I send you by mail some specimens of bloom in different stages; seed vessels, and leaves of Agave heteracantha, contributed by Dr. G. Engelmann to our gardens, which he received from Mexico, May, 1882. On the first day of May I discovered its intention to bloom. It was then 14 inches from surface of ground to top of blooming stem. From that day up to the 17th, I was able to make a record of its growth, etc, which is as follows:

May 1, 14 inches.

Date

Growth in 24 hrs.

Inches.

Therm, at noon.

May 1.....

...70

" l to 2

...59

2 1-5

" 2 to 3

... 58

1 3/4

" 4.....

... 65

2

" 5.....

...70

2 9-10

" 6.....

...61

2 4-5

" 7.....

...61

1 1/2

" 8.....

...74

I 1/2

" 9.....

...76

3

"10.....

... 83

3 1/2

Date

Therm, at noon.

Growth in 24 hrs.

Inches.

May 11....

.. 75

3 2-5

'• 12....

.. 81

3 3-1C

" 13

66

4 1/2

" 14....

.. 70

14-5

" 15

72

2

" 16....

.. 78

2 1/2

" 17....

.. 78

13-5

" 17 to 21.. ..

8 1/2

" 21 to 24.. ..

6

" 24 to June 30

11 1/2

After the 17th, I was unable to take a regular record of its growth, being so much from gardens. I felt sure you would be interested in this, the plant having been contributed by the late Dr. Engelmann.

Please notice the formation of the base of terminal spine on the under side of leaf; every leaf is the same.

Gardener to Henry Shaw, Esq., St. Louis, Mo.