merit of this plant is, that the blossoms are only produced when most of the other species of Ixiæ, Gladioli, &c. have done flowering; which is generally about the end of July. Before the stem decays, the bulb should be taken from the pot, and dried. The increase of this plant is not great, as seldom more than two roots are produced from the old one. Our drawing was made at the Hammersmith nursery, in 1799. Willdenow has a Gladiolus from Jacquin’s Icon. Rar. under the specific title here given to this, undoubtedly not the same plant; but as our name is that by which this species is in general known, and by which it came from Holland, we have not thought fit to alter it.[Pg 449]

PLATE 111

[Pg 452][Pg 451][Pg 450]

PLATE CXII.

VACCINIUM DUMOSUM.

Bushy Whortle-berry.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower complete.
2. The Cup and its Foot-stalk, with the floral Leaves.
3. The Seed-bud, Pointal, and Chives.
4. The same, magnified.
5. The Shaft and its Summit, magnified.

This species of Whortle-berry is a neat, compact, bushy shrub; and like all the rest of those which have ten chives, and the other parts consonant, can scarcely be considered as a hardy plant; for although it will live through a mild winter, if planted in a warm and dry situation, on an open border; yet it will in general be destroyed, by the severe frosts which happen late in spring. It should be planted in sandy peat earth, with a small portion of light loam; may be propagated by layers, which do not commonly root, sufficiently to be taken off, under two years from the time of their being put down. As a hardy green-house plant it is best preserved in a flourishing state, and will flower about the month of June; in which month, this year, our drawing was made, at the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, by whom it was introduced from North America in the year 1783.[Pg 453]

PLATE 112

[Pg 456][Pg 455][Pg 454]

PLATE CXIII.

STRUTHIOLA IMBRICATA.

Tiled-leaved Struthiola.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower with its floral leaves, or cup.
2. The floral Leaves or Cup, magnified.
3. A Flower cut open, magnified.
4. The Seed-bud, Chives, and Pointal, magnified.

The Genus Struthiola, from the few species yet known, has been but slightly considered. Linnæus, at the end of his Generic Character, affines it to Passerina; it is true, the habits of S. virgata, and S. erecta, which are undoubtedly only varieties of the same stock, and the only two he had seen, might lead to such a comment; but, from the seven species of which we have drawings, all taken from living plants, and which will be brought forward in due course, we consider them, as perfectly distinct, in more essential characters than merely the number of chives. The acute and diligent Willdenow, in his new edition of Sp. Plant. enumerates five species from Thunberg, &c.; but from his notes of observation, prefixed to each, he had not seen either living or dried specimens of any, but the two above named. The characters in which we observe this genus to differ from Gnidia and Passerina, are, first, a cup of two leaves, constant in every species we have examined, for they cannot be considered as floral leaves, being attached to the base of the blossom, and joined together at the bottom; secondly, the honeycup forming a complete cincture to the mouth of the flower, and upon which are seated, four, or eight, upright glands. This species of Struthiola was first raised in England, at the nursery, Hammersmith, from the Cape of Good Hope, in the year 1794. It is a tender green-house plant, and very subject to be destroyed by wet; therefore, should be protected from too much rain in summer, and kept in an airy part of the house in winter. It is propagated by cuttings made in the month of May, or June, and should be planted in light, sandy peat, mixt with about one sixth part of loam. The flowers of this, as well as all the species we have seen, are extremely fragrant in the evening, beginning to smell with the setting sun, and continuing their flavour till morning. An agreeable peculiarity attendant on most plants of this natural order, and on every species of this genus, in particular, is, that they flower twice in the year, about the month of March, and again in September; in which month, last year, our drawing was made, from the Hibbertian collection, Clapham Common.[Pg 457]

PLATE 113

[Pg 462][Pg 461][Pg 460][Pg 459][Pg 458]

PLATE CXIV.

GERANIUM QUINQUEVULNERUM.

Variegated flowered Geranium.

CLASS XVI. ORDER IV. Of Suppl. System. Veget. 1781.

MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, cut open as far as to the solid part.
2. The Chives and Pointal.
3. The Chives cut and spread open, magnified.
4. The Pointal, magnified.

This beautiful species of Geranium was raised by Mr. J. Armstrong, nurseryman of Northwarmborough, Hants, from seeds received by him, in 1796, from the Cape of Good Hope. From a branch, in fine flower, brought to us, this year, in the month of June, by Mr. Dickinson, our drawing was made; who informs us, that the ordinary treatment of common Geraniums, is all that is required for this; that it is increased by cuttings, or from a division of the root, in spring. It has not, as yet, produced any perfect seed; although it has flowered abundantly these two years, from May till October. It has something the habit of G. triste, or the Night-smelling Geranium; but differs from that species, in having a short shrubby stem, the leaves shorter and harsher, and the flowers entirely without smell.[Pg 463]