FLORAL,
Illustrations of the
SEASONS,

Consisting of

The Most Beautiful, Hardy and Rare

HERBACEOUS PLANTS,

Cultivated in the Flower Garden,

from Drawings by

Mrs. EDWARD ROSCOE,

Liverpool,

Engraved by R. Havell, Junr.

London,

Published by Robt. Havell, Junr. 77, Oxford Street,

AND

Baldwin & Cradock, Paternoster Row.

1831.

TO WILLIAM ROSCOE, ESQ., F. L. S.,

&c. &c. &c.

My dear Sir,

In dedicating this Work to you, I am not presumptuous enough to believe that I can offer anything novel in a botanical point of view, though I am sure you are too generous a patron of the science to discourage any effort, however feeble, which has for its object the diffusion of a taste for such pursuits: my motives, however, are not of this nature; I would offer it to you as a mark of respect and affection, but more particularly of gratitude, for the warm attachment you have ever evinced towards me, which has contributed so much to the happiness of my life. With these sentiments, allow me to subscribe myself,

Your affectionate Daughter,

M. R.

Toxteth Park,

March, 1829.

PREFACE.

The present state of botanical knowledge renders it impossible for the Author of this Work to indulge in a hope, that she can add anything to the learning and research which distinguish the science: as a humble follower of those who have added so much to our information on these subjects, she would walk in their delightful paths, and gather some of those objects of beauty which lie scattered around her. To endeavour to place them in an attractive form—to attach to them useful and accurate information—has been her pleasing task; and she will be amply rewarded if she should be the means of affording any encouragement, particularly among her own sex, to a taste for botanical pursuits. One of our greatest philosophers has declared a "Garden to be among the purest of human pleasures"; and if we look for a still higher sanction—we have the divine command to

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow."

There is no pursuit which fills the mind with more noble and exalted sentiments than the study of these works of Nature:—wherever we turn our attention, we shall discover in them ample lessons of instruction and delight; in the structure of every plant, we shall find the most exact symmetry, and the most perfect contrivance—and the more minutely we examine, the more decided traces we discern of that Power

"Who planned, and built, and still upholds a world

So clothed with beauty."

The gratification to be derived from such pursuits, is heightened by considerations like these, and their utility and value are rendered still more evident. To use the language of the late excellent and distinguished Sir James E. Smith, "Is it not desirable to call the soul from the feverish agitation of worldly pursuits, to the contemplation of divine wisdom in the beautiful economy of Nature? Is it not a privilege to walk with God in the garden of creation, and hold converse with his providence? If such elevated feelings do not lead to the study of Nature, it cannot be far pursued without rewarding the student by exciting them."

In the arrangement of this Work, the Author has aimed at some degree of novelty in the design, as well as of utility in the information. To her own sex, to whose particular notice she offers it, she trusts it may prove a useful and correct guide to their tastes, both in their selection for a flower garden, and as objects for their pencil. She has chosen those plants most remarkable for their beauty, and general adaptation to our borders—and, in order to render the Work more complete, she has added to every genus those species most desirable for cultivation.

The Author cannot conclude, without expressing her obligations for the assistance afforded her by her friend Mr. Shepherd, Curator of the Botanic Garden, Liverpool; and her thanks are particularly due to his able and intelligent coadjutor, Mr. Henry Shepherd, F.L.S.

Toxteth Park,

March, 1829.

SPRING.

"—————————Bright with dew,

And in a mingled wilderness of flowers,

Fair-handed Spring unbosoms every grace;

With hues on hues expression cannot paint

The breath of Nature, and her endless bloom."

Thomson's Seasons.

Plate 1. Crocus.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

CROCUS mæsiacus.

Common Yellow Crocus.

Class and Order.—Triandria Monogynia.

Syn. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 1111.

Crocus langeæflorus. Salisbury Par. Lon. vol. ii., tab. 106.


