Seo. 31.^ THE FLOWER-OARDEK. 505 



1 



ber flowers much better than when sown in spring. For spring sowing, 

 plant early in April, in poor soil. 



IliraliHn Jalapa — commonly called Fonro'clock, from its liabit of 

 opening its flowers about that time in the afternoon. MirabilU is a I-atin 

 word for wonderful. Tlie roots of this plant, when dried, fonn the principal 

 constituent of the jalap of druggists. It is generally considered an annual ; 

 it has a largo tuberous root which, if taken up in (October, and stored in a 

 dry cellar, will flower the second season. Seed sown in April ; flowers 

 in June. 



Scahiosa, or Ifoinminy Bride. — A variety of colors, from a jet black to a 

 deep lilac. Seed sown in May; blooms in the latter part of June. 



Zinnia Eleyans. — One of the most showy annuals in cultivation ; flowers, 

 brilliant scarlet, white, orange, and light purple. The new doulilc-flfnveri'<l 

 Zinniai'orms a beautiful addition to this class of annual flowers. The flower* 

 resemble the double French marigold ; they will bear transplantiug. Seed 

 sown in May ; blooms in July. 



Ciintonia EU'gans. — A beautiful, tender annual, covered with dcop-bluo 

 flowers ; grows about six inches high. Seed sown in May, in light, rich soil ; 

 blooms in July and August. 



Ovinjj/tnna Globosa, or Globe AmaranthuK. — Five diflFercnt colors; tho 

 seeds arc rather difficult to vegetate; they require to bo soaked in wann 

 water. Tlie flowers, if gathered and kept in a dry place, will retain their 

 color for several years. Seed sown in ilay. 



Mignonette is one of the sweetest of the annuals. Thousands of pots of it 

 are sold annually in the markets of Paris and London. It has l>ccn found 

 growing upon the walls of ruins near Pari^, springing from every crcvico 

 where the seed could germinate, and scenting tlie air with its fragrance. 

 Tlie mignonette is of very easy culture ; in rich soil it grows luxuriantly, but 

 with poor flowers, that have little or no fragrance ; but in poor soil tho flow- 

 ers will bo large and very fragrant. When once the seeds are planted, it 

 will retain possession of the soil, springing up year after year. Sci.I .-...wn 

 in May almost upon the surface of the soil. 



Among the curious aimuals is the Mimosa, or Fyn»itivf Plant. Seed 

 sown in the open ground in May, in rich soil. Tl»is singular plant, at Ui« 

 slightest touch, closes its leaves. 



" Weak with nice iicnuc tli'- clia»t.' inimnu •tan'U, 

 Krum encli rurfc touch wUbilraw* licr l.-i>Jfr li««d»." 



MeseinlryantJumum, or Ice Plant.— T\\\i curious plant has thick leave-*. 

 which have the api>carnncc of being covered with ice; very ornamoutal for 

 vases. Seed sown in Mav. 



Loasa Acanthifolia.—A running vine, covered with curious yellow flow- 

 crs; the stem an<l leaves are cvercl with hairs or Mnall l.ri»tle*, wluch, 

 upon being touched, leave u stinging sc-nsatloii biniilar to uelllcfc S«od 



sown in May. . 



Coix iMc/tryma, or Job's Tairt.—X kind of on.aiucDtal graw. ll u caUoi} 



