52 RUDBECKIA DRIJMMONDIT. 
to whom such factitious aids to reputation are wholly unnecessary, and often unac- 
ceptable. The exalted and munificent patron of floriculture is far above the influ- 
ence of such trifling distinctions, and his name, by being embalmed in the gratitude 
of his country, is transmitted to future ages by a w^orthier, nobler, and less mere- 
tricious impulse. 
We have said that the collectors of plants are principally entitled to have their 
names embodied in the specific designations of those they discover ; and the plant 
depicted in our present plate, will furnish an instance in which we consider the 
practice has been legitimately adopted. The person after whom this showy species 
is named, and by whom, w^e believe, it was first introduced, but who was subse- 
quently removed by death ere the completion of his valuable labours, merits dis- 
tinguished notice. To Mr. Drummond we are indebted for many, very many, 
most ornamental plants, and although several others bear his name, they are not 
so numerous as to forbid its present application. 
Of the era of introduction of this handsome plant, we have been unable to 
glean any particulars. It is most probably a native of North America, and has 
perhaps been known in British collections for some years. Our attention was first 
attracted to it flowering in a frame in the nursery of Messrs. Rollison, Tooting. It 
is certainly an interesting species, and far excels most other herbaceous plants of a 
similar character, in the rich colour of its flowers. 
The plant which furnished the sample for our present drawing having been kept 
in a pot, and beneath a frame, it is natural to suppose its character is not fully 
exhibited, and that, if planted in the open border, the flowers would be much 
finer. There can be little doubt that it is perfectly hardy, and in such case, its 
treatment is of the most simple description. It is not at all adapted to the green- 
house, as its herbaceous character, and long slender stems, are only suitable to the 
flower-border. 
An increase may be obtained by dividing the roots in the spring season. We 
are not aware that it ripens seeds in this country, but this may very possibly prove 
the fact when more generally cultivated, and placed in more favourable circum- 
stances. 
The drawing here given was made in Messrs. RoUison's nursery, in August, 
1 838. This species grows from eighteen inches to two feet in height, and flowers 
usually in July and August. 
The genus RudbecMa was originally created by Linnteus, and named in honour 
of Olof Rudbeck, once professor of botany at Upsal, who died in 1702. 
