GARDEN BEETS 485 



bracts and the orange-yellow heads. Introduced from Mexico. Also 

 known as 0. aurantiaca. 



G. PERENNis (perennial). Stems 2 feet high. Leaves lance-shaped. 

 Flower-heads pale yellow, with a two-leaved involucre; July to 

 October. 



G. PULCHELLA (fair). Stems IJ foot high. Leaves lance-shaped. 

 Flower-heads with involucre of many leaves ; rather smooth, rosy, on 

 long flower-stalks ; July. 



Gomphrenas like a light but rich soil, and in most 

 respects should be treated as though they were Cockscombs. 

 Seed should be sown on a hot-bed in March, either in a layer of special 

 compost above the heating material, or in pots or pans plunged in it. 

 Germination takes place in a week or ten days, and when the seedlings are 

 about an inch high they should be pricked out, three or four inches apart, 

 in a new hot-bed, or in the same if the heat is sufficient, shading them 

 until re-established, and keeping them moist. As soon as the roots have 

 again got hold of the soil give more light and more air. After being 

 here three or four weeks they may be potted without disturbing the soil 

 around the roots, and grown on with frequent waterings and fresh air to 

 gradually harden them. In June, during genial days, fully expose them, 

 and thereafter they may be used for the outdoor decoration of windows, 

 terraces, vases, for bedding purposes, or for the conservatory. For the 

 ripening of seed it is as well to take up a few of the best plants in 

 August, potting them, and removing them to a frame or greenhouse to 

 protect them from cold nights and too much wet. G. haageana is more 

 delicate than the other species, and must be given a more sheltered 

 position if used outside. 

 Description of GoTnphrena globosa, the Globe Amaranth, natural 



Plate 232. gize. Fig. 1 is a section through the entire flower-head ; 2 

 is a single flower with its coloured bracts ; 3, the. same with the bracts 

 removed ; 4, a section through the staminal tube ; 5, the seed, natural 

 size and enlarged ; 6, a seedling. 



GARDEN BEETS 



Natural Order Chenopodiace^. Genus Beta 



Beta (origin uncertain, but said to be from the Celtic, bett, red). A genus 

 of about nine species of herbs with fleshy roots, and almost entire leaves. 

 The flowers are very small, greenish and inconspicuous, in spikes or 



