Chapter 34

FIG. 285. BRUSSELSSPROUTS.

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

FIG. 286. BRYONIALACINIOSA.

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

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

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

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

BRYANTHUS(frombryon, a moss, andanthos, a flower). ORD.Ericaceæ. A genus of small trailing shrubs, allied toLoiseleuria. Flowers terminal, somewhat racemose; calyx five-leaved, imbricate; corolla deeply five-parted, spreading. Leaves crowded, spreading, flattish. For culture,seeMenziesia.

B. empetriformis(Crowberry-leaved).fl.reddish-purple, clustered near the extremities of the branches.l.crowded, linear, on short adpressed petioles.h.6in. North-west America, 1829. SYN.Menziesia empetrifolia. (B. M. 3176.)B. erectus(erect).fl.red, pentamerous, broadly campanulate.l.linear, obtuse, obscurely serrated.h.about 1ft. Siberia. Trailer. (L. & P. F. G. 1, 19.)B. Gmelini(Gmelin's).fl.red; peduncles glandular, many-flowered.l.with denticulated margins.h.2in. or 3in. Kamtschatka and Behring's Island.

B. erectus(erect).fl.red, pentamerous, broadly campanulate.l.linear, obtuse, obscurely serrated.h.about 1ft. Siberia. Trailer. (L. & P. F. G. 1, 19.)

B. Gmelini(Gmelin's).fl.red; peduncles glandular, many-flowered.l.with denticulated margins.h.2in. or 3in. Kamtschatka and Behring's Island.

BRYONIA(frombryo, to sprout; in allusion to the annual growth from the tuber). Bryony. ORD.Cucurbitaceæ. Tuberous-rooted perennial herbaceous plants, producing annual climbing stems. The native species is well worth growing over unsightly hedges, fences, &c., and in the wild garden; it is a rapid grower, and of extremely easy culture. The stove perennial species should be grown in pots, and the stems trained up the rafters. Rich loam is the soil most suitable for their cultivation. Propagated by seeds, or by divisions of the tuber.

B. dioica(diœcious).fl.greenish-white, racemose, diœcious.fr.globose, red. May to September.l.cordate, palmately five-lobed, toothed, scabrous, from callous points. England. (Sy. En. B. 517.)B. laciniosa(cut-leaved).fl.yellow, solitary; corollas hairy inside, smooth outside.fr.size of a cherry, striated with white. July.l.palmately five-parted, cordate, rough, and blistered, with oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, serrated segments; petioles muricated. Ceylon, 1710. Stove species. SYN.Bryonopsis laciniosa. See Fig. 286.

B. dioica(diœcious).fl.greenish-white, racemose, diœcious.fr.globose, red. May to September.l.cordate, palmately five-lobed, toothed, scabrous, from callous points. England. (Sy. En. B. 517.)

B. laciniosa(cut-leaved).fl.yellow, solitary; corollas hairy inside, smooth outside.fr.size of a cherry, striated with white. July.l.palmately five-parted, cordate, rough, and blistered, with oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, serrated segments; petioles muricated. Ceylon, 1710. Stove species. SYN.Bryonopsis laciniosa. See Fig. 286.

BRYONY.SeeBryonia.

BRYOPHYLLUM(frombryo, to sprout, andphyllon, a leaf; plants spring from the notches on the edges of the leaves when taken off the plant, and placed in a moist situation). ORD.Crassulaceæ. This very curious stove succulent thrives in pots of rich loamy soil; perfect drainage is essential, and but little water is at any time needed.

B. calycinum(large-cupped).fl.yellowish-red; cymes panicled, terminal. April.l.opposite, thick, petiolate; some impari-pinnate, with one or two pairs of segments, the terminal one large; others solitary; all ovate and crenated.h.2ft. to 3ft. India, 1806. A fleshy, erect, branched evergreen shrub, grown chiefly for curiosity.

BUCCO.SeeAgathosma.

BUCIDA.SeeTerminalia.

BUCKBEAN.SeeMenyanthes.

BUCKLANDIA(named after Dr. Buckland, a former Dean of Westminster, and Professor of Geology at Oxford). ORD.Hamamelideæ. A handsome greenhouse tree, allied toLiquidambar. It thrives in rich sandy loam, peat, and leaf mould; or peat may be left out if the leaf soil is good; perfect drainage is also essential. Cuttings of ripened shoots will strike in sandy loam, under a hand glass, with moderate heat. They must be watered carefully, or they are liable to rot off.

B. populnea(Poplar-like).l.pale green, large, leathery, cordate, ovate-acute, on long stalks, pinkish when young; stipules very curious, large red, consisting of two leafy oblong plates, placed face to face in an erect position between the leafstalk and the stem.h.100ft. Himalayas, 1875. (B. M. 6507.)

BUCKLER MUSTARD.SeeBiscutella.

BUCKTHORN.SeeRhamnus.

BUCKWHEAT.SeeFagopyrum esculentum.

BUCKWHEAT-TREE.SeeMylocaryum.

BUDDING.This process consists of taking an eye or bud attached to a portion of the bark, and transferring it to another and different plant; it is an operation almost confined to woody plants, but has been practised with more or less success upon herbaceous perennials. The stock should not be budded unless the sap is in circulation, which is assured if the bark will detach itself easily, when gently lifted, from the wood.

There are many ways of performing the different systems, in preparing and inserting the Buds, &c., and all may prove more or less successful if undertaken when the Buds and stock are both in a suitable condition. The principal methods are Shield or T-budding, including the Circular, Square, and Inverted forms; Flute or Tube-budding, and Annular or Ring-budding.

