MICROSrEKMA BAETONIOIDES. 163 



The distinction between the Pentstrmons and the genus Chelone, have been 

 already explained at page 24; to which we refer the reader for some other particulars 

 relative to this delightful family of plants. 



MICROSPE11MA BARTONIOIDES. 



Bartonia- like Microspcrma. 



T.iiuican Class— Polyadelphia. Order — PoLYAKDMA. Natural Order— Loasace.e. 



Among plants remarkable for their curious structure, the Loasa tribe occupies a 

 conspicuous place ; and many of them being, in addition, showy plants, they would 

 deserve to be generally cultivated, but for the unfortunate stinging properties of 

 some of the species. Happily, these are chiefly confined to the true Loasas, the 

 other genera of the Order possessing it only in a very slight degree, and in some 

 it is entirely absent. 



The Bartonia aurea, and the allied plant we now figure, are of this number, 

 as well as the Scypanthus elegans ; and the pretty Blumenbachia insignis, although not 

 entirely destitute of stinging properties, is so harmless, that none need be deterred 

 from its cultivation. 



This plant (the Blumenbachia) is one of the prettiest of the hardy annuals, and 

 should be grown by every body, once at least, for the sake of the opportunity it will 

 afford of examining its highly curious flowers. Its habit is somewhat trailing, and 

 it is therefore suitable for the front of the borders. Although classed as an annual, 

 it will live more than one season, if preserved from frost, in a cold frame. Flowers 

 white and yellow. 



The Scypanthus elegans, or Cup-Flower, is rather less hardy than the preceding, 

 but is fully as interesting. It is a twining plant, growing about four feet high, with 

 yellow blossoms, and requires no care beyond that of raising the seeds in a gentle 

 heat, and planting them out, when a few inches high, where they are to bloom. The 

 snails are very fond of this plant, and must be well looked after, or they will speedily 

 strip it of its foliage. Like the Blumenbachia, the Scypanthus is perennial if pro- 

 tected during winter. 



Both arc remarkable for the pouch or boat-like form of the petals ; and this is also 

 seen in the true Loasas. In all three genera, the stamens are arranged in five very 

 distinct bundles, each of the bundles being, at the time of the flowers' expansion, 

 enclosed within the cavity of a petal. When the anthers burst, the stamens 



