when flowered and better understood, I feel convinced they will 
prove to be mere variations of A. Verschaffeltti. The number of 
so-called species of Agave in cultivation is now great; and as 
they are beginning to be favourites with plant-growers, there will 
probably be means of determining, within a few years, what are 
their real characters, and so arriving at a correct nomenclature 
of the species, now so much wanted. The plant from which the 
figure is taken I obtained, many years since, of the Messrs. Lea, 
of Hammersmith. After flowering the leaves of the plant 
withered considerably, but still retained a green colour, and I 
looked for some signs of returning vitality, either as a shoot 
from the stem or in the way of a sucker. This dormant state 
went on for nearly two years, when I determined to try an 
experiment. I divided the plant into several pieces, keeping 
a portion of the stem attached to several of the larger and most 
green-looking leaves. ‘These were allowed to dry for some time 
in a cool place, and then a gentle heat was applied to them. 
Several began to show in a short time green buds on the portion 
of the stem to which the leaf was left attached ; and I have now 
plants of this species obtained by this method of treatment. 
A cool greenhouse temperature seems to suit the generality of 
Agaves. They like a light, rich, loamy soil, plenty of fresh air, 
and when growing they should be liberally supplied with water.— 
Wee: 
