72 NEW PLANTS, ETC., 



It is probably quite hardy if planted in a dry sitiiation. It re- 

 quires a rich loamy soil, and is easily increased by the roots. 

 The roots very much resemble those of the common bindweed 

 (Calystegia sepium). It flowers freely in July and August. It 

 is a very handsome climbing plant, with large double flowers, 

 which are produced freely. 



Sept. 19, 1845. 



13. The Shanghai Han-Tsi. 



This was received along with the following variety from Mr. 

 Fortune, wlio states on the packet of seeds collected at Shang- 

 hai, that it is " probably ditterent from the Chusan variety, not 

 appearing to grow so strong." This has proved to be the case ; 

 and although it can only be considered a variety of that next 

 to be mentioned, yet it is much inferior. The leaves are smaller 

 and more pointed, and the plant seeds more abundantly. 



It may, perhaps, improve by cultivation : or, as it seeds 

 plentifully, it may prove hardier after repeated sowings ; other- 

 wise, it ought to give place entirely to the Chusan variety. 



14. The Chusan Han-Tsi. 



Seeds of this vegetable were dispatched in a letter sent by 

 Mr. Fortune, dated Chusan, September, 1844, and 

 received at the Garden January 9th, 1845. 



Mr. Fortune states that it is "a vegetable used as spinach by 

 the Chinese. This variety grows strongly, and ought to be 

 sown in beds or rows rather thinly." 



It proves to be the Amaranthus oleraceus of Linnaeus. 



Stems erect, from 2 to 3 feet high, channeled, pale green ; 

 branches nearly round ; leaves oval, cuneate at the base, 3 to 4 

 inches broad, and 5 to 6 inches long when well-grown. Petioles 

 slender, 2 to 3 inches in length, of a still paler green than the 

 stems. Flowers axillary, crowded, pale green. 



It requires to be grown in a very rich light soil and a rather 

 moist temperature of about 60°. If proper accommodation can 

 be afforded the seeds may be sown at any time, and the leaves 

 will be fit for use in two months after. Some plants were put 

 out in June, on a warm border, but did not succeed. At the 

 first gathering, the tops may be cut off, and fresh leaves will be 

 thrown out, but they will be smaller than those first produced. 



A few leaves of sorrel improve the common spinach. The 

 Han-tsi possesses in itself a very slight but agreeable acidity 



