[[p. 362]] We have received from Mr. Alfred R. Wallace, Old Orchard, Broadstone, Wimborne, some very showy flowering shrubs, all of which are worthy of extended cultivation. The following observations accompany the flowers: "A few of my rarer shrubs showed abundant flower-buds this summer; but we have had here two months of almost continuous drought, with intense heat and alternate cold, drying winds, most unfavourable for a good display of the flowers, which are all more or less withering before fully expanded, but I send you a few before they quite fade."

     [[p. 363]] "Escallonia organensis.--This is a fine bush 6 feet across and 4 feet high, and is full of flowers for the first time, but sadly cut by the drought. It has stood near a south wall for five years and seems almost hardy. It was found by Gardner just below the top of the Organ Mountains on bare rock near Rio.

     "Feijoa sellowiana.--This has stood two years quite uninjured in a sheltered corner. Its curious and handsome flowers expand the first day with deep blood red petals, which quickly curl backwards, showing the white under surface, which is of a very different texture from the upper; but when both are seen together the effect is very striking. This is a native of Uruguay and has an edible fruit.

     "Mitraria coccinea, a charming dwarf Chilian shrub, is full of its bright scarlet flowers.

     "Sollya heterophylla is loaded with its beautiful blue flowers. It covers several square yards on a south wall and seems quite hardy.

     "Psoralea glandulosa is a neat shrub 6 feet to 8 feet high, apparently quite hardy, and very suitable for a sheltered border on account of its bright green, elegant foliage, blackish stems and neat but small blue and white Pea-shaped flowers. This is from Chile, and grows rapidly from seed.

     "I have not seen any mention of the flowering of Escallonia organensis out of doors in England, but it seems nearly as hardy as the commoner species. I should be glad to know if any of your readers possess it or have seen it in flower.

     "I have also Bouvardia triphylla, which has stood in a south border three years and flowers well, though it is cut down in winter. Abutilon megapotamicum, Sparaxis elegans and S. pulcherrima are also flowering well, and Abelia floribunda has been a mass of flower, though now quite over."