ABRONIA UMBELLATA. 113 
and at the side the most exposed to the sun. That the fish would not 
have produced spawn had the birch twigs been omitted to ‘be placed 
in the pond, I by no means wish to assert ; I am, however, fully per- 
suaded that since I adopted this means, they have become more pro- 
lific. The spawn has on all occasions,’ without an exception, been 
deposited in these twigs. It does not appear to be of so much import- 
ance to the spawn itself, as to that of affording protection to the fish in 
their earlier stages of growth. For about three weeks they may be 
seen hovering around the vicinity of their birth-place. Seldom ven- 
turing more than a few inches beyond the outer edge of the bundle of - 
twigs.” I have found that spring water is too cold for them, and often 
contains some mineral that is injurious. 
ABRONIA UMBELLATA. 
. Ve () 
Mr. Hartwec discovered this charming plant growing on the sea- 
sands at Monterey, in California. It is a creeping plant, producing 
long, rapidly extending shoots, which bear a profusion of flowers. It 
has very much the habit of the Verbena, and the umbels of flowers are 
very similar. They are of a pretty rosy-purple, with a lighter centre, 
and are exceedingly fragrant, especially in the evening. It is a free 
grower, and does well either in pots or in the open ground ; in fact, it 
requires the same treatment as the Verbena. 
Our bedding plants have, within a few recent years, had many 
yaluable additions in the lovely Cuphea platycentra and strigulosa, 
Anemone japonica, Heliotropium Voltairianum, and Triomph de 
Leigh; various Lobelias, Salvias, Bouvardias, Selugos, &c. All are 
valuable, especially so for objects of admiration from a sitting-room ; 
but the Abronia has an excellency beyond the others in its delicious 
perfume, and if planted near a dwelling-room, its very agreeable 
sweetness may be enjoyed. It is a charming plant for a basket (see 
the figure at the head of this article), or grown in pots, extending over 
the sides and hanging gracefully. It is readily cultivated, easily 
increased, and good to preserve. 
Vol. xviz. No. 29.—W.S. L 
