126 



MYRTUS NARCISSUS. 



ancients sacred to Venus. The brows of bloodless 

 victors were adorned with myrtle wreaths, and at 

 Athens it was an emblem of civic authority. It is 

 used in religious ceremonies by the Jews. Its ele- 

 gant form and fragrance make it desirable for the 

 house. 



SOIL, GENERAL TREATMENT AND VARIETIES. 



The myrtle is suited with a sandy loam enriched 

 with one-fourth leaf-mold. 



Water moderately and wash the foliage fre- 

 quently. 



It is increased by cuttings which if not too ripe 

 root freely either in sand or soil. 



The myrtle does not require large pots, likes 

 plenty of sun and air during the growing season, 

 but flourishes well in almost any situation. If put 

 out door in summer it should have a shady loca- 

 tion. 



Myrtus communis^ the common parlor myrtle of which there are 

 several varieties ; small, large, or variegated leaved, and single and 

 double-flowered. 



M. tennifolia, a fine plant from New Holland. 



M. to??zentosa, of China, purple flowers changing to white, sev- 

 eral shades on the same plant at once ; does not endure the hot 

 sun. 



NARCISSUS. 



The Narcissus is named from narke, stupor ; on 

 account of the effect produced by the smell upon 



