THE Salvia, or Sage, comprises plants of our own country, but 

 there have been more than 130 other liiiids introduced from 

 other parts of the world. The first of tliese of which we have any 

 positive account is the S. -(Ethiopia, a native of Austria, whieli was in- 

 troduced in 1570. Out of the 130 kinds we now possess, 70 of them 

 have been sent us since 1800. All of the Salvias are both interesting 

 in the form of the flowers and handsome, more especially the later in- 

 troductions, some of which are splendid ornaments both to the con- 

 servatory and greenhouse ; also highly goi-geous for the flower- 

 garden, and as they bloom from early spring to the end of autumn, 

 and one or two sorts will bloom the entire year, they are exceedingly 

 valuable, and well merit cultivation. From South America, Mexico, 

 and other parts, many kinds have been obtained ; and the species we 

 now figure, 



SALVIA GESNERIFLORA— Gksnera-like flowered, 



is perhaps the most beautiful of any of its predecessors. Tlie plant is 

 shrubby, forming a very handsome bush, which is readily induced to 

 bloom at any desired size, from half a yard to tliree feet. It blooms 

 very freely, and its rich coloured flowers produce a splendid display. 

 It is easy of cultivation, increases readily, and grows quickly. We 

 have not seen it in bloom anywhere, before our own plants, which have 

 been in fine blossom since March. The plant deserves to be in every 

 conservatory, greenhouse, and flower-garden. 



Vol XV. No. n.—N.S. 