The first-named method, which is fully described below, is very extensively practised for propagating Roses and stone fruits. It is also coming more in use for the propagation of many other fruit trees, including Apples and Pears, especially new or scarce varieties, as the great advantage of making use of many more of the eyes, to form separate trees, is thereby attained. In large nurseries, where skilful propagators are employed, thousands of trees are annually budded, the majority of them with very successful results. It is, in most cases, preferable to purchase established fruit trees, as cultivators require the produce much quicker than they could get it by propagating trees themselves. The same system of Budding is, however, applicable for increasing Roses; and this may be adopted with every chance of success by even a cottager, if he takes the necessary care in performing the work.

Rare varieties of ornamental deciduous trees are largely propagated in this way; for instance, many of the Acers, Elms, Horse Chestnuts, &c. Evergreen shrubs, such as Rhododendrons and Hollies, are also rapidly increased in some establishments by this means.

In the case of fruit-frees, plump wood Buds must be selected, from medium-sized branches. On some sorts these are scarce, the majority being Flower-buds, and it is rather difficult to distinguish between them at the Budding season. The best time for the operation is from June to the end of August; but surrounding influences, condition of Buds, stocks, &c., must be taken into account. Clean cuts, with gentle and skilful handling, are even more important in the Budding of stone fruits than of Roses or other plants, and the ties should be lightly but firmly made. In all cases, the operation must be performed as quickly as possible, as both Bud and bark are injured if exposed to the air for any length of time.

FIG. 287.FIG. 288.

To proceed with the ordinary system of Shield-budding, the stock (see Fig. 287a) should first have a longitudinal anda transverse incision made in the bark, the former about 1in. long. Next, the Bud should be prepared, removing half the leaf (see Fig. 288). Hold the branch with the left hand, and pass the knife from about ½in. below, gradually upwards and inwards under the Bud, bringing it out in a similar way at a somewhat shorter distance above. A portion of wood will also be taken out, and this is generally removed the opposite way to that in which the Bud has been cut. By skilful Budders, it is removed by a sort of twitch from either end. Great care must be taken not to pull out the base or root of the Bud at the same time, as this would render it useless. Should the whole come out together, leaving a hollow place under the eye of the Bud, it must be thrown away, and another prepared. The Bud being ready, loosen the bark at the point where the incisions meet, with the ivory knife handle, and insert it by means of the piece of leaf attached. It must then be tied in with soft matting or bast, to exclude air, but not tight enough to injure the bark. Shading from bright sun is advisable for a few days afterwards, and, as soon as the union takes place, the ties must be frequently examined, and loosened if necessary. Some prefer Budding late in the season, in order that the Bud may remain dormant during the winter, and breaking stronger the following spring. Occasionally, they are inserted in spring, just at the commencement of growth. The stocks of the Summer-budded trees should only be allowed a moderate amount of foliage during the autumn, and should be cut back to the established Bud before growth commences in spring.

Square and Circular Shield-buddingconsists in cutting out a piece of bark of either shape from the stock, and inserting another piece of exactly the same size, containing a Bud, and covering with a bandage, or piece of sticking plaster, all except the eye. This mode is seldom made use of. Inverted T or Shield-budding is preferred in the south of France for propagating Orange-trees, but is not otherwise much used. The only difference is that the transverse incision is made below, instead of above, the other, and the Bud inserted upwards, making it fit with the bark at the point where the stock is cut across.

FIG. 289.

Flute-buddingis sometimes used, and answers well for some trees (see Fig. 289). A cylinder of bark is removed from the stock, and one of a similar size from the scion. containing Buds, is fitted in its place, being carefully made air-tight by means of a bandage or grafting wax. Some prefer splitting the hark, as shown in the illustration. and laying it over the tube or cylinder; but the parts cannot be fitted so well as when it is removed.

Ring Budding.By this mode, it is not necessary to cut off the top of the stock. A ring of bark may be removed from any convenient part (see Fig. 290b) and replaced with one containing eyes (see Fig. 290a). The latter should be taken from a little larger branch than the stock, as the bark could then be made to fit better. As in Flute-budding, air must be excluded by means of adhesive paper and bandages or grafting wax.

Budding operations may be performed at any time during the season; but dull cloudy weather, and morning or evening, are most suitable. If the branch, containing Buds, cannot be obtained as required for use, the ends may be placed in water, to keep them fresh; but unnecessary delay should be avoided.

FIG. 290.

FIG. 291.

Stocks for Budding upon.For the Cherry, the Wild Gean, and seedlings from the Morello. make capital stocks for tall trees and those of moderate growth; and the Mahaleb, or Perfumed Cherry, for small trees for pots, bushes, pyramids, or cordons. For the Plum, the Mussel, Mirabelle, Magnum Bonum, St. Julian, &c., are mostly used for stocks, the Mirabelle being best for small trees. Peaches and Nectarines are generally budded on the Mussel, St. Julian, or Mirabelle Plums; the last are best for dwarfs. The Apricot is budded on the Mussel or Mirabelle Plums, for small plants; and the St. Julian Plum for standards. In France, the Damas Noir, or Black Damask, and the Cerisette, are also used. They should all be raised from seeds, and not from suckers. Seeds for raising plants for stocks may be sown as soon as ripe; but where quantities are used, the stones are thrown into heaps, so as to slightly ferment during winter. In the spring, they are sown in drills or beds, and transplanted the next year in rows 2ft. or 3ft. apart. and 10in. or 12in. from plant to plant. The dwarfs are generally budded the second year, and the standards the third or fourth. Dwarf trees are budded from within a few inches of theground to 1ft. above; standards and riders from 3ft. to 9ft.; cordons, pyramids, &c., can hardly be budded too low.

