SWEET^SMELLING PLANTS 



77 



ration is so simple ; there are many beautiful and improved forms 

 now to be had that demand the attention of all desiiing one of the 

 best plants to grow for delicate scent. A successional supply may 

 be maintained in the conservatory by starting, at intervals, a few 

 plants in pots, and all window-boxes should contain a plant or two. 

 A few good clumps may also be formed in the borders near the 

 dwelling, and also near to summer-houses and outdoor retreats 

 generally. The only points of importance are to pro^'ide it with 

 good soil, and in the case of those in pots, to supply liberally with 

 water. M, Harrisoni is a large flowering variety. M. monili- 

 formes grows in the woods of California, and is strongly scented. 



Mimusops Elengi. — A hard- wooded tree from Ceylon, bearing highly 

 fragrant flowers, largely used in perfumery. 



Mint. See Mentha. 



Mirabilis jalapa {Marvel of Peru). — A handsome herbaceous plant 

 with tuberous roots, from the west of South America. It bears 

 clusters of parti-coloured fragrant flowers, opening towards evening. 

 M. longiflora is another variety with delightfully scented white 

 tubular flowers which possess the odour of the Orange. 



Mitchella repens [Prjrtrifhje Berry). — A North American miniature 

 shrub, bearing waxy, white, fragrant flowers, followed by a scarlet 

 berry. 



Mock Orange. See Syringa, a'so Philadelphus. 



Mohria turifraga. — A South African rern,Mvitli scented attractions 



that gain for it the local name of Frankincense. 

 Moluccella laevis [Molucca Balm). — A Syrian annual — the shell-like 



flowers when bruised emit a strong, but delightful fragrance of 



Balm. 



Monarda didyma {Bergamot). — The scarlet Monarda, an herbaceous 

 peremiial introduced from North America. The whole plant is 

 strongly impregnated with a delightful fragrance ; even after the 

 darkly-coloured leaves have died away, the surface rootlets give 

 off" the pleasant smell by which the plant has earned its common 

 name. 



It is known in the United States as Oswego tea, and used to form 

 a common beverage in many parts of that country. 



The crimson variety, M. f.-^tulosa, is also a delightful plant that 

 recommends itself by the fragrance of its lovely foliage, and tufts of 

 beautiful flowers, which cro^^Ti every branch from June to August ; 

 the dainty blossoms will keep fresh for a long time in water, 

 ornamenting the vase and perfuming the apartment by a refreshing 

 odour ; there is also a purple and white variety possessing similar 

 attractions. 



