establishment which, whether we view it with regard to the botanical or horticultural interest that attaches to it, promises to be soon the most important, as it is already the most magnificent, in Europe. Sir Hans Sloane thus speaks of the Avocado:-" This tree grows commonly to the size of our largest apple trees in Europe, and spreads pretty wide at the top. The branches are very succulent and soft, the leaves oblong and veiny, and the fruit of the form of a pear; but the pulp is covered with a tough skinny coat, and contains a large rugged seed, which is wrapped up in one or two thin membraneous covers. The fruit of this tree is one of those that are held in the greatest esteem amongst all sorts of people in these colonies. The pulp is of a pretty firm consistence, and has a delicate rich flavour: it gains upon the palates of most people, and becomes soon agreeable, even to those who cannot like it at first; but it is so rich and mild, that most people make use of some spice or pungent substance to give it a poignancy; and, for this purpose, some make use of wine, some of sugar, and some of lime juice, but most of pepper and salt. Most sorts of creatures are observed to feed on this fruit with pleasure; and it seems equally agreeable to the horse, the cow, the dog, and the cat, as well as to all sorts of birds, and, when plenty, makes a great part of the delicacies of the negroes. The tree requires some care, a rich soil, and a warm situation, to raise it to perfection. It was first introduced from the Continent in 1739.- Búddlea heterophylla. A handsome stove plant, presumed to be from South America. -Pentstèmon confértum. "A very common plant, with greenish white flowers, according to Mr. Douglas, found in open places, in mountainous pine woods, in dry sandy soils, between Salmon River and the Kettle Falls on the Colombia, in 48° N. lat.; also in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, in similar soils, at an elevation of 7000 ft. above the level of the sea. Flowering in July and Au gust. It was introduced by its discoverer in 1827; in the autumn of which year it flowered in the garden of the Horticultural Society, where our drawing was made. It is by no means one of the handsomest of the genus; but it is a truly distinct species. A hardy perennial, propagated by seeds and division of the roots. It will grow in any common garden soil.'- Lòwea (named in compliment to the Rev. Mr. Lowe, travelling Bachelor of the University of Cambridge; a gentleman now resident in Madeira, from whose botanical investigations of that island we expect important results) berberifòlia; Rosàceæ. (fig. 106.) "This rare plant is a native, exclusively, of a few districts in the north of Persia, and of the Desert of Songari in Chinese Tartary. From the latter place we possess specimens collected by Shankin, an officer employed by the Russian government in surveying the province; and of the former, the plate that accompanies this article is a representation. It was taken from a plant that flowered in August, 1828, in the garden of the Horticultural Society, where it had been raised from seed sent home by Sir Henry Willock. The Persian plant differs in some respects from the Songarese one, especially in being more glaucous; and the plants raised from the Persian seeds of Sir H Willock varied anong each other in several slight particulars; none of which, however, were of any interest in a botanical point of view. The two most important topics connected with it relate, first, to its genus; and, secondly, to its cultivation. In the latter respect, no more appears to be known now than was known upon its first introduction. It resists cultivation in a remarkable manner, submitting permanently neither to budding, nor grafting, nor laying, nor striking from cuttings; nor, in short, to any of those operations, one or other of which succeeds with other 106 plants. Drought does not suit it; it does not thrive in wet; heat has no beneficial effect; cold no prejudicial influence; care does not improve it; neglect does not injure it. Of all the numerous seedlings that were raised by the Horticultural Society from Sir H. Willock's seeds, and distributed, scarcely a plant remains alive. Two are still growing in a peat border in the Chiswick garden, but they are languishing and unhealthy; and we confess that observation of them in a living state, for nearly four years, has not suggested a single method of improving the cultivation of the species. As to its genus, it is well known that, since the days of Linnæus, the characters of the genera of flowering plants have been exclusively taken from the organs of fructification, while