5.—1846.] 
THE GARDENERS' 
CHRONICLE. 71 
R. C. Alexander relative to the Flora of Sieily. Dr. 
Alexander regards the Sicilian Flora as not an aborigi- 
nalone, but as derived from Africa on the one side, 
and from Greece and other Mediterranean countries on 
the other. The plants peculiar to the island are by no 
means numerous, and the Flora is meagre when com- 
pared with that of Dalmatia and other countries on the 
shores of the Adriatic, In the course of two months, 
residence in the island Dr. Alexander found only about 
250 species which he had not seen in Dalmatia. A 
communication was also read from Dr. Alexander re- 
garding the plants found on the Apennines, He con- 
siders the Flora of the Apennines from Piedmont 
downwards, to be also a derived one ; for excepting the 
genera which occupy fallow land and broken ground, 
such as. Medicago, Ononis, Convolvülus, and sea-shore 
plants, he found no genus developed, but a species of 
one type and a species of another, without connecting 
links. On ascending the mountains, when he got toa 
region where a magnificent Flora ought to be, he found 
at most a hardy hill plant that had erept up, but nothing 
whatever.of an Alpine nature. On the Matese, about 
forty miles north from Naples, vegetation nearly ceased 
at about 6000 feet, and at the top, which is 7000 feet 
above the level of the sea, and where there is a snow 
field :that never entirely melts, and, therefore, cold 
enough for Alpine plants, he met with -Aubrietia Co- 
lumn:e (a mere variety of A. deltoides), R l 
perature, or it cannot be expected to thrive. It 
seems to be a perennial.— Botanical Register, 1846, t. 3. 
11. Veronica sALICIFOLIA. Willow-leaved Speedwell. 
Greenhouse Shrub. —(Figworts. New Zealand. 
Syn. V. Lindleyana. 
New Zealand and Tasmannia have already brought us 
acquainted with those beautiful Speedwells, which bear 
the names of V. speciosa, decussata, labiata, and perfo- 
liata; and many more have yet to be introduced as gay 
shrubs or herbaceous plants. Some indeed are pro- 
bably even now in our gardens, although they have not 
been hitherto scientifically determined. That which 
is here given is of the latter class. It has indeed been 
already well figured in Mr. Paxton's Magazine, but no 
attempt has been made to determine whether it is really 
new or not. We entertain little doubt that it is the 
Willow-leaved Speedwell of Forster, found by that 
Botanist in New Zealand, and introduced to our gardens 
for the first time a few years since. The point is not, 
however, entirely free from doubt, and the conclusion 
at which we have arrived is open to revision. In all 
the accounts which we have of the Willow-leaved 
Speedwell, it is said to have perfectly entire leaves ; 
butin the garden plant they are serrated, or at least 
some are, e find, however, that wild specimens from 
Mr. Bidwill, Mr. Allan Cunningham, and others, in our 
herbarium, are absolutely identical with this plant, so 
lti ted 
montanus, a Geranium resembling a Carniolian species, 
Arabis alpina, an Allium not in flower, Scrophularia 
glandulosa, and three forms of Saxifraga Aizoon, which 
are reckoned by some as species. In nearly the same 
latitude, on the other side of the Adriatic, on the 
Biokovo, near Macarska in Dalmatia, there is, at the 
Same height, a most interesting Alpine Flora, aud in 
4Etolia, on the M. Velugo, one equally so. Dr. Alexan- 
der found the Apennines by no- means so produetive as 
the Alpsof Upper Styria and Upper Carinthia ; and he 
looks upon the range as probably so recent in its forma- 
tion as to be only receiving its Alpine Flora gradually 
from other distriets.—Dr. Balfour also read a commu- 
nication which he had received from Mr. Campbell, of 
Tslay, velative to Mummy Wheat, speeimens of which 
Were exhibited. The Wheat sent by Mr. Campbell re- 
Sembled what is called Bellevue Talavera. Other 
Specimens of the so-called. Mummy Wheat were shown, 
having all the charaeteristies of Egyptian Wheat (Triti- 
cum compositum). There appeared to be great doubts 
as to the facts of the Wheat found in mummy cases 
having-generated. In allithe instances mentioned, there 
are numerous sources of fallacy which have not been 
guarded against. The most authentic and best cor- 
roborated instance of the germination of Mummy Wheat 
Seems to be that notieed by Mr. Tupper, who got from 
Ir. Pettigrew grains which had been taken by Sir Gar- 
diner Wilkinson from some alabaster sepulchral vases. 
