CALLED COLUMRO OR COLOMBA. 38/ 



the roots were then separated, and the whole was depo- 

 sited in a cool room, and covered with a moist sand ; 

 where in about two months, tl)e old root began again 

 to throw out several buds from the same end as before. 

 It was now planted in the ground, when one rrtore vi- 

 gorous shoot, which grew rapid!}', soon destroyed the 

 others; and in a month this shoot produced male 

 flowers only, nor after the strictest search, could any 

 other be found on the plant, so that the genus is as yet 

 uncertain. 



This stem, like the former, withered in six months, 

 when the roots were dug up, a!id found considerably 

 larger, but not much altered in shape, nor had any of 

 them attained a size to be compared with the original. 

 There was only the addition of one new lateral root or 

 branch, from this second year's growth. As it was 

 supposed that these roots would now vegetate, they were 

 detached ; which has been unfortunate, as several 

 months have now elapsed, and no buds have formed : 

 they are however still very fresh, and may yet grow. 

 From this it appears that only large roots are fit for 

 planting out. 



From the male flowers, and habit of the plant, the 

 columbo seems to belong to the natural order of Sar- 

 ineyitacea Linn, or Menhferma of Jiis^ieu. The follow- 

 ing description may help to decide. 



Planta Herbacea. 



Radix perennis, ramosa ; rami fusiformes. 



Caulis annuus, post sex, aut septem menses marcescenS, volubilis, 



simplex, teres, pilosas, crassitudine pennje. 

 Folia akerna, peiiolata, semipedalia et majora, quinqueloba, quin- 



queiiervia ; iobis integerrimis, acuminatis. 

 pRTioLi teretes, pilcsi, basi reflexi, folio paulo breviores. 



Cc 2 



