266 DELPHINIUM BARLOWII. 
The plant here figured, and which has elicited these remarks, is, without 
exception, the most strikingly beautiful of the mmierous ornamental species and 
varieties which constitute the genus Delphinium /—a genus, we may observe, the 
species of which are but ill-defined, but yield to no other herbaceous plants in 
brilliancy of hue, and general showiness of appearance. Cultivators are much 
indebted to Dr. Lindley for having described and figured many of the most 
beautiful of them in the recent numbers of the Botanical Register ; and, as occasion 
ofifers, we shall present to our readers dra wrings of the best and most valuable of 
the species. 
Delphiniums may be classed among those herbaceous plants the cultivation of 
which requires no particular attention. Our present plant needs only to be sown, 
and planted where it is desired to flower, to ensure a profuse display of its most 
attractive blossoms. Support will seldom be necessary, and it is found to flourish 
in almost any soil. An exposed situation is doubtless preferable^ though it will 
thrive beneath the shelter of trees, or amongst shrubs. Planted in beds or masses, 
a display of flowers is produced, which, for liveliness, intensity, and richness of 
colour, is, perhaps, unrivalled. We witnessed a bed of it in full flower in the 
Tooting nursery during the last and preceding seasons, and its appearance was 
really magnificent. 
It grows usually to the height of two or three, but occasionally exceeds six or 
seven, feet, and its disposition to branch is not the least valuable feature of its 
character, since, from the extremity of every lateral shoot, a dense cluster of flowers 
appears. To add to its value, it is said to flower profusely throughout the whole 
of the summer and autumnal seasons, frequently maintaining its disposition to 
bloom until injured by early frosts. 
Messrs. Rollison's was the first metropolitan nursery in which it appeared, and 
our drawing was obtained from thence in the month of July, 1838. From these 
gentlemen it may now be procured, as well as from most of the leading nurseries 
throughout the country. No collection, of whatever extent or description, should 
be destitute of this most superb object. Messrs. RoUison state that it is likewise 
known under the name of D. phoeniceum. 
The generic name is from the Greek delphin^ a dolphin, in allusion to the sup- 
posed resemblance of the nectary of the plant to the usual figures of that fish. 
It has received the English designation of Larkspur, from the French Vied 
d'Alouette^ on account of the spur of the calyx approximating in form to the 
posterior talon of the lark. 