Even'in this case, however, it is difficult to prove ‘that. 
the grains had not been recently inserted into the vases. 
The Wheat which was then produced was the same 
variety as that now sent by Mr. Campbell.—A commu- 
nication was read from Mr. Cruickshank, regarding the 
discovery of Typha angustifolia in Loehmaben Loch, 
and of Centunculus minimus near Dumfries. — Specimens 
were exhibited by Dr. Balfour of Mentha rotundifolia, 
variety velutina in flower, and of Pyrus pinnatifida in 
fruit, from the island of Arran.—Mr. James. M‘Nab ex- 
hibited specimens of Ardisia crenulata, from the Horti- 
cultural Society’s Garden, in which the seeds had 
germinated within the berries while hanging on the 
‘Plant, 
New Garden Plants. 
l0, ‘Neprunta preva. The Double Yellow Water 
Rte uS: _ Stove Aquatic. (Leguminous Plants.) 
1e; 
est Indies. 
This curious water plant, with sensitive leaves, has 
been.raised from seeds recently sent from Jamaica, by 
Mr. Purdie ; and a specimen of it from the collection of 
his Grace the Duke of Northumberland, at Syou, was 
exhibited at a, meeting of the Horticultural Society in 
October last. Its long spongy stems throw out innu- 
Merable ‘thread-like roots, and, floating in the water, 
Speedily produce broad masses of leaves cut up into 
myriads of irritable leaflets. It seems to.be common in 
“all parts of tropical America, botanists having received 
dt from Guiana, Mexico, Brazil, and various 
est India 
islands, It would also: appear to be subject to many 
diversities of appearance, in consequence of which it 
nas received several different names.  Linnæus called 
it Mimosa plena, or the double Mimosa, because of the 
1 Among the 
circumstances by which itis known:from neighbouring 
genera are its peculiar floating habit, its anthers tipped 
with a stalked gland, and its flat jointless stipitate pod 
With membranous valves. -One of the species, Neptunia 
i oleracea, yields a material very like the Rice paper of 
the Chinese, but coarse and inferior in quality to that 
beautiful substance. Itis. also said to be used by-the 
ochin Chinese in salads, its spongy: floating stems 
being crisp and juicy : but Loureiro adds that itis not 
Being a native of the hottest part of 
he tropics, the gardeners who may wish to cultivate 
this plant will do well to bear in mind that the water 
Tn which it is planted should have at least 80°of tem- 
far as and wild specimens are comparable, 
except that the leaves are in this instance occasionally 
serrated ; but as the serratures of the leaves are quite 
uncertain in the cultivated plant,we do not feel justified 
in attaching import: to that ci Mr. A. 
Cunningham’s specimens of V. salicifolia, which he had 
doubtless verified with all possible care, are we think 
not distinct, except in the serratures as already men: 
tioned. The main difficulty consists in reconciling Vahl's 
t t that the fl talks of V. salieifolia are ca- 
pillary ; for it must be confessed that in a wild state 
this plant does not answer to that description. Yet in 
other respects it is so much the same, that we incline to 
the belief that the term capillary was used loosely by 
the Danish Botanist. In some respeets the plant re- 
sembles V. Cataraetce, of which authentic specimens 
out of the herbarium of Mr. Donn of Cambridge are 
before us; but the looseness of the racemes and the 
coarse callous-toothed serratures of that plant are like 
nothing observable in this. Our drawing was made in 
the Nursery of Mr. Glendinning of Turnham Green, in 
August last. It is a greenhouse plant, which will grow 
freely in any light sandy soil. Like V. speciosa, it re- 
quires an ample supply of water during the summer 
months, and air at all times when weather permits. As 
the species flowers on the young wood, it may be cut 
back after flowering, if necessary ; but as young plants 
are much more handsome than old, it is better to re- 
place them every two or three years. It-strikes freely 
from cuttings. In winter, nothing more than ordinary 
treatment is required.—Botanical Register, 1846, t. 5. 
