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frequently, tlirougliout the year ; before expansion of the j^etals, the buds 

 exhibit a pinkish tinge ; it grows from cuttings readily, and bears abundance 

 of good seed ; it thiives in any soil not too dry, and is hardy enough to with- 

 stand the cold blast of the bitterest south-wester. 



Ve7'07iica elliptica, Foist. One of the native plants that is known to have 

 been cultivated in England for some years ; it is even mentioned in Paxton^s 

 Botanical Dictionary. It is often to be observed in gardens and shrubberies, 

 not very hardy perhaps, as its habitat naturally is in sheltered positions near 

 the sea. Its pale lilac-tinged blossoms exhale a delicate perfume. From 

 cuttings it is propagated almost as easily as the willow. It blooms in 

 November. 



Veronica diosnioifolia, R. Cunn. This beautiful shrub, said to have been 

 brought from the Bay of Islands, bears such an abundance of lovely white 

 blossoms as should ensui-e it a sheltered place in eveiy shrubbery, 



Veronica Colensoi, Hook. f. This close-growing species attains a height of 

 3 or 4 feet, with an even rotimdity of form that appears almost artificial. It 

 is common in sub-alpine districts. Hooker states it to be variable, and difficult 

 to distinguish from V. Icevis and V. Traversii ; we have long remarked varia- 

 tions both in form and colour of the leaf, and also that some individual 

 specimens are much shyer bloomers than others. It will thrive in any ordinary 

 soil, and is hardy enough for any aspect ; it should have plenty of air. 

 A variety of this kind we have seen planted for edgings. 



Veronica Icevis, Benth. The species we know as V. Icevis, differs fiom 

 Hooker's description in that tlie leaves are without petioles. It does not thrive 

 well in very dry soil. 



Veronica huxifolia, Benth. Our specimens, obtained from the Westland 

 side of Arthur's Pass, are of dwarf habit, 2 to 3 feet in height ; the white 

 flowers, produced abundantly in short racemes at the points of the branchlets, 

 bloom in October. Hardy ; it grows well from cuttings. 



Veronica carnos%da, Hook. f. Native of the Dun Mountain Range. At 

 first glance its leaves appear somewhat to resemble those of V. elliftica, but 

 are coriaceous and rounded at the point ; its habit is much like that of 

 V. huxifolia. It flowers in November. Hardy ; it is easily propagated by cuttings. 

 Veronica pinguifolia, Hook. f. We have cultivated this shrub for many 

 years. The peculiar glaucous colour of this decumbent species, affords a 

 pleasing contrast to many others in the shrubbery. Its habit is pleasing 

 and it blooms freely in any situation, and is not easily lost if once obtained 

 as its lower branches are often found self-rooted. 



Veronica inmeleoides. Hook, f A small shrubby species with a delicate 

 shade of glaucous green ; its pretty blue flowers make it a desirable plant for 

 the front of a border or for rockwork. It grows well from cuttings, but must 

 not be planted in a very wet situation. 



