NOVEMBER. 321 



OBELISCARIA PULCHERRIMA. 



(Plate 119.) 



Although this plant appears to have been long known to 

 botanists, a brief description of it being given in De Candolle's 

 "Prodromus," vol. v., page 559, pnblished in 1836, yet it is 

 only within the last year or two that it has found its way into 

 British gardens, a circumstance somewhat remarkable, considering 

 the great variety of plants that have been from time to time 

 introduced by means of seed from Texas, of which country it is 

 believed to be a native. For an opportunity of placing the 

 annexed representation before our readers we are indebted to 

 Messrs. Carter & Co., Seedsmen, 238, High Holborn, by whom 

 it was introduced and raised, and flowered in the latter part of 

 June in the present summer. 



It is of erect growth, with slender stems, smooth, and slightly 

 channelled. The leaves are winged, with the lobes deeply 

 divided. The latter are long and narrow, and rather distant 

 from one another. The flowers are solitary and have a striking 

 appearance, not unlike those of the French Marigold, the radiant 

 florets being reflexed and of a brownish copper colour, with the 

 points and margin deep yellow. The centre is elevated, ovate- 

 oblong, very much resembling an acorn ; and in this respect it 

 approaches Rudbeckia columnaris, a species of a genus to which 

 Obeliscaria appears to be very closely related. 



We are unable to say whether it is a perennial or not, but we 

 would recommend it to be treated as a half-hardy annual until it 

 is better known. 



OPEN BRICK WALLS versus PROTECTION. 



In resuming this case for the prosecution, which it will be remembered 

 was adjourned (see p. 294 of our last number) in consequence of the 

 non-attendance of witnesses, some slight murmurings were heard, when 

 it was announced that several of them were still uncourteously absent, 

 although subpoenaed, and their travelling expenses paid ; however, it 

 was ultimately agreed to proceed without them, although reluctantly on 

 the part of prosecutor, as he wished to give defendant every available 

 advantage. The next witness was Mr. Wm. Taylor, gardener to J. 

 Costar, Esq., Streatham, Surrey, who stated that the crops were good 

 in his neiglibourhood ; that in some cases defendant was used as nets 

 and canvas, but in most places he was not admitted, and the crops are 

 as good or better than those covered, and he has generally seen equally 

 good crops upon unprotected as upon protected trees, and in most cases 

 he finds the uncovered trees the most healthy. This witness further 



NEW SERIES, VOL. TI., NO. LXXI. Y 