Bulb small—leaves numerous, radical, linear, lanceolate—flower enclosed with the leaves in a membranous sheath—-corolla yellow, divided into six oval-shaped petals, the three outer divisions beautifully marked with green—stamens three—filaments short—anthers sagittate—style one—stigma divided into three parts.

The species here figured is the earliest and best known in our gardens. It was introduced into this country in the year 1629, and derives its specific denomination from the ancient name of that part of Europe where it abounds in a wild state. Numerous varieties of the genus are constantly raised from seed, but the number of distinct species do not exceed ten or twelve. The cultivation of these plants is attended with no difficulty whatever: they will grow in any soil or situation; and the C. mæsiacus increases so rapidly as to require frequent parting. The different varieties make a beautiful display in the months of February and March, if placed in alternate patches in the flower border, and produce a brilliant effect when expanded by the warmth of the sun. The most desirable for a flower garden are the following species and their varieties:—

Crocus vernus.Crocus susianus.
—— versicolor.—— sulphureus.
—— nudiflorus.—— sativus.
—— biflorus.—— autumnalis.

Pl. 1.

Plate 2. Hepatica Triloba.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

HEPATICA triloba.

Common Blue Hepatica.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Polygynia.

Syn. Hepatica triloba. Pursh, N. A. F., vol. ii., p. 391.


Root fibrous—leaves radical, three-lobed, on long petioles—stem simple, erect, pubescent—one-flowered calyx of three leaves—corolla blue—six petals, oval-shaped—stamens numerous, fixed to the receptacle—styles many—stigmas obtuse.

The blue variety of the Hepatica triloba, which blooms about March, is one of our most beautiful Spring flowers, and is more readily cultivated than any of the other kinds. According to Pursh, "It is a native of Canada, and is found in woods, and on the sides of fertile and rocky hills." The double variety of this plant is less common in our gardens, and the single white variety is rare. These plants like a loamy soil, and eastern exposure—and should be removed when they are in blossom. The roots do not bear to be often separated; and if divided into small pieces are frequently lost: but if left undisturbed in a congenial situation, they will attain great luxuriance. Miller says the single varieties are easily propagated by seed; but our more modern gardeners do not coincide in this opinion. The new leaves do not appear until after the flowers, though occasionally those of the preceding year retain their freshness, as in the figure here given. All the Hepaticas are ornamental.

Double blue.Double pink.
Single pink.Single white.

Pl. 2.

Plate 3. Scilla Bifolia.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

SCILLA bifolia.

Two-leaved Squill.

Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.

Syn. Scilla bifolia. Eng. Fl., vol. ii., p. 146.


Bulb oblong, oval—leaves two, radical, opposite, linear, lanceolate, about five or six inches long—peduncles short—corolla bright blue—petals six, oblong, spreading in the form of a star—stamens six, shorter than the petals—germen superior—styles short.

This beautiful plant is a native of the West of England, though rarely found. It likes a light soil, and should be grown in large patches, when it forms one of the greatest ornaments to our gardens in the month of March. The white variety also flowers about the same time, and forms a striking and beautiful contrast if placed alternately in the flower border. It is increased by offsets, which may be removed when the leaves decay. If this plant be covered with a hand-glass, when coming into bloom, it will expand more fully, and preserve the brilliancy of its colour. The Scilla maritima possesses peculiar medicinal properties. The most beautiful species are

Scilla amæna.Scilla Italica.
—— Siberica.—— Peruviana.
—— Verna.—— præcox.

Pl. 3.

Plate 4. Narcissus Moschatus.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

NARCISSUS Moschatus.

Spanish Daffodil.

Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.

Syn. Narcissus Moschatus. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 1300.


Root bulbous—leaves radical, linear—twisted, glaucous—stem simple, erect—flowers solitary, issuing from a sheath, lanceolate—corolla cream colour, consisting of a tubular nectary, with a laciniated mouth, surrounded by six long tortuose petals—stamens six—pistil one, enclosed in the tube.

