122 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 
Whatever may be the economic relations of the crimson 
flax, there can be no mistake as to its rank as a gardei 
plant. It is certainly one of the most splendid hard: 
annuals known, and is capable of becoming a perennia 
under suitable management. Its average growth is twelv 
to fifteen inches ; the leaves are elliptic to linear, the uppe 
ones the largest. The flowers are in a loose termina 
panicle, each measuring about one and a half to two inche 
across, salver-shaped, the colour deep carmine or crimson 
the claw of each petal streaked with white lines, an 
divided from the limb by a transverse mark of red-brown 
the sepals have white margins. Thus it will be seen tha 
when the flowers have been admired for their fine forr 
and rich colour, some entertainment may be derived fron 
a minute examination of their structure. 
To grow this plant to perfection is an easy task. Th 
first step to be taken is to insure a true sample of seec 
for worthless kinds of flax are sometimes sold for it. Th 
soil in which the plant makes the finest growth is a fre 
fertile, sandy loam, but any soil in which summer flowe1 
usually thrive will suit it. The seeds should be sown i 
a pan in a frame in the month of March, and be carefull 
nursed until the plants are large enough to handle, whe 
they should be planted out six inches apart. From th 
time the seedlings appear they should have plenty of a: 
and lieht, for if at all drawn or weakened in the earl 
stages the bloom will be less satisfactory. A sunny ope 
position should be chosen for the bed, and a few watering 
must be given if the weather is dry when they are newl 
planted out. If sowing in a frame be not convenient, th 
seeds may be sown where they are to remain some tim 
in April, or if the soil be naturally dry and warm, i 
