94 FLOWERS AND FRUITS, 



It varies in height from six to thirty inches. Like most annual 

 plants, it lias a fibrous root, from which arises in the smaller plants 

 a simple but in the larger a very branching stem, which is angular 

 and very hairy. The leaves are attached to it without the inter- 

 vention of a footstalk, scattered, oval shaped, minutely toothed on 

 the edges, alternately marked with veins, and like the stem itself 

 quite hairy. From the angle formed by the stem and a small leaf, 

 arises the flower-stalks, which are short, and produce that kind of 

 infloresence called a spike. The flower-cup is of one piece, cut 

 into sharp spear shaped portions, and stands on the germ which is 

 oval and striped. The blossom is of a bluish purple, somewhat 

 spreading in shape. The anthers are collected in a purple curved 

 body supported on white threads, enclosing the curved stigma. 

 Capsules are of an oval shape and much swelled, filled with a 

 number of small, oblong, brown seeds. 



The Indian Tobacco flourishes everywhere, and is in conse- 

 quence, well known from Canada to the Southern States. It is 

 in flower at the commencement of July, earlier in very warm seasons, 

 and continues to bloom until the frosts of winter destroy it It is the 

 emblem of DISTINCTION, which name it doubtless acquired from its 

 brother the Cardinalis, which became celebrated at an early date, for 

 we find Parkinson mention it, in his " Garden of Pleasant Flowers," 

 which he dedicated to Henrietta, Queen of Charles I., as a brave 

 plant. Justice, an old English writer, in 1754 recommends it as a 

 flower of most handsome appearance, which should not be wanting 

 in curious gardens, as it excels all other flowers he ever knew in 

 richness of color. Humboldt and Bonpland, found two species in 

 Mexico, that far outshine even the splendid Cardinalis, the Reful- 

 gent and the Shining Lobelies ; these cultivated with care, assume 

 a degree of magnificence that is scarcely surpassed by any other 

 plant. 



