If the individual plants of this recently introduced annual would grow to the same size and flower at the same time, it would be a decided acquisition to the list of bedding stuff; but it has a most erratic habit: plants under the same conditions, growing side by side, differ considerably in height, breadth and periods of flowering. Single plants dotted over the rock-work give most satisfaction. The color of the flowers is violet-blue with orange-yellow stamens, the habit of the plant resembles Ophelia corymbosa, to which it is closely allied.

Begonia Socotrana - is quite a novelty in its way. It stands unique among this extensive genus, but for a useful commercial plant, I am doubtful if it will ever rank high, further than for hybridization purposes. The bright emerald green leaves are peltate, and the flowers are rose-colored. The roots are tuberous, and when the stem dies down, a goodly number of small bulb-lets will be found attached to the parent; these will make good plants in a single season. These two plants were the only ones, of any consequence, brought from Socotra, by the expedition sent out under the auspices of the Royal Society, of London, in 1880.

U. S. Botanic Garden, Washington, D. C.