850 Mr Philip Sewell's Observations upon the 



Observations upon the Germination and Growth of Species of 

 Salvia in the Garden of Thomas Hanbury, Esq., F.L.S., 

 at La Mortola, Ventimiglia, Italy. By Philip Sewell. 



(Read 12th June 1890.) 



The following observations upon certain of the species of 

 Salvia grown in Mr Hanbury's garden at La Mortola, have 

 been made during a period of more than five months, from 

 November 1889 to April 1890. Observations of a similar 

 nature have been made upon species of other genera, with 

 which, in a subsequent paper, it is my wish to make certain 

 comparisons. At present I have contented myself with the 

 attempt to give, in as detailed a manner as appears necessary, 

 facts regarding the germination and early growth of the 

 selected species, which may be of service in adding to our 

 knowledge of life histories of Phanerogams, and in aiding 

 us to elucidate the significance of ordinary morphological 

 features ; perhaps, also, they may be useful, when supported 

 by further observations of a like nature, because of their 

 bearing upon horticulture, in connection with the raising of 

 plants from seed. 



In the following pages attention is confined to external 

 morphology ; for, with such observations as may be made in 

 a garden like Mr Hanbury's, it appears out of place to 

 devote much attention to details of minute anatomy. Should 

 it appear likely that histological data would be of value in 

 explanation of any of the points raised, or have any bearing 

 upon the classification of the species, they may be subse- 

 quently attempted. 



The notes thus collected have reference especially to the 

 following points : — The species capable of being grown in the 

 open air at La Mortola ; the rate and success of germination 

 amongst these ; the nature of the nutlets ; the appearance, 

 shape, texture, &c., of the cotyledons as also of the plumule 

 and subsequent leaves ; the relation of these to the cotyledons ; 

 transitions in shape, texture, &c.; general habit, and rough 

 classification based upon early characters ; movements of 

 leaves in young plants ; possible significance of special 



