Plate 441. 

 IRESINE ACUMINATA. 



Nothing has been more remarkable in the history of modern 

 gardening tlian the manner in which foliaged plants have 

 gradually won their way to a large share in producing the 

 beautiful results we everywhere see effected ; in ribbon borders, 

 in separating the groups of flowering plants, and in masses by 

 themselves, they are general favourites ; in few gardens can 

 good effects be realized without Iresine Herhdii, Perilla Nan- 

 kinensis, and Coleus Verschaffeltii. 



Some years ago when we figured Iresine Herbsfii, grave doubts 

 were expressed by some, as to whether it could answer the 

 purpose for which it was intended; but it has by degrees 

 established itself in the good opinion of most gardeners ; and 

 although in some localities it does not succeed well, yet in many 

 others we have seen it in great perfection, especially in the 

 autumn months. The golden variegated sport of it, has, how- 

 ever, generally failed, though we had hoped it would have made 

 a useful change, but it soon becomes dirty and therefore useless. 



Iresine Acuminata, which we now figure, has been introduced 

 by Mr. William Bull, to whom we are indebted for the oppor- 

 tunity of figuring it, and we believe it will take its place 

 amongst our most valued bedding plants. The intense richness 

 of its colour, the freedom of its habit, and the pointed form 

 of its leaf, mark it as essentially distinct from other plants 

 used for a similar purpose ; it is as easily propagated as the 



