at the back, with fainter ones on each side. Filaments 10, 
united into a tube at the base, 7 bearing anthers, which 
have always been imperfect in the specimens that we have 
examined. Style pale purple, slightly hairy at the base, and 
smooth upwards. Stigmas 5, purple, reflexed. 
The present subject is a hybrid production, and was 
raised at the Nursery of Mr. Colvill, in 18Q4, from a seed 
of P . involucratum var. lilacinum, that had been set with 
the pollen of P. oblatum; it came into bloom for the first 
time this Spring, and has been since continually covered 
with its heads of flowers; it is nearly intermediate between 
its two parents, and is one of the strong growing sorts that 
will thrive in almost any soil or situation, being of a very 
hardy nature ; another thing that makes it desirable, is its 
coming into flower so early in Spring, wdien flowering plants 
are most wanted, the present plant being in full bloom by 
the middle of March : it thrives well in any rich light soil; 
and cuttings root readily, planted in pots, and placed in a 
sheltered situation. 