those of vegetation have been rigorously excluded. This has arisen from the former having been supposed, in all cases, more constant in their modifications, and less subject to variation than the latter. No other reason can be assigned for the value thus exclusively ascribed to the organs of fructification. It is, however, time that botanists should disembarrass themselves of this ancient prejudice, and admit publicly that by which they are constantly influenced in private that important modifications of the organs of vegetation are sufficient to divide into genera species which do not essentially differ in the organs of fructification. Of this the Indian cypripediums are one instance, the genus Negúndium is a second, and the subject of this article is a third. The structure of its flower is in every respect that of a rose; but its foliage is not even that of a rosaceous plant, there being no trace of stipulæ. The simple leaves are not analogous to the terminal pinna of a rose leaf, for there is no trace of the articulation upon their petiole, which is required to indicate a reduction of a compound leaf, as we find in Bérberis; neither can they be considered confluent stipulæ, for their vernation is not what would be found under such circumstances, but precisely that of an ordinary leaf. 1262 to 1268. No. VII. for September, contains. Pentstèmon glandulosum. A handsome and strongly marked perennial species, with purplish-red flowers, from the rocky channels of mountain torrents, in latitude 47°, North America. Introduced to the "Of the various discoHorticultural Society by Mr. Douglas, in 1827. veries that have resulted from the journey of Mr. Douglas to the northwest coast of America, the new species of Lupinus and Pentstèmon will probably be found the most interesting to the cultivator, in consequence of the great beauty and variety of their forms, and their hardy habits. Natives of a country, the mean temperature of which is supposed to be very like that of Great Britain, they seem as well adapted to our climate as to their own, and flourish as gaily on the fertile margin of the Thames as on the rude banks of the Colombia and the Multnoma. The following list of the pentstemons that have been found by Mr. Douglas, and which are now growing in the garden of the Horticultural Society, will show the extent to which our gardens have been enriched with them: Richardsoni. P. Scoulèri. P. venústum. Ribes cèreum. A small hardy shrub, from dry rocks in the north-west - Argemòne grandiflòra. An annual of North America, by Mr. Douglas.. "One of the from Mexico, with white flowers from June to September. multitude of fine plants with which our gardens have been enriched by the importations of Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill. It is one of the most ornamental hardy annuals we are acquainted with, and far superior to any other of the poppy tribe, except Eschschóltzia califórnica."— Helianthus lenticularis. A handsome annual sunflower, attaining the height of 6 ft., and with much smaller flowers than those of H. ánnuus. From Northwest America, by Mr. Douglas. "We are informed by its discoverer that it is a variable plant, abounding over the greater part of the temperate countries situated in the interior and western coast of North America. In sandy parched ground it is a diminutive annual, scarcely a foot high; while, on the banks of streams, or on the margin of lakes, particularly in deer or buffalo ground, it attains the height of 6 or 8 ft. The native tribes that inhabit the interior of North California apply the grains to the same purpose as that for which, we are informed by Nuttall, the Indians of the Missouri use H. tubæ fórmis. They collect them in the autumn, and dry them on heated stones, or in wooden troughs, with small embers, stirring them with a stick to prevent their burning. When dried, they are panned, and made into a sort of cake which is not unpleasant. Scottia angustifolia; Leguminòsæ Lòteæ. A beautiful addition to an interesting genus raised at the Clapton nursery, from New Holland seeds. Twiggy, linear leaves, and solitary flowers pink and yellow. Camellia japónica punctàta, Dotted Japan Camellia, or Gray's Invincible Camellia. Raised in 1824, by Mr. George Press, gardener to Edward Gray, Esq. F.H.S, Harringay House, Hornsey. (Vol. II. p. 358.)- Pimelèa hùmilis; Thymèleæ. A low green-house shrub from the Comte de Vandes's, at Bayswater. Botanical Cabinet. By Messrs. Loddiges. In 4to and 8vo Parts, monthly. 1819. Scilla bifòlia. 1461 to 1470.