Chapter 31

FIG. 255. BLANDFORDIAFLAMMEAPRINCEPS.

B. cartilagineum(cartilaginous).cau.oblique, densely scaly at top.sti.strong, erect, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly, muricated in the lower part.frondsovate-oblong, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad; pinnæ numerous, linear, 4in. to 6in. long, about ½in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, margin finely toothed, dilated, and connected at the base.soriin a broad line close to the midrib. Temperate Australia, 1820. Greenhouse species.B. hastatum(halbert-shaped).*rhiz.short, stout, scaly.sti.4in. to 6in. long, nearly naked.frondsfrom 9in. to 18in. long, and 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate, with twenty to forty pinnæ on each side; the barren ones 1in. to 1½in. long, lanceolate, falcate, narrowed gradually to a point, the lower side slightly truncate, and slightly lobed, the upper cordate, with a large hastate auricle; fertile pinnæ narrower.sorimidway between the midrib and margin;rachis and surfaces naked or slightly pubescent; texture coriaceous. Temperate South America, 1841. Greenhouse species.

B. hastatum(halbert-shaped).*rhiz.short, stout, scaly.sti.4in. to 6in. long, nearly naked.frondsfrom 9in. to 18in. long, and 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate, with twenty to forty pinnæ on each side; the barren ones 1in. to 1½in. long, lanceolate, falcate, narrowed gradually to a point, the lower side slightly truncate, and slightly lobed, the upper cordate, with a large hastate auricle; fertile pinnæ narrower.sorimidway between the midrib and margin;rachis and surfaces naked or slightly pubescent; texture coriaceous. Temperate South America, 1841. Greenhouse species.

FIG. 256. BLECHNUMBRAZILIENSE.

B. Lanceola(lance-leaved).rhiz.slender, creeping, stoloniferous.sti.slender, erect, 2in. to 4in. long.frondslanceolate, undivided, 4in. to 6in. long, ½in. broad, or less, narrowed gradually from the centre towards each end. Tropical America, 1820. Stove species.B. L. trifoliatum(three-leaved).frondsfurnished with one or two pairs of small oblong-obtuse lateral pinnæ at the base of the large terminal one. Stove variety. (H. S. F. 3, 94.)B. longifolium(long-leaved).*rhiz.slender, creeping.sti.firm, erect, nearly naked, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds6in. to 9in. long, with a terminal pinna, and three to six lateral ones on each side, which are 3in. to 5in. long, and ½in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point.soriin broad lines close to the midrib; texture coriaceous. Tropical America, 1820.B. l. fraxineumis a variety found in gardens under the name ofB. fraxiniifolium, with a habit more close than the type; pinnæ six to eight on a side, sometimes 1in. broad.B. intermedium(Link.) andB. gracile(Kaulf.), often seen in gardens, are slender-growing varieties of this rather variable stove species.B. nitidum(shining).*sti.stout, erect, naked, 3in. to 4in. long.frondsoblong-lanceolate, 1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnæ numerous, sub-falcate, linear, 3in. to 4in. long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, dilated and connected at the base; edge undulate-dentate; texture coriaceous; both surfaces smooth. Stove species. The varietycontractum, often seen in gardens, has its pinnæ contracted, and the edge much undulated. Brazil. (H. S. F. 3, 55.)B. occidentale(western).*cau.stout, erect, scaly at the top.sti.6in. to 12in. long, erect, scaly below.frondsovate-acuminate, 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, with twelve to twenty-four linear pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, and about ¾in. broad, narrowed gradually to a point, truncate or cordate; texture coriaceous. West Indies, southwards to Chili and South Brazil, 1823. A very handsome stove or greenhouse fern.B. o. multifidum(much-cut).* A pretty variety, said to have been introduced from Dominica; the apices of the pinnæ are copiously crested and tasselled, rendering it very desirable. Stove variety.B. orientale(oriental).*cau.stout, erect, clothed at the crown with dark brown scales.sti.4in. to 8in. long, strong, erect, scaly below.fronds1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate, with very numerous nearly contiguous pinnæ on each side, which are 4in. to 8in. long, and about ¾in. broad, narrowed to a long point. Australia, northwards to South China and the Himalayas. Greenhouse.B. polypodioides(Polypodium-like). A synonym ofB. unilaterale.B. serrulatum(saw-edged).*cau.elongated, stout, ascending.sti.6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, smooth, nearly naked.frondsoblong-acuminate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, with twelve to twenty-four pairs of quite distinct articulated linear oblong pinnæ on each side, which are about 4in. to 5in. long, ½in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, and downwards to a narrow base, the margins finely incised. Florida, &c., 1819. Stove or greenhouse. SYN.B. striatum. (H. S. F. 3, 159.)B. striatum(striped). A synonym ofB. serrulatum.B. unilaterale(one-sided).*cau.elongated, densely scaly at the crown.sti.slender, erect, 1in. to 4in. long, slightly scaly below.frondslanceolate, 6in. to 12in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnæ numerous, spreading horizontally, linear, ¾in. to 1in. long, central ones ¼in. to ⅜in. broad, point usually mucronate; edge entire, or nearly so, the lower part dilated to a broad base.soriin a line close to the midrib. Tropical America, 1829. Widely distributed. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN.B. polypodioides, under which name it is usually found in gardens.

B. L. trifoliatum(three-leaved).frondsfurnished with one or two pairs of small oblong-obtuse lateral pinnæ at the base of the large terminal one. Stove variety. (H. S. F. 3, 94.)

B. longifolium(long-leaved).*rhiz.slender, creeping.sti.firm, erect, nearly naked, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds6in. to 9in. long, with a terminal pinna, and three to six lateral ones on each side, which are 3in. to 5in. long, and ½in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point.soriin broad lines close to the midrib; texture coriaceous. Tropical America, 1820.B. l. fraxineumis a variety found in gardens under the name ofB. fraxiniifolium, with a habit more close than the type; pinnæ six to eight on a side, sometimes 1in. broad.B. intermedium(Link.) andB. gracile(Kaulf.), often seen in gardens, are slender-growing varieties of this rather variable stove species.

B. nitidum(shining).*sti.stout, erect, naked, 3in. to 4in. long.frondsoblong-lanceolate, 1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnæ numerous, sub-falcate, linear, 3in. to 4in. long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, dilated and connected at the base; edge undulate-dentate; texture coriaceous; both surfaces smooth. Stove species. The varietycontractum, often seen in gardens, has its pinnæ contracted, and the edge much undulated. Brazil. (H. S. F. 3, 55.)

B. occidentale(western).*cau.stout, erect, scaly at the top.sti.6in. to 12in. long, erect, scaly below.frondsovate-acuminate, 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, with twelve to twenty-four linear pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, and about ¾in. broad, narrowed gradually to a point, truncate or cordate; texture coriaceous. West Indies, southwards to Chili and South Brazil, 1823. A very handsome stove or greenhouse fern.

B. o. multifidum(much-cut).* A pretty variety, said to have been introduced from Dominica; the apices of the pinnæ are copiously crested and tasselled, rendering it very desirable. Stove variety.

B. orientale(oriental).*cau.stout, erect, clothed at the crown with dark brown scales.sti.4in. to 8in. long, strong, erect, scaly below.fronds1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate, with very numerous nearly contiguous pinnæ on each side, which are 4in. to 8in. long, and about ¾in. broad, narrowed to a long point. Australia, northwards to South China and the Himalayas. Greenhouse.

