RHEXIA VIRGINICA. MEADOW-BEAUTV. 63 



in Arkansas, where it is known as " Deer Grass," because it is a 

 favorite food with the deer. But as this name is now given to all 

 the species of the genus, we have preferred to adopt " Meadow- 

 Beauty " for our common name, as this applies to our species 

 only, and is quite as extensively used as the other. 



In English gardens the Meadow-Beauty is the only species 

 of Rhexia cultivated, and is so much prized for its beauty 

 that it has lately obtained the honor of being selected for a col- 

 ored plate in Mr. Robinson's "Garden." As much attention 

 has been given to the plant by cultivators in England, the notes 

 of experience collected there may be of use to our readers, 

 and we therefore subjoin them. " The Meadow-Beauty," says 

 " The Garden," " introduced many years ago from the United 

 States," — we may add here, by way of parenthesis, that Aiton 

 reports it as growing in "Banister's Garden " in 1704, — "and 

 now but little known, is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, deserving 

 of a more widely extended cultivation. ... In the open border 

 it blooms in July and August, when the effect produced is very 

 striking. The most luxuriant growth is produced by growing it 

 in ground somewhat swampy ; but well-developed examples may 

 be had in any ordinary good soil to which an addition of peat or 

 leaf-mould has been made. The Meadow-Beauty may also be 

 cultivated with much success in pots, and the plants usually 

 bloom more freely when so grown than when in the open border. 

 In raising a stock from seed, sow early in March, and place the 

 seed-pot in a moderate temperature. Keep the seedlings in pots 

 till the following spring, and place them in a shady position dur- 

 ing the summer, and in a cold frame during the winter." 



In its geographical relations the Rhexia Virginica is one of 

 the most interesting plants of the United States. The order to 

 which it belongs, Melastomacecr, is a comparatively large one, 

 containing probably a thousand species, and by far the larger 

 portion of these inhabit the tropical parts of the American con- 

 tinent. The very few species which extend into the United 

 States are all included in the genus Rhexia, and, more curious 



