even of the lowest order of creation. The farther 

 we explore the operations of nature, the more shall 

 we find to delight and surprise us. 



Nothing can exceed the ingenuity of the various 

 contrivances, if we may be allowed these expres- 

 sions, that exists for the more certain propagation 

 of many of our commonest plants. Seeds appear 

 to be the legitimate source of reproduction in vege- 

 tables ; but nature admits no bounds to her efforts. 

 Where her usual purposes meet with opposition, 

 she employs other means for the accomplishment of 

 the same ends. Numerous plants produce seeds 

 very abundantly, and at the same time a vigorous 

 production takes place at the roots; whilst others 

 increase very slowly by the latter means. We may, 

 however, in general, observe that the vegetating 

 power of herbaceous plants, if not required for the 

 seasonable support of seeds, will be exerted in the 

 increase of their species, either by the multiplica- 

 tion of tubers or bulbs, beneath or above the soil ; 

 by suckers, by runners, oifsets, or by some other 

 mode, agreeably to the nature of the plant. These 

 observations cannot, of course, apply to exotics grow- 

 ing in a soil or climate uncongenial to their nature. 



The Lachenalia tricolor will succeed in a warm 

 border, with the protection of a hand glass in severe 

 frosts. Or, which is frequently more convenient, 

 it may be planted in a pot of light soil, composed of 

 equal parts of fine sand, rotten leaves, and fresh 

 loam, and be afforded the protection of a cold frame, 

 or olher sheltered situation during frost; and such 

 treatment will insure success. It should be very 

 sparingly watered during winter. 



Hort. Kew.2, v. 2, 288. 



