10 
LOBELIA FULGENS. 
Dortmanna has been placed by some botanists in the genus Lobelia, from which, 
perhaps, it scarcely admits of separation. It consists of two species, both hardy 
herbaceous plants, one a native of this country, and the other of North America ; 
they grow in watery and swampy places, and although not equal in beauty to many 
other Lobeliads, yet they certainly merit attention. They are difficult to cultivate, 
and on that account are not often met with in gardens, having been for the most 
part superseded by other plants, which, with equal attractions, are of more manage- 
able habits. The native species, D. laciistris, grows pretty well planted in a small pot 
of coarse sand and gravel stones, and placed in a pond or cistern, where the water is 
often renewed, about six inches below the surface ; but in winter, it is best to take 
it out and plunge the pot in a damp part of the garden, in a light soil, and if the 
weather be very severe, cover with an inverted flower-pot. In spring replace in the 
pond, and treat as before. The North American species, D. palustris, may also be 
grown in a small pot, filled half-full with turfy peat and potsherds, and the upper 
half with sphagnum : in this fix the plant ; but, unlike lacustris, it will not bear to 
be immersed. Set the pot in a saucer of water, and keep the saucer always supplied, 
but give the plant no water on the surface ; place the pot in a situation where it will 
not receive too much sunshine. When out of flower, remove to a frame and plunge 
in soil on a north aspect, or at least where the rays of the sun will not produce too 
much aridity ; expose, however, to the air at all times, except during frosts and 
heavy rains. When the winter’s repose is over, replace in the pan of water as 
before. They are both propagated by division and cuttings, which may be planted 
under a glass on a north border. 
Laurentia and Metzlera are two genera known only by descriptions and 
specimens. 
Monopsis consists of three species, two of which are hardy annuals, of dwarf 
growth, and exceedingly pretty ; the other, M. dioica, perhaps better known by the 
name of Holostigma dioica, is a greenhouse perennial, a native of New Holland. 
M. conspicua is a little annual which ought to be cultivated in every collection ; its 
elegant blue flowers, together with the dwarf habit of the plant, render it quite a 
treasure. It must be grown in light soil, or a mixture of loam and peat if grown 
in pots, and it is propagated by seeds, which are produced freely. M. dioica is 
increased by division of the roots. 
Parastranthus is a genus not at present much known amongst cultivators. It 
consists of three species, all beautiful herbaceous plants, perfectly hardy, and growing 
freely in any light sandy soil, or, if cultivated in pots, a mixture of peat, loam, and 
sand are the best materials, and they readily increase by division. 
Sclerotheca. — ^A genus established by He Candolle, but with the habits of 
which we are unacquainted. 
