MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 117 



enable any botanist to ascertain the identity of the plant. He calls it, " Hemc- 

 localle a feuilles de Plantain (Hemerocallis plantaginea). It is the H. Cordata 

 of Cels. Leaves radical, on foot-stalks, heart-shaped, nerved like those of 

 Plantago major (the greater Plantain) ; their loot-stalks channelled, embracing 

 the stem ; stem often drooping, one foot high, bearing at its summit several 

 large flowers, with very long tubes, of a beautiful white, and of a sweet smell. 

 Each flower grows in the hollow of a foliaceous and concave spathe." He men- 

 tions that it is a native of China, and flowers in August and September; and 

 says that it requires the orangery or greenhouse, ought to have a good strong 

 soil, and will not flower without getting much water, and a heat while in a 

 growing state. 



Although I have no doubt that the plant above described is the plant in 

 question, I can only say that I suppose it is the same plant now known in this 

 country as the Funkia subcordata spr. in " Loudon's Hortus Bvitannicus." This 

 plant is figured in the " Botanical Magazine" as H. Japonica, tab. 1433; in 

 " Andrews's Repository,'' tab. 194; iu the " Botanical Register," as H. Alba, tab 

 75; and " Kempfer Icones Selectae," tab. 11. As the plant appears a desirable 

 one, 1 fear I have encroached on your space. If so, shorten it. 



Scotus. 



[We thank our correspondent for the favour, and hope it will not be the last. 

 — Conductor.] 



Will you be good enough to state the principal points in the flower of the 

 Geranium, and how those different points are reckoned by the judges at the 

 shows ? 



I wish the same information regarding Calceolarias, as nowhere have I seen 

 any rules for determining the preference of different plants. 



Scotus. 



REMARKS. 



On Planting Rhododendrons, &c. — Respecting the depth of peat earth re- 

 quired for Rhododendrons, whether they are perfectly hardy and game-proof, 1 

 beg to oner the following remarks, which, from my experience, of from thirty- 

 five to forty years, as well as being the most extensive grower in the kingdom, 

 I flatter myself may be relied on. You are aware that it is not, but ought to 

 be, generally ; known that all (or with but few exceptions) plants generally 

 known as Americans will flourish in a much less portion of peat earth than is 

 generally allotted to them, and which prevents this most beautiful family of 

 plants being more generally introduced, as on most estates a compost may be 

 prepared at a moderate expense to answer the purpose. Of course, when bog 

 can be easily obtained, compost is out of the question ; but even then 1 find 

 many will carry a better foliage than when planted in all the former. I would 

 recommend your subscriber to add to the bog an equal quantity of loam, the 

 same of decomposed vegetable matter, such as leaf-mould, rotten wood, or turt, 

 with one-eighth part of good sharp sand: this would carry the whole of the 

 hardy Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Azaleas, &c. &c; whilst the more common, 

 such as R. Ponticum, with two or three of its varieties, R. maximum, Azalea 

 Pontics autumnalis, and some others, will grow in almost any loamy soil, with 

 only a small portion of the above composition round the roots of each to start 

 them, if the ground is only first properly prepared, which consists in its being 

 well trenched, keeping the surface or swardy part at top ; this is most essential 

 to the well-doing of all plants in forming a new plantation. One and a half to 

 two feet would be quite a sufficient depth for the mould of clumps in general. 

 The common Rhododendrons are all quite hardy, and free from the ravages of 

 game. • 



I might here also observe that I consider Berberis aquifolia one of the pret- 

 tiest hardy evergreens, and perhaps the best adapted for the outside planting of 

 couch roads, &c. 



M. Watxiub, 



Knup-hill and Bagshot Nurseries. — (Gardeners' Gazette.) 



