each of them is roundish cordate, from one to one and a h a lf inch In
breadth, and slightly marked with veins, a little darker th an the colour
of the petal. Those in the centre of the flower are of a very peculiar
form, being small and fleshy a t the base, and broad and th in towards
the point, with a very minute white tip ; they are compactly ranged in
rows, from the circumference to the centre, which is considerably elevated
above the large outer petals, and are each incurved towards the
styles, with their edges turned outwards. The styles are a little higher
th an any of the petals, and have large greenish stigmas, which are sometimes
fertilized by a few of the stamens th a t may not be transformed
into petals; b u t more frequently they are impregnated by cultivators
with the pollen of other sorts, and from die seed obtained in this way,
many of the finest double varieties, th a t are now cultivated in this
country, have been raised.
The flowers of this, as well as of some of the other kinds, drop off
whole, and will retain their freshness for a considerable time afterwards;
so th a t if placed upon a bud, they appear still to be growing.
Good figures will be found of it in the several works above mentioned.