MARIGOLD. 189 



foliage, and the middle of the leaves are more blunt, the 

 upper ones more lanceolate. It is a native of France, and 

 has been in cultivation ever since 1597 ; the flowers are 

 orange color, which continue most part of the summer, 

 giving splendor to the flower garden. It was formerly 

 held in repute for its medicinal qualities, but the march of 

 improvement and knowledge has sent these reputed quali- 

 ties to the shades of oblivion. The country people of 

 England still use the flowers in their broth, or soup. Set- 

 ting aside the coloring matter, I am doubtful if there be 

 any particular attributes in its use. 



Of the Golden Marigold there are seven varieties, all 

 considered showy flowers for annuals. 



C. pluvialis is the small Cape Marigold, which is an 

 annual, much cultivated ; leaves deeply indented on the 

 edge, of a pale green ; stem declining, six inches long, 

 leafy within two inches of the top ; stem leaves narrower 

 and more indented than those near the root ; the stem 

 grows slender as it nears the top, with the flowers at the 

 extremity like the common Marigold ; they open when the 

 sun shines, and shut in the evening. When the flower 

 decays, and during the time the seed is ripening, they hang 

 down ; when fully ripe, they grow erect again, when the 

 cultivator is admonished of the time to gather the seed. 

 This variety is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and 

 was first cultivated in Europe in 1726. No particular care 

 is required in the culture of the annual variety, other than 

 already named. Those of the green-house require no 

 more than guarding them against frost, and their flowers 

 are easily brought to perfection. 



