174 GARDENING WITH BRAINS '^ 



four-o'clock, lemon verbena, rose geranium, 

 African marigold, nicotiana, schizanthus, mi- 

 gnonette, and two exquisite aromatic novelties 

 just introduced by Luther Burbank — the Aus- 

 tralian coconut geranium (which will become 

 a rival of the delectable rose geranium) and the 

 "Brazilian perfume," the leaves of which, when 

 rubbed, give one a new sensation of delight, as 

 distinct, intense, and refreshing as oil of lavender. 



FRAGRANCE INTOXICATES, LIKE MUSIC 



Pansies and sweet peas would, of course, be 

 included in this garden of fragrant annuals, 

 but they are bedded elsewhere. The pansy's 

 fragrance is even more thrilling than that of 

 any violet; I have spoken of it in another 

 chapter. As for the sweet pea, I think it is my 

 favorite perfume; there is something ethereal, 

 refined, delicate, yet intense, about it that 

 ravishes my olfactory nerves and makes me 

 dream of celestial bliss. Much as I love sweet 

 peas for their delicate contours and varied colors, 

 their fragrance is still dearer to me; I can get 

 forms and colors in other flowers, but the fra- 

 grance is unique; to lose it would be a calamity; 

 and there is danger ahead. 



The late W. Atlee Burpee once wrote me that 

 he had advised Mr. Burbank not to waste any of 

 his precious time trying to improve sweet peas, 

 because they were well-nigh perfect. But the 

 early-flowering habit was still to be inbred, 



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