46 



A very fine species of this beautiful genus, with unusually 

 large thick heart-shaped leaves, and smooth terminal panicles 

 of deep crimson flowers, whose pedicels are deep purple, and 

 the whole inflorescence glossy as if varnished. It has been 

 introduced from South America by Mr. Young, nurseryman, 

 Epsom, and is a valuable acquisition. It will soon be figured 

 in this work. 



97. MATHIOLA maderensis. Lowe mss. 



This is a very fine species in the way of the common 

 Queen's Stock. It has a half-shrubby stem, branching and 

 forming- a bush about two feet high. The lower leaves are as 



o © 



large as those of some kinds of Hounds -tongue, and like 

 them in texture and form. The upper leaves are narrower 

 and a little wavy. The flowers are in close racemes, large, 

 and of a bright violet ; and when they first expand the plant 

 is beautiful. But after a time the flowering stem lengthens, 

 the lower leaves fall off, and the plant becomes naked and 

 ugly ; it should therefore be placed out of sight when the 

 flowering is over. If it would become double, as it probably 

 will, it would be a decided improvement upon the present 

 race of Stocks. Gardeners should try to cross it with the 

 semi-double stocks ; in this way it would probably throw 

 double flowers. The wild plant is by no means so handsome 

 as that of gardens. The smell of the flowers is unpleasant, 

 resembling Berberry blossoms. 



98. EPIDENDRUM (Encyclium) aciculare ; (Bateman in litt.) pseudobulbis- 

 oblongis diphyllis, foliis linearibus canaliculatis acutis racemo simpiici 

 tequalibus, sepalis petalisque lineari-lanceolatis eequalibus acutis, labelli 

 laciniis lateralibus ascendentibus linearibus obtusis apiee recurvis inter- 

 media, ovato-oblonga subundulata. (pieta) acuta. 



' A pretty little species, obtained from the Bahamas by Mr. 

 Skinner, who gave it to Mr. Bateman. It is in the way of 

 Epidendrum Pastoris, has long narrow leaves, a slender erect 

 raceme of six or seven flowers, whose sepals and petals are 

 dull purple, and lip white, enlivened with rosy veins. 



99. 



In the last number of the Annales des Sciences, M. 

 Adolphe Brongniart has proposed a new genus of Orchida- 



