Chapter 32

FIG. 266. FLOWERINGBRANCHESOFBORONIAMEGASTIGMA.

B. megastigma(large-stigma).*fl.numerous, axillary, fragrant, drooping, ½in. in diameter, sub-globose, campanulate; petals nearly orbicular, concave, maroon purple outside, and yellow within.l.sessile, pinnate, with three to five narrow linear rigid leaflets.h.1ft. Of slender habit, with twiggy branches. South-western Australia, 1873. See Fig. 266.B. pinnata(pinnate).*fl.pink, with a scent like that of Hawthorn; peduncles dichotomous. February to May.l., leaflets two, three or four pairs, linear, acute, quite smooth.h.1ft. to 3ft. New Holland, 1794. (B. M. 1763.)B. polygalæfolia(Polygala-leaved).fl.red; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. March to July.l.linear-lanceolate, quite entire, opposite, alternate, and three in a whorl.h.1ft. to 3ft. Port Jackson, 1824.B. serrulata(serrulate).*fl.of a deep rose colour, very fragrant; peduncles aggregate, terminal. July.l.trapeziform, acute, serrulated in front, smooth, full of glandular dots.h.1ft. to 6ft. Port Jackson, 1816. (B. R. 842.)B. tetrandra(four-stamened).fl.pale purple; pedicels short, one-flowered. May.l.impari-pinnate; leaflets four to five pairs, linear, obtuse, smooth; branches pilose.h.1ft. to 4ft. New Holland, 1824. (P. M. B. 16, 227.)

B. pinnata(pinnate).*fl.pink, with a scent like that of Hawthorn; peduncles dichotomous. February to May.l., leaflets two, three or four pairs, linear, acute, quite smooth.h.1ft. to 3ft. New Holland, 1794. (B. M. 1763.)

B. polygalæfolia(Polygala-leaved).fl.red; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. March to July.l.linear-lanceolate, quite entire, opposite, alternate, and three in a whorl.h.1ft. to 3ft. Port Jackson, 1824.

B. serrulata(serrulate).*fl.of a deep rose colour, very fragrant; peduncles aggregate, terminal. July.l.trapeziform, acute, serrulated in front, smooth, full of glandular dots.h.1ft. to 6ft. Port Jackson, 1816. (B. R. 842.)

B. tetrandra(four-stamened).fl.pale purple; pedicels short, one-flowered. May.l.impari-pinnate; leaflets four to five pairs, linear, obtuse, smooth; branches pilose.h.1ft. to 4ft. New Holland, 1824. (P. M. B. 16, 227.)

BORRERIA(named after William Borrer, F.L.S., a profound botanist and cryptogamist). ORD.Rubiaceæ. A large genus of stove herbs or sub-shrubs, now referred toSpermacoce. Flowers small, white, rarely blue, disposed in verticillate heads, in the axils of the leaves, or on the tops of the branches, rarely cymose or corymbose. Leaves opposite, or the young ones disposed in fascicles in the axils of the old ones, and therefore appearing verticillate; stipules joining with the petioles, more or less sheathing, fringed by many bristles. Stems and branches usually tetragonal. The species are of easy culture, thriving in a light soil. Cuttings of the perennial kinds strike root readily in the same kind of soil, in heat. The annual kinds require a similar treatment to other tender annuals.

B. stricta(straight). A dwarf shrub, but closely allied to the next species. Porto Rico.B. verticillata(whorled-flowered).fl.white. July.l.linear lanceolate, acuminated, opposite, but appearing verticillate from the fascicles of young leaves in the axils.h.2ft. West Indies, 1732.

B. stricta(straight). A dwarf shrub, but closely allied to the next species. Porto Rico.

B. verticillata(whorled-flowered).fl.white. July.l.linear lanceolate, acuminated, opposite, but appearing verticillate from the fascicles of young leaves in the axils.h.2ft. West Indies, 1732.

BOSCIA(named after Louis Bosc, a French professor of agriculture). SYN.Podoria. ORD.Capparidaceæ. A small genus of stove plants, requiring a soil of lumpy, fibry loam and peat. Propagated by cuttings of firm wood, placed in sand, under a glass, in heat.

B. senegalensis(Senegal).fl.white, small, apetalous, corymbose.h.3ft. Senegal, 1824. An unarmed evergreen shrub. (L. E. M. 395.)

BOSSIÆA(named after M. Bossier Lamartinière, a French botanist, who accompanied the unfortunate La Peyrouse round the world). ORD.Leguminosæ. A genus of elegant Australian greenhouse shrubs. Flowers yellow, axillary and solitary, the base of the vexillum or the keel generally blotched or veined with purple. Leaves simple, of various forms. A mixture of turfy loam, leaf mould, peat, and sand, with very free drainage, suits these plants best. Half-ripened cuttings will root freely if placed in a pot of sand with a bell glass over them, in a cool house. Seeds should be sown, in March, on a slight hotbed.

