frequently, throughout the year; before expausion of the petals, the buds exhibit a pinkish tinge; it grows from cuttings readily, and bears abundance of good seed; it thrives in any soil not too dry, and is hardy enough to withstand the cold blast of the bitterest south-wester.

Veronica elliptica, Forst. One of the native plants that is known to have been cultivated in England for some years; it is even mentioned in Paxton's Botanical Dictionary. It is often to be observed in gardens and shrubberies, not very hardy perhaps, as its habitat naturally is in sheltered positions near the sea. Its pale lilac-tinged blossoms exhale a delicate perfume. From cuttings it is propagated almost as easily as the willow. It blooms in November.

Veronica diosmœfolia, R. Cunn. This beautiful shrub, said to have been brought from the Bay of Islands, bears such an abundance of lovely white blossoms as should ensure it a sheltered place in every shrubbery.

Veronica Colensoi, Hook. f. This close-growing species attains a height of 3 or 4 feet, with an even rotundity of form that appears almost artificial. It is common in sub-alpine districts. Hooker states it to be variable, and difficult to distinguish from V. lœvis and V. Traversii; we have long remarked variations both in form and colour of the leaf, and also that some individual specimens are much shyer bloomers than others. It will thrive in any ordinary soil, and is hardy enough for any aspect; it should have plenty of air. A variety of this kind we have seen planted for edgings.

Veronica lœvis, Benth. The species we know as V. lœvis, differs from Hooker's description in that the leaves are without petioles. It does not thrive well in very dry soil.

Veronica buxifolia, Benth. Our specimens, obtained from the Westland side of Arthur's Pass, are of dwarf habit, 2 to 3 feet in height; the white flowers, produced abundantly in short racemes at the points of the branchlets, bloom in October. Hardy; it grows well from cuttings.

Veronica carnosula, Hook. f. Native of the Dun Mountain Range. At first glance its leaves appear somewhat to resemble those of V. elliptica, but are coriaceous and rounded at the point; its habit is much like that of V. buxifolia. It flowers in November. Hardy; it is easily propagated by cuttings.

Veronica pinguifolia, Hook. f. We have cultivated this shrub for many years. The peculiar glaucous colour of this decumbent species, affords a pleasing contrast to many others in the shrubbery. Its habit is pleasing and it blooms freely in any situation, and is not easily lost if once obtained as its lower branches are often found self-rooted.

Veronica pimeleoides, Hook. f. A small shrubby species with a delicate shade of glaucous green; its pretty blue flowers make it a desirable plant for the front of a border or for rockwork. It grows well from cuttings, but must not be planted in a very wet situation.

Veronica pimeleoides, minor. Our specimens of this pretty species were procured from the shingle beds of the Potts River. It is of prostrate habit, sending out rootlets from its trailing branches; the flower, larger than that of the preceding species, is blue; it blooms in November. It is propagated by division; light soil, even if rather sandy, appears best suited to its growth. It is admirably adapted for rockwork.

Veronica lycopodioides, Hook. f. This remarkable looking shrub commences another group of Alpine Veronicas. Nowhere, perhaps, is it to be found in greater abundance than near the swampy creeks that intersect the spurs of Mt. Potts, at an elevation of from 3000 to 4000 feet. It may be said to grow about 2 feet in height, although we have seen specimens of nearly double that measurement. In its young state, with its densely imbricated leaves, it presents a dark green velvety appearance. It flowers in November. It differs from most other species in preferring a deep peaty soil, where it can always obtain a certain amount of moisture; it is most difficult to strike from cuttings, but can be propagated by layers.

Veronica tetrasticha, Hook. f. Quite a fairy-like alpine; although in its native localities amongst crevices of rocks it may be termed decumbent, when growing on a plane surface its habit becomes erect; it is of such slow growth, that a plant which has blossomed for two or three years, has not yet attained 3 inches in height; its peculiarly tinted foliage of silvery green is densely imbricate; its small flowers appear in November; excellent for rockwork; it may be propagated by division.

Veronica Hectori, Hook. f. This much-branched brown-looking alpine, is of upright growth; leaves closely imbricate; above the gorge of the Ashburton there are specimens from 3 to 4 feet in height; very hardy; it grows most freely from cuttings. Flowering season, November.

Veronica salicornioides, Hook. f. A small much-branched alpine, with leaves densely imbricate; colour greenish brown; no specimen has flowered here as yet; it has been cultivated since 1864. Young plants are readily obtained from the lower self-rooted branches.

Veronica cupressoides. The best coloured plant amongst this group of Alpine Veronicas, its fresh deep green foliage and compact shape render it a fitting object either for the shrubbery, or for rockwork, or any place not under trees; it can be moved with safety when of large size; it may be propagated by cuttings, or young plants can be obtained from the lower self-rooted branches.

Veronica Haastii, Hook. f. One of the most curious of the alpine species; it is found on the shingly slips of the Southern Alps. We find this plant difficult to grow, and still more difficult to propagate; we have raised it from seed; in transplanting care must be observed. It flowers in August and September. Light soil most suitable.