108 THE FLOKAL WOELD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



In the allied genus Convolvulus, we have, aome very interesting 

 species. C. bryonrefoliiis, G. chinensis, G. hirsutus, C. emarginatus, 

 and G. italicus are the most desirable, and are as hardy as the Calystegia. 

 Like that, these are herbaceous perennials, the stem dying down 

 every season. Tbe popular annual known as the Major Convol- 

 vulus, though it is in fact a Pharbitis, is too familiar to need any 

 extended notice ; but one of tbe perennial species of the same genus 

 claims a few words, tbe Pharbitis learii, tbe most splendid plant of 

 the whole order, though too tender to bear a prolonged exposure to 

 the open air. It will, however, succeed in warm situations along a 

 south wall in the summer months, where, if its growth is less luxu- 

 riant than in the greenhouse or stove, it nevertheless forms an 

 exceedingly attractive object. It is readily increased by layers of the 

 bottom sboots. 



The genus Tropaeolum brings us to the annual climbers, of which 

 the pretty T. canariense, or canary flower, is perhaps the most 

 popular, though it contains many perennial species. One of the 

 most interesting of these, the T. speciosum, succeeds best against a 

 north wall. Two other species, the T. pentaphyllum (the Chymo- 

 carpus pentaphyllus of some authors) and T. tuberosum, are some- 

 times recommended, though less remarkable than some others of the 

 family. All the Tropa?olums deserve a trial in the open border, even 

 the most tender of them. 



Of the Annual climbers, we have but space to remark that the 

 most desirable — in addition to the Tropa?olums and Convolvulus, 

 already referred to — are the Thuubergias, of which there are several 

 species and varieties ; the Scypanthus elegans, belonging to the 

 Loasa family, but without their stinging properties, the Loasa auran- 

 tiaca, and the different annual species of Lathyrus, or sweet pea, all 

 of which, with the exception of the last, require to be raised on a 

 hot-bed, and subsequently turned into the border in May. 



We have by no means exhausted the list either of annual or 

 perennial climbers, but want of space compels us to terminate our 

 observations, only remarking, in conclusion, that however beautiful 

 this class of plants may be when well grown and carefully trained, 

 none are more unsightly when neglected. 



CROTON DISRAELI. 



1HIS fine Croton claims especial attention at the hands of 

 cultivators, for it is alike remarkable for its distinctive- 

 ness and highly ornamental appearance, and most 

 desirable for the choicest collection of fine foliage 

 plants. The leaves are trilobate in form, the middle 

 lobe being greatly elongated with a broader expansion towards the 

 extremity, the two lateral lobes are comparatively short, of unequal 

 size and length, and expanding from the midrib at about one-third 

 of its length from the base. The colouring of the foliage is 





