all from North America. The first flowers in October and November; the other two from August to October. These are all perennial plants, as are most of the genus.

They may be increased by parting the roots, which should be done in autumn, when the stalks begin to decay. The two first prefer a light loamy earth, and exposure to the sun; the others will thrive in almost any soil or situation. There are other species of this genus, some of which are raised in a hot-bed; but their treatment, when grown, is generally the same. The kinds here named will bear the open air. The earth should be kept just moist, and the plants be supported by sticks as they advance in height, or the strong winds of autumn may be apt to break them.

CORN-FLAG.

GLADIOLUS.

IRIDEÆ.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

The botanical name of this plant is the diminutive of gladius, a sword, and is given it from the form of its leaves. It is also called Sword-flag, Corn-sedge, and Corn-gladin.-French, le glayeul; flambe. -Italian, ghiaggiuolo; gladiolo.-In Sicily, spatulidda.

THE Corn-flag is related to the lily, and has a bulbous root. It is a handsome genus. Of the Common Cornflag there are many varieties, differing in colour. These may be increased by offsets from the roots. About the end of July, when the stalks decay, the roots may be taken up, the offsets separated from them, and the whole dried, cleaned, and carefully preserved in a dry and secure place till the end of September, or the beginning of October, when they may be re-planted. They will bear the open air.

The other species are chiefly natives of the Cape, and

require this difference in their treatment, that they must be kept within doors from October till May, allowing them fresh air in mild weather.

The Corn-flags must be sparingly watered; in the winter, not more than once a week. The roots should be planted separately, in pots about five inches wide, and should be covered two inches deep.

Speaking of the great variety of bulbous plants in the Cape of Good Hope, Thunberg observes that many of them diffuse an agreeable odour, particularly towards evening, and in the night, especially some of the species of Ixia and Gladiolus. "The baboons of Table Mountain," continues he, "feed upon the bulbs of several plants, which they dig

up, peel, and eat. The Gladiolus plicatus appears to be

the most favourite plant with those that live near the Cape, for which reason this plant is known also by the name of Baboon. The root is often boiled, and eaten by the colonists."

Indeed plentiful as these bulbs are, they can ill be spared to the baboons, for many of the Caffres entirely live upon them; particularly those of the Iris, Ixia, Gladiolus, &c. and a bulb which they call the Hottentot Fig *.

Many poor creatures pass a great part of their lives in roaming about in the woods in search of bulbs to sustain life.

LEGUMINOSE.

CORONILLA. ́

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

The name of this plant is derived from corona, a crown, of which it is the diminutive; the flowers crowning the branches in a cluster.

THE Coronilla Emerus, or Scorpion Senna†, is a native of most parts of the Continent of Europe. The flowers * Thunberg's Travels, Vol. I. p. 285 and 287. Vol. II. p. 189. + Italian, ginestra di bosco. (Broom of the Forest.)

are yellow, and blow in April. A dye is obtained from this plant nearly equal to that of indigo.

This shrub is fond of water.

The Small Shrubby Coronilla has small deep yellow flowers, blowing in May, June, and July. It has a very powerful scent, and is a native both of Spain and Italy.

The Great Shrubby Coronilla is very similar to the last; but this is in flower almost all the year; and the scent of it is more powerful in the day-time than in the night. It is a native of the South of France.

The Cretan Coronilla is a very low shrub, but very handsome when in full blossom, as it produces an abundance of yellow flowers. They blow in May, and are very sweet scented.

The three last kinds are not so fond of water as the first, but incline to a dry soil. In dry summer weather they may be slightly watered about three times a week. In the winter they should be sheltered from the frost, and then once in a week will suffice to water them.

most of the species.

This treatment will suit

COTYLEDON.

CRASSULACEE.

DECANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.

Called also Navelwort, which is the signification of the botanic name in the Greek.

THE Round-leaved, Oval-leaved, and Oblong-leaved are properly only varieties of the same species. They are natives of the Cape, and are in blossom from July to September. They must be sheltered in the winter. They are extremely succulent; and care must be taken to preserve a due medium in watering them. If they have too much wet, it will rot them too little will not nourish them. Observe the leaves, and do not let them shrink for

want of moisture. Give them just sufficient to keep their vessels distended. It must be shed on the roots only.

There are many species of Navelwort. Those which do not require a stove may be treated in the same manner as those already mentioned. They are all very succulent, and should have a poor, dry soil. They may be sown either in

spring or autumn.

The flower called Venus's Navelwort has no affinity with these, but is the cynoglossum linifolium. It is an annual plant. The seeds may be sown pretty thick, either in spring or autumn; and, if they all grow, they should be thinned where too close. Those sown in autumn will flower in May and June. The spring-sown seeds will come to flower a month later. The earth should be moderately moist.

PRIMULACEE.

COWSLIP.

PRIMULA VERIS.

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

The Cowslip, i. e. cow's lip, is of the same genus as the primrose. The Yorkshire people call the Cowslip Cow-stripling. It is also called Herb-Peter, and Paigles.-French, la primevère, primerole; herbe de la paralysie [palsy herb]; fleur de coucou; bavillon.— Italian, primavera-odorosa.-In the Venetian territory, primola.Some of these are also used for the primrose. The Italians call the Oxlip, occhio di civetta, (owl's eye.)

THE Common Cowslip, or Paigle, is common in Europe, both in moist sand and upland pastures, and on the borders of fields. In a clayey or loamy soil it thrives best, and prefers an open situation. It flowers in April and May. Though respected both for its beauty and utility, the Cowslip, in pastures where it is very common, becomes an injurious weed. The leaves are eaten in salads, and recommended for feeding silk-worms before the mulberryleaves make their appearance. The flowers are very

fragrant; and a pleasant and wholesome wine is made from them, approaching in flavour to the muscadel wines of the South of France. It is said to be an inducer of sleep.

MONTGOMERY'S WALK IN SPRING.

These flowers have a rough and somewhat bitter taste, which, with their agreeable odour and yellow colour, they impart both to water and spirit. A pleasant syrup is made from them; and a strong infusion, drank as tea, is considered antispasmodic. The colour, as is well known, is usually a bright yellow, dashed with deep orange, sometimes approaching to crimson. Thus Iachimo describes Imogen as having