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SYRINGODEA HIRTA. 



It is now divided into twenty-two separate genera, and apparently the separation 

 is founded on characters that will be found permanent, an arrangement which 

 will much facilitate their investigation. We are sorry our space is insufficient 

 to allow us to point out the characters on which the different genera are founded ; 

 we must therefore reluctantly refer to the work itself. 



The natural order, Ericaceae, is composed of plants which have long ranked 

 among the most esteemed of the productions of Flora. Their geographical 

 distribution extends to the ultimate limits of both hemispheres. But it is to 

 Europe and to Africa that the normal Ericaceae are chiefly confined, though the 

 greatest number is found in Africa — a country, says Mr. Don, in the work above 

 quoted, so rich in plants, that it appears a spot where plants are huddled 

 together in strange confusion, as if Nature had at length deprived herself of 

 sufficient space for their equal distribution. 



For the cultivation of the different species of Erica, they require generally a 

 green-house, or cool pit or frame covered by mats or some other covering during 

 severe weather. The soil should be light sandy peat. They may be propagated 

 readily by cuttings of the young wood in sand, covered with a hand or bell glass, 

 in a cool, shady situation. 



The generic name, Syringodea, is derived from arvpt,v£ (syrinx), a pipe, in 

 allusion to the tubular form of the flowers ; the specific name from hirtus, hairy. 



Fig. 1, calyx and bracteas ; 2, germen, style, filaments, and anthers ; 3, anther 

 magnified, showing its dehiscence and awns at the base. 



