8 



was transplanted in the spring of 188.3, and it had, probably, germinated 

 in the previous year, as it had not the earliest form of growth ; for it 

 should be noted that the primary leaves of the Seedling present a circular 

 or peltate form resembling those of the Holyoak, and the leaves that next 

 succeed present an elongated and toothed form, showing a tendency to 

 lobing or subdivision in a triple manner. This plant was in the latter 

 condition. It v as placed in deep soil at the upper and back part of a 

 fernery in a somewhat limited space, flanked by a privet and lilac tree 

 and backed by a wall of a building on which grew a pear tree, the 

 foliage of which, projected forwards and screened the ground from the 

 mid-day and afternoon sun. The open aspect was N.E. to E.kSE., and by 

 the altitude of the sun from April to August, its direct rays would 

 reach the plant till mid-day. The plant seemed to maintain itself 

 feebly for the first year ; the tap root had been somewhat injured in 

 moving the plant. In the second year, 1 886, it put forth a lower leaf and 

 weak stem with a second leaf triple-pointed and lobed, but no flower- 

 head was formed. In the third year, 1887, it further developed, producing 

 a stronger stem with leaves, but still no blossom. On the fourth season, 

 1888, it issued from the ground (for it died down as each winter 

 approached) with more decided vigour, and developed its magnificent 

 leaves that place it in a front rank as an ornament to shrubberies. The 

 season was cold and rainy, yet its growth was rapid and continuous from 

 the beginning of May to the last week in June, when it quickly pushed 

 out its large central umbel, and subsequently four lateral ones. It had then 

 attained its full height and had penetrated the foliage of the pear tree. 

 By the 9th of July the seeds were forming on the central umbel and the 

 four lateral ones were in bloom ; by the 1 6th July the bloom had fallen 

 from all. The following measurements were then made : — 



FT. IN. 



The stem from its base to the base of the terminal umbel . . . 9 - 



Length of 1st Intemode, from base to 1st stem leaf . . . . 2 2 



,, 2nd ,, ,, 1st stem leaf to 2nd .. .. 3 - 



,, 3rd ,, ,, 2nd node to Ist lateral umbel .. 2 2 



„ 4th ,, ,, 3rd node to 3rd ,, ,, .. - 10 



„ 5th ,, ,, 4th node to base of central umbels -10 



Circumference of stem. 



INCHES. 



At base, just below the base leaves . . . . 7^ 



Below the Ist node . . . . 6| 



,, 2nd „ 51 



,, 3rd ,, position of 1st umbel . . .. .. 4f 



,, 4th ,, ,, „ 3rd lateral umbels .. 3 J 



,, 5th ,, base of central umbel . . .. .. 3 



The nodes whence the leaves sprang were not measured in the cir- 

 cumference of stem, owing to the upward slope and partial grasp of the 

 base of the leaf preventing a true line being taken. 



The stem was ridged and grooved, rough with coarse hairs set in 

 glandular bases, tinted puqile, and was partially coloured of a purplish 



