C 150 ) 



is this species which is frequently seen in the gardens around 

 Philadelphia, where the former is far the most rare. 



Yucca gioriosci) or Dwarf Adam's Needle. The above 

 botanic title has by different authors been considered as re- 

 ferring to species widely distinct, the one of low growth and 

 hardy, the other growing to the height of 1 6 or 20 feet, and 

 lender. It is the former of these two to which I have ap- 

 plied it. This has leaves more broad and stiff than either of 

 the foregoing, placed in a radiate form, and wholly devoid of 

 filaments. It will form in the course of a number of years 

 a stalk from about one foot to 18 inches from the ground, 

 gaining but two or three inches each year ; on the summit 

 of which are placed the leaves, and from their centre pro- 

 ceeds a strong stem supporting numerous flowers much re- 

 sembling the preceding. The plants of this species require 

 a longer time to come to maturity, and produce flowers less 

 frequently than the two first described. 



The other species, which are considered hardy, are the 

 Y. tenuifolia, angustifolia, &c. 



P&onics. No class of flowers has recently attracted more 

 attention in Europe than this, a monograph of which has 

 lately been published in London* Most of the varieties are 

 extremely splendid, and others possess striking peculiarities. 

 Anticipating that a similar taste would be evinced in this 

 country, the author has by great exertion obtained every va- 

 riety possible from Europe, and also a number from China; 

 and so very splendid are many of the varieties, that descrip- 

 tions would be given of the whole number, if the limits would 

 permit ; but the author must confine himself to three mag- 

 nificent varieties from China. 



Pteonia Whitleji. This produces double white flowers of 

 very large size, and of the greatest splendour, and which have 

 also a most agreeable odour. From three to five flowers are 

 produced on each stem, and they rise to the height of two 

 and a half feet. There is perhaps no herbaceous Parmy 

 which surpasses this either in magnificent appearance or in 

 abundance of flowers. 



Pxonia Humei. This produces very large crimson 

 flowers ; the stems are from two and a half to three feet 

 high, with two or three flowers on each stem. 



Paoniafragrans. The flowers of this are of a deep rose 

 colour, and of a most delightful fragrance, equal to the rose ; 

 the flower-stalks are taller than any other species, being ge- 

 nerally three feet high, and producing from two to three 



