BALM. 47 



littis, is similar in its etymology to Melissa. This, like the 

 true Balm, yields a great deal of honey ; it is described 

 as having an unpleasant smell when fresh, but becoming 

 delightfully fragrant when dried. It has large white and 

 purple flowers, which are odoriferous when they first open. 

 This plant is very handsome, and is a common inhabitant 

 of the flower-garden. 



Both these plants may be increased by parting the roots, 

 which may be divided into pieces, with five or six buds to 

 each, and planted in separate pots : this should be done in 

 October. When intended for ornament, the roots should 

 not be disturbed oftener than every third year. The earth 

 should be loamy, and they should be placed in an eastern 

 aspect, where they will thrive and produce flowers in 

 abundance. The Melissa will flower in June or July ; the 

 Melittis, a month earlier. They may have a little water 

 in dry weather, and stand abroad throughout the year. 

 In autumn cut off the decayed stalks ; new ones will 

 grow in the spring. 



BALSAM. 



IMPATIENS. 



BALSAME^. SYNGENESIA MONOGAMIA. 



Latin, impatiens. — Italian, balsamina; maraviglia di Francia; 

 [the wonder of France] . — In Florence, begl 'uomini ; bell' uorao [fine 

 man] . — French, balsamine, or belsaraine. The Yellow Balsam is also 

 called noU-me-tangere [touch me not] ; quick-in-hand and wild 

 mercury. — French, la balsamine des bois [Balsam of the woods] ; la 

 merveille; I'herbe Sainte Catharine; ne me touchez pas. — Italian, 

 erba impaziente ; balsamina gialla [Yellow Balsam] . 



Some of the names given to this plant refer to the 

 violence with which the ripe seeds dart from the seed- 

 vessel when touched. 