-Azalea índica purpurea. An elegant green-house shrub, introduced from China, by Mr. Brookes of the Ball's Pond Nursery, in Camellia japónica Knightii. A pretty variety raised from seed by Mr. Joseph Knight of the Exotic Nursery, King's Road. Dorónicum Andrómeda calyculata. caucásicum. A charming, little, very hardy, herbaceous plant, with yellow flowers in March and April.-Erica Archeriana. E. spársa. - Aspidistra lùrida. (fig. 107.) A most singular-looking stove-plant from China; " from a sort of knobby root, producing three or four upright leaves, 8 or 9 in. in length, and, in the months of March and April, a number of dingy-coloured flowers lying on the ground." Acàcia ornithóphora. Dodone a attenuata. A New Holland shrub, lately introduced, of easy culture, but no great beauty. The British Flower-Garden. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 38. No. II. for July, contains 5 to 8.-Prímula pusilla. A pretty little tufted stemless plant, becoming dormant in winter. - Ibèris carnosa. A pretty little annual or biennial plant, raised by the gardener of P. B. Webb, Esq., from seeds sent home by his master from the mountains of Granada in Spain. Phlóx procúmbens. A beautiful and very distinct species from North America to Bury Hill, producing bluish purple flowers in May. "It appears to be of very free growth, producing numerous roots, some of which strike root as they trail on the ground, so that it may be easily increased; it succeeds well in a light sandy soil, or a mixture of sandy loam and light peat or decayed leaves will suit it very well; it will probably require a little protection in winter, such as a garden pot placed over it in severe frost, but exposing it as much as possible at other times; it also thrives and flowers well in a small pot, in which it may be preserved in a frame in winter, if found not to be sufficiently hardy; at present it is very rare, and we do not know that it is for sale at any nursery, but it will soon become plentiful, and, of course, will be cultivated in every collection of hardy plants. Cuttings of it will root readily, planted under hand-glasses; it may also be increased by dividing at the root.— - Philadelphus grandiflorus. A handsome dwarf bushy shrub, attaining the height of 6 to 8 feet, producing large pure white flowers, scarcely scented, in May and June. It thrives well in the shrubbery in the common soil, and is generally increased by layers, or suckers from the root; but ripened cuttings, of one year's growth, will root freely if taken off as soon as the shoot is hardened, and planted in a shady situation and well watered." 9 to 12. No. III. for August, contains Verbena chamædryfòlia, the V. Melindres of Bot. Reg. (Gard. Mag. p. 106. 229.) "Certainly one of the finest and most splendid plants that have been introduced to our collections for some time past, particularly as it is so easily cultivated, and propagates so freely from cuttings, thriving well in any rich light soil; and, when planted out in a bed or border, nothing can make a more brilliant appearance." now Rhododendron Mortèri. Handsome; from the "nursery of Messrs. Whitley, Brames, and Milne, at Fulham, who received it from the Continent under the specific name that we have adopted; it is of hybrid origin, and is intermediate between R. calendulàceum and one of the red varieties of R. nudiflòrum. Several other hybrid species and varieties were received by them at the same time, but none more interesting than the present; another variety which we have distinguished under the name of præ'stans was in flower at the time, and was sent by the name of Azalea præstantíssima. The different hybrid productions and varieties that are raised from seed, and will be in a few years, will, we have no doubt, bring this handsome tribe into great repute. We saw them flowering in great perfection at Messrs. Whitley and Co.'s nursery, at Fulham, this summer; and we also had the pleasure of seeing a splendid collection at Mr. Waterer's nursery, at Knap Hill, in Surrey, where many of them have almost attained to the size of trees, and are growing in the common soil of the nursery, which is of a sandy peat, as luxuriantly, and perhaps more so, than in their native wilds. Mr. Waterer has also succeeded in raising many fine new varieties, and hybrid productions between most of the old ones, the flowers of which are finer than the old varieties, and of every shade of colour between white, scarlet, purple, and yellow; they all thrive well in the open air in a sandy peat soil, or a light sandy loam suits them as well. They are generally increased by layers, but new varieties are only to be obtained from seed." Tris nepalénsis. Beautiful and singular. Flowered for the first time, in the latter end of June last, in