46 MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



I think, however, some disposition towards this is observable in some specimens 

 I have examined. The petals are generally smaller and more abundant than 

 in the Banksii; they are of a delicate purplish pink, and have a rich purple 

 rayed spot at the base of every petal ; these spots are exactly similar to those in 

 the flower of Papaveracea, except that they are smaller. From the fullness of 

 the blossom these spots are not so strikingly observable as id the Papaveracea. 



Pteonia Moutan Albida Plena. — The petals of this are very pale, nearly white ; 

 the colour suffused into them is purplish pink. 



Peeonia Moutan Anneslei. — This very distinct and pretty Moutan is named in 

 compliment to Lord Mountnorris, to whom the credit of being the first who has 

 raised and brought into notice seedlii g varieties of Moutan in Europe has been 

 given. The blossom of this plant is small, not exceeding- four inches and a half 

 in diameter when expanded. It is almost single, slightly jagged at the margins, 

 of a rich purplish pink, their bases being of a rather darker purple, rayed 

 towards the middle o!' each petal, and extending in a line up its centre to the 

 notch at the apex. 



Culture. This plant, and its splendid varieties, are all hardy, and will endure 

 the open air of Britain ; although they are in the flowering season occasionally 

 housed, it is not done because they cannot stand the cold or frost, but on account 

 of their blossoms being liable to be bruised and affected by rough winds. To 

 flo.ver them perfect and well, no place cau equal a greenhouse, or, in cases where 

 a greenhouse is not at hand, they may be brought to produce their magnificent 

 blossoms in a high degree of perfection in glass frames, so constructed as to 

 answer the size of the plants intended to flower in them. 



The plants require a loamy soil ; and old established plants requite this in a 

 greater degree of strength than young ones. Vor young plants raised from 

 seed, cuttings. &c, a loamy soil, blended with a little mellow sandy peat, will in 

 general be found to suit them better than if loam alone is used ; and a little 

 well rotted dung, mixed with the soil applied to old plants, will be found of 

 some advantage. 



A situation not too much exposed to the sun, nor to a great degree shaded, 

 is to be sought for them. Too much sun is apt to act so powerfully upon the 

 branches as to prevent them from freely swelling, or properly forming their 

 buds. On the contrary, a densely shaded aspect is objectionable : inasmuch as 

 the wood in such situation does not properly ripen. No spot then can answer so 

 well for them as one facing the east or inclined to south-east. 



When in flower, and during the growing season, they require a good supply 

 of water, but by uo means should they be allowed to become saturated. When 

 grown in pots, it is therefore indispensable to attend properly to drainage. 



Previous to the season of flowering them, which is from March to the latter 

 end of May, or even sometimes as late as June, they should be removed to the 

 greenhouse, or frame set apart for this purpose ; when as much air as possible 

 should be given them until the flowers begin to expand, at which time they 

 require a good deal ; but in windy, cold weather, it is necessary to be careful on 

 this point, lest injury ensue. 



Propagation. Cuttings of the young wood, with a portion of the preceding 

 year"s attached, prepared in August or September, and planted in a sheltered 

 situation in light soil, will root freely. Also they may be increased by layering, 

 but the ieadie.it way is to strike them from cuttings. 



We insert the following brief list of the herbaceous species and varieties, in 

 order that any of our readers who may desire to possess a small collection may 

 know which kiuds aie necessary and advisable for them to purchase. But as it 

 does not often happen that so great a quantity as are here noticed is wanted, we 

 have given the season of flowering of most of them, and colour of their flowers, 

 so that one or two, or more, as may be desired, may with little trouble be 

 selected. 



P. albiflvra produces its white flowers about May and June, and its native 

 place is from Siberia to China. 



I'ar. Candida has pale flesh-coloured flowers, of frequently eight petals. 

 Flowering in June. 



f'ar.fragrans. — Double rose-coloured flowers, produced upon an erect stem 

 three feet high. 



