shape, mounted in the claw-like setting of the pale
green calyx; these pleasing spikes of flowers and buds have a peculiar
habit of bending; the unbloomed part is at right angles with the erect
stem, with the exception of the tip, which slightly erects itself; the
angle is ever changing, being ruled by the change of flower to seed, the
development causing the sharp bend to rise day by day. The leaves of the
root are spoon-shaped, and those of the stems broadly lance-shaped,
varying in length from 3in. to 5in., entire, veined, of good substance,
and having attenuated stalks; the younger leaves have a changeable
satiny hue; all the leaves at their junction with the stems are marked
with a bright redness; the main stems are furnished with many side
branches, which assist in maintaining floriferousness until late autumn.
The habit of the plant is dense, and from the numerous spikes of flowers
and bright green foliage strong specimens have a commendable appearance;
with me, the growth has been remarkably vigorous, exceeding by nearly a
foot the usual height; this I attribute to the enrichment of the soil.
The bent spikes are scarcely suitable for cutting purposes, but that the
plant is deserving of a place in the borders may fairly be inferred from
the manner in which it wins admiration when in flower. It enjoys deep
loam, which, as before hinted, should be rich; the situation should be
such as will afford it protection from the winds--then, if its leaves
remain untorn, they will afford a treat from their "autumnal tints."
Propagated by root division during late autumn or early spring.

Flowering period, July to September.

Margyricarpus Setosus.

BRISTLY PEARL-FRUIT; _Nat. Ord._ ROSACEAE.

A charming little evergreen shrub, and most aptly named, for not only
does the name convey some idea of its beauty, but it is specific to the
utmost degree; a glance at the illustration (Fig. 62) and the English
name, which is a translation of the Latin one, will show this. It is the
only species of the genus. It was introduced in the year 1829 from Peru,
and for a time was considered too tender a subject for other than stove
treatment, and even now it is treated as a shrub needing protection; but
warm as is its native climate, it proves hardy in ours; it is not merely
a safe subject to winter out under special conditions, but quite hardy
in fully exposed parts. It stood out with me in the winters of 1879-80
and 1880-1, and in