alone, which are known as the Geraniums of the 
green-house, are at the present time upwards of four 
hundred in number. The greater portion of the 
distinct species have been introduced from the Cape 
of Good Hope, but a multitude of others have been 
raised from seeds in England, chiefly hybrids, many 
of which will doubtless, transmit a name alone to 
future generations. 
When the original family of Geranium was divi- 
ded, it was well conceived that the same prominent 
feature should be represented in the names ; therefore, 
as Geranium was derived from the Greek geranos, 
a Crane ; the Greek pelargos, a Stork, gave 
Pelargonium; and from erodios, a Heron, was de- 
duced Erodium. Hence, a w ell defined natural family 
of vegetables with a prominent character in its ger- 
men and pointed style, is ingeniously designated by 
a natural family of animals — the Crane, the Stork, 
and the Heron, each possessing the peculiar feature 
— a long bill, which marks the resemblance between 
the plant and the bird. 
The Erodium hymenodes is a desirable plant, 
deserving a place in every collection ; for though we 
have registered its blossoming season butsix months, 
it is difficult to say when it is not in flower. 
When planted in the borders, a light soil and dry 
situation should be chosen for it, and in a warm 
aspect. It may be raised from seeds; or more readily 
from cuttings, taken from May to August ; which 
should be struck in a cool part of the border, under 
a hand-glass, and afterwards be transplanted into 
pots, for protection in a cold frame, during the severe 
frosts of the first winter. 
Hort. Kew. 2, %\ 4, 157. 