B. cinerea(ashy-grey).fl.yellow, the vexillum furnished with a purple circle at the base, and the keel dark purple. May.l.nearly sessile, cordate acute, ending in a spiny mucrone, scabrous above, but pilose on the nerves beneath, with recurved margins. Branches terete, crowded with leaves, vinous.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1824. SYNS.B. cordifolia,B. tenuicaulis. (B. M. 3895.)B. cordifolia(heart-leaved). A synonym ofB. cinerea.B. disticha(two-ranked).*fl.yellowish-red; peduncles solitary, axillary, one-flowered, longer than the leaves. March to May.l.distichous, ovate, obtuse. Young branches terete.h.1½ft. Swan River, 1840. (B. R. 1841, 55.)B. ensata(sword-shaped).fl.yellowish, with the back and base of the vexillum of a brownish orange-purple colour; keel brownish-purple. April. Branches flat, linear, leafless, toothed, the teeth bearing the flowers; upper bracts distant from the lower ones, shorter than the pedicel.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1825. (S. F. A. 51.)B. foliosa(leafy).fl.yellow and orange. May to June.l.alternate, small, orbicular, retuse, scabrous, with revolute margins, silky beneath; stipules permanent, hooked, longer than the petioles. Branches straight, terete, villous.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1824.B. lenticularis(lentil-leaved). A synonym ofB. rhombifolia.B. linnæoides(Linnæa-like).*fl.yellow; keel dark brown; corolla about twice the length of the calyx; pedicels solitaryone-flowered, elongated. May.l.elliptic, mucronate. Branches terete, prostrate, puberulous. 1824. A procumbent shrub.B. linophylla(Flax-leaved).*fl.orange and purple. July to August.l.linear, with recurved margins. Branches compressed, leafy.h.1ft. to 4ft. 1803. (B. M. 2491.)B. microphylla(small-leaved).l.cuneiformly obcordate, glabrous. Branches terete, leafy, spinescent; young branches rather compressed and pubescent.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1803. (L. B. C. 656.)B. rhombifolia(diamond-leaved).*fl.yellow, the vexillum having a dark red zonate mark at the base; wings red at the base; keel brownish-purple. April.l.rhomboidal-orbicular, somewhat emarginate and mucronate. Branches terete; branchlets compressed, leafy.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1820. SYN.B. lenticularis. (L. B. C. 1238.)B. rotundifolia(round-leaved).l.roundish, or broadly obovate, somewhat mucronate, flat, four to five lines long and five to six broad. Branches and branchlets leafy, compressed.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1824.B. scolopendrium(plank-plant).fl.yellow, with the back of the vexillum and keel brownish-red. May.l.(when present) ovate and smooth. Branches flat, linear, leafless, toothed, with the teeth bearing the flowers; keel naked; superior bracts permanent, imbricate, equal in length to the peduncles.h.3ft. to 10ft. 1792. (B. M. 1235.)B. tenuicaulis(slender-stemmed). Synonymous withB. cinerea.

B. cordifolia(heart-leaved). A synonym ofB. cinerea.

B. disticha(two-ranked).*fl.yellowish-red; peduncles solitary, axillary, one-flowered, longer than the leaves. March to May.l.distichous, ovate, obtuse. Young branches terete.h.1½ft. Swan River, 1840. (B. R. 1841, 55.)

B. ensata(sword-shaped).fl.yellowish, with the back and base of the vexillum of a brownish orange-purple colour; keel brownish-purple. April. Branches flat, linear, leafless, toothed, the teeth bearing the flowers; upper bracts distant from the lower ones, shorter than the pedicel.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1825. (S. F. A. 51.)

B. foliosa(leafy).fl.yellow and orange. May to June.l.alternate, small, orbicular, retuse, scabrous, with revolute margins, silky beneath; stipules permanent, hooked, longer than the petioles. Branches straight, terete, villous.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1824.

B. lenticularis(lentil-leaved). A synonym ofB. rhombifolia.

B. linnæoides(Linnæa-like).*fl.yellow; keel dark brown; corolla about twice the length of the calyx; pedicels solitaryone-flowered, elongated. May.l.elliptic, mucronate. Branches terete, prostrate, puberulous. 1824. A procumbent shrub.

B. linophylla(Flax-leaved).*fl.orange and purple. July to August.l.linear, with recurved margins. Branches compressed, leafy.h.1ft. to 4ft. 1803. (B. M. 2491.)

B. microphylla(small-leaved).l.cuneiformly obcordate, glabrous. Branches terete, leafy, spinescent; young branches rather compressed and pubescent.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1803. (L. B. C. 656.)

B. rhombifolia(diamond-leaved).*fl.yellow, the vexillum having a dark red zonate mark at the base; wings red at the base; keel brownish-purple. April.l.rhomboidal-orbicular, somewhat emarginate and mucronate. Branches terete; branchlets compressed, leafy.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1820. SYN.B. lenticularis. (L. B. C. 1238.)

B. rotundifolia(round-leaved).l.roundish, or broadly obovate, somewhat mucronate, flat, four to five lines long and five to six broad. Branches and branchlets leafy, compressed.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1824.

B. scolopendrium(plank-plant).fl.yellow, with the back of the vexillum and keel brownish-red. May.l.(when present) ovate and smooth. Branches flat, linear, leafless, toothed, with the teeth bearing the flowers; keel naked; superior bracts permanent, imbricate, equal in length to the peduncles.h.3ft. to 10ft. 1792. (B. M. 1235.)

B. tenuicaulis(slender-stemmed). Synonymous withB. cinerea.

BOSWELLIA(named after Dr. Boswell, formerly of Edinburgh). Olibanum Tree. ORD.Burseraceæ.Ornamental and economic evergreen stove trees. Flowers hermaphrodite; calyx five-toothed, permanent; petals five, obovate-oblong, spreading, with the margins incumbent in æstivation; disk cup-shaped, crenate; stamens ten; capsule trigonal. They are of easy culture, thriving well in loam and peat soil. Cuttings root readily if placed in sand under a glass.

B. glabra(glabrous).fl.white, small, with a red nectary and yellow anthers; racemes aggregate, simple, terminal, shorter than the leaves.l.impari-pinnate; leaflets broad, lanceolate, blunt, serrated, smooth.h.30ft. Coromandel, 1823. (B. F. S. 124.)B. serrata(saw-edged-leaved).*fl.whitish-yellow; racemes axillary, simple.l.impari-pinnate; leaflets ovate-oblong, taper-pointed, serrated, pubescent.h.20ft. India, 1820. (T. L. S. xv., 4.)

