LOASA 151 



Li'num — continued. 



look best planted in little colonies together on a 

 sunny well-drained border or small bed. 



L. grandiflor' um may be obtained in three colours, 

 white, called L. g. al'ba; rich crimson, L. g. 

 coccin'eum or ru'brum, known as Scarlet Flax ; 

 and blue, L. g. azu'reum or coerideum. By 

 successive sowings it may be had in flower 

 from May to October, and as a pot-plant it is 

 useful and effective. Height 12 to 14 ins. A 

 native of N. Africa. 



L. usitatis' simum, or Linseed Oil-plant. The 

 tenacious and delicate fibre of this is the flax 

 of commerce, while linseed oil is obtained from 

 the seed. Of an unknown origin, it has been 

 in cultivation from time immemorial, and the 

 period of its introduction into England is 

 unknown. The small blue round-petalled 

 flowers are produced on long, slender stems. 



Sow seeds ^ in. deep at the beginning of April 

 outdoors in ordinary soil where required to flower ; 

 but if in pots, give two parts loam, one part manure 

 and sand ; place in cold frame and keep shaded till 

 the seedlings are up. Support by twigs, and water 

 freely. 



Lion's Mouth. See Antirrhinum. 



Loa'sa (a name probably given by Michael Adanson, 

 1726 to 1806, a French naturalist, in honour of a 

 Spanish botanist). Nat. Ord. Loasacece, 



