named : it is also more luxuriant in its growth, and the flow- 

 ers appear in greater profusion as well as richer in colour. 

 These variations render it truly desirable for general cultiva- 

 tion. The showy appearance displayed by this plant in the 

 flower-bed is equalled by few others, and it decidedly eclipses 

 all its brethren of this genus. The leading or main stems are 

 generally about three feet in height, supporting handsome 

 spikes of dark purple flowers ; these are succeeded by smaller 

 stems springing from the root, which attain the height of about 

 a foot and a half, producing flowers, though not in so great 

 abundance. Thus a succession of flowers is produced for a 

 considerable time ; especially so if the larger stems be cut 

 down immediately after they have produced their flowers : by 

 pursuing this mode the plants may be kept in beauty through 

 the months of July, August, and September. It grows freely 

 in a light vegetable earth, and is increased by separating the 

 roots, which should be done early in April, the season at 

 which the young roots are beginning to appear. When sepa- 

 ratino- large roots, each portion should have one or two shoots, 

 which will flower the same season they are separated. This 

 is the only process of propagating this variety. The species 

 from which this variety has emanated is a native of the North 

 of Europe, and was introduced about 1750. 