12. CavrLEXA Maxima. | Lindley. Largest Cattleya. 
Stove Epiphyte. (Orchids.) Peru. 
The more our knowledge of the varying forms of Or- 
chids extends, the less do we feel able todetermine what 
characters or peculiarities of structure are of real value 
in distinguishing species, ^ Everything whieh amon, 
other plants has gained a fixed value, appears here to 
be unstable ; and even the most marked differences in 
form are proved by incontestable evidence to grow out 
of each other, This being so, we may be excused for 
doubting how far this beautiful plant can lay claim to 
the rank of a species, for it evidently approaches both 
C. Mossiæ and labiata in many important particulars. 
Its main peculiarities consists in its long-channelled 
pseudo-bulbs, and in its very convex wavy petals, which 
are quite different in appearance from the thin, nearly 
flat, petals of C. Mossize and labiata, If, however, we 
attach any value to differences of colour, then indeed 
there remains no difficulty in separating this plant : for 
it is remarkable for the dark crimson veins richly 
traced upon its pallid lip, and for a beautiful net-work of 
purple streaks, which is drawn over all their surface. 
At first too the colour of the flowers is so pale as to be 
almost white ; but the tints heighten day by day, till at 
last the blossoms acquire the rieh tint represented in the 
ing plate. ical Register, 1846 4, 1. 
ey 
Garden Memoranda. 
M. A. Houblon, Esq!s, Hallingberry-place, Essex.— 
Cucumber-growing, on Mr. Ayres's system, is admirably 
carried out here ; the sort grown is Cuthill’s Black Spine, 
a variety exceedingly well adapted for early forcing. 
Mr. Spivey has cut from 14 plants, between the 21st of 
October and the 11th of January, 129 Cueumbers, from 
13 to 21 inches in length (averaging 15 inches), besides 
a number of lesser dimensions, used for stewing. The 
plants. are still in a good bearing state ; but Mr. Spivey, 
who is gardener here, finds from experience that it is 
better to have a succession of young plants than to re- 
store the old ones, which may be exhausted by having 
produced heavy crops ; consequently he intends about 
the Ist of February to replace the old plants by a suc. 
cession of young ones, a system which has been prac- 
tised for many years with. unexceptionable suceess, 
~A M. 
Miscellaneous. 
The Tulip Match between the Noltingham and 
Derby Florists.— We learn from the Nottingham 
Mercury that the growers there have agreed to the 
terms of the challenge given by the Derby florists, 
namely, thirty distinct varieties of Tulips in six class 
to be exhibited at Nottingham, on Thursday, the 2 
of next May. It was also arranged that a deputation 
from each party should visit the respective competitors, 
and see the flowers cut, and properly secured in sealed 
boxes, preparatory to being brought to the place of 
exhibition, and there to see them staged for the j udges 
by two o'clock p.m, W. Thornelley, Esq., of Heaton 
Norris, near Stockport ; R. Dixon, Esq., Manchester, 
and Mr. W. Hepworth, of Halifax, to be the judges. 
The florists selected to show on this interestin 
are, for Derby :—Messrs. J. Gibbens, W. All 
Allen, W. Parkinson, J. Parkyn, and J. Eason. 
Nottingham florists comprise: J. E 
Spencer, W. Harpham, J. F. Wood, J. Ma 
Wild, 
Sawdust Roasting.—1tis reported that the King of 
Sweden has offered a reward of 10,0007. (qu: dollars ?) 
to the person who shall contrive the most efficient 
apparatus for converting sawdust into charcoal without 
waste. 
Caution to the Purchasers of Flowers and Plants.— 
A fellow dressed like a gardener is going round the. 
metropolis selling, at good. prices, apparently fine 
wholesome Laurels and Pelargoniums, which are nothing 
but slips totally devoid of roots, and secured together in 
large pots of clay by straw strongly girded by thick 
twine, so that should the dupe of a purchas r attempt 
plucking the slips they remain immovable.—Morning 
aper. 
