714 NOTES AND EXHIBITS. 



from 7 to 9 mm. in diameter. In October, 1917, a normal crop 

 of flowers was produced; and a few spikes appeared in December, 

 and again in April of the same year, so that there were three 

 flowering-periods. In October, 1918, the plant had a profusion 

 of spikes, and a branch (exhibited) was cut below the fruiting- 

 spike of 1915. It will be seen from this, that the fruits were 

 normally delayed for three years; and those of 1916 for two 

 years, as the valves were unopened; but, ten days after the 

 branch was cut, the seeds freely escaped, and some of them, 

 when sown, readily germinated. The fruits of the October, De- 

 cember, and April (1917) flowers were not sufticiently matured, 

 as no seeds have fallen from the fruits. It is interesting to note 

 that the character of the delayed dehiscence is similar in all 

 species of Callistemon, except C. viminalis, in which species the 

 fruits are fully developed about ten months after the flowering- 

 period; and the seeds germinate freely as soon as the twigs are 

 cut, and the seeds liberated. Prof. Ewart's observations were 

 made in connection with C. rigid^is, cultivated in Melbourne; but, 

 so far as the exhibitor knew, C. rigidus is confined to the Port 

 Jackson district, and is not a native of West Australia, as stated 

 by Prof. Ewart. 



