f the plant here figured are sold in the seed-shops under the
name of Venice Mallow, a name by which it was known in the time of
GERARD and PARKINSON: Mr. AITON has changed this for the more scientific
one of Bladder Hibiscus. Authors have also distinguished this plant by
terms expressive of the short-lived expansion of its flowers, which
GERARD says open at eight o'clock in the morning and close about nine,
from whence he observes, that it might with propriety be called Malva
horaria: MILLER lengthens the duration of its blowing to a few hours: we
have frequently observed its blossoms continue sufficiently open to shew
their beauty the greatest part of the day, more especially towards the
close of summer.

Few annuals are more admired than this, the inside of the flower is of
delicate cream colour, having the centre embellished with a rich purple
velvet, on which its golden antherae are proudly conspicuous.

It is said to be a native of Italy; a Cape variety, differing in
hairiness and a few other particulars is mentioned by MILLER, and
considered by him as a species.

The least possible trouble attends the raising of this beautiful annual,
as it readily ripens its seeds, which falling on the ground produce
plants in abundance the ensuing spring; to have it flower as long as may
be, it will be proper to sow it at two or three different periods.

[Illustration]

[210]

CELSIA LINEARIS. LINEAR-LEAV'D CELSIA.

_Class and Order._

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-partitus. _Cor._ rotata. _Filamenta_ barbata, _Caps._
2-locularis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

CELSIA _linearis_. _Jacq. Collect. v. 2. n. 210._ _Icon. v. 2. t.
13._

CELSIA _linearis_ foliis ternis linearibus denticulatis.

We here present our readers with the figure of a plant newly introduced
from France by Mr. WILLIAMS, Nurseryman of Paris, collected originally
in Peru by Mr. DOMBEY, whose flowers, if they do not equal those of the
Fuchsia already figured in elegance of form and growth, surpass them
somewhat in brilliancy of colour, whence it becomes a most desirable
plant for the purpose of ornament.

Professor JACQUIN, who first gave a figure and description of this
plant, informs us in his Collectanea, that he received seeds of it from
Professor ORTEGA of Madrid, under the name of _Celsia linearis_, which
name he has adopted; and we, from respect to such authority, have
co