B. serrata(saw-edged-leaved).*fl.whitish-yellow; racemes axillary, simple.l.impari-pinnate; leaflets ovate-oblong, taper-pointed, serrated, pubescent.h.20ft. India, 1820. (T. L. S. xv., 4.)

BOTANY BAY GUM.SeeXanthorrhæa arborea.

BOTANY BAY TEA(andTREE).SeeSmilax glycyphylla.

BOTHY.A residence for under-gardeners, usually built behind the hothouses, or some high wall, in what is called a back shed. The place is too frequently a cramped, ill-ventilated hovel. A Bothy proper should be an independent structure, and fitted with modern conveniences; for, of all people, gardeners are the most susceptible to colds, &c. A library of standard horticultural and botanical works, as well as a few on other scientific subjects, and a moderate number of high-class books of fiction, one or more weekly gardening and other papers, should be supplied by the employer. During the winter months, for mutual improvement, lectures should be delivered, or papers read, by each gardener, on various subjects, after which a free discussion should take place upon the paper or lecture, by which means a great amount of good would be accomplished.

BOTRYCHIUM(frombotrys, a bunch; in reference to the bunch-like disposition of the indusia). Moonwort. ORD.Filices. A genus of very interesting and pretty little hardy ferns. Capsules sessile, arranged in two rows on the face of spikes which form a compound panicle. They require a compost of sandy loam; perfect drainage is most essential. For general culture,seeFerns.

B. australe(southern). A variety ofB. ternatum.B. daucifolium(Daucus-leaved).sti.stout, 6in. to 12in. long; petiole of sterile segments 1in. to 6in. long, the latter 6in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, tripinnatifid or tripinnate, the lower pinnæ largest; segments lanceolate-oblong, ¼in. to ⅜in. broad, finely toothed.fertile peduncleequalling the sterile segments when mature; panicle 2in. to 4in. long; tripinnate, not very close. Himalayas, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN.B. subcarnosum.B. Lunaria.Common Moonwort.*sti.1in. to 4in. long.sterile segmentssessile, or nearly so, 1in. to 3in. long, ½in. to 1in. broad, base much broader than the middle, cut down to a flattened rachis into several distinct, close, entire, or notched cuneate-flabellate pinnæ on both sides.fertile peduncleequalling or exceeding the sterile portion; panicle close, 1in. to 2in. long. England, &c. Hardy. See Fig. 267.

B. australe(southern). A variety ofB. ternatum.

B. daucifolium(Daucus-leaved).sti.stout, 6in. to 12in. long; petiole of sterile segments 1in. to 6in. long, the latter 6in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, tripinnatifid or tripinnate, the lower pinnæ largest; segments lanceolate-oblong, ¼in. to ⅜in. broad, finely toothed.fertile peduncleequalling the sterile segments when mature; panicle 2in. to 4in. long; tripinnate, not very close. Himalayas, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN.B. subcarnosum.

B. Lunaria.Common Moonwort.*sti.1in. to 4in. long.sterile segmentssessile, or nearly so, 1in. to 3in. long, ½in. to 1in. broad, base much broader than the middle, cut down to a flattened rachis into several distinct, close, entire, or notched cuneate-flabellate pinnæ on both sides.fertile peduncleequalling or exceeding the sterile portion; panicle close, 1in. to 2in. long. England, &c. Hardy. See Fig. 267.

FIG. 267. BOTRYCHIUMLUNARIA, showing Habit,Capsule, and Spores.

B. lunarioides(Lunaria-like). A variety ofB. ternatum.B. obliquum(oblique). A variety ofB. ternatum.B. subcarnosum(sub-fleshy). A synonym ofB. daucifolium.B. ternatum(ternate).*sti.1in. to 2in. long.petioleof thesterile segments 2in. to 4in. long, the latter 3in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, tri- or quadripinnatifid; lower pinnæ much the largest.fertile peduncle6in. to 9in. long; panicle 1in. to 6in. long; deltoid, very compound. Nootka and Hudson's Bay territory. Several so-called species come very close to this, includingaustrale,lunarioides, andobliquum, which are only geographical varieties. Greenhouse species.B. virginianum(Virginian).*sti.3in. to 18in. long.sterile segmentssessile, 4in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, quadripinnatifid; lower pinnæ much the largest; pinnules oval-oblong, close, cut down to the rachis into finely cut linear-oblong segments.fertile peduncleequalling or exceeding the sterile part of the plant when mature; panicle 1in. to 4in. long, loose, oblong. Oregon, and North United States, 1790. A hardy species in sheltered places. (H. G. F. 29.)

B. lunarioides(Lunaria-like). A variety ofB. ternatum.

B. obliquum(oblique). A variety ofB. ternatum.

B. subcarnosum(sub-fleshy). A synonym ofB. daucifolium.

B. ternatum(ternate).*sti.1in. to 2in. long.petioleof thesterile segments 2in. to 4in. long, the latter 3in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, tri- or quadripinnatifid; lower pinnæ much the largest.fertile peduncle6in. to 9in. long; panicle 1in. to 6in. long; deltoid, very compound. Nootka and Hudson's Bay territory. Several so-called species come very close to this, includingaustrale,lunarioides, andobliquum, which are only geographical varieties. Greenhouse species.

B. virginianum(Virginian).*sti.3in. to 18in. long.sterile segmentssessile, 4in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, quadripinnatifid; lower pinnæ much the largest; pinnules oval-oblong, close, cut down to the rachis into finely cut linear-oblong segments.fertile peduncleequalling or exceeding the sterile part of the plant when mature; panicle 1in. to 4in. long, loose, oblong. Oregon, and North United States, 1790. A hardy species in sheltered places. (H. G. F. 29.)

BOTTLE-GOURD.SeeLagenaria.

BOTTLE-TREE.SeeSterculia rupestris.

