124 
BORONIA LEDIFOLIA. 
the foliage is in distant bunches, and not so regularly disposed as in the former 
plant; and the stems and branches are considerably stronger, the latter being like- 
wise more spreading, than those of B. crenulata. It may be added that the leaves 
are without any of the notches peculiar to each of those species. To B. pinnata^ 
again, there is a resemblance in the size, general character, and colour of the flowers ; 
these being nevertheless of a more expansive kind, and rather richer hue. 
Such, then, is the relative position of this species, with regard to its congeners. 
A more abundant supply of foliage would probably render it additionally orna- 
mental ; but when in flower, the astonishing profusion of its blossoms prevents this 
defect from being noticed, and in the absence of flowers it is not at all conspicuous. 
Altogether, it is entitled to a high place in the esteem of the cultivator, and at the 
time we observed it blooming with Messrs. Loddiges in April last, the symmetry 
and beauty of the plant, so copiously laden with its charming inflorescence, were 
particularly striking. 
Messrs. Loddiges imported from New Holland, many years ago, the seeds from 
which their existing stock of this plant was obtained. We learn from the 
catalogues, in fact, that it has been in England since the year 1814. Plants have 
not, as far as we can gather, flowered freely previous to their development at the 
establishment above noticed, and our figure was made at the period just mentioned. 
It may be associated with the allied species in reference to its management. 
The soil must not be very nutritive, and sandy heath-mould should be the main 
constituent ; elevated slightly, moreover, in the middle of the pot. One third of 
light loam will, however, be requisite. Special care should be taken not to put 
the specimens in a pot of too great a diameter, and to water them at all times with 
caution ; since no plants sufi*er more from drought or saturation. Cuttings, treated 
in the ordinary way, will root soonest in the month of May or June. 
The genus commemorates Francis Borone, an Italian servant of Dr. Sibthorpe, 
for having collected a great number of botanical specimens. He was accidentally 
killed at Athens. The term ledifolia refers to the similarity of the leaves to those 
of the common species of Ledum. 
