POLYGALA DALMAISIANA. 
177 
POLYGALA DALMAISIANA. 
WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 
It is not often we have the satisfaction of introducing to our 
readers so fine and truly valuable a plant as the present,—one 
which we think is destined to become a standard ornament to our 
collections. Every cultivator knows the valuable character of 
the genus to which it belongs, as affording really handsome objects 
throughout the entire summer months, and few collections are de¬ 
ficient of some or other of its members. What the reception of 
this variety will be there can be little hesitation in prophesying; 
its superior qualities will ensure for it a most cordial and de¬ 
served welcome. It is of continental origin, having been raised 
by M. Dalmaise, gardener to M. Lacene, of Lyons, and in cha¬ 
racter bears palpable evidence of its parentage. Its foliage and 
general habit is derived from the well-known P. grandijlora, 
while the colour and style of its inflorescence as evidently may 
be traced to the other parent, P. cor data, with additional advan¬ 
tage to be expected in such a cross of larger flowers produced 
more copiously than on any other known species. Indeed, for 
the past twelve months that we have known the plant, it can 
scarcely be said to have been out of bloom at all. We are in¬ 
debted to Mr. E. F. Fairbairn, nurseryman, of Wandsworth, for 
the opportunity of figuring it, and for the appended note on its 
culture and history. 
“ The Polygala Dalmaisiana is a hybrid between P. grandi¬ 
jlora and P. cordata. It is a free-growing plant, delighting in a 
mixture of peat, loam, leaf-mould, and silver sand. The plant 
in my possession was imported from Lyons, in May 1846, and 
was then not more than three inches high, in a thumb pot; the 
same plant is now three feet six inches in height, and as much 
through it, occupying a No. 6 pot. In my opinion it is by far 
the best of the genus, and as a plant for exhibition is indispen¬ 
sable, being almost always in flower; and, in consequence, will 
no doubt be generally adopted by cultivators for this purpose 
when it becomes more known.” 
We may add, in the cultivation of this genus, it is essential to 
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