BOTTOM HEAT.This is usually secured by passing hot-water pipes through an air chamber, or a water tank, beneath a bed of plunging material. The covering of the tank or chamber is best made of slate. The heat must be regulated according to the requirements of the subjects grown; this is easily accomplished by using the valve. A thermometer should be placed in the tank or bed. Bottom-heat is indispensable for propagating plants from seeds and cuttings, especially in spring.SeeHeatingandHotbeds.

BOUCEROSIA(fromboukeros, furnished with buffaloes' horns; in reference to the curved lobes of the corona) ORD.Asclepiadaceæ. A genus of greenhouse succulent perennials, allied toStapelia, and requiring the same culture. Flowers numerous, terminal, umbellate; corolla sub-campanulate, five-cleft; segments broadly triangular, with acute recesses; stramineous corona fifteen-lobed; lobes disposed in a double series; the five inner ones opposite the stamens and lying upon the anthers; the rest exterior, erect, or a little incurved at apex, adhering to the back of the inner ones. Branches and stems tetragonal, with toothed angles.

FIG.268 BOUCEROSIA EUROPÆA.

B. europæa(European).fl.purple-brown, yellow. Summer.h.4in. Sicily, 1833. SYNS.ApteranthesandStapelia Gussoniana. See Fig. 268. (B. R. 1731.)B. maroccana(Morocco).*fl.dark red purple, with yellow concentric lines. Summer.l.minute, trowel-shaped, deflexed at tip of stem angles.h.4in. Morocco, 1875. (B. M. 6137.)

B. europæa(European).fl.purple-brown, yellow. Summer.h.4in. Sicily, 1833. SYNS.ApteranthesandStapelia Gussoniana. See Fig. 268. (B. R. 1731.)

B. maroccana(Morocco).*fl.dark red purple, with yellow concentric lines. Summer.l.minute, trowel-shaped, deflexed at tip of stem angles.h.4in. Morocco, 1875. (B. M. 6137.)

BOUCHEA(named after C. and P. Bouche, German naturalists). ORD.Verbenaceæ. A small genus of stove or greenhouse evergreen herbs or sub-shrubs. Flowers sub-sessile, in spicate racemes, which are either terminal or in the forking of two branches; corolla funnel-shaped. Leaves opposite, toothed. They thrive in a well-drained compost of loam and sandy peat. Propagated by cuttings, placed in sand, under a glass, and in a gentle heat, during spring.

B. cuneifolia(wedge-shaped-leaved).fl.white. April.h.4ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1821. A greenhouse evergreen shrub. SYN.Chascanum cuneifolium.B. pseudogervao(false-gervaô).fl.purplish, with white throat; spike terminal, 6in. to 10in. long, slender. September.l.opposite, ovate, or elliptic-ovate, acuminate, serrated. Stems tetragonous.h.2ft. to 5ft. Brazil, 1874. A stove perennial. (B. M. 6221).

B. cuneifolia(wedge-shaped-leaved).fl.white. April.h.4ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1821. A greenhouse evergreen shrub. SYN.Chascanum cuneifolium.

B. pseudogervao(false-gervaô).fl.purplish, with white throat; spike terminal, 6in. to 10in. long, slender. September.l.opposite, ovate, or elliptic-ovate, acuminate, serrated. Stems tetragonous.h.2ft. to 5ft. Brazil, 1874. A stove perennial. (B. M. 6221).

BOUGAINVILLEA(named after De Bougainville, a French navigator). ORD.Nyctagineæ. Gorgeous warm greenhouse or conservatory plants, comprising some of the most showy climbers in cultivation. Their beauty lies in the bracts, which envelop the small greenish flowers.B. glabramay be grown in pots, or planted out in the greenhouse borders; the others are best planted out, as they root very freely, and plenty of space would be occupied if allowed, but it is best to limit it, as they bloom much better. Strict training and pinching are not desirable, being prejudicial to the free production of bloom; indeed, the best plan is to allow the plants to ramble freely over the roof of a moderately high house, or along the upper portion of a back wall; they will then bloom profusely for several months in the year, provided proper attention be paid to watering, and that the plants are in a well-drained situation. In preparing a border for their reception, the first point to be considered is the drainage, which must be perfect. This is best effected by placing a layer of brick rubbish, 6in. to 9in. in thickness, communicating with the drain, by which means all sourness and stagnancy of the soil will be obviated. The bed should be excavated to a depth of 18in. or 2ft. Three parts turfy loam, and one part leaf soil, with the admixture of a liberal quantity of sharp gritty sand, will form a suitable compost for the culture of Bougainvilleas. The amount of sand incorporated must depend upon the quality of the other components, heavy loam requiring more than that which is more friable. The occasional incorporation of manure in the compost is not to be recommended; but a liberal application of liquid manure will be of material advantage, especially if the root space is limited. When the plants cease blooming each year—about November or December—they should be dried off and rested; and in February they should be closely spurred in, the same as with vines, and all weak leaders removed, so that strong wood only is left. When grown in pots, they must be started in brisk heat. They are easily increased by cuttings prepared from the half-ripened wood; these should be placed in sandy soil, in a brisk bottom heat, when they will soon root. Scale, red spider, and mealy bug are the only insects likely to infest the plants, and recipes for their destruction will be found under each individual name.

FIG. 269. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFBOUGAINVILLEASPECTABILIS.

