LION'S LEAF: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the lixandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 24th order, Corydalis. The corolla is hexapetalous; the nectarium hexaphyllous, standing on the heels of the corolla, with its limb patent; the calyx hexaphyl- Lionous, and deciduous. There are four species, natives of the southern parts of Europe, two of which are sometimes cultivated in this country. These are,

1. The chrysozomum with winged leaves; and, 2. The leontopetalum with decomposed leaves. Both these plants are natives of the Archipelago islands, and also grow in the corn-fields about Aleppo in Syria, where they flower soon after Christmas. They have large tuberous roots like those of the cyclamen, covered with a dark-brown bark. The flowers fit upon naked footstalks: those of the first sort contain many yellow flowers, but the flowers of the second are of a paler colour. Both species are propagated by seeds, which must be sown soon after they are ripe, otherwise they seldom succeed. When sent to distant countries, they must be preserved in sand. The plants are, however, very difficult to be preserved in this country: for they will not thrive in pots; and when they are planted in the full ground, frost frequently destroys them. The best way is to sow the seed as soon as it comes from abroad, covering it with glasses in the winter to protect it from frost; and, in the spring, when the plants begin to appear, they must have free air admitted to them at all times when the weather is mild, otherwise they will be weak.