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four of them, which were left in the open ground dur- 

 ing the winter of 1821, and which were protected 

 merely by a hot-bed frame, received no injury, although 

 the ground in the frame was frozen to the depth of five 

 inches. 



P^EONIA MOUTAN, or Tree Pczony. 

 In the gardens of China, they cultivate 240 varieties 

 of this splendid plant, some of which are sold as high 

 as a hundred ounces of gold ; and in so much esteem is 

 it held by them, that it is there called " the King of 

 Flowers/' During the months of March and April, 

 this plant appears in its most magnificent garb, and its 

 flowers, which are from eighteen inches to two feet in 

 circumference, form, what is so rarely met with, a com- 

 bination of splendour, delicacy, and fragrance. It is 

 yet a rare plant, having been but recently introduced to 

 this country; but, as it is one of the hardiest Green- 

 house plants, it is very probable it may ultimately be 

 found to stand our winters in the open air. 



PYRUS JAPONIGA, or Scarlet Flowering Japan Apple. 



This is also a very desirable plant ; its flowers, which 

 are produced in clusters during most of the winter sea- 

 son, are of the most brilliant scarlet, and are succeeded 

 by small fruit. 



MAGNOLIA OBOVATA, or Chinese Purple Magnolia. 



This plant is justly esteemed for the uncommon rich- 

 ness and beauty of its flowers, which are produced in 

 March, and are of a delicate purple outside, and white 

 within. All the other species of Chinese Magnolias are 

 desirable plants, but more particularly the Magnolia 

 conspicua, or Chandelier Magnolia, whose flowers are 

 very splendid, and are also produced during the winter 

 months. 



GARDENIA FLORIDA, or Cape Jasmine. 

 This is also a justly admired plant ; the bright shining 

 green of its foliage, and the delightful odour of its large 

 snow white flowers, which are produced from June to 

 December, must ever render it one of the most es- 

 teemed exotics. 