B. glabra(smooth).*fl., inflorescence panicled, smaller than that ofB. speciosa, each branchlet producing cordate-ovate acute rosybracts, in threes. Summer.l.bright green, smooth. Brazil, 1861. This is by far the best species for pot culture, and forms a very showy plant when well grown.B. speciosa(beautiful).*fl., bracts large, cordate, delicate lilac rose, produced in immense panicles, which, in well grown specimens, are so freely produced as to entirely shroud the whole plant. March to June.l.ovate, very dark green, covered on the upper surface with small hairs. Stems branched, abundantly furnished with large recurved spines. Brazil, 1861. (F. M. i., 62.)B. spectabilis(showy).fl., bracts of a dull brick-red, shaded with scarlet. South America, 1829. It is very difficult to obtain bloom on this plant; and when flowers are produced, they are extremely ephemeral. The species is, for all practical purposes, much inferior to either of the foregoing. SYN.Josepha augusta. See Fig. 269.

B. speciosa(beautiful).*fl., bracts large, cordate, delicate lilac rose, produced in immense panicles, which, in well grown specimens, are so freely produced as to entirely shroud the whole plant. March to June.l.ovate, very dark green, covered on the upper surface with small hairs. Stems branched, abundantly furnished with large recurved spines. Brazil, 1861. (F. M. i., 62.)

B. spectabilis(showy).fl., bracts of a dull brick-red, shaded with scarlet. South America, 1829. It is very difficult to obtain bloom on this plant; and when flowers are produced, they are extremely ephemeral. The species is, for all practical purposes, much inferior to either of the foregoing. SYN.Josepha augusta. See Fig. 269.

BOURBON PALM.SeeLatania.

BOUSSINGAULTIA(named after Boussingault, a celebrated chemist). ORD.Chenopodiaceæ. Very pretty half-hardy, tuberous-rooted plants, requiring a rich vegetable sandy soil, and a well-drained sunny aspect, under which conditions the first-mentioned species develops into a very luxuriant trailing plant, attaining a length of 20in. or more. Propagated freely by means of the tubercles of the stem; these are, however, extremely brittle.

B. baselloides(Basella-like).*fl.white, ultimately becoming black, fragrant, small, disposed in clusters, 2in. to 4in. long, which are axillary at the ends of the branches. Late autumn.l.alternate, cordate, smooth, shining, fleshy, slightly wavy. Stems very twining, tinged red, very quick-growing, producing tubercles. South America, 1835. (B. M. 3620.)B. Lachaumei(Lachaume's).fl.rose, constantly in perfection. Cuba, 1872. A stove species.

B. Lachaumei(Lachaume's).fl.rose, constantly in perfection. Cuba, 1872. A stove species.

FIG. 270. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFBOUVARDIA.

BOUVARDIA(named after Dr. Charles Bouvard, formerly superintendent of the Jardin du Roi, at Paris). ORD.Rubiaceæ. Handsome greenhouse evergreen shrubs. Peduncles terminal, three-flowered, or trichotomous and corymbose; corolla funnel-shaped, tubular, elongated, beset with velvety papillæ outside, and a four-parted, spreading, short limb. Leaves opposite, or in whorls; stipules narrow, acute, adnate to the petioles on both sides. These extensively cultivated plants are among the most useful for conservatory or greenhouse decoration (see Fig. 270. for which we are indebted to Messrs. Cannell and Sons), and the flowers are largely employed in a cut state. Perhaps only two are fragrant, viz.,jasminifloraandHumboldtii. Cultivation: Presuming the grower to be commencing with young rooted cuttings, these should be potted off into a mixture of good fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sand, in equal proportions, to which may be added a small quantity of peat; they should then be placed in a temperature of from 70deg. to 80deg. until fully established in the small pots. It is necessary at this stage to stop the young plants back to the first joint, and as they continue to make fresh breaks, to keep on pinching them back during the whole period of cultivation, or until sufficiently bushy plants are produced. Many growers neglect stopping far too much, the result being ill-shaped and almost flowerless plants. The pinching, of course, can be regulated by the time the plants are required to flower; and it is unwise, in most cases, to stop them after the end of August. When the small pots are well filled with roots, the plants should be shifted into the flowering pots, viz., large 48-sized, which are quite commodious enough to grow very fine plants, a similar compost as in the first potting, with a little Standen's manure added, being used, and good drainage provided. A cool greenhouse, with a damp bottom for the pots to rest upon, and with a moist atmosphere, is the most suitable place in which to grow them during late spring and early summer, the moist air being very desirable as an effectual check to red spider, a pest very fond of the foliage, which it permanently disfigures. A cold pit or close frame is better during the summer months, as a moist atmosphere and cool bottom are then certain. Ventilation may be effected during the greater part of the day by tilting the lights below, and on fine nights they may be removed altogether. During bright sunshine, shading will be beneficial. All through the period of active growth, it is absolutely necessary that the plants should receive plenty of water, or they will surely suffer; and when the pots are filled with roots, occasional doses of manure water will be beneficial. Many cultivators plant them out about the end of June, in favoured situations, or in spent hotbeds, when they make very vigorous growth; and, if carefully pinched and watered, fine specimens are obtained. These are lifted in early autumn, with a good ball, potted, and kept shaded for a few days until the roots are again active, when they are taken to the house in which they are intended to bloom, and an enormous supply of flowers is secured. We have also seen Bouvardias planted out permanently in beds, in prepared pits, in which the winter temperature was not less than 55deg., with very satisfactory results; the quantity of bloom being very great. Of course, with the last-named treatment, it is essential to give the plants a rest and hardening-off after flowering, and when they are started into fresh growth to keep them well pinched and watered. Bouvardias are liable to the attacks of red spider and green fly. The former stands little chance of existence if the plants are kept well supplied with moisture; the latter may be destroyed by fumigating with tobacco. Mealy bug are also troublesome, and should be sponged off with a solution of Gishurst's Compound. Propagation: After flowering, and a slight rest and hardening-off, the old plants should be cut back, placed in heat, in a stove or cucumber pit, and freely syringed, which will cause them to break freely, and produce a good supply of cuttings. When the young shoots are from 1½in. to 2in. long., they are in the best condition for striking. It is not necessary that they should be cut off at a joint, as they will root from any surface of the stem; and, working economically, it is wiser to cut them off just above the first joint, as other shoots will speedily break out, which may, in their turn, be taken. Pots about 5in. across should have previously been prepared for the cuttings, by being well drained and filled with a mixture of good fibrous loam, leaf soil, and coarse sand, in equal parts, with a copious supply of sand upon the surface, into which the cuttings should be dibbled pretty thickly. A goodwatering must be given without wetting, and thereby injuring, the foliage. The pots should be plunged in the cutting case, or in any bottom heat of about 70deg. or 80deg., and covered with a bell glass. All that is then necessary is to keep them moist and shady during sunshine, until they are rooted, which, as a rule, is effected in three weeks' time. When well established, they may be removed from the case, gradually hardened off, and finally potted singly into small thumb pots.

