rather difficult to propagate, yet it is highly
probable that at a greater distance from London, and in a more
favourable soil, its roots, though not of the creeping kind, may admit
of a greater increase, and its seeds be more prolific.

It is a native of the Alps of Switzerland, from whence it is frequently
dislodged, and carried into the plains by the impetuosity of torrents.

It flowers with us in July and August, and being a hardy perennial, and
perhaps the most elegant species of the genus, appears to us highly
deserving a place in the gardens of the curious.

[77]

CENTAUREA MONTANA. GREATER BLUE-BOTTLE.

_Class and Order._

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA.

_Generic Character._

Receptaculum setosum. Pappus simplex. Corollae radii infundibuliformes,
longiores, irregulares.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

CENTAUREA montana calycibus serratis, foliis lanceolatis decurrentibus
caule simplicissimo. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 785._

CYANUS montanus latifolius S. Verbasculum cyanoides. _Bauh. Pin. 273._

CYANUS major. _Lobel. icon. 548._

[Illustration: No 77]

It has been suggested by some of our readers, that too many common
plants, like the present, are figured in this work. We wish it to be
understood, that the professed design of the Botanical Magazine is to
exhibit representations of such. We are desirous of putting it in the
power of all who cultivate or amuse themselves with plants, to become
scientifically acquainted with them, as far as our labours extend; and
we deem it of more consequence, that they should be able to ascertain
such as are to be found in every garden, than such as they may never
have an opportunity of seeing. On viewing the representations of objects
of this sort, a desire of seeing the original is naturally excited, and
the pleasure is greatly enhanced by having it in our power to possess
it. But, while we are desirous of thus creating Botanists, we are no
less anxious to gratify the wishes of those already such; and we
believe, from a perusal of the Magazine, it will appear that one-third
of the plants figured, have some pretensions to novelty.

The _Centaurea montana_ is a native of the German Alps, flowers during
the greatest part of the summer, is a hardy perennial, and will grow in
any soil or situation, some will think too readily.

[78]

NARCISSUS ODORUS. SWEET-SCENTED, OR GREAT JONQUIL.

_Class and Order._

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.