certainty, but there appears to be amongst them several dif- 
terent kinds, probably five or six at the least. If you think it worth 
while, Mr. Bovell and myself will send you a specimen cane of each sort 
m January or February next, when they will be sufficiently far advanced 
to show their characteristics. The way in which they first grow is quite 
sufficient to account for them not being often noticed upon the fields 
the weather herei during January last was particularly favourable for 
their growth, and the fact of different varieties being grown side by side 
is, of course, much more favourable for the production of seed than the 
585 
SKIMMIA FOREMANNI. 
What are popularly known as “Berried Plants ” are always valued 1 
for decorative purposes, and this is particularly the case when the- 
berries are of a bright colour, freely produced, and long lasting. At 
the Royal Horticultural Society’s meeting on December 11th last 
Mr. Foreman, Eskbank Nursery, Midlothian, exhibited a Skimmia 
under the name given above, which was said to have been raised at 
Fig. GG.—SKIMMIA FOREMANNI 
growth of one variety only. I have never heard of the Bourbon cane 
producing here fertile arrows; in all the alleged cases of fertility the 
arrows were either those of the purple or white transparent varieties 
which, as you are aware, are prone to variation. We sha'l again attempt 
this year to obtain the same results. I am anxious to have the benefit 
of your opinion upon this year’s results, as of course, if we can establish 
the fact of the cane occasionally, and, under certain favourable con¬ 
ditions, producing fertile seed, it will open an important field of investi¬ 
gation.—J. B. Harrison, Government Laboratory, Barbados, 17th 
September, 1888."—(Kevo Bulletin.') 
Eskbank from seeds obtained by crossing S. oblata with S. fragrans, 
and so attractive was the plant with distinctive characters well marked, 
that a first class certificate was awarded. The leaves are dark green, of 
oval form, the bright scarlet berries being produced freely in large 
bunches, and they are described as remaining on the plant for a con¬ 
siderable time, some being retained for two years. The plant is of 
sturdy compact habit and very hardy, for Mr. Foreman says it has 
been exposed to 32° of frost without injury. 
