MUSTARD FAMILY 



Stocks are divided into two groups: the autumn-flowering 

 Queen or Brompton Stocks, and summer-blooming Ten Weeks, 

 or Intermediate Stocks. 



These are sometimes referred to two species, Matthiola incana 

 and Matthiola Annua, but it is probable that they are garden forms 

 of one polymorphous species; certainly they cannot now be dis- 

 tinguished by any definite botanical characters. 



The double-flowered varieties, known as Ten Weeks, are among 

 the most pleasing of garden annuals. They come quickly into 

 bloom, are delightfully fragrant, and linger long in autumn. If 

 early bloom is desired the plants should be started in cold frames. 

 The garden name emphasizes the fact that from the time of sow- 

 ing to the time of flowering is about ten weeks. The autumn- 

 blooming stocks are biennials. 



It is interesting to know that the seed of both groups comes 

 to us from Germany, principally from Erfurt and Quedlinburg, 

 where plants are especially grown for seed which wiU produce 

 double flowers. Obtaining these is a very careful and delicate 

 process. In the beds are both single and double-flowering plants. 

 In the doubles the stamens and pistils are either partially or en- 

 tirely aborted. 



The beds require an enormous quantity of water which must be 

 given under most careful conditions. After the plants have been 

 in bloom for some time, the double-flowering specimens are cut 

 out and the beds continue to be carefully watered until the seed- 

 pods which form on the single plants show indications of ripening, 

 which is in October. The plants are then pulled and tied into 

 bundles which are hung up in dry sheds until November or Decem- 

 ber, during which time the seed fully matures in the pod. Finally, 

 the stalks are taken down, the seed-pods picked and sorted. 

 Curiously enough the pods indicate by their shape and size whether 

 the seeds will produce a high percentage of double flowers the 

 foUowing year, and the selection is made with great care. The 

 seeds that go on the market are greatly improved by the removal 

 of the "wild pods" which contain the single seeds. The pods are 

 shelled by hand, the work being done by women and children. 



