the species are very humble in point of growth, — others more 

 aspiring ; but they all individually possess attractive beauties. 

 As long as the weather will permit a bloom to assist in the 

 decoration of the flower-garden, some of the species of this 

 family are found lending their aid in the general beauty of the 

 scene. The present species is particularly worthy of enco- 

 mium. Its spike of handsome blue flowers tinged with purple, 

 intermixed with rich green leaves, makes it an acquisition 

 either to the flower-garden or the herbaceous border ; while 

 its splendid flowers conspicuously shine during the months of 

 July and August. It is readily raised by seeds, which should 

 be sown soon after they acquire maturity, as they do not freely 

 vegetate after being kept. If the seeds be sown as soon as 

 ripe in the autumn, they should be kept in the seed-pots under 

 hand-glasses or frames through the winter : in the following 

 spring they should be potted off* into other pots, where they 

 may remain until of sufficient size to plant in the borders. 



This plant is a native of Austria, and was introduced in 1629. 



This figure was drawn firom a specimen which flowered at 

 Cashiobury, the seat of the earl of Essex. 



