h the illustration (Fig. 63), will doubtless give the reader
a fair idea of its appearance. It forms one of the best possible
subjects for a border of "old-fashioned" plants, being of a distinct
type and colour.

The flowers are a mixture of white, pink, and purple; and are nearly
2in. long, in general shape resembling the foxglove, but wider at the
corolla and a little shorter in the broad tube. They are arranged in
whorls springing from the axils of the leaves. The whorls are said to be
of as many as eight flowers, but specimens are more commonly seen to
have only two to four, being repeated the whole length of the stems,
which are 18in. high. The leaves are two to three inches long, and half
as broad, ovate, serrate, hairy, and short stalked. No one can be
otherwise than pleased with the ancient style and soft colour of the
large flowers, which last a long time in perfection. There is a
trimness, too, about the plant which distinguishes it from the more
weedy species to which it is related.

In a cut state the long stems are not only pretty of themselves when
placed in old vases or crackle ware, but they have a remarkably good
effect. They, however, should not be crowded or swamped by more showy
foliage or flowers--in fact, they should be used alone.

It will grow anywhere and in any quality of soil, but slight shade and
well-enriched loam will be found to make a vast difference in the size
of the flowers, and their colour will be also improved. It may be
divided or transplanted any time after it has done flowering.

Flowering period, June to August.

Monarda Didyma.

_Syn._ M. KALMIANA; BEE BALM, _or_ OSWEGO TEA; _Nat.
Ord._ LABIATAE.

All the Monardas are natives of North America, and, consequently, quite
hardy in this country; they are also herbaceous and perennial. This
species has been grown for 130 years in English gardens, and at the
present time it is not only accounted an old flower but it is highly
esteemed. The blooms are large and brilliant in colour, and their shaggy
forms give them an effect which is decorative both in the garden and
vase.

The flowers are not only numerous, but, for the most part, bright;
moreover, they begin to flower at midsummer and continue until the
frosts set in.

The species under notice has bright scarlet flowers, produced when the
plant is about 18in. high; it, however, grows to nearly twice that size,
flowering all the while. The whorls of bloom issue from