[87]

No 86No86

Grows wild in the corn fields of most of the warmer parts of Europe, varies with white and flesh-coloured blossoms, increases so fast, both by offsets and seeds, as to become troublesome to the cultivator; hence, having been supplanted by the Greater Corn-Flag, theByzantinusofMiller, whose blossoms are larger, and more shewy, it is not so generally found in gardens as formerly.

It flowers in June.

Hyoscyamus Aureus. Golden-Flower'd Henbane.

Class and Order.

Pentandria Digynia.

Generic Character.

Corollainfundibuliformis, obtusa.Staminainclinata.Capsulaoperculata 2-locularis.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

HYOSCYAMUSaureusfoliis petiolatis dentatis acutis floribus pedunculatis, fructibus pendulis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 220.HYOSCYAMUS creticus luteus major.Bauh. Pin. 169.

HYOSCYAMUSaureusfoliis petiolatis dentatis acutis floribus pedunculatis, fructibus pendulis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 220.

HYOSCYAMUS creticus luteus major.Bauh. Pin. 169.

No 87No87

A native of Crete, and other parts of the East.

"Flowers most part of the summer, but seldom ripens seeds in England; will continue for several years, if kept in pots and sheltered in winter, for it will not live in the open air during that season; if placed under a common hot-bed frame, where it may enjoy as much free air as possible in mild weather, it will thrive better than when more tenderly treated.

"It may be easily propagated by cuttings, which if planted in a shady border and covered with hand-glasses, in any of the summer months, they will take root in a month or six weeks, and may be afterwards planted in pots and treated like the old plants."Miller'sGard. Dict.

It is, however, a more common practice to keep this plant in the stove in the winter; one advantage, at least, attends this method, we secure it with certainty.

Narcissus Bulbocodium. Hoop Petticoat Narcissus.

Class and Order.

Hexandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Petala6, æqualia:Nectarioinfundibuliformi, 1-phyllo.Staminaintra nectarium.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

NARCISSUSBulbocodiumspatha uniflora, nectario turbinato petalis majore, staminibus pistilloque declinatis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 317.NARCISSUS montanus juncifolius, calyce aureo.Bauhin. p. 53.The greater yellow Junquilia, or bastard Daffodil.Park. Parad. p. 106. t. 107. fig. 6. var. min. fig. 7.

NARCISSUSBulbocodiumspatha uniflora, nectario turbinato petalis majore, staminibus pistilloque declinatis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 317.

NARCISSUS montanus juncifolius, calyce aureo.Bauhin. p. 53.

The greater yellow Junquilia, or bastard Daffodil.Park. Parad. p. 106. t. 107. fig. 6. var. min. fig. 7.

No 88No88

Grows spontaneously in Portugal; flowers in the open border about the middle of May, is an old inhabitant of our gardens, but, like thetriandrus, is now become scarce, at least in the nurseries about London; in some gardens in Hampshire we have seen it grow abundantly:Millercalls it theHoop Petticoat Narcissus, the nectary, as he observes, being formed like the ladies hoop petticoats.

It certainly is one of the neatest and most elegant of the genus, is propagated by offsets, and should be planted in a loamy soil, with an Eastern exposure.

Viola Pedata. Cut-Leav'd Violet.

Class and Order.

Syngenesia Monogamia.

Generic Character.

Calyx5-phyllus.Cor.5-petala, irregularis, postice cornuta.Capsulasupera, 3-valvis; 1-locularis.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

VIOLApedataacaulis, foliis pedatis septempartitis.Lin. Syst. Veget. ed. 14.Murr. p. 802.Spec. Pl. p. 1323.Gronov. Fl. Virg. ed. 2. p. 135.VIOLAtricolorcaule nudo, foliis tenuius dissectis.Banist. Virg.VIOLA inodora flore purpurascente specioso, foliis ad modum digitorum incisis.Clayt. n. 254.

VIOLApedataacaulis, foliis pedatis septempartitis.Lin. Syst. Veget. ed. 14.Murr. p. 802.Spec. Pl. p. 1323.Gronov. Fl. Virg. ed. 2. p. 135.

VIOLAtricolorcaule nudo, foliis tenuius dissectis.Banist. Virg.