B. polypodioides(Polypodium-like). A synonym ofB. unilaterale.

B. serrulatum(saw-edged).*cau.elongated, stout, ascending.sti.6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, smooth, nearly naked.frondsoblong-acuminate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, with twelve to twenty-four pairs of quite distinct articulated linear oblong pinnæ on each side, which are about 4in. to 5in. long, ½in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, and downwards to a narrow base, the margins finely incised. Florida, &c., 1819. Stove or greenhouse. SYN.B. striatum. (H. S. F. 3, 159.)

B. striatum(striped). A synonym ofB. serrulatum.

B. unilaterale(one-sided).*cau.elongated, densely scaly at the crown.sti.slender, erect, 1in. to 4in. long, slightly scaly below.frondslanceolate, 6in. to 12in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnæ numerous, spreading horizontally, linear, ¾in. to 1in. long, central ones ¼in. to ⅜in. broad, point usually mucronate; edge entire, or nearly so, the lower part dilated to a broad base.soriin a line close to the midrib. Tropical America, 1829. Widely distributed. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN.B. polypodioides, under which name it is usually found in gardens.

BLECHUM(a Greek name for an unknown plant, supposed to resemble Marjoram). ORD.Acanthaceæ. Stove herbaceous perennials. For culture, &c.,seeJusticia.

B. Brownei(Browne's).fl.white, in a dense bracteated spike, which is four-cornered; bracts ovate, downy. Summer.l.ovate elliptical, somewhat toothed.h.2ft. West Indies, 1780. The other species introduced are:angustifolium, blue;braziliense, blue; andlaxiflorum, white.

BLEPHARIS(fromblepharis, the eyelash; in reference to the fringed bracts of the calyx). ORD.Acanthaceæ. Dwarf shrubs or herbs, often spiny and woody, allied toAcanthus. Flowers in bracteate spikes; calyx cruciately four-parted, bracteate; upper segment entire, three-nerved; lower, two-nerved; corolla-tube very short; lip five-lobed, three lobes often much larger than the others; stamens four, sub-didynamous. For culture, &c.,seeAcanthus.

B. boerhaaviæfolia(Boerhaavia-leaved).fl.blue. July.l.usually four in a whorl, elliptic, toothed.h.1ft. India, 1829. Stove annual.B. capensis(Cape Colony).*fl.blue. July.l.narrow, lanceolate, spinose.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1816. Greenhouse biennial.B. furcata(forked-spined).fl.blue. July.l.lanceolate, entire or spiny; bracts large, strongly spinose.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1846. Greenhouse evergreen shrub.B. linearifolia(narrow-leaved).fl.blue. July.l.long, entire, linear, glabrous or hairy, not spiny.h.2ft. Guinea, 1823. Stove annual.B. procumbens(trailing).*fl.blue. July.l.linear lanceolate, spiny.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1825. Greenhouse evergreen trailer.

B. boerhaaviæfolia(Boerhaavia-leaved).fl.blue. July.l.usually four in a whorl, elliptic, toothed.h.1ft. India, 1829. Stove annual.

B. capensis(Cape Colony).*fl.blue. July.l.narrow, lanceolate, spinose.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1816. Greenhouse biennial.

B. furcata(forked-spined).fl.blue. July.l.lanceolate, entire or spiny; bracts large, strongly spinose.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1846. Greenhouse evergreen shrub.

B. linearifolia(narrow-leaved).fl.blue. July.l.long, entire, linear, glabrous or hairy, not spiny.h.2ft. Guinea, 1823. Stove annual.

B. procumbens(trailing).*fl.blue. July.l.linear lanceolate, spiny.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1825. Greenhouse evergreen trailer.

BLEPHILIA(fromblepharis, the eyelash; in allusion to the ciliated bracts). ORD.Labiatæ. Ornamental hardy perennials, closely allied toMonarda, but differing from it in the calyx tube having thirteen instead of fifteen nerves, and being naked in the throat, while the corollas are much smaller and more dilated. They are of easy culture in ordinary soil. Increased readily by dividing the roots in early spring.

B. ciliata(ciliated).fl.blue; whorls all distinct; bracts ciliated, reddish at top. July.l.almost sessile, ovate-oblong, narrowed at the base, canescent beneath.h.1ft. to 2ft. North America, 1798.B. hirsuta(hairy).fl.purple or blue; whorls more numerous than in the preceding; upper ones approximate. July.l.petiolate, ovate, roundly cordate at the base, hairy on both surfaces.h.1ft. to 2ft. Virginia, 1798. Habit more branched and loose than inB. ciliata.

B. ciliata(ciliated).fl.blue; whorls all distinct; bracts ciliated, reddish at top. July.l.almost sessile, ovate-oblong, narrowed at the base, canescent beneath.h.1ft. to 2ft. North America, 1798.

B. hirsuta(hairy).fl.purple or blue; whorls more numerous than in the preceding; upper ones approximate. July.l.petiolate, ovate, roundly cordate at the base, hairy on both surfaces.h.1ft. to 2ft. Virginia, 1798. Habit more branched and loose than inB. ciliata.

BLESSED THISTLE.SeeCnicus benedictus, properlyCarbenia benedicta.

BLETIA(in honour of Don Louis Blet, a Spanish botanist). ORD.Orchideæ. A large genus of, for the most part, stove terrestrial orchids. Flowers purple or whitish, in terminal racemes. Leaves narrow, grass-like. Pseudo-bulbs round, flattened. The flowers are freely produced when the plants are thoroughly established, and are valuable for bouquets, as well for their pleasing colour as for the time they last in perfection. Bletias thrive best in a compost of loam and leaf mould. About 2in. of crocks, covered with a layer of moss, should be placedin the bottom of the pot, which should be filled to within 1in. of the top with soil. The bulbs should then be inserted, and just covered. A good supply of water during the growing season is necessary, and only a moderate amount of heat. After growth has ceased, a period of rest is required, during which time very little water should be given. Propagation is effected by divisions, which should be made after the plants have finished flowering, or previous to their starting into growth.

B. campanulata(bell-shaped).fl.deep purple, with a white centre, lasting a considerable time in perfection. Mexico.B. florida(florid).*fl.pale rose-coloured; lip not spurred. July and August.h.2ft. West Indies, 1786. A very pretty species. (B. R. 1401.)B. gracilis(slender).fl.pale greenish-white; sepals and petals nearly equal, lanceolate, acuminate; lip red and yellow; scape simple.l.oblong, lanceolate, plicate.h.1½in. Mexico, 1830. (B. R. 1681.)B. hyacinthina(Hyacinth-like).*fl.purple, racemose; lip not spurred, beardless; scape about as long as the leaves. March to June.l.lanceolate.h.1ft. China, 1802. This pretty species has proved to be quite hardy. (Garden, Nov., 1879.)B. patula(spreading-flowered).fl.purple, spreading; scape tall, branched. March.l.lanceolate.h.2ft. Hayti, 1830. (B. M., 3518.)B. Shepherdii(Shepherd's).*fl.on branching spikes, purple, marked down the centre of the lip with yellow. Winter.l.long, lanceolate, dark green. Jamaica, 1825. (B. M. 3319.)B. Sherrattiana(Sherratt's).*fl.about a dozen on a spike, rich rosy purple; petals very broad, twice the breadth of the sepals; lip deep purple in front, marked with white and yellow down the centre.l.three to four-plicate. Pseudo-bulbs depressed. New Grenada, 1867. (B. M. 5646.)B. verecunda(modest).fl.purple; lip not spurred. January.h.3ft. West Indies, Mexico, &c., 1733. (B. M. 930.)

B. campanulata(bell-shaped).fl.deep purple, with a white centre, lasting a considerable time in perfection. Mexico.

B. florida(florid).*fl.pale rose-coloured; lip not spurred. July and August.h.2ft. West Indies, 1786. A very pretty species. (B. R. 1401.)