Extinction of the Liverpool Botanie Gardens.—At a 
public meeting of the proprietors, held on Monday, it 
was agreed, in consequence of the gradual de of 
botanical taste in the wealthy classes of the community, 
and the inadequate support which this admirable an 
perfect establishment has long received, to offer them 
first for sale to the town council, and if that body should 
decline to purchase, to break up the gardens, d ie of 
the plants and hothouses, and sell the land in build- 
ing lots.— Daily Paper. 
CALENDAR OF 
OPERATIONS. 
(For the ensuing Week.) 
Liquid manures are now allowed on all hands to be 
great fertilisers, provided they are used in a perfectly 
elear state. I would advise everybody, therefore, who 
is desirous of progression in point of high cultivation, 
not only to provide a stock immediately, (as vegetation 
is rousing from its lethargy,) but to lay forthwith the 
foundation of a plan, by which it can be always obtained 
with ease and comfort, in a systematic way. Soot water 
is no: doubt of considerable value when clarified, and I 
am inclined to think that this, blended with the urates 
and guano water, will furnish all that can be desired in 
this respect. The only safe maxim that I can recom- 
mend is, to use it constantly, perfectly clear, and weak; 
by the latter, I mean clear water merely tinged in eolour 
it. Used beyond a given strength, it will certainly 
alyse the action of the root it was intended to invi- 
gorate : used in a turbid state, it will close the soil 
against the atmospheric influences, for which it thus 
becomes a very poor compensation. 
CONSERVATORIES, STOVES, &c. 
Conservatory.—All manual operations here should, 
of course, be performed as early in the mornir 
possible, in order that the family may enjoy their ram- 
bles amongst the plants without obstruction, in a sweet 
and free atmosphere, and on very clean floors. Orange 
trees.in tubs are liable to a. black fungus on the: leaf, 
having the appearance of soot, this should be tho- 
roughly cleaned away at all. times, more especially now ; 
a little soap-suds, warm, is a very good thing, applied 
with a sponge, and a little sulphur may be mixed with 
them. Decaying flowers, or unsightly plants, should be 
instantly removed, and their places filled with superior 
articles brought from theother departments. This strue- 
ture, where proper means are allowed, should now be 
in the highest perfection, and the hybrid Rhododendrons, 
Camellias, &¢., &e., should make a fine display. - Large 
plants of the above that have been some time in their 
pots or tubs, will-require much water—more than peo- 
ple commonly imagine. Use tepid liquid manure, ac- 
cording to my preceding remarks. S/ove and Orchi- 
daceous House.—A slight increase of heat may now be 
indulged in on sunny days, by shutting up early, after a 
thorough ventilation. To obtain this, I would keep a 
rather lively fire from seven in the morning until eleven 
o'clock, from which time it may deeline until the fol- 
lowing morning. By taking the air entirely away an 
hour afterwards, and watering floors, or other temperate 
surfaces, (not pipes or flues) a most delightful atmo- 
sphere will be created. Proceed with repotting Orchids, 
taking them exactly in the order in w| 
be sure that your material is scalded or 
destroy insects, _ Keep the plants well elevated, and use 
plenty of charcoal, in lumps of considerable size, fasten- 
ing the whole at last, so that the plant cannot be loosened 
by agitation. Sphagnum, or other Moss, pegged ‘on 
the top, makes a very good finish, and is, I think, to be 
recommended in houses which are short of atmospheric 
moisture. Keep Stanhopeas very high indeed— pots are 
quite unfit for them. Syringe plants on blocks ocea- 
sionally. Dendrobiums should have a rath 
sphere, yet warm, and will require water 
root. Let the temperature be 60? by night; 
day; rising to 70° on sunny afternoons. 
Freenhouse.—Little advice eam be given be 
sent, make slow advanees. Over rapid ones 
verify the old adage— the more haste the wor 
= 
Sow exotie seeds in shallow pans half filled with drain- 
d 
age, on whieh place a. little light loam a dy heath 
E] 