VIOLA inodora flore purpurascente specioso, foliis ad modum digitorum incisis.Clayt. n. 254.

No 89No89

This species of Violet, a native of Virginia, is very rarely met with in our gardens; the figure we have given, was drawn from a plant which flowered this spring in the garden ofThomas Sykes, Esq. at Hackney, who possesses a very fine collection of plants, and of American ones in particular.

It is more remarkable for the singularity of its foliage than the beauty of its blossoms; the former exhibit a very good example of thefolium pedatumofLinnæus, whence its name.

Miller, who calls itmultifidafrom a former edition ofLinnæus'sSpecies Plantarum, says, that the flowers are not succeeded by seeds here, hence it can only be propagated by parting its roots.

The best mode of treating it, will be to place the roots in a pot of loam and bog earth mixed, and plunge the pot into a north border, where it must be sheltered in the winter, or taken up and kept in a common hot-bed frame.

Gorteria Rigens. Rigid-Leav'd Gorteria.

Class and Order.

Syngenesia Polygamia Frustranea.

Generic Character.

Receptaculumnudum.Pappuslanatus.Corollæradii ligulatæ.Calyximbricatus, squamis spinosis.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

GORTERIArigensfoliis lanceolatis pinnatifidis, caule depresso, scapis unifloris.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14.Murr. 783.Sp. Pl. ed. 3. p. 1284.ARCTOTIS ramis decumbentibus, foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigidis, subtus argenteis.Mill. Dict. et Icon. t. 49.ARCTOTHECA foliis rigidis leniter dissectis.Vaill. act. 1728. n. 9.

GORTERIArigensfoliis lanceolatis pinnatifidis, caule depresso, scapis unifloris.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14.Murr. 783.Sp. Pl. ed. 3. p. 1284.

ARCTOTIS ramis decumbentibus, foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigidis, subtus argenteis.Mill. Dict. et Icon. t. 49.

ARCTOTHECA foliis rigidis leniter dissectis.Vaill. act. 1728. n. 9.

No 90No90

TheGorteria, of which there are several species, and most of them, like the present, natives of the Cape, has been named in honour ofDavid de Gorter, author of theFlora ZutphanicaandIngrica; the trivial name ofrigensis given to this species from the rigidity of its leaves, a term which it is sometimes apt to exchange for the more common botanic name ofringens; an instance of such mistake occurs in the 6th edition ofMiller'sGard. Dict.

The greenhouse, to which it properly belongs, can scarcely boast a more shewy plant; its blossoms, when expanded by the heat of the sun, and it is only when the sun shines on them that they are fully expanded, exhibit an unrivalled brilliancy of appearance.

It flowers in June, but rarely brings its seeds to perfection in this country, which is of the less consequence, as the plant is readily enough increased by cuttings.

It requires the common treatment of a greenhouse plant.

Iris Susiana. Chalcedonian Iris.

Class and Order.

Triandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Cor.6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus.Stigmatapetaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

IRISSusianabarbata foliis ensiformibus glabris, scapo unifloro, petalis rotundatis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. p. 88.IRIS Susiana flore maximo et albo nigricante.Bauh. Pin. 31.The great Turkey Flower-de-luce.Park. Parad. 179.

IRISSusianabarbata foliis ensiformibus glabris, scapo unifloro, petalis rotundatis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. p. 88.

IRIS Susiana flore maximo et albo nigricante.Bauh. Pin. 31.

The great Turkey Flower-de-luce.Park. Parad. 179.

No 91No91

This species, by far the most magnificent of the Iris tribe, is a native of Persia, from a chief city of which it takes the name of Surfing;Linnæusinforms us, that it was imported into Holland from Constantinople in 1573.

Though an inhabitant of a much warmer climate than our own, it thrives readily in the open borders of our gardens; and, in certain favourable situations, flowers freely about the latter end of May or beginning of June. It succeeds best in a loamy soil and sunny exposure, with a pure air moisture, which favours the growth of most of the genus, is injurious and sometimes even fatal to this species.

As it rarely ripens its seeds with us, it is generally propagated by parting its roots in autumn. These are also usually imported from Holland, and may be had of the importers of bulbs at a reasonable rate.

