middle within the sides divided longitudinally by two mem- 
branous ridges in the grooves between which the filaments 
are placed. Scales 6, convex, alternate with the filaments, 
membranous, affixed circularly to the lowest part of the in- 
terior of the calyx by their concaye side, jagged at the rim. 
Stamens equal, enclosed, upright: filaments inserted at the 
bottom of the calyx, white, filiform: anthers yellow, veer- 
ing, slantingly incumbent, linear-sagittate, opening on 
each side. Germen white, mealy, cylindrical, hexagonal, 
3 times shorter than the corolla, of a circumference little 
less than that of the calyx: ovules numerous placed in 
crowded multiplied rows along the corners of the locula- 
ments, ovate, beaked: style white, filiform with three 
Streaks, higher than stamens, but not overtopping the 
corolla, nor thicker than the filaments: stigmas 3, twined 
into an oblong spiral one, of a violet-blue colour. 
A native of the Brazils. Introduced about three or 
four years ago from Rio Janeiro by Mr. Rose; and culti- 
vated in his hothouse at Cuffnels in Hampshire. It re- 
quires to be kept in the bark-bed, where it flowers in March 
and April. Puts out numerous suckers, by which it is easily 
multiplied. Like the rest of its kindred; the leaves retain 
water in considerable quantity in the folds at their bases. 
Mr. Edwards was favoured with the specimen from which 
the drawing was made by the Duchess of Athol, on whose 
application to Mr. Rose he was supplied with one of the 
largest outer leaves, which illustrate the character attributed 
by Plumier to the spines at the margin, and which is not so 
perceptible in the inner ones. Differs from all its con- 
geners that we are acquainted with, in having an entirely 
bracteless inflorescence. 
—_— 
A diminished outline of the flower-stem below the spike. 
The flower opened vertically, on a vertical section of its germen. 
