102 
LOBELIA HETEROPHYLLA ; var. MAJOR. 
probably be useful in inducing them to vegetate ; but when this is accomplished 
they should be moved by degrees to a very light and airy place in a greenhouse or 
frame, where they will be prevented from acquiring that weakly character to which 
they are so liable. 
This plant is not well adapted for the open ground, on account of the delicacy 
and fragility of its stems. A few plants might, however, be turned out from the 
pots, and if uninjured by rains, they will make a good display. 
From its slender nature, it requires some support, and this should be afforded 
when the plants are about an inch high, by placing three or four short branching 
sticks in each pot. A few of the twigs taken from the points of a birch-broom 
w^ill answer the purpose, and they will be sufficient to effect the object without 
tying the plant to them, if put in at the period above-mentioned. 
Linnaeus dedicated this genus to Matthew Lobel, the author of various botanical 
works. He was a native of Lisle, and became physician and botanist to James 
the First of England. The species keterophi/lla is remarkable for having its lower 
leaves toothed or divided, and the upper ones entire. 
