CULTIVATION AND ANAL YSIS OF PLANTS. 
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IRE-POKER plant is the familiar name of what is scientifically 
known as the Tritoma uvaria. Tritoma signifies thrice-cut, in the 
original Greek, and is supposed to represent the three sharp edges of 
the leaf, namely, the two margins and the keel; and uvaria, from the 
Latin, denotes the not very close resemblance of its raceme of flowers 
to a bunch of grapes. At a distance, the spike-like raceme looks more 
like a red-hot poker (whence its very expressive nickname), and, with its 
supporting stalk rises to a height of from two to four feet, nearly one-half being 
covered with the bloom. The flowers at their first appearance are a bright red, 
and change through all the shades of that color down to a light yellow, in which 
they continue the best part of the season. They are conspicuous at quite a dis¬ 
tance, and never fail to attract attention by their peculiar manner of growth; near at hand 
they are no less striking by the ofFensiveness of their smell. The leaves, unlike those of 
most of the other Liliaceous plants, are narrow and grass-like, looking very much like a 
large tuft of dark-green pampas-grass; but they make up in numbers for what they lack 
in width. The Tritomas are often set out as ornamental plants in landscapes, lawns and 
gardens; but are scarcely ever introduced into the parlor or displayed in the window. 
This is another of those Cape of Good Hope bulbs that contribute so largely to the 
diversification of our Flora; and by its hardy habit is easily cared for even in our colder 
northern latitudes. Placed in a box, with a slight covering of ea’rth to protect the roots, 
and an equally light covering of hay or straw for the head, it will survive any ordinary 
winter in a common cellar; and can be again planted early in spring as soon as all danger 
of the heavier frosts has disappeared. The Tritoma will flourish with the same soil and 
treatment as other Liliaceous plants; and may be propagated in the manner described 
under the head “ Lily.” 
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'ASTURTIUM, from the Latin, meaning nose-twisted, is perhaps 
a more significant name for this genus of plants than the one given 
it in science. It was probably intended to express by that word 
the pungent odor; while the scientific name Tropaeolum, from the 
Greek troficeon , a trophy, seems to have no special application, 
unless it be because of the shield-like shape of the leaves; and 
perhaps an observable, though not very striking, resemblance between the 
flower and an inverted helmet. In ancient Greece, trophies raised on the field 
of battle were composed largely of captured shields and helmets. It is nick¬ 
named Indian Cress on account of its sharp, pungent taste and its occasional 
use as a salad. The beauty of the flowers and leaves make it an excellent 
adornment for fences and rock work, while the fresh leaves may be used as a table vege¬ 
table, possessing marked anti-scorbutic properties. The T. Lobbianum, so called after Mr. 
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