FE'DIA CORNUCO'PI^E, 
RED FEDIA. 
Class. Order. 
DIANDRIA. DIG YNI A, 
Natural Order. 
VALERI AN ACE .E. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Cultivated 
S. Europe. 
1 foot. 
September. 
Annual. 
in 1796. 
No. 1160. 
The name, Fedia, says Sir J. E. Smith, originated 
with Adanson, and seems to be derived from fedus, 
an ancient word for iledus, a kid. There seems, 
however, to be no certainty regarding the meaning 
which Adanson intended the name should imply, 
hence some authors have ventured to assert, that it 
was adopted without intention of its bearing any 
allusion to the plants so designated. 
The genus was formed out of Valeriana, and the 
present plant is indeed very closely allied thereto ; 
more so, perhaps, than any other of its species. So 
gradually varying are the progressive links in the 
chain of vegetables, from the most minute herb, up 
to the patriarch of the forest, that the acumen of the 
profoundest botanist is sometimes insufficient to 
determine the precise point at which one family 
shall be separated from another. 
This annual, which has lately been re-introduced 
to our gardens, will advantageously add to the va- 
riety of summer beauties in the mingled parterre ; 
where, from its low growth, it should be placed 
near to the front. It is also well suited for growth 
in masses. 
