268 
IPOMCEA LEARI. 
leaves of the former species are quite entire, those of the latter frequently divided 
irregularly. In /. Leari, again, the segments of the calyx are considerably longer, 
and the clusters of flowers are more regular, that is, their pedicels are of nearly 
equal length. To complete the disparity, it may be added that one is a native of 
tlie Eastern, and the other of the Western world, /. ruhro-coerulea being indigenous 
to Mexico. 
We have thought it requisite to the popularity of this very deserving plant, to 
specify thus elaborately those particulars wherein it is so plainly distinguishable 
from a species to which few can be strangers ; and pass immediately to a short 
consideration of the principal items to be observed in its management. In a newly- 
erected house at Mr. Knight''s nursery, appropriated partly to stove plants and 
partly to the purposes of propagation, and in which consequently a rather high 
temperature is preserved, the specimen from which our figure was executed is 
planted in a bed formed near one of the corners, and trained to a slender wire 
lattice extending^ beneath the entire surface of the roof. It commenced flowerino- 
in this i)osition towards the end of September, and has scarcely yet ceased ; the 
length of the strongest shoots being fully thirty feet. 
The particulars in this notice which we desire specially to dwell upon, are those 
of the plant being quite unrestrained at its roots, growing in a hot, moist atmo- 
sphere, and being very near the light, by the action of which it seems rather 
benefited than otherwise. It appears to be a shrubby species, and will probably 
retain its foliage through the winter in a moderate temperature. The fact of its 
having been raised only last year, will account for its beginning to bloom at so 
late a period, and in the following season it will doubtless unfold its first blossoms 
as early as June or July, from thence continuing to flower till the advance of 
winter. From the cause already assigned for the late development of its blossoms, 
no seeds have yet been perfected ; but there is sufficient reason to expect a prodigal 
supply at a future time. Cuttings root with great readiness when taken from 
the youngest branches in their immature state, and before they have attained a 
flowering condition. Superfluous stems are also sometimes thrown up from tlie 
roots, which, if taken off ere they have extended themselves beyond two or three 
feet, form excellent cuttings. 
The generic name has been explained in vol. iii. p. 50, where a delineation and 
description of /. ruhro-coerulea are given, to which the reader may be referred for 
a comparison between the colours peculiar to the flowers of the two species. 
