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ASTRAGALI'S VIRGATUS. 



This is a pretty species of Astragalus, and, although introduced into this 

 country in 1806, it is by no means common in collections ; nor, as far as we 

 know, has it been ever published in any British botanical periodical. 



It is a native of Siberia, and was raised from Russian seeds in 1838. 



Like most of this genus, it seems difficult to preserve through the winter, 

 and therefore ought to have frame protection, and be planted out in the open 

 ground in May, where it will flower freely during the months of August and 

 September. It may be increased by dividing. 



The generic name, Astragalus, is derived from aa-rrjp, a star, and ydka, 

 milk : the specific, virgatus, alludes to its shrubby and twiggy habit. 



