SONSBILA. 311 



and densely clothed witli rich fawny hairs. A very 

 distinct and ornamental kind. Native of South Africa. 



8. stramoniaefolmm. — ^This is a beautiful ornament to the 

 sub-tropical garden. It grows several ieet in height, and 

 produces leaves jErom eighteen to twenty-four inches in 

 length, and about twelve inches in breadth, deeply lobed, 

 the upper side dark green, the under side rosy purple, and 

 the primary veins white, these latter, on both sides, being 

 furnished with stout spines. Native of the East Indies. 



8. WoA'scewioeoides. — A fine plant for the sub-tropical 

 garden, producing broad deeply cut leaves, with the 

 primary veins white. The stems and both sides of the 

 leaves are clothed with stout brown spines. Native of 

 Tropical America, 



SONBEILA. 



A genus of dwarf-growing Melastomaeeous plants of 

 great beauty. Many of them are exceedingly attractive 

 objects when laden with their bright coloured, although 

 small flowers; but the species here introduced is re- 

 markable for the beauty of its leaves, which is greatly 

 heightened by the charming flowers. They form beau- 

 tiful ornaments for the stove, and, as they increase freely, 

 a stock should be kept for the temporary decoration of 

 vases in the drawing-room, or for the dinner-table. To 

 manage these plants snccessfldly, they should be grown 

 in good fibrous peat, with a little good leaf mould, and 

 a liberal addition of sand. Drain well, as during sjimmer 

 an abundance of water is necessary, but during winter 

 it must be withheld. They must be placed near the 

 glass, and be but moderately shaded, as they enjoy expo- 

 sure to the light. To increase them, place rather small 



