MARTYNIA FRAORANS. 181 



MARTYNIA PBAGRANS. 



This delightful, fragrant annual is a native of Mexico. 

 The seed of the original plant was sent from Real del 

 Monte, in 1840, to England, where it is considered the best 

 annual of kte introduction. The flowers are on spikes 

 arising from the point of the stem of the plant ; from the 

 base of the first spike laterals proceed, and thus, in succes- 

 sion, the plant flowers the whole summer, affording a beau- 

 tiful contrast with the Balsam ; these plants should be 

 sown together, growing about the same height, with cir- 

 cumference in proportion. The whole plant is hairy, more 

 or less ; the flowers a fine, rich, crimson purple, and their 

 fragrance delightful. It is well calculated for parlor cul- 

 ture, as well as the open ground, growing two feet high. 

 It will thrive best if the seeds are sown in the fall, potted, 

 and kept in the parlor through the winter; but will require 

 shifting often as the roots fill the pot. 



It was named after the late John Martyn, the author of 

 several botanical works. There are several other varieties 

 of the Martynias, all beautiful plants, but M. fragrans is 

 considered the best and most valuable acquisition to the 

 flower garden. The soil should be rich, and their general 

 culture the same as the Balsam. Therefore, to ensure good 

 strong plants, if the seed be not sown in the fall, it should 

 be in February, in a hot bed, and planted out when all dan- 

 ger of frost is over. 



