44 BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW AND BABE PLANTS. 



spurs. The flowers are as large as those of alpina, but produced in a panicle ; 

 they are of a creamy white, with a tinge of blueish green. There is another 

 species in cultivation under the same name from Siberia, with violet and straw- 

 coloured flowers, but it is dwarfer, and we think less handsome than the North 

 American plant. 



Skinneri is one of the very few South American species, being a native of 

 Guatemala, and it is therefore likely to suffer in very severe weather. It may, 

 however, easily be grown in a pot, and plunged into the borders, which will allow 

 of its being removed and protected during hard frost. It is a very handsome 

 species, the flowers with very long spurs, of a brilliant red colour at the lower 

 part, and green tips. 



To these may be added many of the varieties of the common A. vulgaris, some 

 of which are almost equal to the preceding species, and they include every shade 

 of blue, brown, purple, white, and pink. 



All the species succeed best in rich sandy loam, though they will grow in 

 anything worthy to be called garden- soil. The finest plants we ever saw had 

 sprung up, self-sown, in an old anemone bed, in which a good layer of cow-dung 

 had been originally buried ; and although they were only varieties of vulgaris, they 

 made a most effective display of flowers, in masses two or three feet across. Single 

 specimens, whether of these or any other plants, produce but a meagre effect. 



The Columbines are so inclined to sport their flowers, and intermingle so freely, 

 that it is almost impossible to raise them true from seed when they are grown 

 together ; for this reason, if the true species are required, it is best to purchase 

 roots, which may be had of most Florists. The varieties raised from seed are, 

 however, quite as ornamental ; and it is certain, that, with a little attention, many 

 might be originated between the different species which would be even more 

 highly coloured and attractive than those at present in cidtivation. All of them 

 will flower the second year from seed, which may be sown in the open borders in 

 April. 



BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 



Alstromeria plantaginea. [AmarylUdacecc). — A very fine species introduced from Brazil some years 

 since to M. de Jonghe of Brussels. It is a herbaceous plant, with simple erect stems one-and-a-half 

 to two feet high, hearing a large umbel of bell-shaped flowers of deep orange, lined with yellow, tipped 

 with green, and spotted with dark brown bars. It is sufficiently hardy for cultivation in the open 

 air, at least during the summer months, and requires only the treatment of the other species. 



Cheiranthus Marshallii. (Cruciform). — This beautiful plant is no longer a novelty, and is, 

 doubtless, already in the possession of many of our readers. To such as have not acquired it, we 

 venture strongly to recommend it as one of the most desirable of spring flowers. Its blossoms are 