Being liable to be destroyed by seasons unusually severe, it will be prudent to place a few roots of it in pots, either in the greenhouse or in a hot-bed frame during the winter.

It bears forcing well.

Saxifraga Sarmentosa. Strawberry Saxifrage.

Class and Order.

Decandria Digynia.

Generic Character.

Calyx5-partitus.Cor.5-petala.Caps.2-rostris, 1-locularis, polysperma.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

SAXIFRAGAsarmentosafoliis radicalibus subrotundis cordatis crenatis, sarmentis axillaribus radicantibus, corolla irregulari, racemo composito.Lin. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. p. 412.Suppl. p. 240.

No 92No92

This species of Saxifrage differing so widely from the others, both in its habit and fructification, as to create a doubt in the minds of some, whether it ought not to be considered as a distinct genus, is a native of China, and one of the many plants which have been introduced into our gardens since the time ofMiller.

Its round variegated leaves, and strawberry-like runners, the uncommon magnitude of the two lowermost pendant petals, joined to the very conspicuous glandular nectary in the centre of the flower, half surrounding the germen, render this species strikingly distinct.

It is properly a greenhouse plant; in mild winters indeed it will bear the open air, especially if placed at the foot of a wall, or among rock-work; but, in such situations, it is frequently killed in severe seasons.

It flowers in May and June, but does not produce its blossoms so freely as some others.

No difficulty attends the propagation of it, for it increases so fast by its runners, as to be even troublesome.

Sempervivum Monanthes. Dwarf Houseleek.

Class and Order.

Dodecandria Dodecagynia.

Generic Character.

Calyx12-partitus.Petala12.Capsulæ12. polyspermæ.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

SEMPERVIVUMmonanthesfoliis teretibus clavatis confertis, pedunculis nudis subunifloris, nectariis obcordatis.Aiton. Hort. Kew.

No 93No93

It appears from theHortus Kewensis, the publication of which is daily expected, that the plant here figured was first brought to this country from the Canary Islands, by Mr.Francis Masson, in the year 1777.

It is highly deserving the notice of the Botanist, not only as being by far the least species of the genus, but on account of its Nectaria; these, though not mentioned byLinnæusin his character of the genus, have been described by other authors, particularlyJacquinandHaller; and though not present in most, and but faintly visible in a few species ofSempervivum, in this plant form a principal part of the fructification; they are usually seven in number, but vary from six to eight.

In the specimens we have examined, and which perhaps have been rendered luxuriant by culture, the number of stamina has been from twelve to sixteen; of styles, from six to eight; of flowers on the same stalk, from one to eight.

It flowers during most of the summer months, succeeds very well with the common treatment of a greenhouse plant in the summer, but does best in a dry stove in the winter.

Is readily increased by parting its roots.

Sisyrinchium Irioides. Iris-Leav'd Sisyrinchium.

Class and Order.

Gynandria Triandria.

Generic Character.

Monogyna.Spathadiphylla.Petala6 plana.Capsulatri-locularis, infera.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

SISYRINCHIUMiridioidesfoliis ensiformibus; petalis oblongo-obcordatis, venosis; germinibus pyriformibus, subhirsutis.SISYRINCHIUMBermudiana.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 820.var.2.Spec. Pl. p.1353.BERMUDIANA iridis folio, radice fibrosa.Dill. Elth. 48. t. 41. f. 48.SISYRINCHIUMBermudianafoliis gladiolatis amplexicaulibus, pedunculis brevioribus.Miller's Dict. ed. 6. 4to.

SISYRINCHIUMiridioidesfoliis ensiformibus; petalis oblongo-obcordatis, venosis; germinibus pyriformibus, subhirsutis.

SISYRINCHIUMBermudiana.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 820.var.2.Spec. Pl. p.1353.

BERMUDIANA iridis folio, radice fibrosa.Dill. Elth. 48. t. 41. f. 48.

SISYRINCHIUMBermudianafoliis gladiolatis amplexicaulibus, pedunculis brevioribus.Miller's Dict. ed. 6. 4to.

