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XXXIX. On the Cultivation of Lobelia Fulgens, in Belgium. 

 By Jean Baptiste Van Mons, M. D., of Brussels. 



Read March 7, 1815. 



jP h i s plant, which was introduced into Europe, by Baron 

 Humbolt, one of the most learned naturalists who ever 

 travelled, was sold in Belgium, only three years ago, for three 

 and four gilders, and in Germany for five dollars ; yet it is 

 now so common in our flower markets, that it sells only for 

 a shilling : so simple is its culture, and so easy is it to be 

 increased. This is done by slips and cuttings : it also pushes 

 suckers from the root, and each of these separated becomes 

 one, two, or three plants. The stem also may be divided 

 into as many pieces as there are leaves, and these put 

 into a shady border, will each soon become a plant with 

 roots ; and the base of the stem, taken up before the frost, 

 is surrounded with two or three circles of roots, as well 

 as an infinite number of rudiments of buds, which finally 

 develop themselves, strike fresh roots, and may be separated 

 about Midsummer. A very strong plant, if not suffered to 

 flower, may be multiplied ad infinitum. The Lobelia Fulgens 

 succeeds perfectly, all the year, in the open air, and I am not 

 even sure, that it is necessary to cover it with fallen leaves of 

 trees, during severe frosts; it will also accommodate itself to 

 every soil, but multiplies more in a strong ground, which 

 proves that it enjoys there less health: for a plant often 



