456 DOUBLE FLOWERS, 



subsequently by Mr. Statham at the North Rocks. E. ?>iicro2)hylla 

 (R. Br.) was found double at the North Shore and Manly Beach; 

 and Mr. C. French has collected in Victoria double flowers of U. 

 impressa (Latreille), SjorengeUa incarnata (Sm.) and Astroloma humi- 

 fusum (R. Br.) It seems that the Epacrids have attractions for 

 bees and other insects, and hence the probability that such flovvers 

 are peculiarly liable to suffer from hybridization, and that the 

 stamens being deprived of their pollen are left to develop them- 

 selves into petals. Next to the Epacrids, some of the Ranunculaceae 

 seem most subject to deviate from their normal form and to aflord 

 instances of multiplicate and full flowers, but the causes remain 

 yet to be investigated, for such flowers have been found in a wild 

 state on both sides of the Dividing Range. If, as some horticul- 

 turists affirm, a moderate supply of moisture, a superabundance of 

 decomposing organic matter, and the greatest possible exposure to 

 sun-light are calculated to pi'omote an extraordinary development 

 of the floral envelopes, it may be conceived that certain species of 

 Ranunculus, even in a state of nature, are liable to such contin- 

 gencies. The species seen most frequently with double flowers is 

 Ranunculus lappaceus (Sm.), and very lately Mr. F. Burnell 

 collected in the neighbourhood of Tirana some specimens of the 

 small variety 2^i^^'2^'^'>^^iWo^^^s (Benth.), but which some botanists 

 regard as distinct. This elegant little plant is only a few inches in 

 height, and is characterised by spreading hairs, and scapes with a 

 solitary bract. It is very probable that other species of Ranuncuhos 

 may yet be found double, for R. aconitifolkcs (Willd.), R. illyricus 

 (Willd.), R. asiaticus (Willd.), R. repens (Willd.), R. acris 

 (Willd.) and R. palustris (Dec.) — some of which are nearly allied 

 to Australian species — are well known in Europe for their full 

 flowers, whilst one of them is subject to so many varieties that it 

 has obtained the name of the " florists flower." The genus Erio- 

 stemon, whicli is one of the most admired of the Rutacete, may also 

 reward the horticulturist with showy flowers under cultivation, for 

 Baron F. von Mueller has already recorded B. ohoval'is (A. Cunn.) 

 which is common to N. S. Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, as being 

 a very beautiful plant when seen with double flowers in its native 