the Fulham nursery; flowers of a delicate blue; roots fleshy, resembling those of a Hemerocallis; stem leaves inflated a little at the base. Lupinus versicolor. A handsome upright frutescent species. From Mexico to the Bury Hill garden, where it attained the height of 24 ft. by the side of a wall in the flower-garden. No. IV. for September, contains 13 to 16. Phlox cordata. A handsome rather tender species, sent by Mr. T. Nuttall to the collection of Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill. Habránthus habros, soft and delicate, anthos, a flower) robústus; Amaryllídea. Imported by Mr. Mackay from the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres. "The present species flowers frequently, and at different times, through the summer and autumn; and is, therefore, a very desirable plant for the flower-garden; the flowers have also a pleasant scent, but not a powerful one. The best situation for it is by the side of a wall, in a southern aspect, as it will not be so liable to be injured by too much moisture, as if grown in a more exposed situation; if several bulbs of it are grown together in the same place, a slight covering will do for the whole of them; and if the bulbs are planted about 6 in. deep, in a light sandy soil, they will not require the least protection, except the frost be unusually severe: if grown in pots, an equal mixture of turfy loam, peat, and sand, will be the best soil for them; and they will require the protection of frames, or of the green-house, in winter, giving them a good supply of water, when growing freely or coming into bloom; but they require very little when in a dormant state. They may be increased by offsets from the root, or by seed which will ripen in abundance, if a little care be taken to fertilise the stigma with the pollen when in bloom."― Alstromèria psittacìna ; Amaryllídeæ. From Dr. Lehmann, through Mr. Hunnemann, to Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill. It is a native of Mexico, and thrives well in a warm border in the open air, with a little protection in winter. At Bury Hill it is planted in the open border in front of the hot-houses, where it does better than any of the other species. A. hirtella and Símsi are now magnificently in flower with Mr. Sweet, for the fourth season, with no other protection than a single mat in severe frost. - Fúchsia microphylla. A handsome bushy evergreen shrub from Mexico, covered with bright red flowers nearly all the summer. There can be no doubt but it will prove as hardy as F. coccínea and F. gracilis, which endure the winter well in a sheltered situation by the side of a wall, where, if they are protected by a mat or any other slight covering in severe weather, they will pass the winter uninjured, and produce an abundance of flowers all the summer; and if not protected at all, they will still survive, though killed down to the ground; in spring they push out strong young shoots, which soon attain a good size, and become loaded with flowers. Geraniaceae. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 58. Nos. XIV. and XV. for August and September, contain 53 to 60.- Pelargonium melancholicum, intertínctus, exquisitum, and Annesleyanum. The last species a hybrid of unknown parents, "raised by L. Weltje, Esq., of Hammersmith, who named it in compliment to Miss Annesley of Bletchington, Oxford, a lady much attached to this handsome tribe of plants. P mirábile, Kenricke (in compliment to Mrs. Kenrick of Broome, Dorking, in whose collection it was raised from seed), Yeatmaniànum (in compliment to Miss Jane Yeatman of Dorchester, by whom it was raised), and dissímile. Cistineæ. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, every alternate Month. 3s. No. XXV. for July, contains 97 to 100.- H. arábicum. A handsome and very distinct species with saffron yellow flowers and small hairy leaves, requiring the protection of a frame.-H. diversifòlium var. múltiplex. A handsome double variety from Lee's nursery, with variable narrow hairy leaves and dark purplish red flowers nearly all the summer. -H. carolinianum. A beautiful species, requiring to be grown in peat. Leaves petiolate, obovate, and hairy; flowers pale yellow-H. lanceolatum, narrow leaves and white flowers. All these species are propagated by cuttings, and are in every respect of the easiest culture. The Botanic Garden. By B. Maund, F.L.S. &c. In small 4to Numbers, monthly. Large paper, 1s. 6d.; small paper, 1s. Nos. LVI. and LVII. for August and September, contain 221 to 228.- Potentilla spléndens, A'ster Nòvæ A'ngliæ, and Muscàri comòsum. Campánula nítida; a desirable little subject for cultivation either |