THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 35 



a new one to me) which I have observed in the shruhhy mon- 

 key-flower of Southern Cah'fornia {Miuiubis (jlutinosus). 

 Normall)- tlie blossoms of this beautiful wiMiui;- are buff or 

 salmon, but sometimes i)lants are found with narrower leaves 

 and red flowers. These are classed either as variety puniccus 

 or as a distinct species of \\\\^ name. Near Pala and at some 

 other stiitions in or bordering the San Kuis Key valley, a re- 

 markable form of the shrubbv mimulus occurs bearinj^ 

 flowers exhibitin}^ a range of color on some plants from buff 

 through orange and scarlet to a deep mahogany crimson on 

 the same bush. This amphichromatic habit seems to be a 

 confirmed one, as the same striking display of bloom was to 

 be seen when I visited the neighborhood a couple of years 

 ago after an absence of some years. In the hope of seeing 

 what effect cultivation might have I made some cuttings, but 

 they failed to root. — C. P. Saunders, Pasadena, California. 



Dkskrt Holi.v. — So long and intimatelv has holly been 

 connected with the Christmas festivities that the season is no 

 longer considered complete without this plant or some form of 

 vegetation resembling it. In the far West the Christmas berry 

 or toyon {H ctcromclcs. arbutifolia) often does duty for its 

 more famous prototype and in the desert regions of the Soutli- 

 west a species of atriple.x {A. liynicnclytra) with silver-gray, 

 holly-like leaves is much used under the name of desert holly. 

 It is said that a considerable trade in this plant is growing up, 

 not only in its native region but in the eastern market to which 

 it is sent in carload lots. 



