158 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



Lily Of the Nile. See Richardia. 



Lobelia*. The different forms of Lobelia speciosa are generally 

 used for bedding during the summer, but at the same time they form a 

 pleasing feature in the greenhouse, the loose-growing kinds being par- 

 ticularly useful for suspended baskets. Lobelias are readily raised from 

 seed sown in the greenhouse in March. Miss Hope is a beautiful white 

 variety for a basket. 



Maiden's Wreath. See Francoa ramosa. 



Marguerite. This is the term usually applied to the different 

 forms of Chrysanthemum frutescens that are largely grown for decora- 

 tion. They succeed in any ordinary soil, and their large daisy-like 

 blooms appear in great profusion throughout the greater part of the year. 

 They all strike very readily from cuttings put in during the spring. 



Maurandya bardayana. A quick-growing climber that, if raised 

 from seed in the spring, will produce its purple Foxglove-like flowers 

 throughout the latter half of the summer. 



Metrosideros floribunda. See Callistemon salignus. 



Mignonette. The delicious fragrance of the Mignonette (Reseda 

 odorata) renders it a general favourite, and good plants of it are often 

 grown in pots. Pretty little plants for autumn and winter flowering 

 may be obtained in pots five inches in diameter, but the seed must be 

 sown in July and August. A suitable compost is two-thirds loam to 

 one-third well-decayed manure, with a little sand. The pots must be 

 well drained, and the soil pressed down very firmly to within an inch of 

 the rim. In sowing the seed take care not to sprinkle it too thickly, as 

 five healthy plants are sufficient for one pot. A frame out of doors is a 

 good place for the seed-pots, as the lights will serve to keep off an 

 excess of rain, which must be especially guarded against. Plenty of 

 air should be given, and as the plants develop a little liquid manure 

 will be of service. A light position and a good circulation of air are 

 necessary to the Mignonette in autumn and winter. There are several 

 forms, the variety Machet being one of the best. 



Mimosa. See Acacia dealbata. 



Mimulus. The garden forms of Mimulus, known as the Monkey 

 Flower, are in many cases curiously marked. They grow readily from 

 seed in the spring, and pretty little examples may be obtained in five- 

 inch pots. The common Musk (Mimulus moschatus) is a general 

 favourite, readily increased by division, as is also the larger-flowered form 

 known as Harrison's Musk. 



Monkey Flower. See Mimulus. 



Musk. See Mimulus moschatus. 



Myrsiphyllum asparagoides. A slender climber, with small, 

 bright shining green, heart-shaped leaves. It is the plant commonly 

 known as Smilax, and has long sprays so much used for table deco- 

 ration. It succeeds in ordinary potting compost. 



Norfolk Island Pine. See Araucaria excelsa. 



Ophiopogon spicatum variegatum, with white, striped leaves, 

 and 0. Jdburan variegatum, in which they are marked with yellow, are 

 two dense-growing, grass-like plants, very pretty for indoor decoration. 



