base into a number of linear segments, so as to appear to be 
whorled. The flowers are collected into terminal heads, 
surrounded at their base by a number of floral leaves, divided, 
like the stem leaves, into linear segments. The long slender 
tube of the corolla projects beyond these leaves, and bears 
at the top five spreading oval divisions, varying in colour 
from white to pale blue and pink. The multitude of these 
flowers gives the plant a very gay appearance, and as it is 
perfectly hardy and promises to seed well, there is no doubt 
but that in a short time it will be found an important addi- 
tion to our flower-beds.” 
To the foregoing account by Mr. Bentham, in the Hor- 
ticultural Society's Transactions, we have little to add. 
Although the species is perfectly hardy, yet it cannot bear 
our summer heats, and only flourishes in the spring, or 
more particularly the autumn, when the sun has lost his 
power, and the nights are cool with heavy dews. -1t should 
therefore either be sown in the autumn, so as to flower 
early, or in June, in order that it may be ready for blossom- 
ing in September. 
Any kind of soil seems to suit it, but it is not improbable 
that a shaded American border may be best. It is a native 
of California, whence it was sent by Mr. Douglas. 
; The leaves are deeply divided into very narrow sharp- 
pointed segments, which we remark are always some ewen 
number, 4, or 6, or 8, or 10, and never an odd nymber, a 
fact that seems to deserve the attention of the systematic 
Botanist. 