Rose Budding.Propagation of Roses by Budding is very extensively practised both with standard trees and dwarf plants. It is perhaps easier and more certain to succeed with these than with fruit trees; but the mode adopted is precisely the same—that of the shield-shaped Bud with the core, or root, and the bark attached. For standards, the common briar of the Dog Rose is the best. The earlier these are obtained and planted in November, the better, as roots are then formed at once. For dwarf plants, the Manetti stock is mostly used, being easily obtained and had in proper condition almost at any time when Buds are ready. Plants on this stock do not succeed in all soils, and suckers are also very liable to be produced. Budding on the seedling briar is attended with good results, and is practised more than hitherto. The De la Grifferaie stock is also used, more for Tea Roses than others, and is considered by some to produce better plants than the Manetti. The shoots on standard briars should be reduced to about three of the strongest, selected as close together as possible, and near the top, the briars having been previously cut back the desired height at planting time. Two Buds are sufficient for a good head; but, for certainty, three may be inserted. Fig. 291 represents a tall briar with three shoots;ashows the shoot slit for the Bud;b, the Bud inserted;c, the Bud tied in. Fig. 292 is a branch showing Buds, the lowest ones of which are most suitable, being in firmer wood. Those at the top are often useless. Fig. 293 represents a Bud taken from Fig. 292,a,b, and Fig. 294 gives an idea of how the wood is removed. As previously remarked when describing the system, experienced Budders remove the wood from either end. Fig. 294 shows its removal from the lower end.

FIG. 292.

FIG. 293.FIG. 294.

Budding as close as possible to the main stem is most desirable. Raffia grass is superior in every way for tying, which should be performed as soon after the Bud is inserted as possible. It requires much care, and, of course, the Bud itself must be entirely free. As soon as the Buds swell, the tying material should be loosened, and the top of the stock cut back to the level of the budded shoot. By Budding late, the Buds lie dormant till the next spring, and the necessity of tying the young shoots is dispensed with for that season. The shoots of the briar in advance of the Rose Buds must be cut back, as shown in Fig. 295, so soon as the Buds are safely established. The Manetti and other dwarf stocks are budded on the main shoot nearly close to, or underneath the ground, and if low enough to cover part of the rose stem when grown, the latter often roots as well and assists the stock. Being small, they may be grown in pots and removed to the required position at any time.

FIG. 295.

Dog Roses, used for standards, are usually collected from hedgerows, and sold at about 8s. per hundred. Manetti stocks are increased by cuttings, which, after making one season's good growth, will be fit for use. Briars are raised from seed, which may be collected from hedges, and sown in the autumn, in drills. The seedlings should be transplanted the first year after sowing, and the following season they will be ready for working.

BUDDING KNIVES.The best Budding Knives are those manufactured by Messrs. Saynor and Co., and Messrs. G. Hall and Son. They are made with handles of ivory, shaped in different ways at the end, for the purpose of opening the bark, in order to insert the Bud. Some of the blades are made with the edge rounded at the point, so as to cut the bark without the knife entering the wood underneath (see Figs. 296 and 297). Others, which may be used for Budding, and are much better for ordinary use for cutting flowers, &c., are made with the edge of the blade carried to a point, as in ordinary knives (see Figs. 298 and 299). Another form has the handle made of some other material, and a piece of ivory inserted for opening the bark; this is represented in Fig. 300. The first-named is the best, if required for Budding only; the second is the most useful for ordinary purposes, and answers admirably for Budding as well. None of the other shapes have any material advantages over these.

BUDDINGKNIVES.

BUDDLEIA(named after Adam Buddle, who is so often mentioned in Ray's "Synopsis"; his collection of dried British plants is preserved in the British Museum). ORD.Loganiaceæ. A large genus of stove, greenhouse, or half-hardy shrubs. Flowers small, often tomentose, axillary, spicate, capitate, or thyrsoid; calyx equally four-toothed; corolla tubular-campanulate, regular; limb spreading, four-toothed. Leaves opposite, reticulately veined. Branches quadrangular.

The species most extensively grown isB. globosa, which, among all our other shrubs, is quite unique; but it is only in the southern or favoured counties of England where it can be fairly termed hardy. It is readily propagated by cuttings or by seeds. The latter should be sown in a gentle heat the spring following the ripening, when they will vegetate pretty freely. With careful treatment and nurturing in pots for the first winter, in a frost-proof pit or house, they may soon be grown into elegant plants. Cuttings of the ripened wood, put in under bell glasses or hand lights, in a cool but frost-proof pit, will root slowly during the winter. They will root all the surer and quicker if each cutting has a heel of older wood attached to that of the current year's growth. They are best inserted in fine sand or in very sandy soil, and require but little water until rooted. As soon as fairly calloused over or rooted, their further progress may be much advanced by potting them off, and plunging them in a bottom-heat of 60deg. or 65deg. This is by no means an essential to secure success, but it hastens it, and promotes growth in an extraordinary manner. The surface temperature should range about the same as the bottom-heat. Under such treatment, the plants will be quite fit to place out about the middle of July. A warm, sheltered situation should be chosen, and a light, rich soil prepared for them; and if dry weather ensues, they only require water. South or west walls are, without doubt, the best situations for them. In all cool or unfavourable localities, much may be done to ensure success by planting on a dry bottom, and on poorish soil. A loose, free-and-easy style of training suits the plants best. This enables them to yield a great number of their peculiarly formed, distinct, and beautiful flowers; whereas, anything like a close, trim course of pruning or of training reduces the flowers to the lowest number.

