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XXVIII. Description of Cowania, a new Genus of Plants ; and 

 of a new Species of Sieversia. By Mr. David Don, Libr. L.S. 



Read November 2, 1824. 



In an extensive Mexican collection, forming part of the Her- 

 barium of the Spanish botanists Sesse and Mocinno, which has 

 lately come into Mr. Lambert's possession, are specimens of two 

 remarkable plants belonging to the family of the Rosacece : one of 

 them forms a very singular new genus, and the other has all the 

 essential characters of Sieversia, but widely different in its habit. 

 I have named this new genus Cowania, a name which is intended 

 to commemorate the botanical zeal and acquirements of James 

 Cowan, Esq., who, as a merchant, had several times visited 

 Mexico and Peru ; from whence he has introduced many new 

 plants, some of which have now become common. in our gar- 

 dens, — such as Cineraria Petasites and Itiula glaiica. The showy 

 Solanum amazonium, Russelia multiflora, Chrysiphiala fiava, and 

 Allium Cowani were first introduced by him. Mr. Lambert re- 

 ceived from him in 1823 a rich collection of seeds and bulbs : 

 among the latter were Chrysiphiala urceolata and Amaryllis 

 Candida. A number of plants, some of them apparently new, 

 have been raised in the stoves at Boyton from the seeds, and 

 are likely soon to produce flowers. Much was still to be ex- 

 pected from Mr. Cowan's exertions in the advancement of his 

 favourite pursuit ; but alas ! death deprived science of his la- 

 bours. He died at Lima in the autumn of 1823, deeply regretted 



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