MAY 1, 1846. 169 



Platycodon grandiflorus, a fine herbaceous plant with large 

 blue flowers, allied to Campanula. 



A very fine Scutellaria from the gardens of Shanghai, with 

 deep blue flowers, said to be as brilliant as Verbena Melindres. 



Weigela rosea, one of the gayest of all shrubs. 



Several fine Azaleas, among which Azalea squamata and 

 obtusa have flowered, and A. ovata has been extensively distri- 

 buted. The latter is an evergreen, apparently hardy, and cer- 

 tainly a plant of extraordinary beauty. 



The true fingered citron, the large fragrant fruit of which is 

 in great request among the Chinese. 



Anemone japonica, an autumnal red-flowered herbaceous plant, 

 of very gay appearance. 



Daphne Fortuni, a species related to the Mezereum, with 

 large quantities of charming lilac blossoms. 



A rare and little known Berberis from Japan, with evergreen 

 pinnated leaves. 



Glycine sinensis, with white flowers. 



Several Roses, among which is a fine new double yellow 

 climbing kind from the north of China, and perfectly hardy. 



Spiraea prunifolia, with double-flowers, and some other species. 



Together with various other ornamental plants, some of which 

 are from Japan, of which nothing is at present known. 



Mr. Fortune has also added some esculents to our gardens, 

 under the name of Han-tsi and Hoosung, the true Santung 

 Cabbage, and some peaches 'and apricots, among which it is be- 

 lieved that the large Pekin peach is included. Up to this period 

 he had sent home 43 cases of plants and seeds, chiefly collected 

 in the north of China, besides several small packets which were 

 sent by post overland. 



Before leaving Hong Kong, Mr. Fortune despatched eight 

 chests by the ' Duke of Portland,' which were received on the 

 6th of April ; and he brings home the choicest part of all that 

 he has found, in eighteen chests, under his own care. The jour- 

 nal which he has kept, in pursuance of his instructions, will be 

 printed for the information of the public, and will doubtless add 

 largely to our knowledge of tlie natural history of the Cliinese 

 Empire. 



When Mr. Fortune's expedition was drawing to a close, the 

 Council made arrangements for the despatch of a collector to 

 California ; and Mr. Hartweg has again sailed in that capacity. 

 He left England on the 2nd of October, 1845, reached Vera 

 Cruz on the 13th of November, the city of Mexico (by way of 

 Xalapa) on the 3rd of December ; and his last letters are dated 

 January 16th, from Tepic, a town near the Port of S. Bias, on 



