272 



I'lKK 1.1.1)1 NCS tJK Til K 



olluTs t;r»>\vint; in an upii^lil jK>siiioii iVom ;i l"(K»t to two foot in 

 hoi^ht, biaiRliini; and covt'iod willi short spreading hairs. The 

 rtowcTs grow hinu;ly from tho axils of the leaves, are about two 

 inches lonj^ and their l)order nearly two inches and a half in 

 dinnieter, willi mucii tlie outline of a jjjood heartsease ; the tube 

 is of a dark creani colour, the border purple or deep blue chang- 

 int; into lilac. 



I he plant was said to be of tiie easiest cultivation, liowerin^ 

 in August and continuing- covered with large violet lh)wers for 

 three or four months. It seems to llourish in any free s«)il, and 

 is Uiore easily propagated than any i)lant with which 1 am ac- 

 (piainted. In the spring when it begins to grow this can be 

 done by separating and potting the scaly bulbs described above j 

 afterwards its creeping stems will strike their roots into the soil 

 and can be taken otf perfect plants; and at all times, while the 

 plant is growing, cuttings may be struck in a few days. Every 

 one who has a warm greenhouse or cucumber or melon frame 

 to start it in, and enal)le it to form its flower buds in summer, 

 may have it in full bloom in the common greenhouse or sitting 

 room in autumn. The lovers of drawing-room plants may in- 

 troduce it there and grow it as easily as they now do the Achi- 

 menes coccinea Those who have sutiicient accommodation 

 may produce a fine eifect by planting a quantity of the roots in 

 a large fiat bo.\, and so forming a bed of tiowers, which will 

 contrast beautifully with the green foliage of the surrounding 

 plants. 



After the flowering season is past the stems die off and the 

 roots require no more care than keeping perfectly dry and free 

 from frost during the winter. When spring comes round and 

 the plant shews signs of growth it must be repotted, at the same 

 time removing some of tlie old soil and dividing the roots, where 

 they seem to be sending up too many young stems for the size 

 of the pot. 



Mr. Robert Thompson, Superintendent of the Fruit Depart- 

 ment, communicated some account of a Plum called the Ick- 

 worth Imperatrice, sent to the Society by their late President, 

 Mr. Andrew Knight. 



Its parentage on both sides possesses much merit, it having 

 been raised from the Imperatrice Violette and pollen of Coe's 

 Golden Drop. The fruit is middle-sized, or somewhat larger 

 than its female parent. The Skin is purple, richly traced, as if 

 embroidered, with golden brown lines, some like straight pen- 

 cillings radiating downwards from the insertion of the stalk, 

 while others are wavy or disposed circularly. The Flesh i& 

 greenish amber, partly adhering to the stone, juicy and very 



