268 FLORA HfSTORICA. 



from the beginning of July to the end of Octo- 

 ber, and the flowers are so numerous that the 

 plants have a most cheerful appearance, particu- 

 larly towards the evening, as they seldom expand 

 in warm weather before four o'clock in the after- 

 noon, on which account it is sometimes called 

 ** Four o'clock Flower." But when the sun is 

 obscured, and the weather is moderately cool, 

 these timid blossoms remain open during the 

 whole day. 



It is necessary to preserve seeds from different 

 plants, since those of the white or purple vari- 

 eties, however they may sport in these two co- 

 lours, never produce plants that give out red or 

 yellow flowers, and one great beauty in the effect 

 of these plants is to give a mass of varying co- 

 lours. 



The Marvel of Peru is particularly well adapt- 

 ed for public gardens that are frequented in the 

 evening, since these flowers appear awake and 

 gay when most other blossoms sleep, and when 

 the Hght of lamps is thrown on their numerous 

 and richly dyed corollas their appearance be- 

 comes enchanting, and deserving of the title of 

 Belle de Niiit. 



These plants, when forced and cultivated in 

 large pots, are well calculated to decorate the 

 saloons of the gay, for however timid the flowers 



