250 
CONVOLVULACEiE. 
to a trellis it makes a fine appearance. In winter, a warm shelf 
near the glass and but little water, preserves it best. 
Pharbitis. Though of less extent than some others of the 
order, this genus is second to none in beauty. The greater part 
of its members are hardy, climbing annuals, among which the 
most popular is P. hispida , or, as it is commonly called, Con- 
volvulus major . This, with its numerous varieties, is esteemed 
as one of the most showy border flowers. Barbiyera, hederacea, 
Purshii, scabrida, ccerulea , and some others, are all sufficiently 
robust to grow and flower in the open air, though they are ma¬ 
terially assisted by raising the plants in heat some time in March 
or April, and afterwards transferring them to the borders when the 
weather becomes settled. The portion of the genus most worthy 
of attention is, however, the greenhouse kinds. The splendid 
P. Learii , and not less beautiful ostrina and Nil, are instances of 
the value of this division. The first is one of the finest climbers 
it is possible to introduce to either the greenhouse, conservatory, 
or stove; it is of vigorous habit, extending forty or fifty in a 
season, or even more, in proportion to the encouragement it re¬ 
ceives. The brilliant caerulean-tinted flowers are produced in 
great profusion throughout the entire of the season’s growth, and, 
being in clusters, as well as individually large, they are sur¬ 
passingly effective. The rich, purple flowering ostrina is but 
little inferior when well grown; and, as an ornament to the 
lower part of the walls or pillars, the deep blue Nil is equally 
desirable. The habit of the last being much more restricted, 
suits it also for pot culture. When fixed to a trellis, there are 
few plants more beautiful. In general aspect it resembles the 
Ipomcea 7'ubro-ccerulea, but the flowers are a shade deeper in 
colour, rather larger, and more freely produced. It is an annual, 
and, if raised under protection and afterwards planted out, will 
flower in the open air. The others are perennials, readily in¬ 
creased by cuttings, which in Learii should always be taken 
from the upper part of the plant, as it will be found that the 
creeping stems it naturally produces, besides the climbing ones, 
do not blossom near so freely. The whole of this genus delights 
in strong, rich soil, and therefore the mixture should contain a 
good portion of loam and reduced manure, adding leaf-mould 
instead of peat, and sand enough to keep the mass porous. 
