3G6 FLORA HISTORICA. 



The French Marygold sports considerably in 

 varying its corolla, some being single, semi-double, 

 quadruple, or full, as the Rose Centifolia; whilst 

 Flora seems to have given the petals as many 

 changes as can be wrought in two gay colours, — one 

 flower displaying petals of a rich carmine, slightly 

 edged with gold ; others exhibiting yellow flowers, 

 so fancifully striped or dashed with crimson, that it 

 is difficult to find two plants with flowers alike. 



These flowers have only their gaiety to recom- 

 mend them, since their odour is more offensive than 

 agreeable, and may be compared to those persons 

 who depend more ^on their wardrobe than their 

 conduct for making themselves agreeable : w 

 therefore present them as emblematical of vulgar 

 minds. 



These showy annual flowers may be raised by 

 sowing the seeds on a warm border in the open 

 garden ; but the more certain method of procuring 

 fine plants is to sow the seed in the beginning of April 

 upon a moderately hot bed, and when the plants 

 are come up they should have sufficient air, to pre- 

 vent their being drawn up weakly. When they are 

 about three inches high they should be transplanted 

 on a second bed, very moderately heated, covering 

 them over with mats, to screen them from the sun 

 and the winds, until they have acquired strength, 

 observing to give them water in dry seasons. In 



