THE MIMULUS 99 



plants for winter blooming, keep them pretty dry 

 during summer. Repot in September, cutting the 

 branches in well at that time. If allowed to bloom in 

 summer, they can be kept over winter in the cellar. 

 Old plants can be set out on the lawn in summer, 

 where they will bloom with great profusion till the 

 coming of cold weather. 



The Mimulus 



Mimulus moschatus, or Musk Plant, so called on 

 account of the peculiar musky odor of its foliage, has 

 long been grown in window gardens, where it has 

 given very good satisfaction. Its flowers of yellow 

 blotched with maroon have a bright and cheerful look 

 in midwinter. It is easily raised from seed. If wanted 

 for winter blooming, sow in June, in pots or pans of 

 very fine, light earth. Sprinkle the surface of the soil 

 before sowing the seed, and press down smoothly with 

 the hand. Then scatter the fine seed over the soil, after 

 which press the earth in the pot or pan again to imbed 

 the seed in it. Because it is so fine, it is hardly safe 

 to attempt to cover it, and it will germinate quite as 

 well without being covered if it is kept moist. The 

 young plants will soon appear. Do not force them or 

 they will become weak and spindling. Give plenty of 

 fresh air, and, after a little, the early morning sun- 

 shine. These directions, it will be well to bear in 

 mind, are for a June sowing, for the purpose of raising 

 plants for winter use. 



When five or six leaves have been made, pick off 

 the young plants into two or three-inch pots, filled with 

 ordinary potting soil. Do not give too much heat, and 

 keep sheltered from winds, as the plants are always 

 tender and therefore easily bruised. If strong plants 

 are desired, frequent shifts must be made. Pinch the 

 branches back to make the plants bushy, and do not 



