REVIEWS. 11 



A knowledge of the existence of many such plants, or of their culture, 

 would in numerous instances have been very local, we are fully per- 

 suaded, from cases that have frequently come under our notice, but from 

 the laudable circumstance of eminent botanists and florists having esta- 

 blished valuable periodical publications, which the present taste for flori- 

 culture appeared to them to demand. In the present day, no sooner 

 does any plant of interest expand its bloom, than " by the concurring 

 aid of some friend to flowers," gome of the periodicals are enabled to 

 spread its representation through an extent of country, and to a number 

 almost incalculable. By the figures of the plants, and descriptions 

 given, the locality of them is ascertained, and shortly, if not already so, 

 they generally are placed within the reach of purchase. The periodicals 

 are not only so far useful, but some of them contain much botanical in- 

 formation, and judicious remarks on the culture of many of the plants. — 

 It is pleasing to us to know that the circulation of such works is increas- 

 ing ; we heartily wish them a much more extensive one. 



Although the periodicals thus referred to, are published at as low a 

 price as the nature of the works will admit of ; yet it is a fact, that there 

 is a very numerous class of persons, who are also admirers of flowers, but 

 who are debarred the advantages which others have it in their power to 

 obtain. However, by adapting the cost of the present Work to the means 

 of all classes, we intend to put within the power of most persons the 

 knowledge of the existence, the description, and, in many instances, 

 figures of the most beautiful plants. We hope for adequate support te 

 ■eftect this to the best possible advantage. On our part no exertion shali 

 be wanting. 



The Botanical Magazine. By Samuel Curtis, F. L. S. Descrip- 

 tions by Dr. Hooker, Professor of Botany to the University of 

 Glasgow. 

 This work was begim in the year 1787. So admirably and ably has It been 

 ■conducted, and the coloured drawings so well executed, that it has received 

 extensive support ever since its corameuccmcnt, and it has now reached to 

 plate 3220. The plates and descnptions under the direction of the eminent 

 individuals above stated, are very remarkable for their accuracy and neatness. 

 The number for January, 1833, contains the following beautiful plates: — 



1. Gloxinia speciosa, variety albiflora, showy Gloxinia. White flowered va- 

 riety ; class, JJidynamia; order, Angiospermia ; natural order, Cesneriea;, a 

 stove plant. There is a pale purple blossomed variety now comniou in the 

 country, but the variety here figured is pure white, a very abundant flowering 

 kind, and well deserving cultivation. Flowers from June to November. Clox. 

 inia, so named in honour o( Or. Gloxin, of Colmar. 



2. Lobelia mucionata, sharp pointed (leaf) l,obilia, Pentandria Monogynia, 

 aatural order, Lobeliacea", from Chili. A beautiful greenhouse species, but 



