34 NATURAL HISTORY OF PLANTS. 



known is th.e beautiful ornamental plant, a native of India, of which, we 

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

 under consideration is one of those to which our cultivation owes 

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

 Geraniums and Erodiums of our gardens ; the numerous species of 

 Pelargonium in our green-houses and windows; the magnificent 

 Monsonias., the culture of which has become rare ; the Nasturtiums 

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

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

 ooloured, and some FlcerJceas, especially F. [Limnanthes) Bouglasii 

 (fig. 50-64) often planted in our gardens. 



•L. Spec. 1318.— Blackw. Berh. t. 583.— 485.— DO. Frodr. i. 685. {Berhe impatienU, 

 Balsamina hortenais Desp. in Siot. Se. Nat. iii. Jalousie, Merveille.) 



