difference from V. Aubletia, from wliicli it also differs in habit. 

 Leaves opposite, also hairy, and marked with deep incisions 

 to the point, supported upon footstalks of an inch and a half 

 in length. The flowers at first appear in a cluster, opening 

 at the bottom of the spike, which afterwards shoots to the 

 length of six inches, bearing a succession of flowers to its ex- 

 tremity. 



This little decorative biennial adds more to the ornament 

 of the flower-garden than any others of the genus : and indeed 

 far more so than can be conveyed by the delineation of an in- 

 dividual figure.- The beauty and richness of the purple tinge 

 possessed by the blossoms of these plants when growing in 

 masses in the flower-bed produce an interesting appearance; 

 and the continuity of flowers with which they are decorated 

 adds still more to their attractions. They remain in a state 

 of blossom for some months from the early part of June. It 

 ripens its seed freely, whereby it is readily increased. Tlie 

 seed should be sown in the autumn, either on a sheltered 

 border or in pots, when it would be as well to afford them 

 some slight protection during the winter : and in the spring 

 plant them in the open ground ; they will flourish in any light 

 open earth. As this plant is to be so easily obtained, it may 

 be unsparingly dispersed among the flower-beds ; and, unless 

 carried to excess, the distribution of this plant may add con- 

 siderably towards the grand assemblage the flower-garden 

 presents during the summer months. 



It is a native of Carolina, and was introduced in 1816. 



This specimen was obtained from Boyton House, Wilts, 

 through the kindness of Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq., Vice 

 President of the Linnaean Society. 



REFERENCES TO THE PLATE. 



1. Corolla open, showing the insertion of the stamens. 



2. Pistil. 



