27.^ 
FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 
NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS FOR 
DECEMBER. 
Begonia diversifolia. Assimilating to B. Martiana in some particulars, 
but diiFerino; in the foliage, which is small, very unequal in its two sides, and greatly 
varying in form. It is a plant of an interesting appearance, and produces fine 
pink flowers, which appear to be almost without a rival, in size and beauty, among 
the allied species. It flowered lately, and for a considerable period, at Mr. Low's, 
Clapton. 
Epacris, Jiyhrid. Some novelties, in the way of hybrid Epacrises, are now^ 
flowering in Mr. Low's greenhouses, at Clapton; and one, which is the most 
distinct, has peculiarly dense recurved leaves, like those of E, coccinea^ and short, 
thickly-set flowers. But the latter are wdnte in the lower part of the tube, and 
deep pink at the top ; thus presenting two separate and clearly defined tints in the 
same blossom. What is rather curious, they do not seem to expand when perfect, 
but remain constantly closed. 
Primula sinensis ; var. plena. This very lovely variety has been perpetuated 
by division in the nursery of Messrs. Henderson, Pine-Apple Place ; and though, 
not being capable of increase in any other way, it is not likely soon to become very 
common, Messrs. HoUison and other nurserymen have plants of it. The beautiful 
flowers issue in numerous scattered clusters, in an ascending series from one stalk, 
and, like those of some of the single varieties, are disposed somewhat in the manner 
of many kinds of candelabra. 
SopHRONiTis GRANDiFLORA. Messrs. LoddigGS have recently been successful 
in blooming this rare and charming little Orchidaceous plant. Its pseudo-bulbs 
9.nd leaves are not together more than an inch or two in length ; and the flowers, 
which are of a rich orange or light cinnabar colour, are fully an inch in diameter. 
Grown on a small log of wood, for which it is singularly adapted, it has a 
remarkably pleasing effect. 
OPERATIONS FOR JANUARY. 
In ordinary winters, January is usually the most severe month of the year ; 
and hence the cultivator will necessarily be much occupied in the protection of 
tender plants from frost. Conventional usage describes this protection as the 
exclusion of cold ; and though w^e would not object so much to phraseology that 
VOL. VIII. — NO. XCVI, N N 
