222 FLORA HISTORICA. 



natus, whicli was procured from Teneriffe, where 

 it is indigenous, is the most beautiful species yet 

 discovered, and forms one of the most elegant of 

 all the hardy green-house plants 'known, growing 

 from four to five feet in heiglit, and producing in 

 the months of May and June numerous branches 

 of rose-coloured flowers about the size of tlie com- 

 mon field Poppy. The foliage of this species has 

 an agreeable balsamic smell. It is easily propa- 

 gated by seeds, layers, and cuttings ; and as we do 

 not despair of its becoming, when more accustomed 

 to our climate, sufficiently hardy to endure our 

 winters, we recommend it particularly to the notice 

 of the British florists. The Hortus Kewensis 

 gives Mr. Mason the honour of first introducing 

 this plant in the year 1779; but in Lamarck's 

 Encyclopaedia, it is mentioned as having been sent 

 to the Royal Botanic Garden at Paris, by our cele- 

 brated countryman Sherard, which would make its 

 introduction nearly fifty years earlier than the time 

 stated by Mr. Aiton. 



The Hoary, or Rose Cistus, Incanus, is also a 

 most beautiful species ; but being a native of Spain 

 and the South of France, it has hitherto been found 

 to require some protection during the winter months, 

 excepting when planted in warm and sheltered 

 situations. 



The history of the Gum Cistus, Ladaniferus 



