that toithstood the severe Winter of 1878-79. 59 



self-so'^Ti seed, and forming the best of shrubs for with- 

 standing the violent sea winds of that comparatively mild 

 climate. 



18. Veronica Salicifolia, var. (the Willow-leaved Speed- 

 well and Koromiko or Korimuka of the natives, also known 

 as V. Lindkijana). — Of this somewhat variable old inhabi- 

 tant of our gardens I had seeds from Canterbury, New 

 Zealand, about ten years since, which produced plants that 

 were of a more rigid bushy growth, as well as decidedly 

 hardier than those I had growing previously. They were, 

 however, a good deal injured by the unusual severity of 

 last winter, but are readily reproduced from self-sown 

 seed. 



19. Veroxica pixguifolia. — This small dense growing 

 glaucous-leaved shrub is remarkably pretty at all times, 

 but more especially when covered with its profusion of 

 white flowers. It proved perfectly hardy in different situ- 

 ations ; and is particularly suitable for rockeries. 



20. Veroxica hulkeaxa. — A somewhat slender shrub of 

 about 3 feet in height, with dark green ovate leaves, from 

 1 to 1\ inch in length, and handsome large branched spikes 

 of pinkish-lilac flowers. I had no plant of this species in 

 the open air last winter, but previous experience showed 

 it incapable of withstanding our severest frosts without 

 suffering more or less. Its very handsome flowers, how- 

 ever, entitle it to a little protection from very hard frosts ; 

 and they recommend it as a pot plant for winter forcing, or 

 blooming in greenhouses during spring. 



21. MuHLEXBECKiA COMPLEXA {Polygomiiii comijhxum 

 and Coccoloba complexa — interlaced, or complex branched 

 Supple-Jack). — A tough slender climber, rambling over 

 bushes and trees to considerable lengths ; but comparatively 

 dwarf and compact when grown without support. Planted 

 on the west wall of a two-storey house, it reached the slates 

 in six years, and two years later (in 1877), it covered a 

 considerable portion of the wall with its thickly interlacing 

 slender branches, and a profusion of small pretty light 

 green leaves. In August and September of that year it 

 produced an abundance of iuconspicious green flowers, 

 which, however, were not followed by the expected crop of 

 its mistleto-like berries. Previous to last winter it never 



