162 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



ARGEMONE. 



Argemom grandiftora is the most showy of the genus ; a 

 native of Mexico. Its large flowers, with delicate white petals 

 and numerous yellow stamens, make a splendid appearance, 

 and we think much superior to 



A. ockroleuca, with pale-yellow flowers. The leaves, cap- 

 sules, and the whole plant, are armed with formidable spines, 

 and having once had the hands or any part of the body come 

 in contact with them, the plant will be forever after, viewed 

 with feelings far from those of pleasure. 



A. barclayana is equal to it, in its powers of annoyance, but 

 its more showy, brilliant yellow flowers make amends, in some 

 measure, for its repulsive appearance. 



The roots of the Argemone, if taken up and kept in pots, in 

 a frame or cellar, will flower much stronger the next year than 

 seedlings. 



ALONSOA. 



Beautiful green-house plants, but flower finely in the open 

 ground as annuals. 



Alonsoa incisifolia. Nettle-leaved Alonsoa. The flowers 

 of all the species are a rich scarlet, which are produced all the 

 season. This species has nettle-shaped but delicate leaves; 

 one to two feet high. The seed may be sown the last of 

 May, in the open ground, or in the hot-bed, in April. 



A. grandiftora has larger flowers, but very much like the 

 last. 



AMARANTHUS. 



Amaranthus tricolor. This is a tender annual, an old 

 favorite of the flower-garden, the chief beauty of which con- 

 sists in its variegated leaves. Miller, in ancient times, says, 

 " There is not a handsomer plant than this, in its full lustre." 



