This fine plant is a hybrid production, and was 
raised from seed by Mr. Smith, gardener to the 
Earl of Liverpool, at Coombe Wood, at the same 
time as P. rubescens. He informs us that it was raised 
from the seed of P. ignescens that had been impregnated 
with one of the strong-growing kinds, perhaps V.floTi- 
dum. It is a very free growing sort and an abundant 
bloomer, and is a valuable acquisition to our collec- 
tions from the size and brilliancy of its flowers. It 
thrives well in a mixture of turfy loam and peat, and 
a little sand in it to keep it open. Cuttings strike 
root readily planted in pots in the same kind of soil, 
and placed on a shelf in the greenhouse. 
It is but too frequently the practice among nursery- 
men, when they are not certain of the plant ordered 
by a customer, to put another in its place sooner 
than not fill up the order they receive. We are told 
that at this time the present plant is often sent instead 
of P. pavoninum by several nurserymen about London. 
In this way the figures in botanical works often bear 
the blame due to the infidelity of the nurseryman. 
