Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 24 September 1877, page 7


DOUBLE WILD FLOWERS,

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.

Sir,—In your issue of this day I notice an extract from the Sydney Morning Herald re the existence of double wild flowers in the colonies. I may inform you that about 1859 a most beautiful double form of Epacris im-pressa (white) was found at Cheltenham, near Brighton, by Mr. John Weatherill. This beautiful plant waa purchased by Mr. J. Scott, of the well known Hawthorn nursery, during the time that I was in his service. The plant was propagated, and sent, I believe, to the firm of Messrs. Veitch, nurserymen, London. In 1862 (I am not quite certain as to exact date) another very fine double form of the same species (bright rose) was found near Dromana by Mrs. Barker, then of Cape Schanck, a lady who always has taken the greatest interest in the native flora I was despatched on horseback by Sir. Scott to the place for the purpose of getting cuttings of this rare plant. I suc-ceeded in getting several, which I brought down packed in a phial. These were struck, and forwarded to the same address in Lon-don. I believe that others have been found since that time, but that these two were the first which were brought before the public.

-Yours, &c.,

CHARLES TRENCH. Botanic-garden, Sept 21.

P.S.-Dried specimens of both these plants are (or were) in the Government herbarium.