REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 39 



lanceolate foliage ; the young leaves of the former are striped with 

 white, while those of the latter are variegated with purpHsh ciim- 

 son, even in their youngest stages. 



JVb. 4. The most vigorous of all ; leaves seven inches in width, 

 with a very narrow edge of purplish magenta ; the midrib and 

 small veins of the same color, and the petiole of a deeper shade ; 

 of the type of Braziliensis. 



No. 6. Of comparatively dwarf habit ; lanceolate leaves ; edges 

 of leaves and petioles magenta scarlet, often extending irregularly 

 into the body of the leaf. 



The last five are the result of the same cross as produced Welles- 

 leyana, viz., between stricta and Reginoe, and while in general 

 appearance and habit they are somewhat like the parent plants, 

 they are more vigorous in growth and a great improvement over 

 them, being fully equal to any of the high priced imported varieties. 



It is very gratifying to know that the attention of our practical 

 gardeners has been called to the improvement by cross-fertilization 

 of this highly ornamental and useful genus of plants, and we are 

 glad to know that the labors of Mr. Harris and Mr. Butler have 

 been rewarded by the production of these beautiful hybrids. Other 

 seedlings, which are very fine, will be exhibited from time to time as 

 they are more fully developed. 



Palms. — William Gray, Jr., exhibited Areca lutescens, a fine 

 palm for table decoration, being small and dwarf; with graceful 

 fronds of pale green color. It is worthy a place in every collection ; 

 Mr. Gray also presented Livistonia rotundifolia. 



From Hovey & Co., came Pritchardia Pacifica variegata and 

 Phoenix recUnata, the latter a very fine greenhouse pahn ; a native 

 of South Africa. 



Pitcher Plants. — The only collection exhibited was from 

 William Gray, Jr., who showed the weU known Sarracenia pur- 

 purea; S. psittacina, a native of Florida ; and Darlingtonia Calif or- 

 nica, a singular and very interesting plant. 



Agaves. — John C. Hovey and Hovey & Co., were the exhibitors, 

 with two good collections. Of late years. Agaves have become 

 very popular for ornamental purposes, and should any of the 

 readers of this report wish for further information in regard to 

 cultm-e and varieties they are referred to an excellent article with 

 descriptions of a large number of varieties, in Williams' " Choice 

 Stove and Greenhouse Plants," second edition. Vol. II., page 71. 



