246 
ER YSI iM IT M PE RO FSK I ANUM. 
situated at the distance of nine inches or a foot from the leaves, the intervening- 
space being occupied by the seed-pods. This, of course, detracts much from their 
beauty ; and, with the exception of a few plants which may be reserved for seed, 
it is advisable to cut off the flower-stems soon after the seed-pods begin to appear, 
or when the plants become straggling. We offer this suggestion solely from 
analogy, as it appears likely that new flower-stems would soon be developed, and 
in much greater numbers ; whereas, if the plants are not thus decapitated, they are 
apt to grow too diffuse and unsightly. 
Experience has not yet determined whether this is an annual species, or 
whether, as the Wallflower, it will blossom for two years. If the latter term is 
wished to be attained, the destruction of the seed, while only in embryo, is an 
indispensable preliminary. Plants raised from seed in the autumn, and preserved 
in small pots and a cold frame, will, if planted out any time during the spring 
months, flower beautifully in the flower-garden from June till November. They 
may either be placed singly in the borders, or collected in a bed, in which latter 
situation their bright orange blossoms create a splendid effect. 
The seeds are apparently as freely matured as those of the native species, but 
some care is necessary in collecting them, otherwise they will all be scattered and 
lost. The pods must be gathered separately, as they individually ripen; for, 
immediately on their becoming dry, they burst and disperse the seeds. 
Of its native country, nothing certain has transpired. It is presumed to be an 
inhabitant of Caboul, but Sir W. J. Hooker remarks, in the Botanical Magazine, 
that he has been favoured with specimens from Lady Mary Cathcart, of Cathcart, 
who procured seeds direct from Caboul, where it is considered to be a native of 
Persia. 
We are obliged for our drawing to Messrs. Rollison, of Tooting, in whose 
nursery the species has flowered during the whole of the late summer. 
The generic name is from Er^o, to draw ; some of the species containing a 
juice which is capable of occasioning and raising blisters. 