B. gracilis(slender).fl.pale greenish-white; sepals and petals nearly equal, lanceolate, acuminate; lip red and yellow; scape simple.l.oblong, lanceolate, plicate.h.1½in. Mexico, 1830. (B. R. 1681.)

B. hyacinthina(Hyacinth-like).*fl.purple, racemose; lip not spurred, beardless; scape about as long as the leaves. March to June.l.lanceolate.h.1ft. China, 1802. This pretty species has proved to be quite hardy. (Garden, Nov., 1879.)

B. patula(spreading-flowered).fl.purple, spreading; scape tall, branched. March.l.lanceolate.h.2ft. Hayti, 1830. (B. M., 3518.)

B. Shepherdii(Shepherd's).*fl.on branching spikes, purple, marked down the centre of the lip with yellow. Winter.l.long, lanceolate, dark green. Jamaica, 1825. (B. M. 3319.)

B. Sherrattiana(Sherratt's).*fl.about a dozen on a spike, rich rosy purple; petals very broad, twice the breadth of the sepals; lip deep purple in front, marked with white and yellow down the centre.l.three to four-plicate. Pseudo-bulbs depressed. New Grenada, 1867. (B. M. 5646.)

B. verecunda(modest).fl.purple; lip not spurred. January.h.3ft. West Indies, Mexico, &c., 1733. (B. M. 930.)

BLIGHIA SAPIDA.The Akee Tree. This is now included under the genusCupania(whichsee).

BLIGHT, orBLAST. Applied to various diseases of plants which are caused or accelerated either by the presence of parasitic fungi or insects, or by atmospheric influence. Blight generally proves fatal to the whole or part of the subject attacked.

BLIND.A term applied to plants which fail to produce central buds. The defect is frequently noticeable in the Cabbage, and other plants of theBrassicatribe; and is, perhaps, mainly due to the attacks of insects in a very early stage. Great care should therefore be exercised in keeping the seed beds clear of insect pests, by the application of ashes, lime, and soot, or spent hops.

BLOOD FLOWER.SeeHæmanthus.

BLOODROOT.SeeSanguinaria canadensis.

BLOOM.A fine powder-like substance found on Grapes, Cucumbers, Plums, &c., and varying in colour in the different subjects. It should be carefully protected, as it improves the appearance of the fruit. The term is also generally used—although incorrectly—as the plural of blossom.

BLOSSOM.The flower of a plant, or the essential organs of reproduction, with their appendages.

BLUE-BELLS.SeeCampanula rotundifoliaandScilla nutans.

BLUE-BOTTLE.SeeCentaurea Cyanus.

BLUE GUM TREE.SeeEucalyptus globulus.

BLUETS.The French name forCentaurea Cyanus.See alsoHoustonia cœruleaandVaccinium angustifolium.

BLUMENBACHIA(in honour of John Frederick Blumenbach, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Göttingen, and distinguished as a comparative anatomist). ORD.Loasaceæ. Elegant branched, climbing or trailing, annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, generally covered with stinging hairs, which are very objectionable. Flowers axillary, solitary, bracteate, very pretty and interesting. Leaves opposite, lobed. They are of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. Propagated by seeds, which should be sown in pots, in spring, and placed in a gentle heat, where they will germinate in about a fortnight. When the seedlings are large enough, and after having been previously hardened off, they may be planted out in their blooming quarters, or potted on and trained to a trellis.

FIG. 257. BLUMENBACHIACHUQUITENSIS.

B. chuquitensis(Chuquitan).*fl.solitary, axillary, with five to ten boat-shaped red petals, which are yellow within. September.l.oblong-lanceolate, pinnate; segments pinnatifidly lobed. Peru, 1863. Half-hardy climbing perennial. See Fig. 257. (B. M. 6143.)B. contorta(twisted).*fl.orange-red, with cup-shaped green scales within. July.l.oblong-ovate, pinnatifid; lobes incisely toothed. Peru. Greenhouse climber, but may be grown against a wall, out of doors, during the summer. (B. M. 6134.)

B. contorta(twisted).*fl.orange-red, with cup-shaped green scales within. July.l.oblong-ovate, pinnatifid; lobes incisely toothed. Peru. Greenhouse climber, but may be grown against a wall, out of doors, during the summer. (B. M. 6134.)

FIG. 258. FLOWEROFBLUMENBACHIACORONATA.

B. coronata(crowned).*fl.of pure glossy whiteness, quadrangular, crown-shaped, 2in. in diameter each way. June.l.narrow, bipinnatifid, cut into small segments.h.1½ft. Chili, 1872. This is an elegant dwarf, tufted, erect biennial, with the pure white blooms imbedded in the metallic lustrous foliage. SYN.Caiophora coronata. See Fig. 258.B. insignis(remarkable).*fl.with whitish petals and reddish-yellow scales, axillary, on long peduncles, about 1in. in diameter.July.l., lower ones five to seven-lobed; upper ones deeply bipinnatifid.h.1ft. Chili, 1826. Hardy annual trailer. SYN.Loasa palmata. (B. M. 2865.)

B. insignis(remarkable).*fl.with whitish petals and reddish-yellow scales, axillary, on long peduncles, about 1in. in diameter.July.l., lower ones five to seven-lobed; upper ones deeply bipinnatifid.h.1ft. Chili, 1826. Hardy annual trailer. SYN.Loasa palmata. (B. M. 2865.)

BOBARTIA(named after Jacob Bobart, Professor of Botany at Oxford in the seventeenth century). ORD.Irideæ. A small genus of greenhouse or hardy bulbous plants, closely allied toSisyrinchium. The species in cultivation are very pretty hardy plants, but require protection from severe frosts and excessive rains. They thrive best in a warm, light soil, and make pretty plants for rockwork. Propagated by separating the offsets during autumn. This genus has been much misunderstood. Among the plants which have been referred to it are some which now find places in the generaAristea,Sisyrinchium,Homeria,Marica,Moræa, &c., &c.

B. aurantiaca.SeeHomeria aurantiaca.B. gladiata(sword-shaped).fl.yellow, thinly sprinkled with purple dots near the centre, handsome, nearly 2in. across.l.linear, ensiform, narrow, slightly glaucous, 1ft. or more in length. 1817. SYN.Marica gladiata. (B. R. 229.)B. spathacea(rush-like).l.rush-like, several feet in length; flower-stem as long as leaves, bearing near extremity a cluster of pale yellow flowers, with narrow segments. Each flower lasts but one day; as a good many, however, are developed in each spathe, there is a succession which lasts some time. 1832. SYN.Xyris altissima. (L. B. C. 1900.)

B. aurantiaca.SeeHomeria aurantiaca.

B. gladiata(sword-shaped).fl.yellow, thinly sprinkled with purple dots near the centre, handsome, nearly 2in. across.l.linear, ensiform, narrow, slightly glaucous, 1ft. or more in length. 1817. SYN.Marica gladiata. (B. R. 229.)

B. spathacea(rush-like).l.rush-like, several feet in length; flower-stem as long as leaves, bearing near extremity a cluster of pale yellow flowers, with narrow segments. Each flower lasts but one day; as a good many, however, are developed in each spathe, there is a succession which lasts some time. 1832. SYN.Xyris altissima. (L. B. C. 1900.)

FIG. 259. BOCCONIACORDATA, showing Habit and Flower.