Throughout the southern parts of England, and, indeed, in many places in the north,B. globosamakes an excellent bush for the shrubbery. It is only during severe winters that it gets badly cut.

For the other presumably hardy species much the same plan as the foregoing may be adopted. The greenhouse and stove kinds may have the same routine of culture usually employed with plants requiring similar temperatures.

Stove species, except where specified otherwise.

B. americana(American).fl.yellow; spikes disposed in a terminal panicle, nearly 1ft. long; glomerules nearly globose, size of a sloe, on short peduncles. August.l.ovate, acuminated, narrowed at the base, serrately crenated.h.8ft. to 12ft. Peru, 1826.B. asiatica(Asiatic).*fl.white, small, disposed in long, dense racemes.l.lanceolate, finely serrated.h.3ft. India, 1874. A graceful and sweet-scented shrub. SYN.B. Neemda. (B. M. 6323.)B. crispa(curled).fl.lilac, with a white eye; numerously produced in long terminal branching spikes, forming a pyramidal head about 5in. long. March.l.ovate-lanceolate, crenately curled; lower ones cordate at the base; superior ones rounded, all thick and wrinkled, clothed with soft tomentum on both surfaces.h.13ft. Western Himalayas. Half-hardy. (B. M. 4793.)B. globosa(globose).*fl.orange, or honey-colour; heads large, terminal, globose, pedunculate. May.l.lanceolate, acuminated, petiolate, crenated, 6in. long. Branches sub-tetragonal, clothed with hoary tomentum, as well as the under side of the leaves.h.15ft. to 20ft. Chili, 1774. Hardy in most places. (B. M. 174.)B. Lindleyana(Lindley's).fl.purplish-red, hairy; disposed in terminal racemose spikes. September.l.ovate, shortly petiolate, serrate. Branches angular, glabrous.h.6ft. China, 1844. Half-hardy. (B. R. 32, 4.)B. Neemda(Neemda). A synonym ofB. asiatica.

B. asiatica(Asiatic).*fl.white, small, disposed in long, dense racemes.l.lanceolate, finely serrated.h.3ft. India, 1874. A graceful and sweet-scented shrub. SYN.B. Neemda. (B. M. 6323.)

B. crispa(curled).fl.lilac, with a white eye; numerously produced in long terminal branching spikes, forming a pyramidal head about 5in. long. March.l.ovate-lanceolate, crenately curled; lower ones cordate at the base; superior ones rounded, all thick and wrinkled, clothed with soft tomentum on both surfaces.h.13ft. Western Himalayas. Half-hardy. (B. M. 4793.)

B. globosa(globose).*fl.orange, or honey-colour; heads large, terminal, globose, pedunculate. May.l.lanceolate, acuminated, petiolate, crenated, 6in. long. Branches sub-tetragonal, clothed with hoary tomentum, as well as the under side of the leaves.h.15ft. to 20ft. Chili, 1774. Hardy in most places. (B. M. 174.)

B. Lindleyana(Lindley's).fl.purplish-red, hairy; disposed in terminal racemose spikes. September.l.ovate, shortly petiolate, serrate. Branches angular, glabrous.h.6ft. China, 1844. Half-hardy. (B. R. 32, 4.)

B. Neemda(Neemda). A synonym ofB. asiatica.

BUDS, FLOWER.These are developed like Leaf-buds, from which they differ chiefly in containing one or more incipient flowers within the leaves—the flowers being wrapped up in their own floral-leaves, within the ordinary leaves, which have their outer covering of scales. If a Bud be gathered from a Lilac or Horse-chestnut very early in spring, all the rudiments of the future flowers and leaves will be found within it, though the Bud itself may not be more than half-an-inch long, and the flowers not larger than the points of the smallest pins.

BUDS, LEAF.These consist of rudimentary leaves, surrounding a growing vital point, and appear like a collection of scales arranged symmetrically one above the other. Leaf-buds universally originate in the horizontal or cellular system, and are formed under the bark at the extremity of the medullary rays, and at the margin or on the surface of leaves, whether perfect or rudimentary. Deciduous trees lose their leaves, but in the axil of each a little Bud previously forms, from which fresh leaves expand the following spring. In some cases, as in the Horse-chestnut, the Buds are covered with a gummy exudation. In Privet-trees, Leaf-buds are generally smaller and more elongated than Flower-buds.

BUETTNERIA(named after David Sigismund Augustus Byttner, once a Professor of Botany in the University of Göttingen). ORD.Sterculiaceæ. Erect or scandent stove or greenhouse shrubs. Flowers small, usually dark purple; calyx and corolla valvate; umbels simple, disposed in something like racemes or panicles, rarely in corymbs. Leaves simple. All are of easy culture in a compost of loam and peat.B. dasyphylla,hermanniæ-folia,microphylla, andscabra, are occasionally met with, but they are hardly worth growing.

BUETTNERIEÆ.A section ofSterculiaceæ.

