A FORGOTTEN ESSEX GARDENER-BOTANIST. 201
The following are the more imporant plants introduced by
Gilbert Slater:—
Camellia Japonica, var. flore albo pleno.
"Double white Camellia. This fine variety of the Camellia
was first imported from China about 1793 by Captain Connor of
the Carnatic East-indiaman for the gardens of the late J. Slater,
Esq., a gentleman of most indefatigable spirit for the introduc-
tion of new plants to this kingdom ; indeed, it is to him we owe
most of the plants received from China within these few years,
he having procured a catalogue to be printed of all the described
Chinese plants in that language, with the descriptions translated,
and by various hands transmitted it to that country." (Botanists'
Repository, 1798, vol 2, plate 25.)
Camellia Japonica, var. flore pleno variegato.
"Double striped Camellia. This variety is of the same date
(1793) in our gardens as the double white, and was introduced
through the same medium (J. Slater). As yet this plant is
found in but few collections and is sold at a very high price.
Our figure was made from a drawing taken partly from a plant
which flowered in August last year, in the collection of J.
Hibbert, Esq." (Botanical Repository, 1800, plate 91.)
Clerodendron fragrans, Vent.
"Introduced about 1790 by Gilbert Slater, Esq., a native of
Japan and China." (W. T. Aiton's Hortus Kewensis, 2nd ed.,
1812, vol. iv., p. 63.)
Clerodendron squamatum.
"Introduced from China to this country many years ago by
the late Mr. Slater of Walthamstow, whom we have often had
occasion to mention." (Botanical Cabinet, 1823, vol. 8, plate
796.)
Cymbidium sinense.
"A native of China, whence it was received about 1793 by the
late Gilbert Slater, Esq. This gentleman was celebrated for
his love of botany; he introduced a number of magnificent
plants from China which he cultivated in a very superior style
at Walthamstow." (Botanical Cabinet, 1817, vol. 1, plate 37.)