Houstonia coerulea. 121 



vated, by the interesting observations he made on Jalap and other 

 medicinal plants, as well as by transmitting seeds to Europe. 



Wherever this plant occurs it is abundant. It is admired for 

 its beauty alone, being quite devoid of fragrance, and has taken 

 its specific name from the colour of the flowers, which is gene- 

 rally cerulean-blue, though occasionally they are quite white ; they 

 are very numerous. Cultivation improves the vigour of the plant, 

 and perhaps heightens the brilliance of hue in the flowers ; and 

 it is said that in England, where it has been introduced at Kew since 

 1785, it is quite hardy, and with the slightest degree of attention is 

 made to flower perpetually during Spring, Summer, and Autumn. It 

 is easily increased by parting its roots; hence it might be a fit subject 

 for introduction to our gardens, particularly on account of the early 

 period of its flowering. It is also a native of the western coast of 

 North America. 



The figure represents the plant of its most common size. 

 vol i. 32 



