CELOSIA CRISTATA-COCKSCOMB, 



CLASS, PENTANDRIA ; ORDER, MONOGYN1A. 

 NATURAL ORDER, AMARANTHACE-dE. 



GEN. CHAR. Calyx, triphyllous, like the tentapetalous corolla 

 in appearance. Stamina united at their base to a plaited necta- 

 rium. Capsule opening horizontally. SPEC. CHAR. Flowers pen- 

 tandrous, in decompound, erect, clustered racemes ; leaves, ovate 

 lanceolate. 



The flowers of this plant are so numerous and small, and withal 

 so closely set together on an irregular flattish surface, that it 

 frequently looks more like a piece of rich velvet than a vegetable 

 substance. It is a native of several parts of Asia, and is common 

 in Persia, China and Japan, where we are informed it is cultivated 

 to such perfection, that the heads or crests of the flowers are fre- 

 quently a foot in length and breadth. The generic name is derived 

 from the Greek word brilliant ; or as some suppose, from another 

 very similar to the first, meaning to enchant. 



The name of the tribe signifies not to wither, because many of 

 the species retain their form and color when dried. The specific 

 name is given it from the form of its crested head of feathers ; 

 there are many varieties in form and color which spring from the 

 same seed. You must sow this in spring ; and when the plant is 

 about six inches high, put it in pots where it must remain. Its 

 magnificent plumes will amply repay the trouble in July and Au- 