No 94No94

On comparing the present plant with theBermudiana graminea flore minore c[oe]ruleoofDillenius, both of which I have growing, and now in pots before me, the difference appears so striking, that I am induced with him andMillerto consider them as distinct species; especially as, on a close examination, there appear characters sufficient to justify me in the opinion, which characters are not altered by culture.

It is a native of the Bermudian Islands, and flowers in the open border from May to the end of July; it is not uncommon to keep it in the greenhouse, for which, from its size &c. it is very well adapted; but it is not necessary to treat it tenderly, as it will bear a greater degree of cold than many plants usually considered as hardy.

It may be propagated most readily by seeds, or by parting its roots in the autumn; should be planted on a border with an eastern aspect; soil the same as for bulbs.

Geranium Radula. Rasp-Leav'd Geranium.

Class and Order.

Monadelphia Decandria.

Generic Character.

Monogyna.Stigmata5.Fructusrostratus, 5-coccus.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

GERANIUMrevolutumpedunculis subbifloris, foliis multifidis linearibus scabris ad oras revolutis, caule arboreo.Jacq. ic. 133. collect. 1. p. 84.GERANIUMRadula.Cavanill. Diss. 4. p. 262. t. 101. f. 1.

GERANIUMrevolutumpedunculis subbifloris, foliis multifidis linearibus scabris ad oras revolutis, caule arboreo.Jacq. ic. 133. collect. 1. p. 84.

GERANIUMRadula.Cavanill. Diss. 4. p. 262. t. 101. f. 1.

No 95No95

This is one of the numerous tribe ofGeraniumsintroduced from the Cape since the time ofMiller: it takes the name ofRadula, which is the Latin term for a rasp or file, from the rough rasp-like surface of the leaves.

There are two varieties of it, amajorand aminor, which keep pretty constantly to their characters; and as this species is readily raised from seeds, it affords also many seminal varieties.

As a Botanist, desirous of seeing plants distinct in their characters, we could almost wish it were impossible to raise theseforeign Geraniumsfrom seeds; for, without pretending to any extraordinary discernment, we may venture to prophecy, that in a few years, from the multiplication of seminal varieties, springing from seeds casually, or perhaps purposely impregnated with the pollen of different sorts, such a crop will be produced as will baffle all our attempts to reduce to species, or even regular varieties.

Such as are partial to this tribe, will no doubt wish to have this species in their collection; the blossoms are pretty, and the foliage is singular, but it remains but a short time in flower.

It is readily propagated by cuttings.

Lantana Aculeata. Prickly Lantana.

Class and Order.

Didynamia Angiospermia.

Generic Character.

Calyx4-dentatus obsolete.Stigmauncinato-refractum.Drupanucleo 2-loculari.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

LANTANAaculeatafoliis oppositis, caule aculeato ramoso spicis hemisphæricis.Lin. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. p. 566.

No 96No96

According toMiller, this species grows naturally inJamaica, and most of the other Islands in theWest-Indies, where it is calledwild Sage; the flowers, which are very brilliant, are succeeded by roundish berries, which, when ripe, turn black, having a pulpy covering over a single hard seed.

It is readily propagated by cuttings.

Different plants vary greatly in the colour of their blossoms, and the prickliness of their stalks; the prickles are seldom found on the young shoots.

This plant will bear to be placed abroad in the warmest summer months, the rest of the year it requires artificial heat. It is usually placed in the dry stove, to which, as it is seldom without flowers, it imparts great brilliancy.

Fuchsia Coccinea. Scarlet Fuchsia.

Class and Order.

Octandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Calyx1-phyllus, coloratus, corollifer, maximus.Petala4, parva,Baccainfera, 4-locularis, polysperma.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

FUCHSIAcoccineafoliis oppositis ovatis denticulatis; petalis obovatis, obtusis.Hort. Kew.THILCOFeuillée it. 3. p. 64. t. 47.

FUCHSIAcoccineafoliis oppositis ovatis denticulatis; petalis obovatis, obtusis.Hort. Kew.

THILCOFeuillée it. 3. p. 64. t. 47.

