A FORGOTTEN ESSEX GARDENER-BOTANIST. 203
Magnolia purpurea.
"This fine species of Magnolia is a native of China and Japan,
was introduced to us by the late Mr. Slater of Laytonstone, to
whom we are so much indebted for the greatest number of
beautiful plants which have been imported from thence by any
individual." (Botanists' Repository, 1803, plate 324.)
Renealmia Nutans.
"Among the numerous new plants introduced from China by
the late Mr. Slater of Laytonstone in the year 1793, this is
certainly to be considered as among the most beautiful. Figure
taken from a plant which flowers annually in July in the collec-
tion of J. Vere Esq. of Kensington Gore." (Ibid. 1797, vol. 1,
plate 360.)
Rosa Semperflorens.
"For this invaluable acquisition our country is indebted to
the late Gilbert Slater Esq. of Knots Green, near Laytonstone,
whose untimely death every person must deplore who is a friend
to improvements in ornamental gardening; in procuring the
rarer plants from abroad, more particularly from the East-
Indies, Mr. Slater was indefatigable, nor was he less anxious to
have them in the greatest perfection this country will admit; to
gain this point there was no contrivance that ingenuity could
suggest, no labour, no expense withheld; such exertions must
soon have insured him the finest collection of the plants of India;
it is now about three years since he obtained this rose from
China; as he readily imparted his most valuable acquisitions to
those who were most likely to increase them, this plant soon
became conspicuous in the collection of the principal Nurserymen
near town, and in the course of a few years will, no doubt,
decorate the window of every amateur." (Botanical Magazine,
by Wm. Curtis, 1794, vol. 8, plate 284.)
In the Hortus Kewensis by W. T. Aiton, 2nd ed., 1812, vol. 3,
page 266, it is stated that Gilbert Slater introduced this Rose
about 1789.
Senecio pseudo.
"Chinese root groundsel. The roots of this plant were
received at the same time with the double Camellias, China