AND THE WILDERNESS BLOSSOMED 



plant and delays its blooming, and so I scatter 

 the seed in the fall wherever I think I may 

 possibly want a plant, and if I change my mind 

 in the spring, it is easy to pull out what I do not 

 want. 



Calendula officinalis, or Pot Marigold, is in 

 many ways a most desirable plant. It is easy 

 of cultivation, perfectly hardy, a free bloomer, 

 and flowers on the island from July 25th to 

 frost. Its blossoms are large, showy, and not 

 ungraceful. It grows to a height of eighteen 

 inches, and does well in many situations, though 

 it seems to require a good soil, plenty of room, 

 and a warm sunny position to produce the best 

 results. There are a number of varieties, all of 

 them attractive. Lemon yellow, golden yellow 

 with maroon centre, yellow striped with orange, 

 orange, and sulphur yellow striped with white, 

 are the usual shades. The seed is easy to gather, 

 and large quantities may be obtained with little 

 trouble. With this flower, as with so many 

 others, it is wise to mark choice blossoms, and 

 to use the seed from them alone. One instructor 

 advises us to "sow in boxes early, or in open 

 ground in May or June ; transplant to one foot 

 apart." I advise you not to sow in boxes, nor 



220 



