THE GENUS IMPATIENS. 
493 
In consequence of the size attained by these 
plants, which will vary in different, soils and 
situations, and under different circumstances, 
from three to six, or eight feet in height, and 
generally of about equal diameter, it is neces- 
sary to exercise some judgment i^i the selection 
of a situation which is appropriate for them. 
It will be evident that their size renders them 
unsuitable to any position where the space is 
limited. One of the most suitable positions 
for them, is as single specimens planted out on 
a lawn, or in a wide border filled with miscel- 
laneous flowers. In either of these situations 
they would form very handsome objects, from 
the regularity with which their two or three 
times ramifying branches are produced on all 
sides ; and as each of the branches, as well as 
all their numerous ramifications, are liberally 
furnished towards the tips with blossoms, they 
are by no means wanting in beauty, but form 
really elegant objects. It should, however, 
be made a matter of consideration, that the 
situations chosen for them are unaffected by 
winds ; for it would be impracticable to afford 
the lateral branches any support without 
destroying the symmetrical beauty of the 
plants, and these, from their succulent nature, 
would be liable to become broken or disfigured 
if they were much exposed to the effects of 
rough winds. 
With treatment something such as has been 
detailed, they will display considerable beauty, 
if the season be favourable; for it must not be 
denied that the season has considerable in- 
fluence over the realization of this object. A 
warm, moist summer is the most suitable for 
them, and a cold one least of all adapted to 
bring out their blossoms. Moisture is a very 
essential element of their growth ; they have 
been known to thrive equally well in shaded 
situations (not however underneath trees), and 
in exposed places, where sufficient moisture 
has been present. In peaty soil they succeed 
admirably, but they also grow finely in poor 
stony soil, provided they are well watered at 
the roots. Water is therefore to be regarded 
as the most essential requisite in their cultiva- 
tion. 
It may just be worth while to remark that 
in saving seed from any of the plants which 
are cultivated in the open ground, those plants 
should be selected which have appeared to 
thrive best. Seedling plants, it is well known, 
vary to a certain extent in their constitution 
and hardiness, and hence any little difference 
in this respect which may be observed should 
be made the most of, with a view to produce a 
race somewhat more hardy than the plant is 
naturally found to be. By following up this 
course for a few seasons, there can be no doubt 
that a race would be secured which would 
thrive better in the open ground than those 
raised from plants cultivated in the warmer 
temperature of a stove or green-house. In 
fact, this is the principle by which to bring 
about what is termed acclimatising. 
TREATMENT OF THE TENDER ANNUAL SPECIES. 
Tins division properly includes the Indian 
species, glanduligera, macrochila, Candida, 
tricornis, longicornu, rosea, coccinea, tripetala, 
and discolor, as well as triflora, and cristata, 
and all the species which are natives of warm 
climates. 
The leading features of the treatment they 
require, consist in sowing the seeds in a warm 
temperature, maintaining a moist and mode- 
rately warm atmosphere for the plants to grow 
in, supplying them with plenty of rich soil, 
and watering with a liberal hand, especially as 
they advance towards maturity. Under treat- 
ment embracing these features, they will 
develop themselves to their utmost extent, 
and become very ornamental. 
In detailing this course of cultivation, we 
commence with the sowing of the seeds : the 
mechanical part of the operation may be dis- 
posed of in few words : — Select pots of 
convenient size, and some light soil moderately 
dry; fill the pots three parts full, consolidating 
the soil by shaking the pots and making the 
surface level ; sow the seeds thinly (that is to 
say, a little distance apart), on this surface, 
and cover them with about half an inch of soil, 
also levelled : the operation is then completed. 
Next, as to situation ; a hotbed frame is the 
most suitable, where they may be plunged to 
the rim, in a medium warmed to about 80° : 
in most gardens it is found convenient to have 
such a bed made, of suitable size, as it is 
adapted for raising most kinds of seeds, as 
well as for rooting cuttings ; but where such 
a bed is not provided, a plant stove, a cucumber 
frame, or a warm green-house, may be made 
to supply its place. It may, however, be 
remarked, that to raise tender annuals, and 
rear them to any degree of perfection, a 
hotbed will be indispensable up to the time of 
green-house plants being removed to the open 
air, when the annuals are generally required 
to be large enough to occupy their place. A 
hotbed being then indispensable, it will be 
sufficient to remark of it that it should be 
made precisely as a cucumber bed is made, 
only, as it does not require to be quite so hot, 
it may be formed of materials somewhat more 
spent than would be deemed proper for cu- 
cumbers. The inside of the hotbed frame 
should be provided with a few inches in depth 
of some light material for plunging the pots 
in, such as sawdust, old tan, ashes, &c. Until 
the seeds vegetate, but little water or air need 
be given ; but as soon as the seeds appear 
through the surface of the soil, they must 