B. angustifolia(narrow-leaved).*fl.pale red; corymbs somewhat trichotomous. September.l.three in a whorl, lanceolate, with revolute edges, glabrous above, but beset with fine hairs beneath. Branches terete, smoothish.h.2ft. Mexico, 1838. (P. M. B. 7, 99.)B. Cavanillesii(Cavanilles's).fl.red; peduncles terminal, trifid, three-flowered. May.l.opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, rather villous beneath.h.1½ft. Mexico, 1846. SYN.B. multiflora. (J. H. S. 3, 246.)B. flava(yellow).*fl.yellow, drooping; racemes three to five-flowered; pedicels downy, slender. March.l.opposite, ovate-lanceolate, ciliated; stipules setaceous.h.1½ft. Mexico, 1845. (B. R. 32, 32.)B. hirtella(hairy).fl.pale red or flesh-coloured, corymbose.l.whorled, lanceolate, with revoluted edges, hairy on both surfaces. Branches terete. Mexico.B. Humboldtii corymbiflora(Humboldt's corymb-flowered).*fl.white, large, fragrant, disposed in terminal racemes; tubes long. Autumn and winter.l.ovate, oblong-acuminate, dark green. 1874. One of the finest kinds in cultivation. (G. C. 1873, 717.)B. Jacquini(Jacquin's). A synonym ofB. triphylla.B. jasminiflora(Jasmine-flowered).*fl.white, fragrant, in compound cymes; very floriferous. Winter.l.opposite, elliptic-acuminate. South America, 1869. A very charming and largely grown species. (G. C. 1872, 215.)

B. Cavanillesii(Cavanilles's).fl.red; peduncles terminal, trifid, three-flowered. May.l.opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, rather villous beneath.h.1½ft. Mexico, 1846. SYN.B. multiflora. (J. H. S. 3, 246.)

B. flava(yellow).*fl.yellow, drooping; racemes three to five-flowered; pedicels downy, slender. March.l.opposite, ovate-lanceolate, ciliated; stipules setaceous.h.1½ft. Mexico, 1845. (B. R. 32, 32.)

B. hirtella(hairy).fl.pale red or flesh-coloured, corymbose.l.whorled, lanceolate, with revoluted edges, hairy on both surfaces. Branches terete. Mexico.

B. Humboldtii corymbiflora(Humboldt's corymb-flowered).*fl.white, large, fragrant, disposed in terminal racemes; tubes long. Autumn and winter.l.ovate, oblong-acuminate, dark green. 1874. One of the finest kinds in cultivation. (G. C. 1873, 717.)

B. Jacquini(Jacquin's). A synonym ofB. triphylla.

B. jasminiflora(Jasmine-flowered).*fl.white, fragrant, in compound cymes; very floriferous. Winter.l.opposite, elliptic-acuminate. South America, 1869. A very charming and largely grown species. (G. C. 1872, 215.)

FIG. 271. BOUVARDIALEIANTHA.

B. leiantha(smooth-flowered).*fl.scarlet; corymbs sub-trichotomous. July to November.l.ternate, ovate-acuminate, slightly hairy above, downy-villous beneath.h.2ft. Mexico, 1850. See Fig. 271. (B. H. 2, 6.)B. longiflora(long-flowered).*fl.white, terminal, solitary, sessile, with the tube 2in. or 3in. long.l.opposite, oblong, acute, cuneated at the base, glabrous. Branches compressedly tetragonal, glabrous.h.2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1827. (B. M. 4223.)B. multiflora(many-flowered). A synonym ofB. Cavanillesii.B. triphylla(three-leaved).*fl.scarlet, nearly 1in. long; corymbs somewhat trichotomous. July.l.smoothish above, hairy beneath, three in a whorl, oblong. Branchlets trigonal, hairy.h.2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1794. There are numerous varieties of this species. SYN.B. Jacquini. (B. M. 1854.)B. versicolor(various-coloured).fl., corolla with a scarlet tube, which is ¾in. long, but having the limb yellowish inside; corymbs three-flowered, trichotomous, drooping. July to September.l.opposite, lanceolate, ciliated. Branches terete, glabrous, velvety while young.h.2ft. to 3ft. South America, 1814. (B. R. 245.)

B. longiflora(long-flowered).*fl.white, terminal, solitary, sessile, with the tube 2in. or 3in. long.l.opposite, oblong, acute, cuneated at the base, glabrous. Branches compressedly tetragonal, glabrous.h.2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1827. (B. M. 4223.)

B. multiflora(many-flowered). A synonym ofB. Cavanillesii.

B. triphylla(three-leaved).*fl.scarlet, nearly 1in. long; corymbs somewhat trichotomous. July.l.smoothish above, hairy beneath, three in a whorl, oblong. Branchlets trigonal, hairy.h.2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1794. There are numerous varieties of this species. SYN.B. Jacquini. (B. M. 1854.)

