the common Oleander, a native of the South of Europe and 

 the Levant. Afterwards, in the Species Plantarum, it was 

 not even considered as a variety, but both plants were united 

 as one and the same. Then, in the thirteenth edition of 

 the Systema Vegetabilium, it is recorded as a permanent 

 variety, and spoken of as the finest ornament of the Flower 

 Garden*. 



It was first distinguished as a species by Dr. Solander, 

 in the Hortus Kewensis ; and as such has since been generally 

 considered. 



Introduced into the Dutch Gardens about the year 1680, 

 by Beverningius, and very soon after cultivated in the 

 Chelsea Garden, as appears by a letter from Sir Hans 

 Sloane to Mr. Ray. It was well known also to Miller, 

 but has been so long lost to our gardens, that when it was 

 again introduced lately from France, it was considered as 

 entirely new. The plants of the present importation do not 

 appear, however, to be in any respect superior to those 

 originally introduced into Europe from the East- Indies, as 

 is proved both by specimens still preserved, and by the 

 figures of Commelin and Weinmann ; the latter of which 

 is both faithfully drawn and well coloured. 



Both species of Oleander are allowed on all hand? to 

 be poisonous to men and cattle ; fortunately the taste and 

 smell of the bruised leaves is sufficient to prevent any injury 

 to the former, but the latter are said to have been some- 

 times killed by browsing upon it. Externally they may 

 be advantageously applied to the cure of some cutaneous 

 diseases. 



Flowers from June to August. Propagated by cuttings 

 or layers. May be preserved alive in a good greenhouse, 

 but to have it flower well, should be kept in an airy part of 

 the stove. 



Our drawing was taken at the nursery of Messrs. Col- 

 ville and Son, in the King's-Road, so many years celebrated 

 for the cultivation of rare and beautiful flowering shrubs, in 

 the greatest perfection. 



Praestantissimus flos adonidum Tarietate constant!. 



