appear to be invariable, nor perhaps general, in the Dahlia excelsa ; 
for we have since seen other younger plants with many branches, but 
still preserving a main or leading shoot, in a manner wholly distinct 
from the garden species. This habit is represented by our smaller out- 
line sketch. .A plant now growing in the greenhouse of the Liverpool 
Botanic Garden, where it has heen about three years, has attained the 
height of twenty feet, but although a few buds have appeared, it has 
not perfected any flowers. In its native country it grows thirty feet 
high, and if productive of numerous flowers, must indeed be an object 
quite worthy of the contemplation of the most zealous Dahlia fancier. 
Mr. Shepherd of the Liverpool Botanic Garden informs us that Mr. 
Bate, to whom this country is indebted for the Species, possesses dried 
Mexican specimens of the flowers, both single and double, which were 
produced by the same plant; we may therefore conclude that it pos- 
sesses a sportive character similar to that of its congener, now so well 
known and admired by every person even of the most obtuse perception 
in floral affairs. : 
In the “ Botanic Garden,” No. 166, being that which will appear 
on the same day as the number of the Botanist, which we are now writ- 
ing, we have published the Tree Violet. This has much the same 
ia; since by a mixture of them stamina may possibly be given to 
- However un- 
certain may be the result, it is hi ghly desirable that the experiment be 
made. To obtain this gigantic species of Dahlia in perfection we have 
no doubt but preference should be given to planting it in the border 
of a lofty conservatory, not near any wall, but where it can enjoy the 
full influence of the light, and spread without obstruction from other 
plants. It may be easily increased from cuttings. 
D 
Dantia, named by Cayanilles, in honou 
iP 
nean genera; a splendid compl 
to the uninteresting or ob 
ists of first 