B. versicolor(various-coloured).fl., corolla with a scarlet tube, which is ¾in. long, but having the limb yellowish inside; corymbs three-flowered, trichotomous, drooping. July to September.l.opposite, lanceolate, ciliated. Branches terete, glabrous, velvety while young.h.2ft. to 3ft. South America, 1814. (B. R. 245.)

The garden hybrids are very handsome. A selection is given below:

ALFREDNEUNER, flowers double, white, or slightly tinged with rose (see Fig. 272); BRILLIANT, flowers bright crimson, numerous, freely branching habit, and strong constitution; DAZZLER,* habit very bushy and compact, extremely floriferous, flowers rich scarlet, in dense clusters; HOGARTH, brilliant scarlet, very fine; LONGIFLORAFLAMMEA,* flowers long-tubed, blush-rose; MAIDEN'SBLUSH,* very free and floriferous, blush-rose; PRESIDENTGARFIELD, rich double, red-pink, very fine; QUEENOFROSES, rosy-pink, the tubes tinted with crimson, habit dwarf and very free; VREELANDI(=DAVIDSONI), flowers pure white, produced in great abundance; one of the most useful of them all, and grown very extensively.

FIG. 272. BOUVARDIAALFREDNEUNER.

BOWENIA(commemorative of Sir G. Bowen, Governor of Queensland). ORD.Cycadaceæ. A remarkable and handsome greenhouse fern-like plant, closely allied toZamia, from which it is distinguished by having the leaflets decurrent to the petiole, instead of articulated, as in that genus. For culture,seeCycas.

B. spectabilis(showy).*fl., male cones small, ovoid, ½in. to ¾in. long; female oblong-globose, 3¾in. long.l.bipinnatisect, on tall, slender petioles; leaflets falcate-lanceolate, decurrent; stem short, thick, cylindrical. Queensland, Australia, 1863. (B. M. 5398 and 6008.)B. s. serrulata(finely-toothed).* This differs from the type in having the margins distinctly toothed or serrated. Rockingham Bay, 1863.

B. s. serrulata(finely-toothed).* This differs from the type in having the margins distinctly toothed or serrated. Rockingham Bay, 1863.

BOWIEA(named after J. Bowie, a botanical collector for the Royal Gardens, Kew). ORD.Liliaceæ. A very interesting greenhouse or half-hardy twining bulbous perennial, thriving in a sunny border, under the wall of a greenhouse, where it will require protection during winter. It does well in any light well drained soil, and may be propagated by seeds or offsets.

FIG. 273. BOWIEAVOLUBILIS, showing Habit, Flower, and Fruit.

B. volubilis(twining).fl.few, remote, pedicellate; perianth six-partite, persistent; segments equal, green, lanceolate, ¼in. long, at length reflexed. October. True leaves are frequently not developed for years; but the green, fleshy, mostly abortive inflorescence performs their functions. South Africa, 1866. See Fig. 273.

BOX.SeeBuxus.

BOX ELDER.SeeNegundo.

BOX THORN.SeeLycium.

BRABEIUM(frombrabeion, a sceptre; in reference to the racemosed flowers). African Almond. ORD.Proteaceæ. An ornamental greenhouse evergreen tree. For culture, &c.,seeBanksia.

B. stellatifolium(star-leaved).fl.white, sweet-scented, disposed in elegant, axillary, spiked racemes. August.l.whorled, simple, serrate.h.15ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1731.

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

B. acerifolium(Acer-leaved).fl.bright red.l.long-stalked, deeply five to seven-lobed.h.from 60ft. to 120ft.B. Bidwillii(Bidwill's).*fl.bright red, arranged in axillary bunches.l.stalked, heart-shaped, entire, or three-lobed, and covered with a soft pubescence. 1851. (B. M. 5133.)B. diversifolium(various-leaved).l.coriaceous, obtuse, lanceolate, entire, or three-lobed, glabrous; lobes acuminate.h.20ft. to 60ft. 1824.

B. acerifolium(Acer-leaved).fl.bright red.l.long-stalked, deeply five to seven-lobed.h.from 60ft. to 120ft.

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

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

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

B. iberidifolia(Iberis-leaved).*fl.-headsblue or white, with a dark centre, about 1in. in diameter. Summer and autumn.l.pinnate; segments linear. Plant erect, glabrous.h.1ft. Swan River, 1843. See Fig. 274.

FIG. 274. BRACHYCOMEIBERIDIFOLIA, showing Habit and Flowering Branch.

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

B. dentata(toothed).fl.-headsyellow.l.lanceolate, acute, entire, rusty beneath when young, when adult quite glabrous.B. nerifolia(Nerium-leaved).*fl.-headsyellow, in branching racemes or panicles. August to November.l.lanceolate, serrated with one or two teeth forward.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1752.

B. dentata(toothed).fl.-headsyellow.l.lanceolate, acute, entire, rusty beneath when young, when adult quite glabrous.

B. nerifolia(Nerium-leaved).*fl.-headsyellow, in branching racemes or panicles. August to November.l.lanceolate, serrated with one or two teeth forward.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1752.

BRACHYOTUM(frombrachys, short, andotos, the ear; in reference to the short appendages at the base of the anthers). ORD.Melastomaceæ. A handsome greenhouse evergreen shrub, with a bushy habit. Allied, and requiring similar culture, toPleroma(whichsee).

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

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

THE GIANT WATER LILY (VICTORIA REGIA).

