34 NATURAL HISTOJiY OF PLANTS. 



known is the bcautit'ul ornamental plant, a native of India, of ^\liicli we 

 possess so many rich, varieties, /. Balsamina ^ (fig. 40-48). The family 

 under consideration is one of those to which onr cultivation owes 

 most of its ornamental species. It is sufficient to name the beautiful 

 Geraniums and Erodhims of our gardens ; the numerous species of 

 Pelargonimn in oru- green-houses and windows; the magnificent 

 Monsonias, the culture of which has become rare ; the Nastm-tiums 

 almost all climbing, generally sown as annuals; the species of 

 0,valis, with pretty yellow, white, pink, or red flowers, some two- 

 coloured, and some Flcerkeas, especially F. {Limnantlies) Doiic/lasii 

 (fig. 50-54) often planted in our gardens. 



1 L. Spec. 1318.— Blackw. Herb. t. 583.— 485.— DC. Prodi: i. 685. {Eerbe impatiente, 

 BnhamUia hortensis Desp. in Diet. Se. Nat. iii. Jalousie, Merveille.) 



