2 
SALVIA PATENS. 
till the approach of winter, notwithstanding it had likewise sustained a check by 
transplantation from the open ground to a pot in the greenhouse. 
Seeds were received in the early part of 1838, from a mining district in 
Mexico, called Real del Monte, and with many others simultaneously procured, 
vegetated, and produced plants in the spring of that year. Plants of this species, 
and of another less interesting, were placed out in the open ground about the 
month of June. Little attention was bestowed upon them, but our present subject 
grew rapidly, and towards the latter end of August a few flowers were developed. 
Its real character being thus ascertained, it was almost immediately removed in a 
pot to the greenhouse, where it blossomed most abundantly, and in this situation 
it has since been retained. We are informed that roots of it were imported by 
other individuals, about the same period as the seeds before-named, in the cultiva- 
tion of which similar success has been experienced. No opportunity has been 
afforded us for examining the roots, but Mr. Low states that they are thick and 
fleshy, inclining to be tuberous, and hence their capability of enduring so long a 
voyage with impunity may be accounted for. 
From the above statements, it is evident that this species will prove one of the 
least tender of our half-hardy herbaceous plants, simply requiring to be planted in 
a bed or border of rich loamy soil, and to have its main stems supported when 
they attain any considerable height. Nothing has yet been ascertained with 
regard to the probability of its sustaining the winters of this climate in the open 
ground ; but, with a slight protection to the roots, there is great reason to believe that 
such will prove the case. 
Propagation has hitherto been effected by cuttings alone. These root with 
great rapidity, when planted in a light soil, and placed in a slight hotbed ; or, if 
taken off in the summer months, they will scarcely need artificial heat. The 
shoots taken from the base of the plants, or those which spring immediately from 
the roots, will strike most speedily, and we think it highly probable that the 
roots, if divided into pieces of moderate size, would also form strong plants. 
To the kindness of Messrs. Low and Co., of Clapton, we are indebted for our 
present figure, which was taken from their nursery in September 1838. These 
gentlemen possess an extensive stock of this valuable species, which they purpose 
distributing in the month of April, at half a guinea per plant. 
The generic name is derived from salvo, to save, in allusion to the potent 
healing properties of some individuals of the genus. 
The specific appellation applies, we believe, to the remarkably expansive or 
spreading form of the lower lip of the corolla. 