BOCCONIA(named after Paolo Bocconi, M.D., a Sicilian botanist, author of the "Museum des Plantes," and "Histoire Naturelle de l'Ile de Corse," &c.). ORD.Papaveraceæ. Two of the species are greenhouse or half-hardy shrubs. Flowers inconspicuous, in terminal panicles, with the branches and branchlets each furnished with one bract. Leaves stalked, glaucous, large, lobed. This genus does not well agree with the rest ofPapaveraceæ, from its having one-seeded capsules and apetalous flowers.B. cordatais a handsome, hardy, herbaceous plant, with a stately habit and finely-cut foliage, and, where bold subjects are desired, few will be found superior to it. As an isolated specimen on the lawn, or by frequented walks, where it will not be too closely surrounded by tall plants, it may be grown with marked effect. It also forms a good subject for pot culture, and is largely used for sub-tropical bedding. The soil most suitable for its culture is a good fat loam, of considerable depth. Propagated by cuttings, taken from the axils of the larger leaves, during early summer; or by young suckers, taken from established plants, during summer, as they will then flower the following season. If the former method is employed, the cuttings should be pushed on, so that there are plenty of roots before the winter sets in. The other two species require greenhouse culture; but both are eminently suited for sub-tropical gardening, in any light rich soil, or well-drained and airy situation. They are best propagated by seeds, sown in a hotbed in spring, the seedlings being placed out from June to September.

B. cordata(cordate).*fl.buff-coloured, very numerous, borne in very large terminal panicles; individually they are not showy, but the fully grown inflorescence has a very distinct and pleasing appearance. Summer.l.large, reflexed, deeply-veined, roundish-cordate; margins lobed or sinuated. Stems growing rather close together, thickly set with leaves.h.5ft. to 8ft. China, 1795, and 1866. Mr. Robinson recommends its being grown in the angle of two walls which shelter it from the north and east. It runs quickly at the roots, and the suckers may be cut off to the benefit of the parent plant; each sucker will form a strong plant in a year's time. SYNS.B. japonicaandMacleaya yedoënsis. See Fig. 259. (B. M. 1905.)B. frutescens(shrubby).*fl.greenish. October.l.large, sea-green, oval-oblong, cuneated at the base, pinnatifid.h.3ft. to 6ft. Mexico, 1739. (L. B. C. 83.)B. integrifolia(entire-leaved).fl.greenish; panicle crowded.l.flat, oblong, tapering towards each end, entire, or scarcely crenated.h.9ft. Peru, 1822.B. japonica(Japanese). Synonymous withB. cordata.

B. frutescens(shrubby).*fl.greenish. October.l.large, sea-green, oval-oblong, cuneated at the base, pinnatifid.h.3ft. to 6ft. Mexico, 1739. (L. B. C. 83.)

B. integrifolia(entire-leaved).fl.greenish; panicle crowded.l.flat, oblong, tapering towards each end, entire, or scarcely crenated.h.9ft. Peru, 1822.

B. japonica(Japanese). Synonymous withB. cordata.

BŒBERA(named after Bœber, a Russian botanist). ORD.Compositæ. A genus of evergreen greenhouse shrubs, now generally referred toDysodia. They are of easy culture, thriving in ordinary garden soil. Propagated by cuttings, made of young, rather firm, shoots, and placed in sand, under a glass. There are several other species besides the one given below, but they are not of much horticultural value.

B. incana(hoary).*fl.-headsgolden; peduncles one-headed. November.l.pinnate, rather hairy; leaflets linear acute, channelled, some entire, and some trifid. Stem hairy.h.1½ft. Mexico, 1828. (B. R. 1602.)

BŒHMERIA(named after George Rudolph Bœhmer, a German botanist). ORD.Urticaceæ. A genus of shrubs or herbaceous plants, allied toUrtica, from which it is distinguished in not having stinging hairs.B. niveais the only species having any horticultural value. This thrives best in a warm, sandy soil; and is increased by divisions.

B. nivea(snowy).fl.greenish, disposed in spikes.l.broadly cordate, about 6in. long by 4in. broad, terminating in a long slender point; edges serrate, covered on the under side with a dense coating of white down.h.3ft. to 4ft. China. A shrub-like perennial, rather more curious than beautiful.

BOG BEAN.SeeMenyanthes trifoliata.

BOG-EARTH.SeePeat.

FIG. 260. VERTICALSECTIONOFCYLINDERBOILER.A A, Wrought-iron Boiler, the shaded space showing the Waterway; B, Ashpit inside the cast base of Boiler; C, Fire-bars; D, Flue; E, Domed Top; F, Feeding Lid; G, Flow, and H, Return Pipe Sockets.

FIG. 260. VERTICALSECTIONOFCYLINDERBOILER.

A A, Wrought-iron Boiler, the shaded space showing the Waterway; B, Ashpit inside the cast base of Boiler; C, Fire-bars; D, Flue; E, Domed Top; F, Feeding Lid; G, Flow, and H, Return Pipe Sockets.

BOILERS.These are very important articles in all gardens where there are glass houses, and the best should always be selected. They are made in cast and wrought iron, both of which have their special advantages and disadvantages. The former are less liable to burn through when encrusted with any deposit from the water, but will crack with sudden changes of temperature, by reason of the granular form of the metal not allowing gradual contraction; the latter may burn through where there is any deposit of mud or other matter, but they will not crack, and will stand a greater pressure than those made of cast metal. It is, however, the better plan to use Boilers of wrought iron, as, with careful usage, they are less liable to break down in hard frosts than are the others. As the value of the plants, as well as thatof the Boiler, has to be considered, should such a contingency occur, it is certainly advisable to reduce all risks to a minimum; and as the average life of a Boiler is from ten to fifteen years, a slightly larger first cost is not of very serious moment. The forms of Boilers are very diverse, and, in some of the patented forms, complicated. But, whatever the shape, the following points are essential: A clear and unrestricted waterway of not less than 2in. in thickness; the greatest exposure of surface to the direct action of the fire; a sufficient fire space; and a fire-bar area calculated to supply enough fresh air to the fire to support thorough combustion. The forms generally used for horticultural work are the following, or some modifications of them; and, however grand the name, their chief value consists in the attested heating capacity at a given cost: The Saddle Boiler, which is made of various sizes, with or without check ends, cross tubes, and other devices for increasing the heating surface, and also of a tubular form; the Upright Cylinder (a vertical section of which is shown in Fig. 260); the Upright Tubular Cylinder; the Horizontal Tubular; and the Cornish or Horizontal Cylinder. Combinations of the various forms, and complicated patterns of different kinds, are made for particular purposes; but in no case should large Boilers be used, unless they are recommended, by one competent to judge, as suitable for the purpose they are needed to fulfil. In every case, it is necessary that the Boiler should be fixed in a proper manner. It is also good policy to have Boilers about 30, or even 50 per cent., more powerful than is actually required, when they are new, as, from various causes, their heating power falls off in a year or two in many places; and, under ordinary work, it is not desirable to stimulate the action in order to command sufficient heat. There is no doubt that, for general purposes, some modification of the Saddle or Cylinder Boiler is by far the best, all things duly considered; but it is impossible to give any practical advice without a thorough knowledge of the requirements of any particular place. Gas Boilers are also useful for small places. These are made in many forms, and are, as a rule, in the shape of a cylinder, with a coned inside, against which the flames play. Some Gas Boilers have also a superheater attached; this exhausts the heat from the air which has passed through the Boiler. Another good form is made of horizontal tubes, which contain the water, the flames playing over and amongst them. An atmospheric burner of approved construction should be used where gas is the heating power. A sufficient supply of gas should be assured by using supply pipes of a good size. Care should be taken to keep these pipes free from water, and protected from frost by silicate cotton lagging, or some other good non-conductor. Except for very small places, however, gas apparatus is almost useless, and will never supersede fuel Boilers. For other particulars regarding Boilers,seeHeatingandStoking.

BOIS-PERDRIX.SeeHeisteria.

BOLBOPHYLLUM.SeeBulbophyllum.

