366 BEECH'S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



They are admirably adapted for forming large effective 

 groups and beds, in which the numerous terminal flame- 

 colored blossoms form a stately distant or mediate effect. 

 The species thrive in all ordinary rich garden soils, or in 

 equal portions of loam, peat and leaf-mould, and bloom 

 from the middle of August until the end of September. 

 Tritoma serotina unfolds its richest colors in October, and 

 in fine seasons prolongs its ornamental effect into Novem- 

 ber. 



TROP-2EOLTTM. INDIAN CRESS. 



[Named from the Greek word for a trophy. The leaf resembles a buckler, 

 and the flower an empty helmet.] 



Tropaeolum peregrinum. Canary Bird Flower. This 

 is a beautiful climber, the charming little canary-colored 

 blossoms of which, when half expanded, have a pretty 

 and fanciful likeness to little birds. The plant has a fine, 

 luxuriant, rambling character. It succeeds best in a light 

 soil. If the seeds are planted in April or May, by the 

 side of a trellis or arbor, the plants will soon cover con- 

 siderable space, and produce their curious, lively flowers 

 from July till the severe frosts of autumn. In rich, 

 heavy soil it runs very much to vine, and produces its 

 flowers very sparingly. 



T Hiajus* Great Nasturtium. This is a well known 

 ornamental annual, of easy cultivation. It flowers best in 

 a light soil. It looks well trained to a trellis, or over a 

 wall. The flowers are rich orange, shaded with crimson 

 and various colors; the variety with crimson or blood- 

 colored flowers makes a fine contrast with the orange. 

 The seeds are used as a substitute for capers, and the 

 flowers sometimes eaten in salads, or used for garnishing 

 dishes. 



There are a number of fine varieties of the Great Nas- 



