June. We are told of both a single and double variety 

 with petals of a fine rose-colour. We have not seen either. 



The peculiar membrane which in this genus surrounds the 

 group of germens, in the present species is narrow and in- 

 conspicuous ; but in a Chinese one, supposed to be the 

 single-flowered PjEONIA Moutan, envelops them entirely. 

 By some botanists we find this part considered as an in- 

 herent and peculiar feature of the genus; by others as an in- 

 cidental and partial excrescence. Mr. Brown, who had ob- 

 served in the double variety of Mont an j that where there 

 was an incipient multiplication of the group or body of ger- 

 mens, these formations were constantly accompanied by se- 

 parate imperfect ones of this part; tells us that subsequent 

 observations have counterbalanced the weight he at first at* 

 tached to this fact, and that he is now inclined to give but 

 little importance to the part, at least as a generic feature. 



. The drawing was made from specimens for which we 

 have to thank Mr. Sabine, of Edward Street, Cavendish 

 Square. 



a The calyx, b A stamen, c The pistillums. d The perigynous mem 

 brane. 



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