290 



GENERAL REVIEW. 



constitute a true distinction in the family of Heaths than that 

 of a longer or rounder capsule. The unwillingness of the 

 African Heaths to shed their pollen unless touched by a strong 

 insect or humming-bird, must render them very likely to be 

 fecundated by the pollen of neighbouring sorts; and if the 

 hybrid offspring should prove fertile like that of the Gladioli, it 

 will be evident how it comes to pass that the species of African 

 Heaths are so multiplied, while the European sorts remain 

 unaltered. 



There are two or three hundred reputed species which have 

 been at one time or other introduced into our gardens, and 

 such kinds as E. tricolor, E. ventricosa, E. vestita, and others, 

 have yielded numerous beautiful varieties. Among others, Mr 

 Epps, Messrs Rollison & Sons, Messrs Lee of Hammersmith, 

 and Mr Turnbull of Bothwell Castle, have done much towards 

 improving the Ericas as decorative plants. Mr Turnbull has 

 raised numerous beautiful hybrids. 



The following is a list of hybrids raised by Messrs Rolli- 

 son, who have long held the finest collection of hybrids and 

 species in the trade : 



