246 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



MIGNONETTE. 



RESEDA ODORATA. 



KESEDACE^. DODECANDRIA TRYGYNIA, 



This plant is supposed to be an Egyptian, and to have 

 been brought hither from the South of France, where it is 

 called reseda d'Egypte, and herhe d''amour [love flower], A 

 French appellation, derived from the Spanish, mhioneta, 

 prevails here over its classical one. It is a favourite plant, 

 very fragrant, and has well justified this affectionate name, 

 Mignonette, or Little-darling : its sweetness wins all hearts. 



" The luxury of the pleasure-garden," says Mr. Curtis, 

 " is greatly heightened by the delightful odour which this 

 little plant diffuses ; and as it grows more readily in pots, 

 its fragrance may be conveyed into the house. Its per- 

 fume, though not so refreshing perhaps as that of the 

 Sweet-briar, is not apt to offend the most delicate olfac- 

 tories. It flowers from May to the commencement of 

 winter." 



People have not been satisfied, however, with growing 

 this little-darling in pots ; it is more frequently seen 

 cradled in the sunshine, in boxes the whole length of the 

 window it is placed in. 



" the sashes fronted with a range 



Of orange, myrtle, or the fragrant weed. 

 The Frenchman's darling." 



COWPER. 



The seeds may be sown in April, and will gi'ow very 

 well in the open air, although it will not flower so early as 

 when raised in a hot-bed ; they will, however, be much 

 stronger. If sheltered in the winter, it will continue flower- 

 ing most part of the year, but will not be so strong the 

 second year as the first. It is generally an annua). The 

 earth should be kept moderately moist. 