[See larger version]

B. lanceolatum(lanceolate-leaved).fl.rich scarlet, with the margin of the vexillum white, red at the disk, with a large yellow spot in the centre, each about 1in. long, disposed in axillary,sub-compound racemes.l.opposite, rarely alternate, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, entire, silky white beneath.h.3ft. Swan River, 1848. (B. M. 4652.)B. latifolium(broad-leaved).*fl.crimson-scarlet, large; vexillum oblong-ovate. April.l.ovate, flat, silky beneath. New Holland, 1803. A handsome climber. (B. R. 118.)B. melanopetalum(black-petaled). Synonymous withB. undulatum.B. undulatum(undulated).*fl.deep violet-maroon, solitary or twin; vexillum oblong, cordate, convolute, and bluntish above. March.l.oblong-ovate, mucronate, undulated. New South Wales, 1820. A tall subscandent plant. SYN.B. melanopetalum. (B. R. 642.)

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

B. melanopetalum(black-petaled). Synonymous withB. undulatum.

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

BRACHYSPATHA(frombrachys, short, andspatha, a spathe; the spathe is much shorter than the spadix). ORD.Aroideæ. Stove tuberous perennial, allied to, and requiring the same cultivation as,Amorphophallus(whichsee).

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

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

B. Arnotti(Arnott's).fl.brown, green.l.in opposite pairs, nearly sessile, crisped, ovate, dull green above, densely grey, pubescent beneath.h.4in. South Africa, 1868. (Ref. B. i., 9.)B. Barberæ(Mrs. Barber's).fl.dingy purple, speckled with yellow. August.l.large, linear-oblong, acute.h.6in. South Africa, 1866. (B. M. 5607.)B. ovata(ovate-leaved).fl.yellowish-green.l.ovate, shortly-stalked, pubescent.h.1ft. South Africa, 1872. (Ref. B. 226.)B. spathulatum(spathulate-leaved).fl.green. June.l.spathulate, oblong, hairy.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1826. (B. R. 1113.)B. tuborosum(tuberous).fl.purple. June.l.linear-lanceolate, ciliate.h.1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1821. (B. M. 2343.)

B. Arnotti(Arnott's).fl.brown, green.l.in opposite pairs, nearly sessile, crisped, ovate, dull green above, densely grey, pubescent beneath.h.4in. South Africa, 1868. (Ref. B. i., 9.)

B. Barberæ(Mrs. Barber's).fl.dingy purple, speckled with yellow. August.l.large, linear-oblong, acute.h.6in. South Africa, 1866. (B. M. 5607.)

B. ovata(ovate-leaved).fl.yellowish-green.l.ovate, shortly-stalked, pubescent.h.1ft. South Africa, 1872. (Ref. B. 226.)

B. spathulatum(spathulate-leaved).fl.green. June.l.spathulate, oblong, hairy.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1826. (B. R. 1113.)

B. tuborosum(tuberous).fl.purple. June.l.linear-lanceolate, ciliate.h.1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1821. (B. M. 2343.)

BRACKEN, orBRAKE FERN. SeePteris aquilina.

BRACTEATE.Having bracts.

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

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

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

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

B. filamentosa(filamentose). A synonym ofWashingtonia filifera.

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

B. insignis(remarkable), which is the only species, has atrunk3in. to 4in. thick; scales linear, nearly 1in. long.sti.firm, 3in. to 4in. long, scaly only at the base.fronds2ft to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnæ close, numerous, linear, finely serrated. Hong Kong, 1856. A very handsome and interesting greenhouse tree fern, requiring a soil of loam and peat, in equal parts, with the addition of some sharp sand, and thorough drainage.

BRAMBLE.SeeRubus.

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

B. acaulis(stemless).fl.large; sepals and petals long, narrow, greenish and creamy-white; lip large, heart-shaped, and pure white; base of tube spotted with dull rose. September.l.very narrow, rush-like.h.4in. Central America, 1852. (P. F. G. ii., 152.)B. Digbyana(Digby's).*fl.solitary, 4in. across, produced from the top of the bulb; sepals and petals creamy-white; lip same colour, streaked with purple down the centre, and beautifully fringed. Winter.h.9in. Honduras, 1844. A compact-growing evergreen. (B. M. 4474.)B. Gibbsiana(Gibbs's).*fl.white, spotted with chocolate, large, three on each spike.l.rather broad and very thick. This rare, erect-growing species must be potted in peat and sphagnum.B. glauca(glaucous).*fl.solitary, produced from a sheath at the top of the bulb; sepals and petals yellow; lip orange, with a white throat. Early spring.l.of a milky-green.h.1ft. Vera Cruz, 1837. A very handsome fragrant species, somewhat difficult to flower, but this obstacle may be overcome by liberally growing during the proper season, and giving it a severe dry rest. (B. M. 4033.)B. lineata(lined).*fl.large, very fragrant; sepals and petals creamy-white; lip large, pure white.l.long, terete, channelled above, tapering to a point, very deep green. South America, 1850. (B. M. 4734.)B. venosa(veined).*fl.small and compact; sepals and petals cream-coloured; lip white, strongly veined. A pretty free flowering species. Honduras, 1839. (B. R. 26, 39.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

B. antherotes(brilliant).*fl.7in. in diameter from tip to tip of the sepals; sepals and petals yellow, brownish-black at the base, narrow, ⅛in. broad, tapering; petals 1½in. long; lip triangular, yellow, barred with brown; spike strong, about 2ft. in length. Tropical America, 1879.B. caudata(tailed).*fl., sepals and petals yellow, barred with brown, from 4in. to 6in. long; lip broad and yellow, spotted with greenish-brown. When the plant is large and healthy, it produces numerous drooping spikes, 18in. long, and many-flowered.h.1ft. West Indies, 1823 (B. R. 832.)B. Gireoudiana(Gireoud's).fl., sepals and petals bright yellow, spotted and blotched with deep red, produced in many-flowered scapes of singular and beautiful flowers during spring and early summer. This species much resemblesB. Lanceana, but has larger flowers. Costa Rica. (R. X. O. 1, 32.)

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

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

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