BOLETUS(frombolos, a mass; in reference to its massy or globular form). ORD.Fungi. The only species of this rather large genus demanding mention isB. edulis(see Fig. 261), which is considered an excellent article of food. It is easily distinguished, and is often of large size and somewhat unshapely; the pileus is usually of a dusky yellow or brownish hue, but sometimes brighter and more of a chestnut colour; the flesh is white, and does not change to a blue colour when cut (this is a very important characteristic, and should always be noticed). It is a species common in most districts, usually growing in woods, and appearing chiefly in the autumn.

FIG. 261. COMMONBOLETUS(BOLETUSEDULIS).

BOLEUM(frombolos, a ball; in reference to the shape of the seed-pods). ORD.Cruciferæ. An ornamental, hardy, evergreen shrub, well adapted for rockwork, in ordinary soil. It requires slight protection in winter if planted in very exposed situations. Propagated by seed, sown in a pot, in spring, and placed in a frame, or in the open border during summer.

B. asperum(rough).*fl.cream-coloured; racemes erect, elongated; pedicels very short, the lower ones bracteate. April.l.alternate, oblong, linear; lower ones somewhat divided. A suffruticose, erect, branched plant, hispid from stiff hairs.h.6in. to 1ft. France. 1818.

BOLLEA.SeeZygopetalum.

BOLTED.A term used in reference to plants that have prematurely run to seed.

BOLTONIA(named after J. B. Bolton, an English professor of botany). ORD.Compositæ. A genus of rather pretty hardy herbaceous perennials. Flower-heads with white or purplish rays. Leaves pale green, lanceolate, sessile. They thrive in common garden soil. Propagated by divisions of the roots, in March.

B. asteroides(Aster-like).*fl.-headsflesh-coloured, stellate, disposed in a rather large terminal panicle. August.l.all entire, somewhat broadly lanceolate, narrowed at both ends.h.2ft. North America, 1758. (B. M. 2554.)B. glastifolia(woad-leaved).*fl.-headspink. September.l., lower ones serrated.h.1½ft. North America, 1758. (B. M. 2381.)

B. glastifolia(woad-leaved).*fl.-headspink. September.l., lower ones serrated.h.1½ft. North America, 1758. (B. M. 2381.)

FIG. 262. FLOWERSOFBOMAREACARDERI.

BOMAREA(derivation of name doubtful). ORD.Amaryllidaceæ. A genus of handsome half-hardy twiners, closely allied toAlströmeria, from which it is chiefly distinguished by its twining habit and some difference in the capsule. They are of comparatively easy culture, thriving in a compost of peat, leaf mould, loam, and sand, with good drainage. Manure water should be given during the season of growth. Although they make fine pot plants, their full beauty is only developed when planted out in the conservatory or greenhouse border. Propagated by seeds, or by careful divisions of the underground stem. In making a division, it is necessary to observe that the part taken has some roots by which to live till new ones are formed. It should be potted at first, and may, when established, be planted out or shifted on. Seeds may beraised in a warm house without difficulty. They germinate in a few weeks; and when the young plants are 2in. or 3in. high, they should be placed separately in small pots, shifting them on as necessary, or planting them out. In favoured southern localities, several species have proved hardy, but they are much the best when grown in a greenhouse.

B. acutifolia Ehrenbergiana(Ehrenberg's acute-leaved).fl.undulate, outer segments deep orange, the inner ones paler and spotted. Spring.l.lanceolate acute, smooth. Mexico, 1878. (B. M. 6444).B. Caldasiana(Caldas's).*fl.orange yellow, spotted crimson.l.ovate-lanceolate, acute. Peruvian Andes, 1863.B. Carderi(Carder's).*fl.2½in. long by 1⅛in. in breadth at the widest part, regularly bell-shaped, with six segments, the three outer rose-coloured, the three inner nearly equal in length, crenulate, and spotted with purplish-brown; inflorescence pendulous, and consisting of a large terminal umbellate cyme, surrounded at the base by a series of crowded leaves.l.oblong lanceolate, acuminate, about 7in. by 2¾in. Columbia, 1876. See Fig. 262, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.B. chontalensis(Chontalese).fl.1½in. long, sub-campanulate, obtusely trigonous; outer segments thick, fleshy, wavy, rose-red, with a few brown spots round the margin at the tip, very convex; inner segments a little shorter, pale yellow blotched with brown; umbels surrounded by a whorl of leaves, and composed of several peduncles, each bearing four to six nodding flowers. August.l.lanceolate or ovate oblong, acuminate. Nicaragua, 1871. (B. M. 5927).B. conferta(dense-flowered).* A synonym ofB. patococensis.B. edulis(edible).fl., outer segments rose, green tipped; inner spotted with rose. St. Domingo, &c. One of the oldest species in cultivation. The tubers are said by Tussac to be eaten in St. Domingo, like those of the Jerusalem Artichoke. See Fig. 263.B. frondea(leafy).fl.2in. long, tubulate-campanulate; outer segments narrow, oblong, yellow; inner segments ½in. longer than the outer ones, canary yellow, spotted with red; cymes umbellate, many-flowered, about 8in. across, base leafy.l.lanceolate, acuminate. Bogota, 1881. (G. C. n. s. 17, p. 669.)B. oligantha(few-flowered).*fl.regularly funnel-shaped, about 1in. long; outer segments slightly shorter than the inner, oblanceolate, under ¼in. abroad, obtuse, unspotted, reddish on the outside, yellow within; one or two to an umbel, on simple, flexuous, glabrous pedicels, about 1in. long.l.long, acute, about 2in. long, bright green on the upper surface, ciliated on the ribs beneath. Peru, 1877. See Fig. 264.

B. acutifolia Ehrenbergiana(Ehrenberg's acute-leaved).fl.undulate, outer segments deep orange, the inner ones paler and spotted. Spring.l.lanceolate acute, smooth. Mexico, 1878. (B. M. 6444).

B. Caldasiana(Caldas's).*fl.orange yellow, spotted crimson.l.ovate-lanceolate, acute. Peruvian Andes, 1863.

B. Carderi(Carder's).*fl.2½in. long by 1⅛in. in breadth at the widest part, regularly bell-shaped, with six segments, the three outer rose-coloured, the three inner nearly equal in length, crenulate, and spotted with purplish-brown; inflorescence pendulous, and consisting of a large terminal umbellate cyme, surrounded at the base by a series of crowded leaves.l.oblong lanceolate, acuminate, about 7in. by 2¾in. Columbia, 1876. See Fig. 262, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.

B. chontalensis(Chontalese).fl.1½in. long, sub-campanulate, obtusely trigonous; outer segments thick, fleshy, wavy, rose-red, with a few brown spots round the margin at the tip, very convex; inner segments a little shorter, pale yellow blotched with brown; umbels surrounded by a whorl of leaves, and composed of several peduncles, each bearing four to six nodding flowers. August.l.lanceolate or ovate oblong, acuminate. Nicaragua, 1871. (B. M. 5927).

B. conferta(dense-flowered).* A synonym ofB. patococensis.

B. edulis(edible).fl., outer segments rose, green tipped; inner spotted with rose. St. Domingo, &c. One of the oldest species in cultivation. The tubers are said by Tussac to be eaten in St. Domingo, like those of the Jerusalem Artichoke. See Fig. 263.

B. frondea(leafy).fl.2in. long, tubulate-campanulate; outer segments narrow, oblong, yellow; inner segments ½in. longer than the outer ones, canary yellow, spotted with red; cymes umbellate, many-flowered, about 8in. across, base leafy.l.lanceolate, acuminate. Bogota, 1881. (G. C. n. s. 17, p. 669.)

