150 ECHIUM GIGANTEUM. 
been introduced to this country, so few are now cultivated in our collections ; as it 
is very rarely that we meet with any of the greenhouse species. They are all of 
them exceedingly beautiful, but the one here figured is particularly interesting and 
ornamental. It was received by Messrs. Rollison, Tooting, under the name with 
which it now appears, but there exists some little doubt whether this appellation is 
correct, as the specimen in the collection of these gentlemen has not at present 
attained the great height for which E. giganteum is remarkable, and the flowers 
are pale blue. In other respects, it corresponds with the description above given. 
The flowers are produced in a large terminal spike, and after those first 
expanded have faded, they are succeeded by others on smaller lateral spikes, the 
plant thus continuing in bloom for several months ; on account of which, and 
of the bright azure colour of the flowers, it is a welcome and valuable acquisition to 
a collection of greenhouse plants. 
It is cultivated without difficulty by being potted in a soil composed of sandy 
loam and heath-mould, not requiring a very large pot, but some caution being 
necessary in the administration of water. Cuttings, if procured, would most 
probably strike freely in sand, under a bell-glass, but the mode of propagation by 
seeds appears to be the preferable one, wdien these ripen themselves sufficiently. 
This species is a native of the Canary Islands, and, according to Loudon, was 
first introduced to this country in the year 1779. The drawing now given was 
taken from a specimen in the nursery of Messrs. Rollison, Tooting, in the month 
of April of the present year, and is now (August) again beautifully in flower. 
