THE SPURGE FAMILY. 303 



ties, and the following species may serve for parents in obtain- 

 ing hybrids : E. attenuala elegans, Icevigata, coctinea, campan- 

 ulata, refulgens, and impressa. They do not seed freely unless 

 carefully fertilised and in a vigorous state of health. Seeds 

 should be sown as soon as they are gathered (see Erica). 



About 1844-45, several beautiful hybrids were raised by Eng- 

 lish nurserymen between Epacris impressa and E. grandiflora. 



THE SPURGE FAMILY (Euphorbiacece). 



Euphorbia. A genus of highly variable plants represented 

 in our flora by several annual weeds. The decussate glaucous- 

 leaved E. lathyrus is popularly but erroneously called the 

 Caper plant, and its seeds are used as a substitute for real 

 Capers, or fruit of Capparis spinosa. The annuals and her- 

 baceous species are readily propagated by seeds or division. 

 The strong-growing African species are often grown in collec- 

 tions of succulent plants; and E. Bojerii, E. splendent, 

 and E. (jaquinceflord) fulgens are cultivated for their glowing 

 scarlet flowers. A dwarf -growing variety of the last-named 

 plant would be invaluable for cut flowers or decorative pur- 

 poses ; or it might be possible to obtain hybrids between that 

 species and E. splendens, or others of a more sturdy habit of 

 growth. The three last named are all easily multiplied by 

 cuttings in a moderately dry heat; and the succulent species are 

 easily propagated by offsets or cuttings of the branches inserted 

 in sandy soil, and placed on a dry sunny shelf near the light. 

 Seed is sometimes produced by the succulent species, and ger- 

 minates readily sown in a gentle bottom-heat ; but the seedlings 

 should be set in a dry sunny position as soon as they appear 

 above the soil, otherwise they are apt to damp off. I believe 

 nothing has yet been done in the way of hybridising these 

 plants, and there is a good field open, as crosses between some 

 of the following genera might possibly be effected. The dwarf- 

 growing kinds such as E. globosa, E. meloformis, E. caput- 

 Medusce, and others may be grafted on the strong-growing 

 columnar or candelabra - like species, as E. canariensis^ E. 

 c&rulescens, E. erosa, E. polygona, or the slender-growing E. 

 mammillaris. E. punicea is an old erect-growing plant, bearing 

 bright green leaves, among which scarlet bracts are produced 

 near the apex similar to those of Poinsettia, but smaller. 



Buxus (Box). A genus of shrubs or small trees represented 

 in our gardens by B. sempervirens or Common Box, and its 

 numerous forms. There are gold and silver variegated forms, 



