This curious plant is an old inhabitant of our gardens, 
having been introduced into them from the Cape, ever 
since the year 1724 ; it has formerly been much prized for 
the singular strong scent of its foliage, which by most peo- 
ple is thought to be very agreeable, but some few consider 
it quite the reverse ; it is now become rather scarce, as 
are most of the old original species, none of them being 
now much cultivated, except a few that are thought essen- 
tial for producing the finest hybrids. 
We think it very probable that V.fragrans is a hybrid 
production, between the present plant, and P exstipula- 
tum, as it is as near as possible intermediate between the 
two. The present plant thrives best in a light sandy soil, 
or a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, will suit it very well. 
Cuttings root readily, planted in pots, and placed on a shelf 
in the Greenhouse ; it may also be increased by cuttings of 
the roots. Our drawing was made at the Nursery of Mr. 
Colvill, in the King's-road, Chelsea. 