No 97No97

The present plant is a native ofChili, and was introduced to the royal gardens at Kew, in the year 1788, by Capt.Firth; it takes the name ofFuchsiafromFuchsa German Botanist of great celebrity, author of theHistoria Stirpiuminfolio, published in 1542, containing five hundred and sixteen figures in wood; and which, though mere outlines, express the objects they are intended to represent, infinitely better than many laboured engravings of more modern times.

Every person who can boast a hot-house will be anxious to possess theFuchsia, as it is not only a plant of peculiar beauty, but produces its rich pendant blossoms through most of the summer; the petals in the centre of the flower are particularly deserving of notice; they somewhat resemble a small roll of the richest purple-coloured ribband.

Though this plant will not succeed well in the winter, nor be easily propagated unless in a stove, it will flower very well during the summer months, in a good greenhouse or hot-bed frame, and though at present from its novelty it bears a high price, yet as it is readily propagated, both by layers, cuttings, and seeds, it will soon be within the purchase of every lover of plants.

Mr.Lee, of Hammersmith, we understand first had this plant for sale.

Tropæolum Minus.orIndian-Cress.

Class and Order.

Octandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Cal.1-phyllus, calcaratus.Petala5, inæqualia.Baccatres, siccæ.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

TROPÆOLUMminusfoliis peltatis repandis, petalis acuminato-setaceis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 357.Indian-Cresses, or yellow Larke's-heeles.Park. Parad. p. 280.

TROPÆOLUMminusfoliis peltatis repandis, petalis acuminato-setaceis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 357.

Indian-Cresses, or yellow Larke's-heeles.Park. Parad. p. 280.

No 98No98

This species ofTropæolum(which like themajusalready figured in this work, is a native ofPeru) has long been an inhabitant of our gardens; it was the only species we had in the time ofParkinson, by whom it is figured and described; it appears indeed to have been a great favourite with that intelligent author, for he says this plant "is of so great beauty and sweetnesse withall, that my garden of delight cannot bee unfurnished of it, and again the whole flower hath a fine small sent, very pleasing, which being placed in the middle of some Carnations or Gilloflowers (for they are in flower at the same time) make a delicate Tussimusie, as they call it, or Nosegay, both for sight and sent."

As thePassiflora cærulea, from its superior beauty and hardiness, has in a great degree supplanted theincarnata, so has theTropæolum majustheminus; we have been informed indeed that it was entirely lost to our gardens till lately, when it was reintroduced by Dr.J. E. Smith, who by distributing it to his friends, and the Nurserymen near London, has again rendered it tolerably plentiful.

Like themajusit is an annual, though by artificial heat it may be kept in a pot through the winter, as usually is the variety of it with double flowers; but as it will grow readily in the open air, in warm sheltered situations, it should be raised on a hot-bed, like other tender annuals, if we wish to have it flower early in the summer, continue long in blossom, and produce perfect seeds.

Antirrhinum Purpureum. Purple Toad-Flax.

Class and Order.

Didynamia Angiospermia.

Generic Character.

Calyx5-phyllus.Corollæbasis deorsum prominens, nectarifera.Capsula2-locularis.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

ANTIRRHINUM purpureum foliis quaternis linearibus, caule erecto spicato.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 555.LINARIA purpurea major odorata.Bauh. Pin. 213.LINARIA altera purpurea.Dod. Pempt. 183.

ANTIRRHINUM purpureum foliis quaternis linearibus, caule erecto spicato.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 555.

LINARIA purpurea major odorata.Bauh. Pin. 213.

LINARIA altera purpurea.Dod. Pempt. 183.

No 99No99

Though not so beautiful as many of the genus, this species is a common inhabitant of the flower-garden, in which it continues to blossom, during most of the summer.

It is a native of Italy, and delights in a dry soil and situation; it will even flourish on walls, and hence will serve very well to decorate the more elevated parts of rock-work.

When once introduced it comes up spontaneously from seeds.

Lathyrus Tingitanus. Tangier Pea.

Class and Order.

Diadelphia Decandria.

Generic Character.

Stylusplanus, supra villosus, superne latior,Cal.laciniæ superiores 2-breviores.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

LATHYRUStingitanuspedunculis bifloris, cirrhis diphyllis, foliolis alternis lanceolatis glabris, stipulis lunatis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 663.LATHYRUS tingitanus, filiquis orobi, flore amplo ruberrimo.Moris, hist. 2. p. 55.

