MARIGOLDS 285 
of bracts. The florets persist until the slender fruits are mature. Most 
of the species give out a very unpleasant odour. They are all natives 
of the warmer regions of America. In cultivation they are known as 
French, African, and Mexican Marigolds, when in truth they are all 
Mexican. They have been in cultivation in this country for a very 
long period, Tagetes patula, the French Marigold, having been intro- 
duced so far back as 1573, and YT. erecta, the African Marigold, having 
just completed its third century in our gardens. 7. signata, the 
Mexican Marigold, and the charming little 7. lucida, introduced re- 
spectively in 1797 and 1798, are quite modern in comparison. The disk- 
florets under cultivation have mostly become rays, thus giving the heads 
that full, “double,” and globular form so much appreciated by gardeners. 
TAGETES ERECTA (erect). Stems erect, branched, 2 feet 
high. Leaves much divided pinnately, the segments lance- 
shaped, saw-toothed. Flower-heads solitary, involucre somewhat angular, 
stalk gradually thickened upwards; florets citron-yellow ; July. Annual. 
T. LucIDA (shining). Stem erect, slightly branched, 1 foot high. ° 
_ Leaves simple, lance-shaped, coarsely saw-toothed. Flower-heads three- 
quarters of an inch across, rich yellow, in corymbs, fragrant ; ray-florets 
usually four, broad; disk-florets small; éntire head having appear- 
ance of a Cruciferous flower; August. Perennial, but usually grown as 
an annual. Suitable for edgings. 
T. PATULA (spreading). Stems erect, branches spreading, 1} foot 
high. Leaves dissected pinnately, segments narrow - lance - shaped, 
saw-toothed. Flower-heads golden brown, 14 inch across; August. 
T. SIGNATA (distinct). Stems erect, branched, 14 foot high. Leaves dis- 
sected pinnately, segments lance-shaped, with deeply-cut teeth. Flower- 
heads deep yellow,small (1}inch), but very numerous, produced in succession 
from July to October. The var. pwmila is of more compact, dwarf habit. 
T. TENUIFOLIA (slender-leaved). Stems erect, slightly branched, 2 feet 
high. Leaves dissected pinnately, the segments very narrow and coarsely 
toothed. Flower-heads yellow, ray-florets nearly round; August. Annual. 
The species of Yagetes are half-hardy, and come 
readily from seed sown in a frame. T. lucida may also 
be increased by means of cuttings taken in spring or autumn. The 
seeds of the annuals should be sown in April; those of 7. lucida, 
if it is to be grown as a perennial, should be sown in August or 
September, and the young plants kept in a frame or greenhouse 
during the winter. 7. erecta should be planted out at distances of a 
foot apart; the others at about nine inches apart. They thrive in most 
soils, but one that is moderately rich as well as light suits them best. 
1I.— 31 
Principal Species. 
Cultivation. 
