lowers are showy and attractive; and it is frequently cultivated as an
ornamental plant. The stem is about a foot in height; the leaves are
thick and fleshy, rounded at the ends, and taper to the stalk; the
flowers are an inch and a half or two inches in diameter,
yellow,--differing, however, in depth of color, and single or double
according to the variety; the seeds are large, light-brown, much curved
and contorted, and very irregular both in their size and form.

_Sowing and Cultivation._--The plant is of easy culture. The seeds are
sown in autumn, just after ripening; or in April, May, or June. Make the
drills a foot apart; cover the seed three-fourths of an inch deep; and,
when the plants are an inch or two inches high, thin them to eight or
ten inches apart. Plants from the first sowing will blossom early in
July, and continue in bloom until destroyed by frost.

_Gathering._--The flowers are gathered when fully expanded, divested of
their calyxes, and spread in a light, airy, shaded situation until they
are thoroughly dried. They are gathered as they come to perfection; for,
when the plants are allowed to ripen their seeds, they become much less
productive.

_To raise Seed._--Leave one or two of the finest plants, without cutting
the flowers; and, when the heads of seed begin to change from a green to
a brownish color, cut them off, spread them a short time as directed for
drying the flowers, and pack away for use.

_Use._--The flowers are used in various parts of Europe for flavoring
soups and stews, and are much esteemed. Though often grown as an
ornamental plant, the flowers are but little used in this country for
culinary purposes. The varieties are as follow:--

COMMON ORANGE-FLOWERED.

Flowers single, deep orange-yellow, high-flavored. It is considered the
best variety for cultivation.

LEMON-FLOWERED.

This differs from the foregoing in the paler color of the flowers, which
are also less aromatic. The plants are not distinguishable from those of
the Common Orange-flowered.

DOUBLE ORANGE-FLOWERING.

Of the same color with the first named, but with fine, large, double
ornamental flowers. The petals are flat, and rest in an imbricated
manner, one on the other, as in some varieties of the Anemone. It is
more productive, but less aromatic, than the Single-flowering.

DOUBLE LEMON-FLOWERING.

A variety of the second-named sort, with double flowers like those of
the preceding.

To raise go