GOURDS AND CUCUMBERS, (ORNAMENTAL,) Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacece. 



The Gourds are a coarse class of plants, liked principally on account of their curiously fonned 

 and often strangely colored fruits. The foliage, however, is abundant, the leaves generally large, 



and useful for cover- 

 ing old trees, fences, 

 arbors, etc. The cul- 

 ture is the same as 

 \j required for squashes, 

 melons, etc. Some 

 people are curious 

 -. in collecting and 

 growing all the odd 

 formed and colored 

 Gourds they can pro- 

 cure, and in Europe 

 we saw some very 

 large and varied col- 

 lections. This, how- 

 ever, is a "hobby" 



we do not much admire, for we can get more real beauty with far less trouble. However, we 

 garden for pleasure, and if it is obtained in this way, we certainly shall not complain. 



IPOMCEA, Nat. Ord. Convolvulacea. 



Under the name of Convolvulus we have described the Morning Glory, which is by some 

 called Ipomcea purpurea ; but the Ipomceas proper are a genus of very beautiful Convolvulacese, 

 widely distributed over all warm climates, and a few 

 extending into North America. Some of the varieties 

 of Ipomcea are exceedingly large and fine, excelling even 

 the best Convolvulus. Others, like the Cypress Vine, 

 which we show in the engraving, have small flowers, 

 of the brightest colors, and the most delicate foliage 

 imaginable. The Ipomcea is generally more delicate than 

 the Convolvulus, and should be classed among the ten- 

 der annuals, and therefore will succeed best if started in 

 the hot-bed, and afterwards planted in a sheltered and 

 warm situation. The Ipomceas are all desirable for pots, 

 baskets, etc., for the house. For hanging baskets and green-house decoration, the Ipomceas hold 

 a prominent place, and will well repay for any extra care they may require. 



LOASA, Nat. Ord. Loasacece. 



The Loasa is a good climber, with curious, handsome flowers, which it bears in great abun- 

 dance. The flowers are of the size shown 

 in the engraving, bright in color, being yel- 

 low and red. The branches are covered 

 with stinging hairs that give pain when 

 touched, so that a good deal of care must be 

 exercised when handling the plants. The 

 Loasa is a native of Chili and Peru, and 

 though seldom seen in American gardens, 

 is quite commonly found in some sections 

 of Europe. A plant or two will give a 

 good deal of pleasure for a season or so, 

 until one becomes familiar with it, and we 

 have known several important lessons 

 taught by the Loasa, to thoughtless people 

 who are so apt to handle and pick flowers in other people's gardens ; a veiy thoughtless practice. 



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