366 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
They are admirably adapted for forming large effective 
groups and beds, in which the numerous terminal flame- 
colored blossoms form a stately distant or mediate effect. 
The species thrive in all ordinary rich garden soils, or in 
equal portions of loam, peat and leaf-mould, and bloom 
from the middle of August until the end of September. 
Tritoma serotina unfolds its richest colors in October, and 
in fine seasons prolongs its ornamental effect into Novem- 
ber. 
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TROPZOLUM.—Invran Cress. 
[Named from the Greek word for atrophy. The leaf resembles a buckler, 
and the flower an empty helmet.) 
Tropéolum peregrinum.—Canary Bird Flower.—This 
is a beautiful climber, the charming little canary-colored 
blossoms of which, when half expanded, have a pretty 
and fanciful likeness to little birds. The plant has a fine, 
luxuriant, rambling character. It succeeds best in a light 
soil. If the seeds are planted in April or May, by the 
side of a trellis or arbor, the plants will soon cover con- 
siderable space, and produce their curious, lively flowers 
from July till the severe frosts of autumn. In rich, 
heavy soil it runs very much to vine, and produces its 
flowers very sparingly. 
T. majus.—Great Nasturtium.—This is a well known 
ornamental annual, of easy cultivation. It flowers best in 
alight soil. It looks well trained to a trellis, or over a 
wall. The flowers are rich orange, shaded with crimson 
and various colors; the variety with crimson or blood- 
colored flowers makes a fine contrast with the orange. 
The seeds are used as a substitute for capers, and the 
flowers sometimes eaten in salads, or used for garnishing 
dishes. 
There are a number of fine varieties of the Great Nas- 