BUFF-TIP MOTH(Pygæra bucephala). This large and beautiful Moth is very common in many districts; it is easily recognised by the buff-coloured tips of the fore-wings—whence its common name; the head, and body between the wings and abdomen, are ochreous. According to Newman's "British Moths," "the caterpillars, when full grown, are about an inch and three-quarters long, and sprinkled with silky hairs; the general colour yellow, with black head, black lines running from the head to the tail, interrupted by a transverse orange band on each ring, and a black horny plate above the tail segment." They feed on the leaves of the Lime, Elm, and Oak, among other trees, and apparently the only remedy is that generally adopted in exterminating caterpillars, viz., to shake the branches which are infested, when the pest will be quickly dislodged, and fall to the ground. Miss Ormerod is of opinion that "as the caterpillars come down the tree to the ground for their change to chrysalids, it might be worth while to throw a few spadefuls of gas-lime, or of anything they would not cross, in a circle at about a yard from the tree; or a rough band of any material soaked in tar, or tar and oil, which would keep wet longer, would stop them from straying off ... and they might be cleared in sufficient numbers so as to considerably lessen future attack." This plan of prevention deserves a trial in any place where the destructive caterpillars of these Moths abound. It is almost a hopeless task to destroy them altogether when once established on the trees, such specimens as large Oaks being often almost or wholly denuded of foliage.

BUGLE.SeeAjuga.

BUGLOSSUM BARRELIERI.SeeAnchusa Barrelieri.

BUGWORT.SeeCimicifuga.

BULBIFEROUS.Bearing bulbs.

BULBINE(frombolbos, a bulb). ORD.Liliaceæ. A genus of rather pretty hardy, or nearly hardy, herbaceous or bulbous plants, allied toAnthericum. Flowers showy, fragrant; perianth with spreading segments. Leaves somewhat fleshy, narrow. Stems short. They are all of easy culture in a compost of sandy loam. The bulbous-rooted species are increased by offsets, and the herbaceous sorts by suckers and divisions. The only species which can be grown satisfactorily in the open air isB. annua.All the others should be grown in the greenhouse, but may be placed in the open during the summer months.

B. alooides(Aloe-like).*fl.yellow, disposed in a terminal panicle. April.l.fleshy, tongue-shaped, lanceolate, flat on both sides.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1732. SYN.Anthericum alooides. (B. M. 1317.)B. annua(annual).fl.yellow; scape racemose. May, June.l.fleshy, subulate, rounded.h.9in. Cape of Good Hope, 1731. An annual species, the seeds of which should be sown in a gentle heat during spring, and the seedlings may be transplanted to the open when large enough to handle. SYN.Anthericum annuum. (B. M. 1451.)B. caulescens(caulescent).*fl.yellow. March.l.fleshy, rounded. Stem shrubby, erect, branched.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope. 1702. A shrubby species, which should be propagated by cuttings, placed under a hand glass. SYN.B. frutescens. (B. M. 816.)B. frutescens(shrubby). Synonymous withB. caulescens.

B. alooides(Aloe-like).*fl.yellow, disposed in a terminal panicle. April.l.fleshy, tongue-shaped, lanceolate, flat on both sides.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1732. SYN.Anthericum alooides. (B. M. 1317.)

B. annua(annual).fl.yellow; scape racemose. May, June.l.fleshy, subulate, rounded.h.9in. Cape of Good Hope, 1731. An annual species, the seeds of which should be sown in a gentle heat during spring, and the seedlings may be transplanted to the open when large enough to handle. SYN.Anthericum annuum. (B. M. 1451.)

B. caulescens(caulescent).*fl.yellow. March.l.fleshy, rounded. Stem shrubby, erect, branched.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope. 1702. A shrubby species, which should be propagated by cuttings, placed under a hand glass. SYN.B. frutescens. (B. M. 816.)

B. frutescens(shrubby). Synonymous withB. caulescens.

BULBOCODIUM(frombolbos, a bulb, andkodion, wool; referring to the woolly covering of the bulbs). ORD.Liliaceæ. TRIBEColchiceæ. A very pretty little bulbous plant, much resembling theCrocus, from which it differs principally in having a superior ovary and six stamens. It is amongst the earliest of spring-flowering plants, the flowers preceding the foliage; and, like the majority of bulbs, delights in rich sandy loam. In such positions, they multiply rapidly from offsets. It is a good plan to take up the bulbs, divide, and replant them every second year, selecting in autumn, and renewing the soil or planting in new positions. Few plants prove more welcome in the garden, in February, thanB. vernum, either in beds, patches, or masses.

B. Aitchisoni(Aitchison's). A synonym ofMerendera Aitchisoni.B. Eichleri(Eichler's). A synonym ofMerendera caucasica.B. trigynum.A synonym ofMerendera caucasica.

B. Aitchisoni(Aitchison's). A synonym ofMerendera Aitchisoni.

B. Eichleri(Eichler's). A synonym ofMerendera caucasica.

B. trigynum.A synonym ofMerendera caucasica.

FIG. 301. BULBOCODIUMVERNUM.

B. vernum(spring).*fl.violet-purple, with a white spot on the claw; long, tubular, funnel-shaped, two to three from each bulb; preceding the appearance of the leaves. Very early spring.l.usually three in number, broadly strap-shaped, concave, and surrounded at the base by well-developed sheaths. Bulb black, oblong.h.4in. to 6in. Spain, 1649. See Fig. 301. There is a variety with the leaves striped white, which is also desirable.

