1. FUCHSIA PRINCE ARTHUR (Nicolls). 

 2. FUCHSIA GLOBOSA MAGiNTFICA (Kimberley's). 



FUCHSIA, so named in honour of a celebrated German botanist, 

 Leonard Fuchs. The first plant of this genus, which was dis- 

 covered in Chile, and introduced into England, was F. coccinea, in 

 the year 1788. The pretty growth of the plant, and the graceful 

 manner in which its elegant flowers were produced, contributed to 

 render it, at that period, quite a wonder in the floral world, and plants 

 were sold by the first Mr. James Lee, of Hammersmith Nursery, at 

 twenty pounds each. It was then cultivated as a stove plant. Writing 

 upon this valuable and beautiful flowering plant, the learned Mr. Martyn, 

 then Professor of Botany at Cambridge, states, " The scarlet Fuchsia 

 is a plant of very peculiar beauty, producing its charming rich pendant 

 blossoms during most part of the year. The petals in the centre of the 

 flower are especially deserving of notice, they somewhat resemble a 

 small roll of the richest purple-coloured riband. It is a most elegant 

 plant for the drawing-room or study." 



In 1796 another species was discovered in Chile, and introduced into 

 England, viz., F. lycioides (Box Thorn like). It is not so showy as 

 its predecessor, but forms a neat shrub, the flowers being a bright rose- 

 colour. It is scarce at the present day, but is a very pretty plant for 

 the greenhouse, and deserves a place in every one. 



It does not appear that any attempts were made to obtain hybrid 

 seedlings from the above two species, and the next introductions were, 

 after a lapse of twenty-seven years, viz., in 1823, F. gracilis and 



emon, both obtained from Chile. 



The following' 



year, 



1824, F. arborescens, EXCORTicATA, and tenella, were added to 

 the previous ones ; they too were from Chile. The above kinds having 

 been received, and some bearing seed freely, seedlings were raised, and 

 in 1826 several beautiful varieties bloomed, and plants were eagerly 

 Vol. xix. No. 59.— N.S. z 



