54 
BURTONIA CONFERTA. 
matter, to prevent the particles from running close, and adhering together. It may, 
however, be rendered too open, and thus subject the plant to great inequality of 
moisture ; this must be guarded against. A soil of a fine grain is objectionable on 
account of the difficulty of getting it thoroughly moistened, if at any time it chance 
to become too dry. A rough heath-mould, a portion of decayed leaves, and river- 
sand, make an excellent composition. Much depends on regular attention to 
watering, as either extreme wet, or drought, is sufficient to produce death in a 
very short time. 
During the latter part of summer, it may be set out of doors in some place 
where it will not be much exposed to the mid-day or afternoon sun, observing also 
to defend it from violent winds and dashing showers. 
It is propagated with great facility by cuttings taken from plants in a free 
growing state, inserted in sand, with a bell-glass, and subjected to a gentle bottom- 
heat. They should be potted out separately, immediately after roots have 
formed, or they are apt to " damp off." 
The generic name was given by Dr. Brown, to commemorate the services of 
Mr. David Burton, a zealous, active collector for the Royal Botanic Gardens at 
Kew ; who after having sent home a considerable number of plants, died in New 
Holland. The close and somewhat crowded arrangement, both of leaves and 
flowers, appears to have prompted the specific name. 
