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Cal. 2-labiatus: 2/3: dentibus superioribus connatis. Vexillum vix alis longius. Legumen isthmis interceptum.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

N^o258.
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Clusius, in his work above referred to, informs us that he found this plant growing wild in various parts of Germany, in meadows, fields, and by road sides; that it flowered in June, sometimes the whole summer through, and ripened its seeds in July and August; the blossoms he found subject to much variation of colour, being either deep purple, whitish, or even wholly white: Casp. Bauhine notices another variety, in which the alæ are white and the rostrum purple; this variety, which we have had the honour to receive from the Earl of Egremont is the most desirable one to cultivate in gardens, as it is more ornamental than the one wholly purple, most commonly met with in the nurseries, and corresponds also better with its name of varia; it is to be noted however that this variety of colour exists only in the young blossoms.

The Coronilla varia is a hardy, perennial, herbaceous plant, climbing, if supported, to the height of four or five feet, otherwise spreading widely on the ground, and frequently injuring less robust plants growing near it; on this account, as well as from its having powerfully creeping roots whereby it greatly increases, though a pretty plant, and flowering during most of the summer, it is not to be introduced without caution, and is rather to be placed in the shrubbery, or outskirts of the garden, than in the flower border.

It will grow in any soil or situation, but blossoms and seeds most freely in a soil moderately dry.

Parkinson in his Theater of Plants, mentions its being cultivated, as an ornamental plant. Ait. Kew.

Its bitterness, will be an objection to its being cultivated for the use of cattle, for which purpose it has been recommended.

[259]

Lilium Catesbæi. Catesby's Lily.

Class and Order.

Hexandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

N^o259.
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At the close of the year 1787, Mr. Robert Squibb, sent me from South-Carolina roots of the Lily here figured, many of which have since flowered with various persons in this kingdom.

Catesby in his Natural History of Carolina, gives a figure and short account of it; Walter in his Flora Caroliniana describes it under the name of Lilium Catesbæi; Mr. Salisbury in the first number of his very magnificent work, lately published, presents us with a very highly finished likeness of this lily, accompanied by a most accurate and minute description of it, and judging from some appearances in Catesby's figure, that it was not the Lilium Catesbæi of Walter, names it spectabile; but as we are assured by Mr. Squibb, who assisted his friend Walter in his publication, that it was the lily figured by Catesby, we have continued the name given in honour of that Naturalist.

Of the different Lilies cultivated in this country, this is to be numbered among the least, the whole plant when in bloom being frequently little more than a foot high; in its native soil it is described as growing to the height of two feet; the stalk is terminated by one upright flower, of the form and colour represented on the plate; we have observed it to vary considerably in the breadth of its petals, in their colour, and spots.

It flowers usually in July and August.

This plant may be raised from seeds, or increased by offsets, which, however, are not very plentifully produced, nor is the plant to be made grow in perfection without great care, the roots in particular are to be guarded against frost; the soil and situation may be the same as recommended for the Cyclamen Coum. p. 4. v. 1.

[260]

Metrosideros Citrina. Harsh-Leav'd Metrosideros.

Class and Order.

Icosandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

N^o260.
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Though many species of this genus have been raised from seeds, brought within these few years from the South Seas, where they are said to be very numerous; this is, we believe, the only one that as yet has flowered in this country: our drawing was made from a plant which blossomed toward the close of last summer at Lord Cremornes, the root of which had been sent from Botany-Bay; previous to this period we have been informed, that the same species flowered both at Kew and Sion-House: as it is without difficulty raised both from seeds and cuttings, young plants of it are to be seen in most of the Nurseries near town; it would seem that they do not flower