73 



HEATHS. 



These are every body's favourites ; and though " plentiful as 

 blackberries," they are all in reality very dissimilar ; although, 

 when viewed en masse in our great Exhibition tents, a con- 

 siderable degree of sameness would seem to pervade them. 

 Be that as it may, however, a few well-selected varieties skil- 

 fully arranged in an amateur's greenhouse contribute an in- 

 expressible charm to his collection ; and therefore we have 

 ventured to introduce one more candidate to the notice of our 

 readers, in the shape of a delightful species, which we think 

 all must admire. It is called Erica Burnettii, and is, we 

 understand, a hybrid raised between Hiemalis and Hartnell's 

 Heath. The colour of the flowers is similar to Elegantissima 

 (one sent out last year, and figured in the Magazine of Botany) ; 

 but it is quite distinct from that variety in habit, &c, this hav- 

 ing small fine foliage and free growth. In general aspect it 

 resembles Hiemalis, but it is more close and compact. The 

 colour of the foliage is deeper green, and the shoots are stiffer. 

 It has the great value of flowering very early in the autumn, 

 commencing about September, and continuing to January. The 

 culture that suits Hiemalis and Ventricosa will also answer 

 for this. It will flower freely in 48-pots, all the side-shoots 

 producing from three to five flowers in the style of Hiemalis. 

 The colour is deep rose, with white tips ; the surface of the 

 tubes is glossy, and they are stouter than those .of Hiemalis. 



Our drawing of this fine variety was made from a plant in 

 the collection of Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, of the 

 Wellington Nursery, St. John's Wood, by whom the entire 

 stock, we believe, has been purchased. 



As regards cultivation, Cape Heaths are not difficult to 

 manage, although an old existing prejudice has decided them 

 to be so. The treatment of some of the more delicate varie- 

 ties may be a little peculiar, but it is by no means difficult; 

 and after all that has been written and said on the subject, 

 what does this peculiarity amount to? merely a little attention; 

 and what plants in the greenhouse will thrive without it? 

 But as regards the cultivation of the Erica, it is not necessary 

 to keep many of the free-growing sorts in the greenhouse, as 

 they will thrive admirably in a cool frame, and where there 

 are only two or three houses, this is a very great consideration, 

 as the plants can be cultivated in the frames, and when coming 

 into blossom be removed to the greenhouse ; afterwards they 

 can be exchanged, and others brought forward to supply their 



NEW SERIES, VOL. III. NO. XXVIII. H 



