Plate 317. 



PASSIFLORA VITIFOLIA. 



This brilliant -coloured species is also known under the name of Tacsonia Buchanam, but 

 as it has been exhibited under the name given above, we have thought it best to retain it. 

 For some months past it has been flowering in a stove-house at Mr. Eobert Parker's Nursery, 

 at Tooting, and producing blossoms of large size, and of a singularly bright scarlet colour. 

 It is a climbing plant with large bold unequally toothed leaves ; and if it does not prove 

 quite so free-flowering as some of the other species of this genus, some compensation is found 

 in the intense brilliancy of the colour found on them. 



The fact that this species is of comparatively recent introduction, will account for its be- 

 ing so seldom met with ; but it only needs to be known to be generally cultivated. It is a 

 native of Panama, and it is thought will prove sufficiently hardy to be grown in a greenhouse. 

 It can either be potted or planted out. The soil generally recommended for the Exotic Passi- 

 floras is a mixture of light loam and fibrous peat, with a good addition of silver sand. 



Plate 318. 

 AURICULA ' BOOTH'S FREEDOM.' 



This grand green-edged Auricula has been in cultivation for half a century or more, and 

 it still stands at the head of its class. The pips are of medium size, the ground colour deep 

 black, uneven it is true, but almost unsurpassable in point of colour ; while the green edge is 

 of a very bright deep colour. While it is not a perfect flower — that is perfect, in so far as it 

 answers in all its parts to the requirements of the florist — it is yet characterised by such 

 excellent quality that it will be the work of time to oust it from its proud pre-eminence at the 

 head of the green-edged class. 



It is a variety that must have high-class cultivation, and it is a flower that will only be 

 brought to a high stage of development by a comparative few. In the young stage it makes 

 but slow progress, but when it has reached a good size under skilful treatment, it then be- 

 comes a highly prized possession. That past-master in the art of Auricula culture, the Eev. 

 T. D. Horner, states that this fine variety succeeded with him when grown in pure vegetable 

 mould. We are indebted to Mr. Horner for the opportunity of figuring this fine variety. 



