OF ORNAMENTAL PERENNIALS. 51 
Though this species may be planted in shrubberies, it succeeds best in an open situation in a rich loamy soil. 
It is increased by parting the roots, and by seeds, which it ripens plentifully. It never, however, flowers well 
unless the roots are strong and large, and when this is not the case, the petals drop very soon. This objection 
holds good with all the pseonies ; and for this reason, as well as on account of the large size of their flowers, they 
are quite unfit for small gardens, or for any confined space. This species is a native of Sicily, whence it was 
introduced in 1822. 
OTHEE SPECIES OF PiEONIA. 
P. TRITERNATA, Pall. P. DAURICA, And. Bot. Rep. t. 486 ; Bot. Mag. t. 1441. 
This is one of the Caucasian paeonies; with pale rose-coloured flowers. It was introduced in 1790. 
P. LOBATA, Desf. 
This species has purplish sweet-scented flowers, which are produced in May and June. It is a native of 
Portugal, and was introduced in 1822. 
P. BROWNII, Z)o«ii'. 
This is a species with purplish red flowers, found by Douglas on the north-west coast of North America, and 
introduced in 1826. 
P. HUMILIS, Rite. 
The flowers of this dwarf species are of a purplish blood colour. It is a native of Spain, and was introduced 
in 1633. 
P. PARADOXA, And. 
The flowers are of a violet crimson. It is a native of the Levant, but the year of its introduction is unknown. 
P. MOLLIS, And. ; Lodd. Bot. Cab. t. 1863 ; Bot. Reg. t. 474. 
The flowers are of a dull purplish red, and the leaves are covered with a soft down. Neither the native 
country nor the year of introduction is known. 
P. PUBENS, Sim's Bot. Mag. t. 2264. 
Flowers large, dark purple, with yellow anthers. The whole plant is covered with down. It was 
introduced in 1821. 
P. VILLOSA, Swt. Brit. Flow. Gard.t. 113: P. SESSILIFLORA, Sim's Bot. Mag. t. 2C48. 
A native of France, with white flowers and downy leaves. Introduced in 1820. 
There are some other species, but they difier but slightly from each other. 
CHAPTER II. 
BERBERIDE^. 
Charactfr of the Order. — Sepals 3-4, but usually 6 ; in two the apex by a small, some'wbat elastic valve. Ovary solitary, crowne 
series, deciduous, furnished with petal-like scales on the outside. 
Petals equal in number with the sepals ; rarely double that number, 
and opposite them ; usually furnished with a gland or scale at the base 
in the inside of each. Stamens equal in number to the petals, and 
opposite them ; anthers adnate, two-celled, opening from the base to 
by the rather orbicular stigma. Fruit one-celled, baccate, or capsular. 
Seeds erect, usually fixed to the bottom of lateral placenta ; rarely 
solitary, usually 2-3, ovate or globose. Albumen fleshy ; embryo 
straight, slender, with the radicle more or less thickened at the point, 
with flat cotyledons. (G. Don.) 
Description, &c — This order, though it is well known, from the beautiful shrubs belonging to the genera 
Berberis and Mahonia, included in it, is not supposed, generally, to contain herbaceous plants. There are, 
however, a few genera of perennials belonging to it which are well deserving of cultivation in gardens. 
