GOURDS AND CUCUMBERS, (ORNAMENTAL,) Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacece. 
The Gourds are a coarse class of plants, liked principally on account of their curiously formed 
and often strangely colored fruits. The foliage, however, is abundant, the leaves generally large, 
and useful for cover- 
ing old trees, fences, 
arbors, etc. The cul- 
ture is the same as 
required for squashes, 
melons, etc. Some 
people are curious 
^ in collecting and 
growing all the odd 
formed and colored 
Gourds they can pro- 
cure, and in Europe 
we saw some very 
large and varied col- 
lections. This, how- 
ever, is a "hobby" 
we do not much admire, for we can get more real beauty with far less trouble. However, we 
garden for pleasure, and if it is obtained in this way, we certainly shall not complain. 
IPO MCE A, Nat. Ord. Convolvulacece. 
Under the name of Convolvulus we have described the Morning Glory, which is by some 
called Ipomoea purpurea ; but the Ipomoeas proper are a genus of very beautiful Convolvulacese, 
widely distributed over all warm climates, and a few 
extending into North America. Some of the varieties 
of Ipomoea are exceedingly large and fine, excelling even ^ 
the best Convolvulus. Others, like the Cypress Vine, 
which we show in the engraving, have small flowers, 
of the brightest colors, and the most delicate foliage 
imaginable. The Ipomoea is generally more delicate than 
the Convolvulus, and should be classed among the ten- 
der annuals, and therefore will succeed best if started in 
the hot-bed, and afterwards planted in a sheltered and 
warm situation. The Ipomoeas are all desirable for pots, 
baskets, etc., for the house. For hanging baskets and green-house decoration, the Ipomoeas hold 
a prominent place, and will well repay for any extra care they may require. 
LOASA, Nat. Ord. Loasacece. 
The Loasa is a good climber, with curious, handsome flowers, which it bears in great abun- 
dance. The flowers are of the size shown 
in the engraving, bright in color, being yel- 
low and red. The branches are covered 
with stinging hairs that give pain when 
touched, so that a good deal of care must be 
exercised when handling the plants. The 
Loasa is a native of Chili and Peru, and 
though seldom seen in American gardens, 
is quite commonly found in some sections 
of Europe. A plant or two will give a 
good deal of pleasure for a season or so, 
until one becomes familiar with it, and we 
have known several important lessons 
taught by the Loasa, to thoughtless people 
who are so apt to handle and pick flowers in other people's gardens ; a very thoughtless practice. 
92 
