58 FLORA. HISTORICA. 



the level of the borders after the plants are put 

 into the earth. 



It is observed that plants which are raised from 

 seed, flower much better than those taken from old 

 roots ; therefore it is desirable to save the seeds 

 annually from the finest plants and as it will be 

 observed that some of the capsules ripen the seed 

 much earlier than others, it is advisable to cut those 

 off and preserve the seed in the capsule, in a shallow 

 drawer, placed in a dry and sunny situation, until 

 the whole is ripe, which is usually found to be 

 about the end of June. This seed should be sown 

 under a wall or hedge, in a north aspect, taking 

 care not to cover it too deep with earth, and the 

 young plants may be transplanted about the same 

 time in the following year, giving them gentle wa- 

 terings in dry seasons. Some florists prefer keep- 

 ing the seed out of the ground until December, and 

 then sowing it in boxes, which are placed in situa- 

 tions to receive the morning sun only, and particu- 

 larly when the young plants appear, as one whole 

 day's sun would entirely destroy them. 



Snails and slugs commit great depredations on 

 the Polyanthos plants during the spring months; 

 they should therefore be carefully examined early 

 in the morning, at the time these depredators make 

 havock. But a more dangerous enemy often attacks 

 this plant during the summer months, and from its 



