Nov. 1891.] THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. 199 



not yet been introduced. The manner in which these 

 veronicas shed their leaves is remarkable. The smaller 

 branches are articulated with the stem and fall off bodily, 

 leaving a well-defined scar, similar to what is found in some 

 conifers. They also exhibit a peculiar heterophyllous con- 

 dition, which in a former communication to the Society ^ I 

 pointed out, stating that this was probably due to a reversion 

 to the juvenile condition of the plants. Since then seedlings 

 have been raised of V. cupressoides, var. variabilis, which 

 entirely bears out the conjecture then indicated. 



There is a large number of species of a totally different 

 character from the preceding, in having larger foliage and 

 handsomer flowers. These come from altitudes of 2500 to 

 5000 feet, and are also quite hardy in this country. They 

 number about twenty species, all differing from each other in 

 some respects, and yet linked so closely together that one is 

 forced to the conclusion that many of them are but varieties 

 of e3.ch other. They may be roughly divided into those 

 having the leaves more or less glaucous, and those with more 

 or less glabrous leaves. 



V. innguifolia, Hook, f., represents the former. In cultiva- 

 tion it forms a compact shrub, about 18 inches in height, 

 having thick, very glaucous foliage, and stout erect branches, 

 which spread when old about a yard across. Throughout 

 the summer it becomes covered with small spikes of wliite 

 flowers, giving the plant the appearance at a distance of 

 being sprinkled with snow. V. carnosula, Hook, f., V. Gode- 

 froyana, Decne, and V. amplexicaulis, Arm., are of the same 

 type, differing chiefly in size of foliage and flower. V. pime- 

 lioides, Hook, f., and V. glauco-coirulca, Arm., have also 

 glaucous foliage ; but the leaves are much smaller and nar- 

 rower, and the habit more spreading. Of a C|uite different 

 type is V. Colensoi, Hook, f., glauca, which is a larger and 

 much more erect shrub than any of the preceding. All 

 those kinds having glaucous foliage are among the hardiest, 

 besides being among the most ornamental of the genus. 



The well-known V. Travcrsii, Hook, f., may be taken as 

 representing those having glabrous foliage. It is an erect- 

 growing shrub, attaining a height of from 6 to 7 feet, and 

 naturally forms beautiful shapely bushes, and, when covered 

 * Traus. Bot. Soc, vol. xvii. 



