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CYCLOGYNE CANESCENS. 
sub-shrubby. These plants are, however, in so imperfect a condition that the real 
habit of the species is likely to remain still longer doubtful. Our opinion is based 
on the fact, that the lower portion of the branches which is yet alive, is of a 
palpably woody nature, and young shoots are now being emitted from it. And as 
no herbaceous plant produces lateral ligneous branches from the stems in autumn, 
it would seem unquestionable that the species is either sufFruticose or purely 
shrubby. 
Mr. Low, of the Clapton nursery, procured seeds of Cyclogyne canescens from 
Mr. Drummond, a botanical collector who travelled through the Swan River 
colony, and gathered them on his route. They reached England at the close of the 
summer of 1839 ; and having been germinated immediately, a plant from them 
grew rapidly in the spring of the present year, and, by the aid of a little forcing, 
commenced blooming in May last. This stimulation was doubtless in some degree 
injurious, and because the plant was then growing in a small pot, with a number 
of suckers continually rising, by which it was constantly increasing in size, it was 
judged advisable to shift it into a larger pot. On carrying out that design, how- 
ever, the sudden change, coupled with the excitation it had endured, caused all its 
branches to wither, and the specimen itself scarcely survived. Since that period 
it has been kept in the open air, and although it is just beginning to form new 
shoots, its aspect is very weakly. 
Our drawing, which was prepared from the plant herein alluded to, will show 
that the species is quite an ornamental one. It has several main stems, around 
which an indefinite quantity of suckers arise, all bearing a terminal spike of 
blossoms when not more then a foot high. Unless unduly stimulated, or potted 
while blooming, it is most probably of the easiest culture. A rather rich loam, 
and an airy place in the greenhouse, are the main things necessary in its treatment. 
It may, in all likelihood, be advantageously planted in the open ground during 
summer, where its tendency to bloom freely will render it a welcome acquisition. 
The affinity of this plant is obviously with Galega and Astragalus. It is very 
noticeable on account of the white down with which its leaves are covered, and 
the striking profusion of its pretty purple flowers, the bright green blotch in the 
middle of which adds much to their attraction. 
Perhaps, when it is cultivated in a more propitious way, it will ripen its seeds 
with us, and thus enable us to increase it abundantly. Till then it must be pro- 
pagated by removing the young suckers very carefully. It is possible, also, that 
cuttings will strike root if not too freely watered. 
