S0LA2JUM. 309 



S. eallicarpum. — Stem clotted with, stout spines ; th^ 

 leaves are very broad, one to two feet in length, deeply 

 einuate ; they are supported upon deep purple footstalks, 

 which gives the whole plant a beautiful appearance. It 

 attains a height of about four feet, and is one of the best 

 for planting in the open air during summer. Native of 

 South America. 



S. hyhriSum comfpaotum. — ^Very great improvements have 

 been effected during the last few years, through hybridi- 

 sation, in the genus Solanum, more especially in the berry- 

 bearing section, of which S. capsicastrum may be taken as 

 the type, and which has been the parent of many very fine 

 varieties. Amongst all the superb forms, however, which 

 have been obtained by cross-breeding, the present stands 

 pre-eminent. S. liyhridum compaclum is of fine dwarf and 

 <x)mpact habit, seldom exceeding eighteen. inches in height, 

 and very close branching, thus forming a dense and hand- 

 some bush. The leaves are produced in abundance, and 

 are from three to four inches in length, about one in 

 breadth, oblong-lanceolate in shape, tapering towards the 

 base, and deep rich full green. In early summer they are 

 profusely adorned with small white flowers, which are 

 succeeded in autumn by large round bright red berries, 

 borne in clusters of from five to seven ; in this state they 

 are admirably adapted for the decoration of apartments, or 

 for the dinner-table, in addition to the beautifiil effect they 

 produce in the greenhouse or conservatory. They are also 

 very ornamental in the open borders ; being very hardy 

 they are not affected by early frosts, and thus, especially in 

 imld autumns, the beauty of the borders or beds may be 

 considerably enhanced by the culture of this variety. 

 , S. laeiniatum elegcms. — This plant forms beautiful com- 

 pact bushes, The leaves are long, pinnatifid, th,e segments 



