HE charming genus to which the plants belong that we have now the pleasure to figure is universally admired by all lovers of flowers. It is twentytwo years since the introduction of the first species, Leschenaultia formosum, which on its first display of rich flowers was most deservedly applauded; and although there have been during that period an innumerable quantity of new plants of a similar class introduced into this country, it has each year increased as an object of admiration, and the plant, laden with its profusion of rich deep scarlet flowers, is yet one of the neatest ornaments of the greenhouse. The L. oblata was introduced the following year, a similar shrub, the flowers of which are of an orange red colour. In 1839, some handsome species were sent from the Swan River colony, including L. biloba, the very lovely, large, blue flowered, of erect habit, and a free bloomer; L. laricina, the Larchleaved, a neat dwarfish plant, the flowers of which are of a violetpurple colour; L. glauca, a similar variety, but the flowers are in colour a mixture of red and yellow. All the above species are handsome, but those which form the subjects of our illustrations in the present number very much excel them. Mr. James Drummond discovered

LESCHENAULTIA SPLENDENS-THE SPLENDID LESCHENAULTIA, In the Swan River colony, and transmitted some of its seeds to Messrs. Lucombe, Pince, and Co., nurserymen of Exeter, who have succeeded in raising plants, which have bloomed beautifully the past season. In its native situation it forms a bushy shrub, growing about two feet high. It is supposed that this is the species which Mr. Drummond, in describing, states its flowers vary much in colour, "having blood-red, rose, white, pink, scarlet, lilac, and purple, of

the same species on different plants." There is much gracefulness in the growth of the plant, and being naturally liberally furnished. with branches it soon becomes a handsome bush; and when its copious profusion of brilliant flowers are in full display at once, and continue for a long period, few plants of its size can vie with it in brilliancy-such it appeared to us.

LESCHENAULTIA ARCUATA-THE DROOPING LESCHENAULTIA, Was also raised by Messrs. Lucombe, Pince, and Co. from seed sent by Mr. Drummond from the Swan River colony, and bloomed profusely in the greenhouse during last summer. It is a dwarfish, prostrate, half-shrubby, branching plant, the shoots bending downwards. It is a free bloomer, and when a number of its large flowers are in display forms a deserving companion to L. splendens.

The skill of the culturist has of late effected much improvement in the growth of Leschenaultias. But a few years since plants a foot high, and the same in breadth, were considered wonderful specimens; now, however, our floral exhibitions are graced with them thrice that size.

In order to insure successful growth it is necessary to remark that all newly obtained soils from the pasture or heath must not be used, because, in such a state, they are too acrid, or, as it is termed, raw, for the delicacy of the plant. The materials for compost ought to be well incorporated together for at least six months previous to using, by its being turned over and chopped two or three times during the period. In the following kind of compost the plant grows in a vigorous and healthy state, and is that usually employed by the best exhibitors at the metropolitan shows. Equal portions of rough turfy sandy peat, and rich light turfy loam; to which is added a quarter of leaf mould, and a quarter of silver sand, pieces of charcoal, broken pot, stones, &c. These are by turning over, as before stated, well mixed together. In a compost of this kind, and by the following treatment, four species were grown to a state of perfection we have not seen surpassed.

In March, 1843, four healthy plants, each of a different species, which were growing in 32-sized pots, were obtained, and repotted into 24's, having an inch and a half, or two inches deep of broken pots for drainage, over which some pieces of chopped sod were laid, and then filled up with the compost above described, care being taken to keep the crown of the roots as high as the rim of the pot, so that the water might drain slightly away from the stem, which is very susceptible of injury where an excess of wet is allowed to remain, and this it is that has often occasioned the sudden death of a plant. After potting, the plants were placed in a light and airy part of the greenhouse, judicious attention to watering being always given a point in their culture requiring care, to vary the supply according to the necessities of the plant; in its growing condition it must not be allowed to droop for want, but when the season of rest comes only as much water as will keep the soil moist, not wet, should be applied. Another very necessary requisite is to have the plants in a light situation, near to the glass, and where a liberal portion of air

is admitted. About the middle of July the pots being filled with roots, the plants were again re-potted, keeping the balls entire; they were retained in the greenhouse until the end of August, when they were removed to a sheltered situation for a month, in order to harden the shoots and prepare them for winter's cooler temperature. This is the only period of the year they should be allowed to be out of the greenhouse, or suitable brick pit, as the convenience for their habitation may be. During winter they were kept in a cool, not frosty, light situation of the house. In March following they were again repotted into 16-sized pots, and in August into 8's, in which they have subsequently bloomed, and were specimens of first-rate excellence. The last March a portion of the ball of each was taken away, and some fresh compost added, and during the past season received the admiration of all who saw them, not only being plants of large size, but literally covered with bloom, and amply repaying for the attention paid to their management.