B. oligantha(few-flowered).*fl.regularly funnel-shaped, about 1in. long; outer segments slightly shorter than the inner, oblanceolate, under ¼in. abroad, obtuse, unspotted, reddish on the outside, yellow within; one or two to an umbel, on simple, flexuous, glabrous pedicels, about 1in. long.l.long, acute, about 2in. long, bright green on the upper surface, ciliated on the ribs beneath. Peru, 1877. See Fig. 264.

FIG. 263. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFBOMAREAEDULIS.

B. patococensis(Patococha).fl.2in. to 2½in. long, elongate-funnel-shaped; the three outer segments ovate lanceolate, about one-fourth shorter than the inner segments, both of a rich crimson colour; numerously borne in drooping, contracted tufts at the ends of the shoots; peduncles about 2in. to 2½in. long, intermixed at the base with broadly ovate-acute, leafy bracts. August and September.l.scattered, shortly stalked, broadly lanceolate, tail pointed. Bogota, 1881. (G. C. n. s. 17, p. 187.)

FIG. 264. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFBOMAREAOLIGANTHA.

B. salsilla(Salsilla).fl.purple, about ½in. long, the two inner segments having a darker spot at the base, and all of them tinged with green towards the points; collected into a terminal umbel. June.l.few, lanceolate. South America, 1806. This has proved quite hardy under various conditions.B. Shuttleworthii(Shuttleworth's).*fl., perianth about 2in. long, funnel-shaped or elongate bell-shaped; segments nearly equal, oblong acute, outer ones orange vermilion, slightly tinged with green and dotted with small dark spots at the tips; inner ones more acutely pointed, canary yellow, with a red midrib, and green with dark spots at the tips; cymes umbellate, pendulous.l.ovate lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. by 2in., glabrous. Bogota, 1881. (G. C. n. s. 17, p. 77.)B. Williamsii(Williams's).*fl.rose-coloured, about 2in. long, elongate funnel shape; disposed in a compound umbellate cyme.l.lanceolate, very acute, and tapering to a very short twisted petiole. New Grenada, 1882.

B. Shuttleworthii(Shuttleworth's).*fl., perianth about 2in. long, funnel-shaped or elongate bell-shaped; segments nearly equal, oblong acute, outer ones orange vermilion, slightly tinged with green and dotted with small dark spots at the tips; inner ones more acutely pointed, canary yellow, with a red midrib, and green with dark spots at the tips; cymes umbellate, pendulous.l.ovate lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. by 2in., glabrous. Bogota, 1881. (G. C. n. s. 17, p. 77.)

B. Williamsii(Williams's).*fl.rose-coloured, about 2in. long, elongate funnel shape; disposed in a compound umbellate cyme.l.lanceolate, very acute, and tapering to a very short twisted petiole. New Grenada, 1882.

BOMBACEÆ.A division ofSterculiaceæ.

BOMBAX(frombombax, one of the Greek names for cotton; the pods are filled with a fine silky substance like cotton, but which it is impossible to spin into thread, in consequence of the edges being perfectly smooth). Silk Cotton Tree. ORD.Malvaceæ. A genus of large soft-wooded stove trees. Flowersscarlet or white, large, usually rising laterally from the trunk or branches, either singly or in clusters. They grow best in a rich loamy soil. Cuttings, not too ripe, taken off at a joint, placed in sand under a bell glass, in moist heat, will root readily; but plants raised from seeds brought from their natural habitats make finer trees.

B. Ceiba(Ceiba).fl.pale red, large.l.palmate, with five leaflets.fr.turbinate, concave at the apex.h.100ft. South America, 1692.

BOMBYX NEUSTRIA.SeeLackey Moth.

BONA-NOX.SeeIpomæa Bona-Nox.

BONAPARTEA.SeeTillandsia.

BONAPARTEA JUNCEA.A synonym ofAgave geminiflora.

BONATEA.(in honour of M. Bonato, a distinguished Italian botanist, and a Professor of Botany at Padua). ORD.Orchideæ. A handsome terrestrial stove orchid, allied toHabenaria, and requiring similar culture.

B. speciosa(showy).*fl.white, galeate; petals bipartite; raceme many-flowered, compact; bracts cucullate, acuminate. August.l.oblong, sub-undulate. Stem leafy.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1820. (B. M. 2926; L. B. C. 284.)

BONGARDIA.(named after Heinrich Gustav Bongard, a German botanist). ORD.Berberideæ. A very pretty hardy tuberous-rooted perennial, requiring a sandy soil, and good drainage, with protection at all seasons from excessive wet, otherwise it will rot. It should be carefully planted in a compost of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand, in equal proportions, and covered with a handlight.

B. Rauwolfii(Rauwolf's).fl.golden yellow, on pyramidal branched panicles; stamens and petals nearly equal in length. May.l.radical, pinnate; leaflets sessile, oval-oblong, three to five-cleft at the apex, glaucous, each with a dark purple blotch at the base.h.6in. Syria, Persia, 1740. SYN.Leontice Chrysogonum. (B. M. 6244.)

BONNAYA(named after Bonnay, a German botanist). ORD.Scrophulariaceæ. A small genus of usually glabrous, rarely pilose, slender, creeping or erect, annual, biennial, or perennial stove plants, almost unknown in cultivation. Flowers axillary, opposite, or alternate from abortion, usually pedicellate, the upper ones sometimes racemose, pinkish, or blue. Leaves opposite, quite entire, or toothed. They thrive in a rich sandy loam. The annual species are propagated by seeds, the others by divisions and cuttings.

BONNETIA(commemorative of Charles Bonnet, a French naturalist, who wrote some botanical papers in 1754). ORD.Ternstrœmiaceæ. A genus of elegant middle-sized stove trees or shrubs. Flowers large, terminal; peduncles one or many-flowered. Leaves scattered, exstipulate, coriaceous, entire, one-nerved, marked with transverse veins, sub-sessile, narrowed to the base. They thrive well in a mixture of loam and peat. Cuttings of firm young shoots will root if placed in sand under a hand glass, in a moderate heat.

B. sessilis(stalkless).fl.purplish, terminal.l.oblong, coriaceous, entire.h.15ft. Guiana, 1819.

BORAGE.SeeBorago officinalis.

BORAGINACEÆ.A large order of herbs or shrubs, having spirally-coiled inflorescence; corolla usually regular and five-lobed, with an imbricated æstivation; throat generally hairy; stamens five, inserted in the corolla. Leaves alternate, rough. Among other genera belonging to this order may be namedAnchusa,Borago,Cynoglossum,Echium,Lithospermum, andMyosotis.

BORAGO(derivation very uncertain; probably a corruption of some eastern name). Borage. ORD.Boraginaceæ. A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials or annuals, excellently adapted for naturalising in dry stony places. Flowers blue, panicled, drooping; corolla rotate; throat furnished with emarginate vaulted processes; anthers distinct, oblong or lanceolate, awned, fixed by the inner side, conniving into a cone. Nuts four, one-celled, turbinate, fixed to the bottom of the calyx. Leaves oblong or lanceolate. All the species are easily cultivated, thriving in any common soil. Propagated by divisions, in spring, or by striking the young cuttings in a cold frame. They may also be raised from seed, which should be sown from March to May, in any good garden soil, and the plants, when large enough, thinned out to 1ft. or more apart. In hot weather, Borage is generally in demand for claret cup and other drinks.

B. laxiflora(loose-flowered).*fl.on long pedicels, racemose, drooping; corolla pale blue; segments ovate, bluntish, erectly spreading. May to August.l.oblong, and rough from strigæ; radical ones rosulate; cauline ones half stem-clasping. Stem decumbent, many from the same root, hispid from retrograde bristles. Corsica, 1813. (B. M. 1789.)B. longifolia(long-leaved).*fl.disposed in a terminal bracteate panicle; corolla blue; segments ovate, acute, spreading. July and August.l.linear-lanceolate, scabrous and downy beneath; cauline ones half stem-clasping.h.1ft. Numidia, 1825.

