:Q^^e:^ 



iLS^^fUiO^, AXD THEIR CULTIVATION. 159 



■weeds destroyed and the ground in a mellow condition. Those who have the con 

 venience can raise a few plants in the hot-bed for early blooming. In this section of 

 the country seed should not be sown in the open gi'ound before the first of May, As 

 we have given simple directions for cultivation with each kind described, nothing 

 further will be necessary in this place, except to say that some attention should be 

 paid in planting to the height of plants, so that the larger do not hide those of a 

 smaller growth. A little taste is also necessary in the arrangement of colors to pro- 

 duce a good effect ; this will be learned by observation and experience. We only 

 intend to throw out a few hints and leave the matter for the present to the good sense 

 and cultivated tastes of our readers. 



We give engravings and descriptions of nine of the best and easiest grown annuals, 

 and will give others next month. 



The Balsam — Balsamina Hortensis. — The Balsam, or Lady's Slipper, as it is 

 someti'mes called, is well known, occupying a place in almost every garden. It is a 

 native of the East Indies, China, and Japan. It has succulent stems, and beautiful 

 showy flowers. Too much of the seed sold in our seed stores is carelessly saved from 

 improperly grown plants, and the result to the planter is poor single flowers, and sore 

 disappointment. The flowers to be considered good should be large, round, and 

 double. The plant should branch down to the surface of the ground, the flowers 

 completely encircling the stem on all sides. Last season we obtained seed from Vil- 

 MORiN, of Paris, and we were not only satisfied but delighted with the result. Mons. 

 V. has a variety which he names the Camellia Balsam, exceedingly double and fine 

 in every respect. It is from one of these our engi-anug is taken (fig. 1). Much, how- 

 ever, depends on cultivation. 



The Balsam requires a deep, rich, warm soil. Seed may be planted in this latitude 

 about the 1st of May in the open ground ; but to secure early flowers, it is better to 

 plant in a hot-bed of moderate heat, or in a cold frame, merely making a box, and 

 covering with glass. Seed, in this way may be planted about the 1st of April, and by 

 the 1st of May will be ready to transplant into the open ground. 



The China Astek — Aster Chinensis. — China Asters were first sent from Cliiua to 

 Paris in 1730, and have since been carried to all civilized countries. At their first 

 introduction they were single, and of only two colors, red and white. The Germans 

 have taken great pains to improve this flower, and the better sorts are usually called 

 .German Aster. The French are particularly fond of Asters, and grow them in the 

 greatest perfection. The flower from which our plate was taken (fig. 1) was grown from 

 French seed, and Is called Pccony Aster. We were unable to make them ripen their 

 seed, and have since learned that in France the seed can only be ripened under glass. 



The culture of the Aster is similar to that of the Balsam. They generally flower 

 better if transplanted than if allowed to remain where the seed was sown. 



The PoRTiTLAccA (fig. 3) is a succulent, spreading plant, that loves the hottest and 

 diyest weather. There are fom* varieties, tlie scarlet, crimson, yellow, and white. Tluy 

 grow almost as readily as weeds, and may be sown very early in the spring. We 

 know of few more beautiful objects in tlie floral world than a bed of the Portulacca. 