This plant is one of the least common and most beautiful of the genus, and is remarkable for the peculiar delicacy of its colour. It is a native of Spain, and was introduced into this country about the year 1759. It requires a light rich soil; and, like all other bulbs, ought only to be removed when the leaves decay. The plant grows from twelve to sixteen inches high, and flowers in April. The genus Narcissus is a very numerous and beautiful one, and affords a delightful variety. Some of the most ornamental are

N. bulbocodium.N. triandrus.
— poeticus.— tenuifolius.
— angustifolius.— incomparibilis.
— biflorus.— bicolor.
— odorus.— minor.
— tenuior.

Pl. 4.

Plate 5. Erythronium Dens Canis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

ERYTHRONIUM dens canis.

Common Dog's-tooth Violet.

Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.

Syn. Erythronium dens canis. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 5.


Root bulbous, oblong—leaves radical, broad, lanceolate, somewhat undulate, marked with brown—stem naked, erect—flowers solitary, drooping—corolla campanulate, composed of six equal oval-shaped petals, of a lilac hue, inclining to pink—stamens six, terminated by oblong purple anthers—germen superior—style longer than the stamens—stigma divided into three parts. When the flowers are fully expanded the petals are reflexed. The white variety differs only in the colour of the flower.

There are few plants more desirable for a flower garden than the Erythronium dens canis, and its white variety; and none contribute more to the beauty of our borders in the month of March, or beginning of April. It is a native of Hungary, and some parts of Italy, and was introduced into this country in the year 1596. These plants like a light soil, mixed with bog, and are propagated by offsets, which may be removed any time after the leaves decay; but the roots should not be kept long out of the ground, as they are liable to shrink. Miller mentions two species of the lilac Erythronium; but his distinctions, founded only on the breadth of the leaves, and colour of the flower, would not be sufficient to form a different species. It is, however, worthy of remark, that the leaves of those bulbs which do not bear flowers, are broader and rounder than the others. There are two other species, mentioned by Pursh, in his "Flora of North America," vol. i. p. 230, both bearing yellow flowers, one of which is occasionally seen in our gardens.—Erythronium Americanum.

Pl. 5.

Plate 6. Adonis Vernalis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

ADONIS vernalis.

Perennial Adonis.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Polygynia.

Syn. Adonis vernalis. Curt. Bot. Mag., p. 134.


Root fibrous—stem branching, growing to the height of ten or twelve inches—leaves pinnate, pinnatified—calyx five segments, deciduous—flowers terminal—corolla yellow, composed of twelve or fourteen oval-shaped petals—stamens numerous—styles many—germen superior.

Though this plant has been long known in our gardens, having been introduced in the year 1629, it is by no means common. It is found wild on the mountains of Switzerland, and in different parts of Austria. It likes a rich loamy soil, and is increased by parting the roots; but to have it in perfection it should be grown in large patches, and seldom divided, when it makes a beautiful appearance in the flower garden in the months of March or April. In its native country, this plant does not exceed four inches in height, and the flowers are of a much more brilliant colour. There are two other species of Adonis, but they are seldom met with.

A. autumnalis.
— flammea.

Pl. 6.

Plate 7. Primula Auricula.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

PRIMULA auricula.

Auricula.

Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.

Syn. Primula auricula. Jacquin Flo. Aus. 5, t. 415?


Root fibrous—leaves radical, ovate, dentate—base entire—stem simple, radical—flower terminal, corymbose—calyx five segments—corolla monopetalous, cream colour, slightly tinged with yellow, five segments, emarginate—stamens five—pistil one.

