Remarks on the Cultivation of the Gentikna acaulis. 53 



I shall confine my present remarks to the species Gentidna 

 acaulis; Dwarf Gentian, or Gentianella. " This plant," says 

 Green, "in its natural alpine situation, has little or no stem, 

 whence its trivial name; but it acquires one in a state of cultiva- 

 tion." In England it flowers in April and May, and sometimes 

 a second time in the autumn. In this section of the country it 

 flowers about the first of June. The flowering time in the Alps 

 is in June, July and August. Ray observes, that although it be 

 a native of the highest Alps, yet it readily admits of cultivation. 

 It was much sought after in his time, by gardeners and florists, 

 for the beauty of the flower; and is still much esteemed for the 

 brilliant azure of its flower, so large in proportion to the size of 

 the plant. As yet, it is but little known among the cultivators in 

 our country; and, from this fact, I have thought a few remarks 

 might not be unacceptable to your readers. 



The propagation of this plant is by parting the roots; but it 

 should not be parted or transplanted often; in order to have it 

 flower strong, it should have a loamy soil and a shady situation. 

 It may also be increased by seeds sown in the autumn: the plants 

 will, if sown in a good soil, be strong enough to flower the sec- 

 ond year; the seedling plants will flower stronger than those 

 propagated from offsets. I would recommend the following 

 compost, viz. one half good rich loamy soil, one quarter bog 

 earth, and one quarter well rotted cow manure; to which add, in 

 proportion to the whole, one tenth part of fine sand. In com- 

 mon with other Alpine plants, this plant loves a pure air, an ele- 

 vated situation, and a moderately moist soil; so that it is abso- 

 lutely impossible that they should flourish in a pot, confined to 

 the green-house or parlor, or in the confined gardens in large 

 cities. Ray observed it growing upon the highest parts of 

 Mount Jura. Native of Switzerland, Austria, Carniola and Si- 

 lesia. 



By an examination of your former volumes, I find this plant 

 noticed in pages 262 and 418, of vol. II; and also in page 235, 

 vol. Ill; to which I would refer your readers for some addi- 

 tional information. 



There are other species of this genus, well deserving the at- 

 tention of the lover of flowers. It would give the writer great 

 pleasure to learn, from some of your scientific correspondents, 

 how many species of the gentian they cultivate, with remarks as 

 to propagation, soil, &c. &c. 



Yours, S. Walker. 



Roxbury, Dec. 29th, 1837. 



By the above, it will be seen that Mr. Walker has referred the read- 

 er to some remarks made upon this fine species of gentian by a corres- 

 pondent and by ourselves; and we here deem it important to correct an 

 error which we accidentally committed in speaking of it in vol. Ill, 