B. longifolia(long-leaved).*fl.disposed in a terminal bracteate panicle; corolla blue; segments ovate, acute, spreading. July and August.l.linear-lanceolate, scabrous and downy beneath; cauline ones half stem-clasping.h.1ft. Numidia, 1825.

FIG. 265. FLOWEROFBORAGOOFFICINALIS.

B. officinalis(officinal).* Common Borage.fl.blue, purple, or white; segments of the corolla limb ovate, acute, spreading. June to September.l., lower ones obovate, attenuated at the base; cauline ones oblong, sessile, sub-cordate at the base.h.1ft. to 2ft. Britain. This is the kind most cultivated in gardens for flavouring. See Fig. 265. (Sy. En. B. 36.)

BORASSUS(a name applied by Linnæus to the spathe of the Date Palm). ORD.Palmaceæ. A very small genus of stove trees, containing two noble species, which are distinguished by unisexual flowers, produced upon distinct plants, the males being borne in dense branching catkins, and the females on simple, or, more rarely, slightly branched spikes. Fruit very large, brown, three-seeded. Leaves fan-shaped, with spiny petioles. Trunks unarmed, often 70ft. high. They may be grown in good fibrous loam, leaf mould, and sand, mainly the former. Increased by seeds only, which require to be sown in strong bottom heat. Rarely seen in cultivation.

B. æthiopicum(African).l.nearly circular, and plaited, supported upon stout petioles, 6ft. to 7ft. long. Western Tropical Africa. This handsome, but rare, species is remarkable for the bulging out or swelling in its stem, near the middle, or about two-thirds of its height from the ground.B. flabelliformis(fan-shaped).*l.nearly circular, and plaited like a partially-open fan, with about seventy ribs, which radiate from a common centre.h.30ft. India, 1771.

B. flabelliformis(fan-shaped).*l.nearly circular, and plaited like a partially-open fan, with about seventy ribs, which radiate from a common centre.h.30ft. India, 1771.

BORBONIA(named after Gaston de Bourbon, Duke of Orleans, son of Henry IV. of France, a great lover and patron of botany). ORD.Leguminosæ. A genus of very ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs, natives of the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers yellow, disposed in terminal heads, axillary. Leaves simple, amplexicaul, alternate, exstipulate, pungent. They thrive well in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, with good drainage. Cuttings, half-ripened, obtained in April, will root freely in sandy soil if placed under a bell glass, in a cool house.

B. barbata(bearded).*fl.sessile, villous on the outside. July.l.narrow, lanceolate, many-nerved, complicated, ciliately-bearded, and very much acuminated; branches diverging.h.3ft. to 4ft. 1823.B. cordata(heart-shaped).fl., corolla densely villous, with the vexillum obcordate. July.l.cordate, many-nerved, quite entire, glabrous. Branches villous.h.3ft. to 6ft. 1759.B. crenata(crenated).*fl.less villous than in the rest of the species. July.l.cordate, roundish, acute, denticulated, many nerved and reticulated between the nerves, and are, as well as the branches, glabrous.h.3ft. to 6ft. 1774. (B. M. 274.)B. lanceolata(lance-shaped).fl.densely villous. July.l.ovate-lanceolate, pungent, many nerved, quite entire, sessile, glabrous, as well as the stem.h.2ft. to 3ft. 1752. (L. B. C. 81.)B. ruscifolia(Ruscus-leaved).fl.sparingly villous. July.l.cordate, many-nerved, minutely ciliated, but are otherwise glabrous as well as the branches.h.2ft. to 4ft. 1790. (B. M. 2128.)

B. barbata(bearded).*fl.sessile, villous on the outside. July.l.narrow, lanceolate, many-nerved, complicated, ciliately-bearded, and very much acuminated; branches diverging.h.3ft. to 4ft. 1823.

B. cordata(heart-shaped).fl., corolla densely villous, with the vexillum obcordate. July.l.cordate, many-nerved, quite entire, glabrous. Branches villous.h.3ft. to 6ft. 1759.

B. crenata(crenated).*fl.less villous than in the rest of the species. July.l.cordate, roundish, acute, denticulated, many nerved and reticulated between the nerves, and are, as well as the branches, glabrous.h.3ft. to 6ft. 1774. (B. M. 274.)

B. lanceolata(lance-shaped).fl.densely villous. July.l.ovate-lanceolate, pungent, many nerved, quite entire, sessile, glabrous, as well as the stem.h.2ft. to 3ft. 1752. (L. B. C. 81.)

B. ruscifolia(Ruscus-leaved).fl.sparingly villous. July.l.cordate, many-nerved, minutely ciliated, but are otherwise glabrous as well as the branches.h.2ft. to 4ft. 1790. (B. M. 2128.)

BORDERS, FLOWER.Small beds, or a continuous bed, of greater length than width, skirting a wall or shrubbery, and containing plants of a heterogeneous character. They should be slightly raised above the surrounding level, and thoroughly drained. In the first preparation of the Border, it is most essential to deeply dig or trench the ground, thoroughly incorporating a large amount of well-bodied manure; and if the soil is very stiff, wood ashes or coarse sand should be well worked in with the manure. The best time to plant such Borders is in early autumn or in March.

Where, as is frequently the case, the Borders are only 2ft. or 3ft. wide, not more than two rows of plants, either in groups or singly, will be allowable. The tall plants or shrubs should constitute the background, with dwarfer subjects in front; but formal arrangements must be avoided. The object should be to secure a continuous succession of flowers. This would entail some little trouble at first, which, however, would be amply repaid by results.

No hard-and-fast rules can be laid down as to the arrangement of the plants, which depends on individual taste and means; but the best results are obtained when the border is mainly made up of hardy herbaceous perennials, as permanent occupants, assisted by liberal quantities of summer bedding plants, such as Dahlias, Fuchsias, Geraniums, Heliotrope, Tropæolums, &c., as well as many hardy annuals and biennials. By this means, a very varied and beautiful display may be maintained, especially if bulbs are used for early spring effect, such as Narcissi, Scillas, Snowdrops, Tulips, &c. Of course, the herbaceous perennials should be selected with much care, all weedy subjects being avoided, and variety in colour and time of flowering secured. Anything like a full list of these would occupy too much space for repetition here, but the following will be found very showy and useful: Achilleas, Aconitums, Anemones, Aquilegias, Armerias, Asters, Campanulas, Carnations and Picotees, Delphiniums, Dodecatheons, Doronicums, Fritillarias, Funkias, Gaillardias, Geraniums, Geums, Hollyhocks, Iberises, Irises, Liliums, Pæonies, Papavers, Pyrethrums, double and single, Ranunculus, Trolliuses, &c.

BORDERS, FRUIT.These should be well drained, and if not naturally so, the soil should be excavated from 3ft. to 5ft. deep, in order to form a bottom of stones, pieces of brick, clinkers, &c. Where it is convenient, draining pipes should be added, if an outfall in the vicinity can be secured. The base of the Border should be sloped to the front, where the pipes should be laid, and the bottom covered with draining material, thereby effectually preventing the fruit trees rooting deep, which is detrimental to healthy growth. Gross-feeding vegetables or flowers should not be grown on the surface, but shallow-rooting crops will generally do no harm. Many advocate the surface being kept free from crops of any sort, simply letting it be freely exposed; whilst others equally as strenuously condemn this plan. Where necessary, chalk or some other mineral constituent of good soil which is naturally absent, may be added; but much animal manure is rarely required. The depth and width of Border may vary for different fruit trees, but efficient drainage is in all cases important.

