if in acknowledgment of his power, till every branch is 
radiant with gold ; and so metallic is the lustre of the inside 
of the petals, that one would really think they must be com- 
posed of something more solid and enduring than the delicate 
and perishable tissue of a flower. 
It is probable that this is a species that will be apt to 
degenerate, and which, if neglected, or not supplied with 
sufficiently rich and moist soil, will have its beauty greatly 
impaired. The wild Californian specimens are by no means 
so handsome as those of the Garden. 
What I should recommend for it is, firstly, a sheltered 
situation, for the branches are very brittle and liable to 
be broken by wind ; secondly, a warm and sunshiny spot, 
for without sun Bartonia will not be brilliant; thirdly, 
a very rich soil, for she is a gourmande in her way, and if 
starved she will not gain half her natural size ; and, fourthly, 
a good deal of moisture, for she is a thirsty sort of personage, 
and would prefer the banks of a rivulet to the side of a hill. 