BULBOPHYLLUM(frombulbos, a bulb, andphyllon, a leaf; referring to the leaves issuing from the apex of the pseudo-bulbs). SYNS.Anisopetalum,Bolbophyllum,Tri-brachium. ORD.Orchideæ. Of this rather large genus of orchids but few are worth cultivating except as curiosities. Racemes long or spike-like, very rarely one-flowered or sub-umbellate; sepals usually nearly equal and free; lip jointed to the foot of the column. They are of easy culture when grown on small blocks of wood with a little moss, and suspended in a warm part of the house; the roots require a good supply of water. Propagated by dividing the pseudo-bulbs.

The following comparative few of the aggregate number of species already introduced are really all that are worth the cultivator's attention; what the botanist often regards as being very pretty, &c., does not always appear such in the eyes of the grower.

B. barbigerum(bearded).*fl., sepals and petals greenish-brown; lip covered with dark-coloured hair, and so loosely attached at the base as to be moved with the slightest breath. Sierra Leone, 1835. A curious dwarf-growing plant, with dark green leaves and pseudo-bulbs. (B. R. 1942.)B. Beccarii(Beccari's).fl.light brownish and painted with violet; lip brown, with a violet hue, proceeding from a rhizome at the base of the leaf (just below the small pseudo-bulb), and at once turning downwards; racemes dense, cylindrical, nodding.l.three, 25in. long, 18in, across, very thick. Rhizome 20in. long. Brazil, 1879. A remarkable and gigantic climbing species; the odour of this plant is intolerably fœtid and the leaves are larger than those of any other known orchid. This species requires plenty of heat. (B. M. 6517.)B. Lobbi(Lobb's).*fl.large; sepals and petals yellow, the upper part spotted with purple; solitary, on radical scapes. Summer. Java, 1845. (B. M. 4532.)B. maculatum(spotted).fl.prettily spotted,l.long, obtuse, bright green. India.B. reticulatum(netted-leaved).*fl.in pairs, white, striped inside with purple; lip spotted with the same colour.l.somewhat heart-shaped, with the nerves of a deeper green than the rest of the leaf, giving it a beautifully reticulated appearance. Brazil, 1866. Perhaps the handsomest of the genus. (B. M. 5605.)B. saltatorum(dancing).fl.greenish-brown, lasting some time in perfection. Winter.h.6in. Sierra Leone, 1835. (B. R. 1970.)B. siamense(Siamese).*fl.pale yellow, striped with purple; lip yellow, streaked with purplish lines. A very pretty species, closely allied toB. Lobbi, but with longer and stouter leaves. Pseudo-bulbs ovate. Siam, 1867. Should be grown in a pot of peat and sphagnum.

B. Beccarii(Beccari's).fl.light brownish and painted with violet; lip brown, with a violet hue, proceeding from a rhizome at the base of the leaf (just below the small pseudo-bulb), and at once turning downwards; racemes dense, cylindrical, nodding.l.three, 25in. long, 18in, across, very thick. Rhizome 20in. long. Brazil, 1879. A remarkable and gigantic climbing species; the odour of this plant is intolerably fœtid and the leaves are larger than those of any other known orchid. This species requires plenty of heat. (B. M. 6517.)

B. Lobbi(Lobb's).*fl.large; sepals and petals yellow, the upper part spotted with purple; solitary, on radical scapes. Summer. Java, 1845. (B. M. 4532.)

B. maculatum(spotted).fl.prettily spotted,l.long, obtuse, bright green. India.

B. reticulatum(netted-leaved).*fl.in pairs, white, striped inside with purple; lip spotted with the same colour.l.somewhat heart-shaped, with the nerves of a deeper green than the rest of the leaf, giving it a beautifully reticulated appearance. Brazil, 1866. Perhaps the handsomest of the genus. (B. M. 5605.)

B. saltatorum(dancing).fl.greenish-brown, lasting some time in perfection. Winter.h.6in. Sierra Leone, 1835. (B. R. 1970.)

B. siamense(Siamese).*fl.pale yellow, striped with purple; lip yellow, streaked with purplish lines. A very pretty species, closely allied toB. Lobbi, but with longer and stouter leaves. Pseudo-bulbs ovate. Siam, 1867. Should be grown in a pot of peat and sphagnum.

BULBOSTYLES(frombolbos, a bulb, andstylos, the style). ORD.Compositæ. A. small genus of stove evergreen plants, now referred toEupatorium.

BULBS.A Bulb is formed upon or beneath the ground, and is a swollen stock, consisting, in the first place, of a more or less fleshy disk, which below gives rise to the roots; secondly, of more or less fleshy coats, or scales, borne on the disk; thirdly, of a more or less central shoot, equally borne by the disk, protected by the coats or scales already mentioned, and formed of rudimentary leaves and flowers. In some instances, small Bulbs, called Cloves, are formed at the base of the scales of the original Bulb; these are destined to reproduce the plant. Shallot and Garlic are good examples. Bulbs are, in fact, storehouses, husbanding the strength and energy acquired by the plant during one season, for the exigencies of the next. They are classified under two sections—Scaly and Tunicated. In the former, the scales of the Bulb are imbricated, as in the Lily; in the latter, they form continuous coatings, one within the other, as in the Hyacinth, &c. In several Lilies, young Bulbs are found growing in the axils of the leaves, when they are known as Bulbils. Bulbs is also a popular term given to Dutch Flower Roots, mostly arriving here in the autumn for spring flowering. Crocus, Colchicum, Cyclamen, Gladiolus, and several others, are not Bulbs, but Corms. The flowering season varies according to the different sorts of Bulbs. The majority may be lifted and kept tolerably dry during the resting period; but they wither and become exhausted if not replanted at the proper time, thereby causing many failures. Dutch Bulbs generally arrive in September, and the best results are obtained from those potted or planted at once, although some for succession may be kept in reserve up till the beginning of November. The failure in cultivating imported Liliums and other Bulbs may be often caused by their long-continued confinement in a dry atmosphere, whereby their vitality is often almost lost. The roots of some Bulbs are nearly always, more or less, in action, and these, especially, should not be kept out of the ground for any length of time.

