Meum Athamanticum.--A hardy perennial with graceful, feathery green
foliage, but of no special beauty. It is a native of our shores, will
grow in any soil, blooms in July or August, and is freely propagated
by seeds. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Michaelmas Daisies (_Starworts_).--A numerous family of hardy
herbaceous perennials. Some few are very pretty, while others can only
be ranked with wild flowers. They thrive in any soil or position, but
flourish best where there is a due proportion of sunshine. They are
easily raised from seed, sown early in spring, or may be increased
by root-division either in the autumn, as soon as they have done
flowering, or in the spring. They vary in height from 1 ft. to 5 ft.
Michauxia Campanuloides.--This is an attractive border biennial,
bearing from March to June white campanula-like flowers tinged with
purple, on erect stems. It is not particular as to soil, but requires
a southern position and protection in winter. Propagated by seeds in
the same way as other biennials. Height, 4 ft.
Mignonette.--For summer-flowering plants sow the seed in spring, and
thin out to a distance of 9 in. apart. To obtain bloom during the
winter and spring successive sowings are necessary. Let the first of
these be made the second week in July in light, rich soil; pot off
before frost sets in, plunge them in old tan or ashes, and cover with
a frame facing the west. Another sowing should be made about the
middle of August, giving them the same treatment as the previous; and
a third one in February, in gentle heat. Height, 9 in. to 3 ft. The
Mignonette tree is produced by taking a vigorous plant of the spring
sowing, and removing all the lower shoots in the autumn. Pot it in
good loam, and keep it in the greenhouse in a growing state, but
removing all the flowers. By the spring the stem will be woody. Let
the same treatment be given it the second year, and the third season
it will have become a fine shrub. It may be made to bloom during the
winter by picking off the blossom in the summer and autumn. Height, 3
ft.
Mildew.--Syringe with a strong decoction of green leaves and tender
branches of the elder-tree, or with a solution of nitre made in the
proportion of 1 oz. of nitre to each gallon of water. Another good
remedy is to scatter sulphur over the leaves while the dew is upon
them, afterwards giving them a syringing of clear water.