Marigolds.--Handsome and free-flowering half-hardy annuals. The
greenhouse varieties thrive in a mixture of loam and peat, and
cuttings root easily if planted in sand under glass. The African and
tall French varieties make a fine display when planted in shrubberies
or large beds, while the dwarf French kinds are very effective in the
foreground of taller plants, or in beds by themselves. They are raised
from seed sown in a slight heat in March, and planted out at the
end of May in any good soil. Height, 6 in. to 2 ft. (See also
"Calendula," "Tagetes," and "Calthus.")
Martynia.--Handsome half-hardy, fragrant annuals. The seed should be
sown on a hotbed in March. When the plants are sufficiently advanced
transplant them singly into pots of light, rich earth, and keep them
in the stove or greenhouse, where they will flower in June. Height, 11/2
ft.
Marvel of Peru (Mirabilis).--Half-hardy perennials, which are very
handsome when in flower, and adorn equally the greenhouse or the open.
They may be increased by seed sown in light soil in July or August and
planted out in the border in spring. At the approach of frost take the
roots up and store them in dry ashes or sand. They flower in July.
Height, 2 ft.
Massonia.--Singular plants, which to grow to perfection should be
placed in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. They require no water
while in a dormant state, and may be increased by seed or by off-sets
from the bulbs. Height, 3 in. to 6 in.
Mathiola.--See "Stocks."
Mathiola Bicornis (Night-scented Stocks).--A favourite hardy annual
whose lilac flowers are fragrant towards evening. They may be grown
from seed sown between February and May on any ordinary soil. Height,
1 ft.
Matricaria.--This is a half-hardy annual of little interest so far as
its flowers are concerned, and is mostly grown as a foliage plant. The
seed should be sown in a frame in March, and transplanted at the end
of May. Height, 1 ft.
Maurandia Barclayana.--This elegant twining plant is best grown in
pots, so that it can more conveniently be taken indoors in the winter.
The soil should be light and rich. Cuttings can be taken either in
spring or autumn, or it may be raised from seed. It does very well in
the open during the summer, placed against a wall or trellis-work, but
will not stand the cold. In the greenhouse it reaches perfection, and
blooms in July. Height, 10 ft.
Mazus Pumilio.--A pretty diminutive herbaceous plant. When grown in
peat and sand in an open situation it survives from year to year, but
it will not live through the winter in cold clay soils. Its pale green
foliage is seen to advantage in carpet bedding, and its branched
violet flowers, put forth from June to September, make it a desirable