120 FLORA HISTORICA. 



branch, from the month of June to the end of 

 August. The stalks and foliage of this plant 

 resemble that of mint, excepting that the centre 

 rib of the leaves is of a fine crimson, and the 

 circle of leaves, which support the flowers,^ are 

 beautifully shaded with a colour between that of 

 the amethyst stone and the garnet. 



This plant, which we particularly recommend 

 to be placed in the foreground of the shrubbery, 

 on account of the beautiful contrast which its rich 

 dyes make with the green foliage of the laurel and 

 other shrubs, loves a soft loamy soil, not too 

 much exposed to the meridian sun. It is easily 

 propagated by seed, which should be sown in 

 the autumn, and it is also increased by parting 

 the roots like mint or balm ; if the branches are 

 pegged down in the manner of layers it will also 

 take root. It is desirable not to let young 

 plants flower the first year, as by cutting down 

 the flowering stalks the roots become greatly 

 strengthened for succeeding seasons. 



The Crimson Monarda will keep fresh for a 

 great length of time in water, ornamenting the 

 vase and perfuming the apartment by a refresh- 

 ing odour ; we therefore give it as the emblem 

 of steady virtue. 



The Scarlet Monarda, or Oswego Tea, Mo- 

 narda Didj/ma, was introduced from North Ame- 