In order to keep up a youthful succession, to replace the results of deformity and death by old age and casualties, each spring a plant or two should be put in course of preparation. Those kinds, as L. biloba, which are not naturally so bushy as L. formosa, &c., may be rendered more so by often stopping the side shoots, allowing the central one to proceed to the height it is desired to have the bush ultimately.

NOTES ON NEW OR RARE PLANTS.

ACACIA MÆSTA-MOURNING WATTLE.

Fabacea. Polygamia Monacia.

THIS is a greenhouse evergreen shrub, having its short pinnatifid foliage of a very dark, dull green colour, but like most of its tribe it is a very ornamental plant, and bears a profusion of fragrant lovely yellow blossoms, hanging pendant in masses, producing a beautiful effect. Each raceme is near an inch long. We do not know where it is to be procured, but it certainly deserves to be grown. Scarcely any plants are more to be admired for the sitting-room than Acacias, their growth and foliage being neat and elegant. Figured in Bot.Reg., p. 67. ANSELLIA AFRICANA-AFRICAN ANSELLia.

Orchiduceæ. Gynandria Monandria.

Mr. Ansell, a gardener, who went from England with the Niger expedition, discovered this plant in the Island of Fernando Po, growing upon a palm tree. It has bloomed beautifully in the collection of Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney, where it grows admirably in pots filled with decayed sphagnum moss. The flowers are produced in large terminal panicles, each blossom being about two and a half inches across, green marked and blotched very beautifully with dark brown velvet; labellum, pink and yellow. It is a noble plant, well deserving to be in every collection of Epiphytical Orchids. Figured in Bot. Reg., p. 30, and Pax. Mag. Bot., Dec.

CAMPANULA NOBILIS-NOBLEe Bell-flower.

Campanulacea. Pentandria Monogynia.

A hardy herbaceous plant, sent from Chusan and Shanghae in China by Mr. Fortune, the Horticultural Society's collector. Its root leaves are deeply heart-shaped, of a bright pale green, and placed on foutstalks from six to nine inches long, forming a large tuft. From among them, and to more than twice their height, rises the flowering stem, branching a little at the bottom, and upon its divisions producing several fine nodding flowers, perhaps the largest yet seen among the genus Campanula. They are something like those of Canarina, nearly three inches long, and one and a half in diameter. The corolla is light purple on the outside, but paler within, being almost flesh colour, abundantly spotted on both sides with bright rosy purple. It bears considerable affinity to the Canterbury Bell (C. medium), although it is perfectly distinct, and a very handsome addition to the flower-garden. Like most of the tribe, it is said to require a copious supply of water during its period of growth in the spring months. It is increased easily by dividing the roots, and probably by seeds also. Figured in Bot. Reg.

CLEMATIS TUBULOSA-TUBULar-flowered Virgin's Bower.

Ranunculacea. Polyandria Polygynia.

An upright branching plant, growing two feet high. It is a native of Northern China, and is grown in the greenhouse in this country. The flowers are produced in axillary and terminal corymbs of a bluish-purple. It is a pretty species, each blossom being about an inch across. Figured in Bot. Mag., p. 4269.

CÆLOGYNE OCHRACEÆ— -OCHRE-SPOTTED CELOGYNE.

Orchidacea. Gynandria Monandria.

From the Indian Mishmee Hills, where it is common. It has bloomed in the collection of Thomas Brocklehurst, Esq., of the Fence, near Macclesfield. The flowers are produced in erect racemes of about six in each. They are a pure white, with bright orange blotches on the lip; they are very fragrant too. Figured in Bot. Reg., p. 69.

ESCALLONIA ORGANENSIS-ORGAN MOUNTAIN ESCALLONIA.
Escalloniacea. Pentandria Monogynia.

Messrs. Veitch received this plant from Mr. Lobb, their collector, who discovered it on the Organ Mountains. It is a shrub, growing about a yard high, the stems and branches being of a rich red-brown colour. The flowers are produced in terminal cymes, of a deep rose with a white eye. The tubular part of the flower is about a quarter of an inch long, and across the top (limb) nearly half an inch. It is very distinct from the sorts previously in our collections.

FRANCISCEA AUGUSTA-AUGUST FRANCISCEA.
Scrophulariacea. Didynamia Angiospermia.

A fine evergreen stove shrub, with narrow elliptical leaves, and

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