This plant is a native of Switzerland, and was introduced into this country about the year 1596. It is the parent of all the beautiful varieties of Auricula, which are now cultivated in our gardens. It grows low, and, like many of the genus, is suitable and ornamental for rock work. The Primulas flourish most in a mixture of loam, decayed leaves, and bog earth, and, like all Alpine plants, require a pure atmosphere. The leaves of this species are apt to vary in form, the margins occasionally being entire. Some of the most beautiful are the following:—

Primula nivalis.Primula villosa.
—— cortusoides.—— farinosa.
—— helvetica.—— Scotica.
—— decora.—— Pallasii.
—— integrifolia.—— minima.
—— marginata.

Pl. 7.

Plate 8. Sanguinaria Grandiflora.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

SANGUINARIA grandiflora.

Large-flowered Bloodwort.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Monogynia.

Syn. Lyon's MSS.


Root tuberous, knobbed—leaves radical, lobed—lobes laciniated, light green, under surface reddish purple—veins red—enclosing the infant blossom, which gradually emerges from its folds—flower stem simple, erect, about six or eight inches in height—calyx two segments, convex, deciduous—corolla white—petals eight, oblong, obtuse—stamens many—style very short—germen superior, terminated by a stigma divided into two parts.

This beautiful species, which is much larger than the Sanguinaria Canadensis, was introduced into this country about the year 1812, by the late Mr. John Lyon, with several other valuable plants, collected by him in different parts of North America. It takes its name from the root, which, when broken, emits a red juice resembling blood, with which the Indians are said to paint themselves. Its blossoms are transient, and, like many other Spring flowers, require the warmth of the sun to expand them. It grows best in bog soil and a sheltered situation, and may be increased by parting its roots, which should be done in the Autumn, to prevent any check to its flowering in the following March or April. There is only another species, the S. Canadensis, above alluded to.

Pl. 8.

SUMMER.

Hail, gentle Summer! every mead

With thy fair robe of beauty spread

To thee that beauty owes;

The smiling flowers with joy declare,

And loudly tell to Reason's ear,

Whence all that beauty flows.

Fawkes.

Plate 17. Pæonia Tenuifolia.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

PÆONIA tenuifolia.

Fine-leaved Pæony.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Trigynia.

Syn. Pæonia tenuifolia. Curt. Bot. Mag., pl. 926.


Root tuberous—stem erect, branching, growing to the height of one foot, or more—leaves numerous, biternate, linear—calyx five segments—flowers terminal—corolla deep scarlet—eight petals, orbicular, undulate—stamens many—anthers bright yellow—styles three—germen superior.

Though this beautiful plant has been so long known in our gardens, being introduced in the year 1756, it seldom grows luxuriantly, which perhaps may be accounted for by the liability of the roots to decay in cold wet soils. It is a native of Siberia, flowers in May, and makes a brilliant appearance when grown in large patches. The Pæonias grow best in a rich loamy soil, and may be increased by parting the roots, or by seed; by the latter means several most beautiful varieties have been raised of the Pæonia moutan, of which a full account may be seen in the "Hor. Soc. Trans.," vol. 6. This is a remarkably handsome genus. Some of the most ornamental are

P. odorata.P. rosea.
— sibirica.— moutan.
— albiflora.— papavaracea.
— Sabinii.— corallina.
— peregrina.— humilis.

Pl. 17.

Plate 18. Phlox Divaricata.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

PHLOX divaricata.

Early-flowering Lychnidea.

Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.

Syn. Phlox divaricata. Curt. Bot. Mag., pl. 163. Pursh's Flo. N. A.,
vol. i., p. 150.


Root fibrous—stem branching—leaves opposite, sessile, oblong oval, acute, undulate—flowers corymbose—peduncles short—calyx five segments, linear, acute—corolla monopetalous—five segments, emarginate, narrower at the base—pale blue—stamens five—style one—stigma divided into three parts.

