BAKTOtfXA. 157 



The Balsam is a hardy, vigorous plant, and will do well 

 if sown in the open ground, where it is intended to re- 

 main, but you will get much finer flowers by sowing early 

 and transplanting frequently. Frequent transplanting 

 checks the vigorous growth of the branches and favors 

 the development of the flowers. The branches may be 

 pinched off, and the plant trained to sticks, or to a trellis 

 in any desired form, as shown in the illustrations on 

 page 155. If planted in a bed by themselves, Balsams 

 should be set out in rows, fifteen to eighteen inches 

 apart, and from ten to eighteen inches apart in the 

 row. My own plan is, to set them fifteen inches apart 

 each way. There are many varieties of Balsams, but, ex- 

 cept for the professional florist, the three following varie- 

 ties are most likely to give general satisfaction: Camellia- 

 flowered, in mixed colors; Eose-flowered, double, in 

 mixed colors; Extra-double-dwarf, mixed colors. 



BARTONIA. 



The Bartonia aurea, or Golden Bartonia, is a native of 

 California. The plant is about eighteen inches high, the 

 numerous large and showy bright yellow flowers having a 

 metallic lustre. The seed should be sown in the open 

 ground, in rich soil that has been heavily manured and 

 thoroughly prepared the autumn previous. Sow as early 

 in the spring as the ground is in good condition, in rows 

 fifteen inches apart, dropping a seed every two or three 

 inches in the row. The plants are not transplanted 

 readily, and it is best to sow where they are intended to 

 remain. Hoe lightly and frequently, between the rows, 

 and keep the bed entirely free from weeds. In a severe 

 drouth, it would be well to mulch the soil, between the 

 rows, with the clippings of the lawn. 



