Exceeding all other poppies in the world is this half shrubby, perennial-rooted plant, six to fifteen feet high, with sage green leaves and immense bright white, crumpled silken flowers, six to nine inches in diameter. It is a native to the ravines and stream banks of Southern California, from Santa Barbara county to Ensenada, Lower California. It was discovered about 1832 by Dr. Thomas Coulter, and was dedicated to his astronomer friend. Dr. Romney Robinson. The original of this sketch was a stray seedling in the San Diego garden about fourteen years ago. It differs from the two types growing wild about Otay and Jamul and other sections. Note the very smooth and pointed bud, the half-opened bud, the very large stamen cluster, the large and deeply cleft leaves. The other varieties have rounded hairy buds and smaller leaves, and there is never seen a half-opened bud; the flowers have a more circular appearance and are not so large.

The Romneya is difficult to propagate and transplant. About October 15 the plants should be severely trimmed back and after the first rains, or November 1st, transplant those that are to be moved. They should not be moved unless absolutely necessary. They spread and increase by underground shoots until a clump will soon occupy a large space. They may also be propagated by root cuttings in the fall in the nursery.

It is possible to cut half-blown buds, like the subject illustrated and ship as far as San Francisco, and they will open up large and perfect.

Every Southern California garden should grow this plant, and it is to be hoped that the nucleus now in the City Park will some day occupy at least ten acres.

This poppy is the treasured plant of a few English gardeners, and it has been grown in Vermont for three years with careful winter protection. It thrives in the light soil of Coronado as it requires a well-drained location.

This flower is on of the most difficult to paint, is only occasionalz done well. San Diego�s artist, Mr. A. L. Valentine, is one who can equal nature, and his sketches of this flower will help bring fame to this deserving queen of wild flowers.