BORECOLE(Brassica oleracea fimbriata). An important division of the Brassica tribe, often cultivated in gardens under the name of Kale. It comes in very useful when hard weather has rendered cabbages, &c., unfit for use, as it endures cold better than most other green vegetables. Some are also grown as ornamental foliaged plants. Like all other plants of a similar description, they require rich soil, and they should be put out in June or early in July, as it is almost useless to plant this kind of vegetable after the middle of the latter month. To obtain the best results, the ground should be deeply dug and well manured; but it must not be full of crude manure at planting time, or it will make the plants too tender and succulent in wet seasons, with the result that the first sharp frost would cause them to rot. Good hard-stemmed plants are the kinds most needed, especially for crops required in spring, when green vegetables are scarce. Cultivation: Early in April, and again a month later for succession, the seeds should be sown thinly in nursery beds, not covering them too deeply. The soil should be in a friable condition, and it is an advantage if the first beds be made under a south wall. As soon as the seedlings appear, if they are too thick, they should be thinned, as those which are drawn up weak and spindly are useless. When large enough, they should be carefully planted out, choosing showery weather, if possible, for the operation. If it is necessary to plant them in dry weather, they must be well watered-in. The rows should be from 2ft. to 3ft. apart, according to the variety, and the plants 2ft. apart in the rows; or, if potatoes are planted wide apart, the Borecole may be arranged between them. Dead leaves must be cleared away from time to time, but no green ones should be broken off. When the tops are cut for use, the stems should not be denuded of foliage, as they will soon break again and form successional crops. The plants must be kept free from weeds. After April, the Kales are of little use; the stems may therefore be pulled up, and the ground planted with some other crop. They all require the same treatment, and at their various seasons come in equally useful.

Sorts.The distinct forms are somewhat limited, but being largely cultivated on the Continent as well as all parts of Britain on account of its hardy nature, the varieties of Borecole receive a large number of names that are either synonymous with, or indistinct from, a few well-known types. Dwarf Green Curled or Scotch is probably the best and most grown; other good hardy sorts are Asparagus Kale (this name is applied to several different kinds, the best one being in use very late in spring), Buda, Cottagers', Dwarf Purple, Imperial Hearting, Ragged Jack, and Tall Green Curled. Melville's Variegated and Variegated Borecole, amongst others, have fine ornamental foliage.

BORONIA(named after Francis Boroni, an Italian servant of Dr. Sibthorp, who perished from an accident at Athens; he collected specimens of many of those plants which are figured in the "Flora Græca"). ORD.Rutaceæ. Very elegant and useful shrubs, requiring similar treatment to ordinary greenhouse hard-wooded subjects, and much aided with a little extra heat in spring, when breaking into growth. Flowers pretty, pink-purplish, or white; peduncles terminal, but usually axillary on the extreme branches, one to many-flowered; pedicels furnished at the base and middle with two opposite, short bracts, jointed, commonly dilated under the calyx. Leaves opposite, simple, or impari-pinnate, entire, or a little serrulated, full of pellucid dots. They should be placed out of doors from July to the middle of September; the most convenient place for them is in pits, as there are then greater facilities for protecting them from heavy rains and thunderstorms. When first put out, Boronias should not be fully exposed, but in the course of a week they may remain open to the full influence of both sun and air. Potting should be performed once a year, as soon as the top growth ceases, as the roots then extend themselves in preparation for their next year's functions. The best compost for them is one of peat and maiden loam in equal parts, and about one-sixth sharp silver sand. Many cultivators, however, prefer a compost consisting of good fibry peat and silver sand, together with some pieces of charcoal, smaller or larger, according to the size of the pots used. The soil should be rammed firmly in the pots, which must be well drained. The leading shoots should be pinched, to ensure good bushy specimens. Propagation may be effected by young cuttings, or those made from the half-ripened wood; these should be put into a thoroughly drained pot of sandy soil, with 1in. of sand on the surface, and covered with a bell glass, which must be frequently taken off and wiped dry.When in the cutting state, water must be very carefully given around the rim of the pot, without taking off the glass. If placed in a temperature of about 50deg., and shaded from bright noonday sun, they soon root, when they may be potted off singly into small pots, and plunged in sawdust, or cocoa-nut fibre refuse, in which situation but little water is needed. Pinching repeatedly, when young, is the only means to secure good ultimate growth. Air must be given on all possible opportunities.

B. alata(winged).fl.pale rose-colour, small; peduncles dichotomous, usually three-flowered; bracts fringed. May.l., leaflets three to five pairs, or more, crenate, revolute, pilose on the nerves beneath, as well as the rachis.h.2ft. to 6ft. New Holland, 1823. (L. B. C. 1833.)B. anemonifolia(Anemone-leaved).fl.pink; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. May.l.stalked, trifid; segments narrow, wedge-shaped, furnished with two or three teeth at the apex, or quite entire.h.1ft. to 3ft. New Holland, 1824. (P. M. B. 9, 123.)B. crenulata(crenulate).*fl.red, small, with a fringed calyx; pedicels axillary and terminal, one-flowered. July.l.obovate, mucronulate, crenulated.h.1ft. to 4ft. King George's Sound. (B. M. 3915.)B. denticulata(finely-toothed).fl.rose-coloured; bracts deciduous; peduncles corymbose. March to August.l.linear, retuse, toothleted, terminated by a small point.h.2ft. to 6ft. King George's Sound, 1823. (B. R. 1000.)B. Drummondi(Drummond's).*fl.pretty rosy pink, freely produced during spring and summer.l.pinnatifid.h.2ft. New Holland. A very pretty species, with a slender but compact habit of growth. There is a white-flowered variety of this species (F. d. S. 9, 881.)B. elatior(tallest).*fl.pendulous, rosy carmine, very fragrant, disposed in long dense clusters along the ends of the branches. May.l.very prettily pinnately cut into linear segments.h.4ft. Western Australia, 1874. (B. M. 6285.)B. ledifolia(Ledum-leaved).fl.red; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, each bearing two bracts in the middle. March.l.linear-lanceolate, quite entire, downy beneath.h.1ft. to 2ft. New Holland, 1814. (P. M. B. 8, 123.)

B. anemonifolia(Anemone-leaved).fl.pink; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. May.l.stalked, trifid; segments narrow, wedge-shaped, furnished with two or three teeth at the apex, or quite entire.h.1ft. to 3ft. New Holland, 1824. (P. M. B. 9, 123.)

B. crenulata(crenulate).*fl.red, small, with a fringed calyx; pedicels axillary and terminal, one-flowered. July.l.obovate, mucronulate, crenulated.h.1ft. to 4ft. King George's Sound. (B. M. 3915.)

B. denticulata(finely-toothed).fl.rose-coloured; bracts deciduous; peduncles corymbose. March to August.l.linear, retuse, toothleted, terminated by a small point.h.2ft. to 6ft. King George's Sound, 1823. (B. R. 1000.)

B. Drummondi(Drummond's).*fl.pretty rosy pink, freely produced during spring and summer.l.pinnatifid.h.2ft. New Holland. A very pretty species, with a slender but compact habit of growth. There is a white-flowered variety of this species (F. d. S. 9, 881.)

B. elatior(tallest).*fl.pendulous, rosy carmine, very fragrant, disposed in long dense clusters along the ends of the branches. May.l.very prettily pinnately cut into linear segments.h.4ft. Western Australia, 1874. (B. M. 6285.)

B. ledifolia(Ledum-leaved).fl.red; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, each bearing two bracts in the middle. March.l.linear-lanceolate, quite entire, downy beneath.h.1ft. to 2ft. New Holland, 1814. (P. M. B. 8, 123.)

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