122 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



Whatever maybe the economic relations of the crimson 

 flax, there can be no mistake as to its rank as a garden 

 plant. It is certainly one of the most splendid hardy 

 annuals known, and is capable of becoming 1 a perennial 

 under suitable management. Its average growth is twelve 

 to fifteen inches ; the leaves are elliptic to linear, the upper 

 ones the largest. The flowers are in a loose terminal 

 panicle, each measuring about one and a half to two inches 

 across, salver-shaped, the colour deep carmine or crimson, 

 the claw of each petal streaked with white lines, and 

 divided from the limb by a transverse mark of red-brown ; 

 the sepals have white margins. Thus it will be seen that 

 when the flowers have been admired for their fine form 

 and rich colour, some entertainment may be derived from 

 a minute examination of their structure. 



To grow this plant to perfection is an easy task. The 

 first step to be taken is to insure a true sample of seed, 

 for worthless kinds of flax are sometimes sold for it. The 

 soil in which the plant makes the finest growth is a free, 

 fertile, sandy loam, but any soil in which summer flowers 

 usually thrive will suit it. The seeds should be sown in 

 a pan in a frame in the month of March, and be carefully 

 nursed until the plants are large enough to handle, when 

 they should be planted out six inches apart. From the 

 time the seedlings appear they should have plenty of air 

 and light, for if at all drawn or weakened in the early 

 stages the bloom will be less satisfactory. A sunny open 

 position should be chosen for the bed, and a few waterings 

 must be given if the weather is dry when they are newly 

 planted out. If sowing in a frame be not convenient, the 

 seeds may be sown where they are to remain some time 

 in April, or if the soil be naturally dry and warm, in 