BULLACE.SeePrunus insititia.

BULLACE, orMUSCADINE.SeeVitis vulpina.

BULLATE.Blistered or puckered.

BULRUSH, orCLUB-RUSH.SeeTypha.

BUNCHOSIA(frombunchos, the Arabic name for Coffee; in allusion to the similarity between the seeds of this genus and those of Coffee). ORD.Malpighiaceæ. Ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs, nearly allied toMalpighia, but having the racemes of flowers axillary. Fruit fleshy, indehiscent, externally smooth, and containing two or three seeds. They thrive best in a compost of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand, in about equal proportions. Cuttings of ripened shoots will root in sand under a bell glass, in moist bottom heat, taking several weeks to do so. Good drainage is essential, both in striking cuttings and in the cultivation of the plants.

FIG. 302. BURBIDGEANITIDA.

B. argentea(silvery).*fl.yellow; racemes opposite, simple, pubescent. July.l.lanceolate, silvery beneath. Branches puberulous.h.10ft. Caraccas, 1810.B. glandulifera(gland-bearing).fl.yellow; racemes simple, axillary. March to May.l.elliptical-ovate, on short petioles, wavy, pubescent on both surfaces, furnished with four glands beneath at the base.h.10ft. Caraccas, 1806.B. nitida(shining).fl.yellow; racemes elongated, almost the length of the leaves. July.fr.large, red; it is much eaten by turkeys and other large fowl.l.4in. long, oblong, acuminated, smooth, glandless.h.4ft. Jamaica, 1800.B. odorata(fragrant).*fl.yellow, sweet-scented; racemes opposite. May.l.ovate, emarginate, downy on both surfaces.h.7ft. Carthagena, 1806.

B. argentea(silvery).*fl.yellow; racemes opposite, simple, pubescent. July.l.lanceolate, silvery beneath. Branches puberulous.h.10ft. Caraccas, 1810.

B. glandulifera(gland-bearing).fl.yellow; racemes simple, axillary. March to May.l.elliptical-ovate, on short petioles, wavy, pubescent on both surfaces, furnished with four glands beneath at the base.h.10ft. Caraccas, 1806.

B. nitida(shining).fl.yellow; racemes elongated, almost the length of the leaves. July.fr.large, red; it is much eaten by turkeys and other large fowl.l.4in. long, oblong, acuminated, smooth, glandless.h.4ft. Jamaica, 1800.

B. odorata(fragrant).*fl.yellow, sweet-scented; racemes opposite. May.l.ovate, emarginate, downy on both surfaces.h.7ft. Carthagena, 1806.

BUPHTHALMUM(frombous, an ox, andophthalmos, the eye; the disk of the flower being ox-eye-like). Oxeye. ORD.Compositæ. Very showy and ornamental hardy perennial plants, thriving freely in common garden soil. They are propagated by divisions, made in autumn or spring.

B. grandiflorum(large-flowered).*fl.-headsyellow, large; involucre naked. June to October.l.alternate-lanceolate, somewhat toothleted, smooth.h.1½ft. Austria, 1722. Hardy herbaceous perennial.B. salicifolium(Willow-leaved).*fl.-headsyellow, solitary, rather large, terminal; involucre naked. June.l.alternate, oblong-lanceolate, sub-serrated, three-nerved, villous.h.1½ft. Austria, 1759. Hardy herbaceous perennial.B. speciosissimum(showiest).*fl.-headsyellow. July.h.2ft. South Europe, 1826. Hardy herbaceous perennial. SYN.Telekia speciosissima.

B. grandiflorum(large-flowered).*fl.-headsyellow, large; involucre naked. June to October.l.alternate-lanceolate, somewhat toothleted, smooth.h.1½ft. Austria, 1722. Hardy herbaceous perennial.

B. salicifolium(Willow-leaved).*fl.-headsyellow, solitary, rather large, terminal; involucre naked. June.l.alternate, oblong-lanceolate, sub-serrated, three-nerved, villous.h.1½ft. Austria, 1759. Hardy herbaceous perennial.

B. speciosissimum(showiest).*fl.-headsyellow. July.h.2ft. South Europe, 1826. Hardy herbaceous perennial. SYN.Telekia speciosissima.

BUPLEURUM(derivation not satisfactorily explained). Hare's-Ear. ORD.Umbelliferæ. A somewhat extensive genus of quite glabrous shrubs or herbaceous plants. Flowers yellowish; umbels compound. Leaves mostly quite entire. But few of this genus are worth growing, and all are of the easiest culture in common garden soil. Seeds of the annuals may be sown out of doors in March or April; divisions of the herbaceous perennials made inautumn or spring; and cutting or divisions of the greenhouse species, in March or April.

