236 THE FLORIST. 



to require comment. Mr. Downie, however, although agreeing in 

 regard to substance, &c., differs in the essential points of size and 

 form. This is the distinction : the Scotch Florists attach more im- 

 portance to size : they contend also for a higher ball and a narrower 

 guard- petal. After constructing various models, examining numerous 

 flowers, and duly weighing these points, we venture to give the fol- 

 lowing proportions : — 



Height of ball, l^th inch. 



Diameter of ball, 2^ inches. 



Extension of guard-petal beyond ball, | th inch. 



This is given as the smallest dimensions admissible. We would 

 not fix a limit to the increase ; but whatever it may be, it should 

 hold the same proportions." 



A sketch in outline is furnished in illustration of Mr. Paul's idea, 

 and further instruction afforded on the same subject ; but in the 

 meantime we would refer our readers to the book itself, from which 

 the best information may be gleaned respecting this deservedly fa- 

 vourite autumnal flower. 



NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, 



AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS 

 FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. 



Leucothoe neriifolia. a very handsome moderately-sized evergreen half- 

 hardy shrub, very similar to an Andromeda. The leaves are oblong and very 

 coriaceous ; the flowers, which are scarlet, are produced in solitary racemes, 

 nearly erect from the upper axils of the leaves. It is a native of tropical 

 Brazil, and is in cultivation in the nursery of Mr. Cunningham of Edinburgh. 



Arbutus mollis. A tolerably pretty flowering evergreen shrub, scarcely able 

 to withstand the vicissitude of our climate, unless planted against a wall where 

 it can be protected during winter. The leaves are oblong- lanceolate, coriaceous, 

 with a terminal raceme, forming a loose panicle of large, flask-shaped, white or 

 greenish, rose-coloured flowers. Introduced to our gardens by Mr. Van Houtte 

 of Ghent, and is a native of Mexico. 



Cathcartica villosa. a rather interesting herbaceous plant, probably hardy, 

 belonging to the Poppy tribe. It grows about a foot high, is very hairy, and 

 has moderately large yelloAv flowers, produced in June. It was raised at Kew 

 from seed imported by Dr. Hooker from Sikkim Himalaya. 



Primula Sikkimensis. A tall free-growing handsome species, which may be 

 cultivated in a frame, or probably hardy in a sheltered situation. It is the pride 

 of all the alpine Primulas, and has the habit of the common one. The leaves are 

 all radical, from eight inches to a foot long, and the stalk from one to two feet 

 high, bearing an umbel of lemon-yellow flowers, much resembling the common 

 Primrose, and about the same size. It was raised at Kew from seed imported by 

 Dr. Hooker from Sikkim Himalaya. These four are figured in the Botanical 

 Magazine for August. 



Pentstemon Wrightii. This is one of the most beautiful of the genus ; it 

 grows from one to two feet high, flowering copiously during summer, and is a 

 great acquisition to our bedding-out plants. It may be kept in a frame during 

 winter, as it is probably not hardy, unless under very favourable circumstances. 

 The flowers are about an inch broad, drooping, and of a deep rich rose colour. 

 It was raised at Kew, last year, from imported seed, and is a native of Texas. 



Grevillea lavendulacea. a very neat evergreen greenhouse shrub, easily 

 cultivated, and with a little training it would form a compact handsome bush ; it 



