M. Yulan and M. obovata; but it differs from both in 

 so many circumstances, that it must be considered either 

 as a new species, or at least as a constant variety, or 

 rare and precious hybrid, produced by the intermixture of 

 its two parents. 



" The differences and resemblances between it and 

 them are as follows : 



" It resembles Yulan in its bark, in the form of its 

 leaves, which are, however, rather firmer, in the regu- 

 larity of its beautiful corolla, and, finally, in the delicious 



fragrance of its flowers " (to which may be added all other 

 essential particulars). 



" It differs from that species in the period at which it 

 expands its blossoms ; the Yulan bears them upon its 

 naked branches, before the young shoots have burst through 

 the silky bracteae (scales) which enclose them; and as 



these flowers are withered, they are succeeded by 



at first 

 in the 



those of M. Soulang 



of 



the petals of which 



delicate green, becoming bright clear white 



inside, and a handsome purple on the outside 



tt 



This union of 



is the only point in which 



M. obovata need be considered, for its leaves are quite 

 diflerently formed, their disk tapering insensibly down to 

 the base of the petiole ; its flowers are tulip-shaped, never 

 opening well, and have no scent ; and they do not expand 

 until the cones of M. Soulangiana are beginning to form." 



J. L. 



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