MIMULT7S, HEATHS ; OSWEGO TEA. 131 



The Mirnulus, or Monkey Plant, is a gay flower, either 

 for pots, or for planting out in the borders. There are 

 many hardy varieties which are perennials, and which 

 flower abundantly throughout the summer. Any soil 

 will do, but a light, rich, moist soil suits them best. 

 Koseus, and a very few others, are half hardy, and require 

 to be- removed into a pit in winter ; but if their seed be 

 sown in March they may be used as annuals, and will 

 flower well in summer and autumn. A few are annuals. 

 The Musk Plant is a Mimulus, which dies down in winter, 

 and comes up again year after year ; its pleasant scent, 

 bright tender green foliage, and pretty yellow flowers, 

 render it attractive. This, and all the tribe, want 

 abundance of water. The name of Monkey Plant is 

 from the form of the seed. The Diplacus is a Mimulus 

 of a shrubby growth. D. ghttinosus has orange, 

 V. puniceus, scarlet flowers. All are natives of Cali- 

 fornia, and it must be remembered, with regard to all 

 plants of that country, that they are easily killed if the 

 sun strike on the collar of the root. Propagate by 

 cuttings taken when they are getting firm at the base, 

 in April. Plant them in sand under a bell glass. 

 These plants must have a little protection from frost in 

 winter. 



The Heaths are not useful in the garden, but they are 

 nice greenhouse or window plants, though often disap- 

 pointing. In potting, the collar of the root is sometimes 

 put too low, which makes it rot. Water regularly, never 

 letting the plants be either sodden or too dry, and never 

 subject them to a cold position nor a hot sun. Heaths 

 grow well in three parts peat well pulverized, and one 

 part silver sand, and the pots should be well drained. 

 The pots should have no saucers, and should be watered 

 twice a day, over head, in summer, and have plenty of 

 air ; in winter, once a day for watering is enough, and 

 less air, but a little even in slight frost. 



The Monarda didyma, or Osvvego Tea, and Monardas 

 of other varieties, are rather tall-growing plants, pro- 

 ducing showy flowers throughout the summer. They 

 thrive in a rich light soil, and are increased by division 



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