LATHYRUStingitanuspedunculis bifloris, cirrhis diphyllis, foliolis alternis lanceolatis glabris, stipulis lunatis.Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 663.

LATHYRUS tingitanus, filiquis orobi, flore amplo ruberrimo.Moris, hist. 2. p. 55.

No 100No100

The Tangier Pea, a native of Morocco, cannot boast the agreeable scent, or variety of colours of the sweet Pea; nor does it continue so long in flower; nevertheless there is a richness in the colour of its blossoms, which entitles it to a place in the gardens of the curious, in which it is usually sown in the spring, with other hardy annuals.

It flowers in June and July.

The best mode of propagating it, is to, sow the seeds on the borders in patches, where the plants are to remain; thinning them when they come up, so as to leave only two or three together.

Alyssum Halimifolium. Sweet Alyssum.

Class and Order.

Tetradynamia Siliculosa.

Generic Character.

Filamentaquædam introrsum denticulo notata.Siliculaemarginata.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

ALYSSUMhalimifoliumcaulibus suffruticosis, diffusis, foliis lineari-lanceolatis integerrimis, villosiusculis, staminibus simplicibus, siliculis subrotundis integris.Hort. Kew. V. 2. p. 381.ALYSSUM halimifolium caulibus procumbentibus, perennantibus, foliis lanceolato-linearibus, acutis, integerrimis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 590.Thlaspi halimi folio sempervirens.Herm. lugd. 594. t. 595.

ALYSSUMhalimifoliumcaulibus suffruticosis, diffusis, foliis lineari-lanceolatis integerrimis, villosiusculis, staminibus simplicibus, siliculis subrotundis integris.Hort. Kew. V. 2. p. 381.

ALYSSUM halimifolium caulibus procumbentibus, perennantibus, foliis lanceolato-linearibus, acutis, integerrimis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 590.

Thlaspi halimi folio sempervirens.Herm. lugd. 594. t. 595.

No 101No101

Grows spontaneously in dry situations, in the southernmost parts of Europe, where it is shrubby; and in similar situations it is so in some degree with us; but on our flower-borders, where it is usually sown, it grows so luxuriantly, that the stalks becoming juicy and tender, are generally destroyed by our frosts; hence it is an annual from peculiarity of circumstance; as such, it is very generally cultivated; the flowers exhibit a pretty, innocent appearance, and strongly diffuse an agreeable honey-like smell. They continue to blow through most of the summer months.

It is a very proper plant for a wall or piece of rock-work; care must be taken, however, not to sow too much of the seed in one pot, as it spreads wide, but it may easily be reduced at any period of its growth, as it does not creep at the root.

The specific description in theHortus Kewensisabove referred to, admirably characterizes the plant, but surely at the expence of its generic character.

Campanula Speculum. Venus's Looking-Glass.

Class and Order.

Pentandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Corollacampanulata, fundo clauso valvis staminiferis.Stigmatrifidum.Capsulainfera, poris lateralibus dehiscens.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

CAMPANULA Speculum caule ramosissimo, diffuso; foliis oblongis subcrenatis, floribus solitariis, capsulis prismaticis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 209.ONOBRYCHIS arvensis f. Campanula arvensis erecta.Bauh. Pin. 215.

CAMPANULA Speculum caule ramosissimo, diffuso; foliis oblongis subcrenatis, floribus solitariis, capsulis prismaticis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 209.

ONOBRYCHIS arvensis f. Campanula arvensis erecta.Bauh. Pin. 215.

No 102No102

Grows wild among the corn in the South of Europe, is an annual, and, like theSweet Alyssum, generally cultivated in our gardens, and most deservedly so indeed, for when a large assemblage of its blossoms are expanded by the rays of the sun, their brilliancy is such as almost to dazzle the eyes of the beholder.

Those annuals which bear our winter's frosts without injury, are advantageously sown in the autumn; for by that means they flower more early, and their seeds ripen with more certainty; the present plant is one of those: it usually sows itself, and is therefore raised without any trouble.

It begins to flower in May and June, and continues to enliven the garden till August or September.