The genus Phlox is perhaps one of the most beautiful cultivated in our gardens, and affords a delightful variety, its different species flowering all through the Summer and Autumn. The plant here figured is the earliest; and though it cannot boast of brilliancy, it is remarkable for the beautiful delicacy of its colour, and modest appearance. It grows low, seldom exceeding eight or ten inches in height, and is, on this account, very suitable for rock work. It flowers in May, likes a strong loamy soil, and is increased by parting the roots, or by cuttings. This species is a native of the mountains of Virginia, North America, and was brought into this country by the late Mr. Fraser. There are various others equally desirable for a flower garden. Amongst the most beautiful are

P. pyramidalis.P. subulata.
— ovata.— reflexa.
— carnea.— amæma.
— nivalis.— stolonifera.
— setacea.

Pl. 18.

Plate 19. Anemone Palmata.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

ANEMONE palmata.

Cyclamen-leaved Anemone.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Polygynia.

Syn. Anemone palmata. Bot. Reg. pl. 200. Persoon. Syn. Plan.,
vol. ii., p. 97.


Root tuberous—leaves radical, cordate, suborbiculate, dentate—stem radical, clothed with a ferruginous hair—flower issuing from an involucrum, sessile, trifid—corolla yellow—petals about twelve, oblong, obtuse—stamens numerous—styles many—germen superior.

This is a most striking and ornamental species, and though it is said to have been introduced so far back as the year 1597, is still rare in our gardens. It is difficult to cultivate, perhaps requiring a little stronger soil than Anemonies generally do. When its roots have attained a great size, it should be removed or divided, as it is then liable to decay; few, however, are fortunate enough to cultivate it to such a state of luxuriance. It is perfectly hardy, though mostly treated as a frame plant. The under side of the lower radical leaves is tinged with a bright violet colour. The genus Anemone is a numerous one, and can boast of many ornamental species.

A. appennina.A. sylvestris.
— hortensis.— baldensis.
— patens.— thalictroides.
— narcissiflora.— pavonina.
— pratensis.— pulsatilla.

Pl. 19.

Plate 20. Pulmonaria Paniculata.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

PULMONARIA paniculata.

Panicled Lungwort.

Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.

Syn. Pulmonaria paniculata. Curt. Bot. Mag., pl. 2680.


Root tuberous—stem branched, one to two feet high—leaves ovate, oblong, acuminate, strongly nerved—panicles leafy—flowers drooping—calyx five segments—corolla funnel-shaped, contracted near the base—when arrived at maturity, of a brilliant blue—stamens five—style equal with the stamens—stigma obtuse—plant hispid.

This beautiful plant, according to the "Bot. Mag.," 2680, is a native of Hudson's Bay, and was "Originally introduced to the Kew Gardens by the late Dr. Solander, in 1778." It is still rare, and difficult to cultivate, though in congenial situations it will sow its seed, and increase abundantly; but the general method of propagating it is by parting the roots. The plant from which the annexed drawing was made grows luxuriantly in a cold, stiff soil, and has endured our severest winters without protection. It flowers in June; and though each blossom falls off almost as soon as it becomes perfect, there is a succession for a considerable time. The most beautiful species of this genus are—

P. virginica.
— davurica.

Pl. 20.

Plate 21. Campanula Pulla.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

CAMPANULA pulla.

Russet Bell Flower.

Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.

Syn. Campanula pulla. Loddige's Bot. Cab., p. 554.


Root fibrous—plant from two to three inches high—stem slender, radical, leafy, one-flowered—leaves very small, ovate, crenate, sessile, opposite—flowers terminal, drooping—calyx five segments—corolla purple, monopetalous, campanulate—margin five cleft—stamens five—style longer than the stamens—stigma divided into three parts—germen inferior.

This lovely little plant is a native of the mountains of Austria and Styria, and is particularly ornamental for rock work, to which it is well adapted by its low growth and general habit. It was introduced into this country about the year 1779, but is still very seldom met with. It is hardy, though like many Alpine plants is liable to be lost in the Winter unless protected, and it is therefore the safest plan either to keep it in a frame, or to cover it with dry leaves and a hand glass during Winter. It flowers in June, likes a light rich soil, and is increased by parting the roots. The genus Campanula is a very numerous one, consisting of upwards of sixty species: some of the most ornamental are—

C. peregrina.C. barbata.
— carpatica.— punctata.
— patula.— Scheuchzeri.
— persicifolia.— pyramidalis.
— capitata.— azurea.

