VII.] 



LIST OF FLOWERS. 



297 



and by its spreading branches^ overlays it. The seed is a black 

 fleshy substance coming in a little cup that the flower falls out of 

 when overblown. In pots it makes a pretty show, but it requires 

 so much more sustenance than is to be contained in a small 

 vessel of this kind, that, even in the largest, it will not blow such 

 large flowers as the plants in the open air ; and unless the flower 

 be a very large one, that is, about the size of a half-crown, it is a 

 pitiful, mean-looking thing, whereas, in full vigour, and size, 

 nothing is more showy at a distance, or more dehcate Avhen mi- 

 nutely examined, than the flow^er of this plant. It is a native of 

 the West Indies. 



526. MARIGOLD, common. — Lat. Calendula officinalis, A 

 hardy perennial plant, common in many parts of Europe, two feet 

 high, and blows a light yellow flower in June, July, and August. 

 Marigold, Small Cape. — Lat. Plurialis. A hardy annual plant, 

 originally from the Cape of Good Hope, one or two feet high, 

 blows a white flower in June, July, and August. Propagated by 

 seed sown where they are to grow. Likes a light soil and sunny 

 situation. — Marigold, ^/Hc«w. — Lat. Fagetes patula. A hardy 

 annual plant of Mexico, which blows a reddish yellow flower from 

 July to October. Propagated by sowing in a hot-bed, or in open 

 earth, if it be good and exposed to the sun, and there is no longer 

 fear of frosts. The plants must be planted in pots, and afterwards 

 in the open earth, taking care to water them frequently when 

 newly planted. They grow to two feet high, and often higher^ 

 and should be kept tied to sticks or they will fall about and look 

 ugly. It is rather a staring flower when in blossom, and much 

 more fit for the front of shrubberies, and the edges of lawns^ 

 than for borders. It is not particular as to soil. ^ 



527. MASTER-WORT, Great black.— Lat. Astrantia Major, 

 A plant of which the root is perennial, from the mountains of 

 Voges and the Pyrenees. It is two feet high, and its flower is of 

 a radiated reddish or w^hitish colour, and blows from June to 

 September. Any soil and any situation, except shade, will do for 

 it. Propagated by sowing the seed or by dividing the roots in 

 the autumn, and it often sows itself. It is a hardy plant. 



. 528. MESEMBRYANTHEMUM. Lat. M. tricolor^ There 

 are nearly two hundred sorts of this plant, many of them very 

 handsome and deserving of cultivation. They are nearly all 

 fleshy-leaved, and, therefore, like all the kind, require but Httle 