Pelargonium Acetosum. Sorrel Crane's-Bill.

Class and Order.

Monadelphia Heptandria.

Generic Character.

Calyx5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem.Cor.5-petala, irregularis.Filam.10. in æqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata.Fructus, 5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia, introrsum barbata.L'Herit. Geran.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

PELARGONIUMacetosumumbellis paucifloris, foliis obovatis crenatis glabris carnosis, petalis linearibus.L'Herit. Monogr de Geran. n. 97.GERANIUMacetosumcalycibus monophyllis, foliis glabris obovatis carnosis crenatis, caule fruticoso laxo.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14.Murr. p. 613.Sp. Pl. p. 947.GERANIUM Africanum frutescens, folio crasso et glauco acetosæ sapore.Comm. præl. 51. t. 1.

PELARGONIUMacetosumumbellis paucifloris, foliis obovatis crenatis glabris carnosis, petalis linearibus.L'Herit. Monogr de Geran. n. 97.

GERANIUMacetosumcalycibus monophyllis, foliis glabris obovatis carnosis crenatis, caule fruticoso laxo.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14.Murr. p. 613.Sp. Pl. p. 947.

GERANIUM Africanum frutescens, folio crasso et glauco acetosæ sapore.Comm. præl. 51. t. 1.

No 103No103

Mons.L'Heritier, the celebrated French Botanist, who in the number, elegance, and accuracy of his engravings, appears ambitious of excelling all his contemporaries, in a work now executing on the family ofGeranium, has thought it necessary to divide that numerous genus into three, viz.Erodium,Pelargonium, andGeranium.

TheErodiumincludes those whichLinnæus(who noticing the great difference in their appearance, had made three divisions of them) describes with five fertile stamina, and calls Myrrhina; thePelargoniumthose with seven fertile stamina, hisAfricana; theGeranium, those with ten fertile stamina, hisBatrachia.

They are continued under the classMonadelphia, in which they now form three different orders, according to the number of their stamina, viz.Pentandria,Heptandria, andDecandria. If the principles of the Linnæan system had been strictly adhered to, they should perhaps have been separated into different classes; for though thePelargoniumis Monadelphous, theGeraniumis not so; in consequence of this alteration, theGeranium peltatumandradula, figured in a former part of this work, must now be calledPelargonium peltatum, andradula, and theGeranium Reichardibe anErodium.

The leaves of this plant have somewhat the taste of sorrel, whence its name, it flowers during most of the summer, and is readily propagated by cuttings.Millermentions a variety of it with scarlet flowers.

It is a native of the Cape, and known to have been cultivated in Chelsea Garden, in the year 1724.

Lysimachia Bulbifera. Bulb-Bearing Loosestrife.

Class and Order.

Pentandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Corollarotata.Capsulaglobosa, mucronata, 10-valvis.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

LYSIMACHIAstrictaracemis terminalibus, petalis lanceolatis patulis, foliis lanceolatis sessilibus.Hort. Kew. p. 199.

No 104No104

In the spring of the year 1781, I received roots of this plant from Mr.Robert Squibb, then at New-York, which produced flowers the ensuing summer, since that time, I have had frequent opportunities of observing a very peculiar circumstance in its [oe]conomy; after flowering, instead of producing seeds, it throws outgemmæ vivaces, orbulbsof an unusual form, from the alæ of the leaves, which falling off in the month of October, when the plant decays, produce young plants the ensuing spring.

As it is distinguished from all the known species ofLysimachiaby this circumstance, we have named itbulbiferainstead ofstricta, under which it appears in theHortus Kewensis.

Some Botanists, whose abilities we revere, are of opinion that the trivial names of plants, which are or should be a kind of abridgment of the specific character, ought very rarely or never to be changed: we are not for altering them capriciously on every trivial occasion, but in such a case as the present, where the science is manifestly advanced by the alteration, it would surely have been criminal to have preferred a name, barely expressive, to one which immediately identifies the plant.

TheLysimachia bulbiferais a hardy perennial, grows spontaneously in boggy or swampy ground, and hence requires a moist soil. It flowers in August.

Tradescantia Virginica. Virginian Tradescantia, or Spiderwort.

Class and Order.

Hexandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

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