public s| the -colotired changeable part of the flower is re- 
garded-as the calyx, in the centre of which is the corolla, 
containing the ftamina, &c. all varying greatly in point of 
number; befides: thefe, there are other flowers without any 
calyx, but the parts which they contain do not feem to be 
more perfeé&t than thofe of the others, nor more produétive 
of ripe fruit.» ~ RN aH 
Since the introduétion of this plant, trials have been made 
in regard to its hardinefs, and itis found to furvive mild winters 
if planted in very warm fheltered fituations; but in others, 
both ftalks and: leaves are liable to be killed by flight frofts, 
though the roots are not; if perfons are anxious to have it 
in the open border, the beft mode’ will be to cut down the 
ftems at the approach of winter, and cover over the root 
with rotten tan, or fome light fubftance; in the fpring frefh 
ftalks will fhoot forth, but it is more common to keep this 
plant during winter in a green-houfe or well fecured frame ; 
by artificial heat it may be brought to flower in April or 
May, without fuch, it begins to bloffom about June, and con- 
tinues in: bloom till O&ober; when fuccefsfully treated, it 
will acquire the height of three feet, and produce bunches 
of flowers fupremély magnificent: fuch plants in pots are ad- 
mirably. adapted for decorating court-yards, balconies, &c. 
unlefs carefully cut in, it is apt to grow too large for the 
green-houle, therefore it is proper to have a fucceffion of 
young plants from cuttings, which ftrike very freely; this 
plant loves water, is indeed almoft an aquatic, a rich foil, and 
plenty of potrroom. ~~ OP TA a : 