Pl. 21.

Plate 22. Å’nothera Triloba.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

Å’NOTHERA triloba.

Dandelion-leaved Evening Primrose.

Class and Order.—Octandria Monogynia.

Syn. Å’nothera triloba. Curt. Bot. Mag., pl. 2566.


Root biennial? spindle-shaped—leaves radical, lyrate, dentate, smooth, middle rib strong—flower radical, rising from amongst the bright green leaves—calyx tubular—four segments, lanceolate, acute—corolla pale delicate yellow—petals four, slightly trilobed, undulate—stamens eight—filaments shorter than the petals—anthers oblong, bright yellow—style a little longer than the stamens—stigma four-cleft—capsule radical, sessile, containing four cells.

The specific name of this very interesting plant was given by Professor Nuttal, in consequence of what he considered the three-lobed form of its petals; this is however so very slight as to be scarcely observable, and therefore perhaps ought not to be considered a specific distinction. It was discovered by the Professor in the Arkansas country, in 1819, and seeds were afterwards brought by that indefatigable traveller and naturalist, Mr. D. Douglas, from North America, in 1824. This plant, which has a succession of flowers throughout the Summer, is extremely liable to decay, if not kept dry in the Winter; but it may be raised from seed, or by parting the roots in Autumn, and keeping them in a frame, in pots of light dry soil, giving them very little or no water until the roots begin to shoot in the Spring. This is the best method of increasing the Œ. cespitosa, a most lovely plant, but extremely difficult to propagate. There are numerous species and varieties of this very interesting genus: some of the most beautiful are—

Å’. frutiosa.Å’. glauca.
— speciosa.— grandiflora.
— acaulis.— amæna.
— rosea.— tenella.
— pallida.— viminea.

Pl. 22.

Plate 23. Clarkia Pulchella.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

CLARKIA pulchella.

Pretty Clarkia.

Class and Order.—Tetrandria Monogynia.

Syn. Clarkia pulchella. Pursh. Fl. N. A., vol. i. p. 260. Bot.
Reg.
, pl. 1100.


Plant annual—stem erect, branching—leaves linear, lanceolate, sessile, smooth—peduncles short—flowers growing from the axils of the leaves, solitary—calyx one segment, lanceolate, keeled—corolla beautiful purple pink—petals four, trilobed, obtuse, horned at the base—stamens four—anthers involute—style longer than the stamens—stigma divided into four parts—capsule oblong, grooved.

This very beautiful and singular annual was named by Pursh, in honour of Captain Clark, the companion of Captain Lewis, whose interesting travels across the continent of North America are so well known. It was found by Mr. Douglas, in the countries around the Columbia river, and brought by him into this country, to the Horticultural Society. The plant is hardy; but to facilitate its bloom, the seeds should be sown in a hotbed early in the Spring, and when the plants have acquired sufficient strength they may be removed to the borders, where they will continue to flower until destroyed by frost. This is the only species known of this genus.

Pl. 23.

Plate 24. Potentilla Nipalensis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

POTENTILLA Nipalensis.

Nipal Potentilla.

Class and Order.—Icosandria Polygynia.

Syn. Potentilla Nipalensis. Hooker's Exotic Flora, vol. ii., pl. 88.


Root fibrous—stem erect, branching—radical leaves, quinate—leaflets obovate, lanceolate, serrate—stipules large, broad, lanceolate—flowers terminal, on long peduncles—calyx double—five outer segments small, five inner somewhat larger—corolla five petals, emarginate, beautiful rose colour, darker at the base—stamens numerous—styles many—whole plant, hairy.

