Observations on the Genus IlemerocaUls. 405 



parison with that of any nurseryman or amateur. All the stronger 

 growing kinds have been exposed to the air all sunniier, and a few, 

 like the peruvianus, extensis, &c., have been plunged in the bor- 

 der. The growth of the past summer has been remarkably strong. 



The soil which Mr. Sweetser has found to suit the majority of 

 the species, (for some are very partial to a peculiar kind) is com- 

 posed of very old, decayed, hot-bed manure, which has laid until 

 it has become completely reduced to a black earth. This forms 

 his principal ingredient, and mixed with sand (and occasionally a 

 coarse turfy loam,) in various proportions, it is applied to all the 

 species. Some cuttings, of a year's planting, have made a growth 

 of from twelve to eighteen inches in this compost. In drainage, 

 Mr. Sweetser makes use of a good portion of potsherds, which 

 is one great cause of the vigor of liis plants. 



Introducing these plants to the notice of our readers at this 

 time, we hope, as they progress in size and arrive at a blooming 

 state, to have the opportunity of describing the new species, as 

 they come into flower, more particularly. Some will, undoubt- 

 edly, be only of ordinary character, and of no value, except in a 

 complete collection formed for botanical purposes, while others 

 will probably prove interesting and beautiful species. 



Mr. Sweetser has been to much labor, and considerable ex- 

 pense, to get up his collection; but he will, we trust, be amply 

 repaid for his time and attention, in the pleasure, which the suc- 

 cessive blooming of the numerous species will afford him, as they 

 expand their unknown flowers, and display their singular habits. 

 To the sjiread of a taste for the cultivation of the plants, we have 

 no doubt his collection will be greatly instrumental, as an inspec- 

 tion of the whole, when in a fine flowering state, will be a treat 

 to the lovers of the tribe, not often obtained. 



Art. II. Observations on the Genus Hcmerocallis, or Day 

 Libj. By Phalanthus. 



Related not only in trivial name, but by other characters of 

 a general structure, to the Liliaceas, or lily tribe, the Hemero- 

 callides are rendered interesting and peculiar j)lants. For many 

 years the tenants of the garden, certain species are as familiar 

 oi)jects as constant culture and a daring hardihood of constitu- 

 tion could make them. Species neglected and spurned, and cast 



