with semicylindrical channelled claws, and a broad, round,
flat lamina, fringed at the base with many linear bristle-
poirited segments; 2 upper ones sessile, naked, rather larger,
obovate, an inch and a half long, the claws connate with the
calyx. Stamens 8, hypogynous, unequal, declinate. Filaments
roundish, smooth, marked with dark-red lines. Anthers yellow,
oblong, obtuse, tetragonal, 2-celled ; the valves involute
at the edges. Pollen deep yellow. Ovaria 3, united
together, with 5 stout prominent ribs. Style obtusely 3-sided,
with a trifid ap ex ; the lobes subulate.diverging. Stigma a
truncate glanduliform dot.
Perhaps, of all plants cultivated for a long series of years,
the common Nasturtium is the most striking example that
can be adduced of the power possessed, by certain species,
of resisting the influences of soil and climate, and of preser-
ving unchanged their characters, even to the colour of their
flowers, the present being almost the only variation we have
remarked of that common plant. Its large dark-red blossoms,
of a velvetty hue, render it a most desirable acquisition to
the flower border. It is usually more dwarf than the common
kind, and, like it, will thrive in almost any soil. It is
readily increased by cuttings ; but we have little doubt, that
a portion of the immutable nature of the parent species has
descended to its aberrant progeny, and that it may likewise
be continued from seed.
Drawn at the Nursery of Messrs. Allen and Rogers, at
Battersea.
The generic name will be found explained at fol. 134 of
the last volume. D. Don.
1. Stamens 2 . P istil. 3. Fruit.