For this beautiful species of Potentilla we are indebted to the celebrated Dr. Wallich, of the Botanic Garden, Calcutta, who discovered it in Nipal, and sent seeds of it to this country. It is now becoming generally known, and is a great acquisition to our gardens, both for the beauty of its flower and continuing so long in blossom. A light loam suits it best; and when it likes the situation it will sow itself, and is therefore easily propagated. The genus Potentilla is not a showy one, but there are several pretty species:—

P. atrosanguinea.P. lupinaster.
— clusiana.— nivea.
— hirta.— pedata.

Pl. 24.

AUTUMN.

Though Summer with her fervid ray,

No longer leads the lengthened day,

Though Autumn with her sober tread

Appears upon the russet mead,

For her shall Flora form her wreath,

And still around her fragrance breathe;

Shall still with beauty deck the plain,

Nor cease midst darker hours to reign.

Plate 33. Eschscholtzia Californica.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

ESCHSCHOLTZIA Californica.

Californian Eschscholtzia.

Class and Order.—Polyandria Tetragynia.

Syn. Eschscholtzia Californica. Bot. Reg. pl. 1168.


Root fusiform—stem branching, growing to the height of one foot or more—leaves glaucous, tri-pinnatifid, segments acute—flowers terminal, on long peduncles—Calyx formed like the Calyptra of a Moss, which falls off previous to the expansion of the flower—petals four—large, spreading, slightly striated, narrower at the base, margins undulate, of a brilliant yellow, which increases to an orange in the centre of the flower—stamens numerous, filaments very short, anthers long, acute—stigmas four—seed vessel subulate.

Fig. 1. represents the seed pod. Fig. 2. the curiously formed Calyx.

This elegant flower was originally discovered by Mr. Menzies, during the expedition of Vancouver, in the year 1792, on the coast of California. It has been named by Chamisso after Dr. Eschscholtz, a companion of Kotzebue, in his voyage round the world, and was sent to the Hort. Soc., by Mr. Douglas, in 1826, who found it on the N. W. coast of America. It promises to be a very desirable and beautiful addition to our catalogue of herbaceous plants, flowering abundantly all thro' the summer 'till destroyed by frost. It may be propagated either by seeds, which should be sown in a hot-bed early in the spring, or by parting the roots in autumn, and grows best in a pure air, and a light, or sandy soil.

Pl. 33.

Plate 34. Catananche Cœrulea.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

CATANANCHE cœrulea.

Blue Catananche.

Class and Order.—Syngenesia Polygamia Æqualis.

Syn. Catananche Cœrulea. Curtis Bot. Mag. pl. 293.


Root fibrous—Stem radical, branching—growing to the height of two feet—Radical leaves, long, lanceolate, margins deeply toothed—back of the leaf downy, and strongly nerved—Cauline leaves, sessile, linear, acute. Flowers terminal on very long peduncles on which are scattered membranaceous bracteas—Calyx imbricate, squamose, membranaceous, striate—Corolla blue—Florets ligulate, apex three toothed, purple at the base, fertile—Stamens five, Anthers united—style one, stigma bifid.

There are only two species known of this genus, the one here figured is a native of the South of Europe, and is said to have been cultivated by Parkinson as far back as the year 1640, it is however by no means a common plant, owing perhaps to the difficulty of keeping it through the winter, when it is very apt to be destroyed by frost; it is easily raised from seeds which may be sown in the autumn, and if protected during the winter, will make strong plants to flower through the ensuing summer, continuing in beauty until the approach of winter—it likes a dry, sandy soil, and will not bear frequent removal,—the other species, Catananche lutea, is an annual not deserving of cultivation.

Pl. 34.

Plate 35. Coreopsis Grandiflora.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.

COREOPSIS Grandiflora.

Large flowered Coreopsis.

Class and Order.—Syngenesia Polygamia Frustranea.

Syn. Coreopsis Grandiflora. Sweet's B. F. G. Vol. 2. pl. 175.