Eleven] 



so that frequently, after making a few inches of 

 growth, they refuse to go further, and gradually 

 dwindle away. It is therefore better to make several 

 sowings, soaking the seed in hot water for an hour 

 before using, and planting in hotbed or cold-frame. 

 If it is dropped an inch or two apart in the rows there 

 will be no occasion for disturbing until it is time to 

 transplant into the open ground which would better 

 be deferred until the plants are six or eight inches high. 

 They should be moved with as little disturbance as 

 possible, pressing the trowel down its full length and 

 lifting and transferring to their permanent position 

 on the east side of the house in one operation. Water 

 and press the earth around the roots and furnish im- 

 mediate support. Thus treated they will usually 

 thrive and bloom in a few weeks, continuing until 

 frost unless seeds form, which should not be allowed 

 on young plants. 



Were they much more difficult to raise, it would 

 still be worth many trials and failures to secure one 

 thrifty plant, so lovely it is when in bloom. I do 

 not remember another plant whose blossoms give one 

 such an idea of perfection of exquisite and minute 

 finish, as this lovely Centrosema with its beautiful 

 colour, delicate markings, and symmetry of form. 

 Before it bloomed I had begun to wonder whether 

 it was worth all the trouble, but when I saw the first 

 perfect blossom all doubts vanished and I would go 

 to much greater trouble to possess it. 



