224 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
A very interesting example of the genus Agave, a group of plants 
which, from their remarkable and strikingly effective forms, are making 
their way slowly but surely in popular favour, is the Agave xylinacantha, 
recently figured (Bot. Mag., t. 5660). It is a stemless plant, with the thick 
succulent leaves spreading on all sides, and bearing on their margins 
flat, whitish, variously lobed or furcate, or sometimes simple, spinous pro¬ 
cesses, which are often hooked; it is these woody-looking spines that have 
suggested the name. The scape is simple, erect, 9 or 10 feet high, terminat¬ 
ing in an attenuated but crowded raceme 3 to 4 feet long, of small greenish 
flowers with projecting yellow anthers. 
Erodium macradenium (Bot. Mag., t. 5665), recently introduced from 
the Pyrenees by Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, a pretty cut-leaved 
plant, with lilac black-spotted Pelargonium-like flowers, appears to be the 
same as the plant long since cultivated (and, doubtless, subsequently lost 
to our gardens), under the name of E. glandulosum. It is an elegant her¬ 
baceous perennial.. M 
ROOTS FROM VINE STEMS. 
Before I observed Mr. Cramb’s remarks at p. 174 concerning the 
production of roots from Vine stems, I thought there was no doubt but 
such roots were the mere effects of moist heat, especially during dull 
weather; and this not only coincides with his remarks on the subject, but 
I think also with the opinion of practical Vine-growers. If the opinion of 
theorists is correct, that the fault proceeds from weakness of the roots 
underground, then only weak Vines would produce roots from their stems, 
whereas they are less liable to do so than strong ones, though both may be 
under the same treatment. I need observe that the roots are produced 
only from the under sides of the stems shaded from the effects of the sun, 
and they soon die off in a drier atmosphere. 
The same may be said of healthy Melons, Cucumbers, and plants of 
many other kinds, whose stems often produce roots or fibres during dull 
weather. Some of my Vines are upwards of thirty years old, with stems 
thicker than one’s wrist, and they annually produce roots—more or less, 
according to the warm humidity of the house, as freely as Vine cuttings do 
whilst lying amongst warm leaves. 
Cosseg Park. J. Wighton. 
CONCERNING CONIFERS. 
The planting of Conifers is every year extending over the country. 
They are not now confined to the pleasure ground, nor to a special place 
set apart for them called a Pinetum, but are being largely planted over the 
parks and plantations of many of the larger estates. These are the proper 
places for all the larger-growing species. 
In some of the places where Conifers were largely planted some years ago, 
one of the great mistakes committed was the planting of them too closely 
together. In most situations where the plants have not been properly 
thinned, the greater number of the specimens are spoiled for want of room 
to develope themselves. Large-growing Conifers have generally been 
planted too closely together, or too near walks and other things that prevent 
their developing themselves. 