B. fruticescens(shrubby).*fl., umbels small, three to five-rayed; involucre of three to five, very short, subulate leaves. August.l.linear-subulate, stiff, striated, five to seven-nerved. Branches slender, elongated, erect.h.1ft. Spain, 1752. Hardy and evergreen.B. fruticosum(shrubby).* Leaves of involucre oblong. July.l.of a sea-green colour; oblong, attenuated at the base, coriaceous, one-nerved, quite entire, sessile. Bark of branches purplish.h.3ft. to 6ft. Spain, 1596. Hardy. This is nearly the only species grown. (W. D. B. 1, 14.)B. gibraltarica(Gibraltar).fl.yellow. June.l.lanceolate, one-nerved, coriaceous.h.3ft. Gibraltar, 1784. Evergreen, half-hardy.B. graminifolium(Grass-leaved).*fl.green-yellow. June.l.linear, grass-like.h.6in. Switzerland, 1768. Hardy perennial.B. longifolium(long-leaved).fl.green-yellow. June.l.ovate-oblong; radical ones stalked; cauline ones amplexicaul.h.3ft. Switzerland, 1713. Hardy perennial.

B. fruticosum(shrubby).* Leaves of involucre oblong. July.l.of a sea-green colour; oblong, attenuated at the base, coriaceous, one-nerved, quite entire, sessile. Bark of branches purplish.h.3ft. to 6ft. Spain, 1596. Hardy. This is nearly the only species grown. (W. D. B. 1, 14.)

B. gibraltarica(Gibraltar).fl.yellow. June.l.lanceolate, one-nerved, coriaceous.h.3ft. Gibraltar, 1784. Evergreen, half-hardy.

B. graminifolium(Grass-leaved).*fl.green-yellow. June.l.linear, grass-like.h.6in. Switzerland, 1768. Hardy perennial.

B. longifolium(long-leaved).fl.green-yellow. June.l.ovate-oblong; radical ones stalked; cauline ones amplexicaul.h.3ft. Switzerland, 1713. Hardy perennial.

BUR.SeeCentotheca lappacea.

BURBIDGEA(named after F. W. Burbidge, the discoverer of the genus, a traveller in Borneo, and author of several horticultural works). ORD.Scitamineæ. A very large, brilliant-flowered stove herbaceous perennial, allied toHedychium. For culture,seeAlpinia.

B. nitida(shining).*fl., perianth-tube 1in. to 1½in. long, slender; outer segments 1½in. to 2in. in diameter, bright orange-scarlet; panicle terminal, 4in. to 6in. long, many-flowered. Summer.l.4in. to 6in. long, elliptic-lanceolate, cordate-acuminate, rather fleshy, bright green above. Stems tufted, 2ft. to 4ft. high, slender, terete, leafy. N. W. Borneo, 1879. See Fig. 302, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons. (B. M. 6403.)

BURCHARDIA(named after H. Burchard, M.D., a botanical author). ORD.Liliaceæ. An ornamental greenhouse herbaceous perennial, allied toAndrocymbium. It thrives best in sandy peat, or peat mixed with a little loam. Propagated by offsets or divisions, made just previous to potting, in spring. It is best to repot annually. Good drainage should be allowed, and the plant must not be potted too firmly.

B. umbellata(umbelled).fl.white, green. August.h.2ft. New Holland, 1820.

BURCHCHELLIA(named after W. Burchell, a botanical traveller in the Cape of Good Hope, and in Brazil). ORD.Rubiaceæ. A stove evergreen shrub from the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers scarlet, disposed in heads at the tops of the branches, sessile upon a villous receptacle, intermixed with small distinct bracteoles; and each head is propped up by the ultimate pair of leaves; corolla of a clavate-funnel-shape. Leaves ovate, acute, a little cordate at the base, petiolate; stipules interpetiolar, broad, cuspidate at the apex, deciduous. It grows well in a rich light soil, or a mixture of turfy loam, turfy peat, and sand. Cuttings, not too ripe, root readily if planted in sand, and placed under a hand glass, in a gentle heat.

B. bubalina(buffalo). A synonym ofB. capensis.B. capensis(Cape).*fl.deep scarlet, nearly 1in. long. March.l.ovate, acute, clothed with hispid pubescence; stipules very broad, and very short.h.3ft. to 5ft.; 12ft. to 14ft. in a wild state. SYN.B. bubalina. (B. M. 2339.)

B. bubalina(buffalo). A synonym ofB. capensis.

B. capensis(Cape).*fl.deep scarlet, nearly 1in. long. March.l.ovate, acute, clothed with hispid pubescence; stipules very broad, and very short.h.3ft. to 5ft.; 12ft. to 14ft. in a wild state. SYN.B. bubalina. (B. M. 2339.)

BURLINGTONIA(named after the "amiable and accomplished" Countess of Burlington). ORD.Orchideæ. A small genus of epiphytal orchids, all of which are beautiful and eminently well worth growing. They may be grown upon small blocks of wood, or in rustic baskets, suspended from the roof of the plant stove, where, if liberally treated with water, and a genial moisture in the air during the growing season, very little else will be required to ensure health and vigour. In the dull days of winter, they should be watered less frequently, but the plants must not be allowed to exhibit the slightest signs of distress from drought, or the consequences may be fatal to their health. When fastening these plants to blocks of wood, a little sphagnum should be used, for experience proves that they thrive best when their thin white roots can escape and hang exposed to the air. If growing them in baskets, it is preferable first to fasten them securely upon small pieces of bare cork, then to fill the basket, and finally to cover the whole thinly with a layer of sphagnum.

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