B. lanata (woolly). fl.-heads yellow, solitary, produced in great numbers. Summer. l. alternate, or with the lower ones sometimes opposite, deeply divided, and sometimes ligulate and entire. h. 6in. to 15in. North America. This species thrives on borders of light and well-drained sandy soil. (B. R. 1167.)
BALANIUS. See Nut Weevil.
BALANTIUM (of Kaulfuss). See Dicksonia.
BALANTIUM (of Desvaux). See Parinarium.
BALBISIA (commemorative of Giovanni Battista Balbis, a Professor of Botany at Turin). SYN. Ledocarpum. ORD. Geraniaceæ. A very ornamental half-hardy evergreen shrub, requiring a cool, dry atmosphere. As it is very liable to rot off, water must be applied with great care. Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, inserted in sand, under a hand glass; or by seeds.
B. verticillata (whorled). fl. yellow, large, with a whorl of narrow bracts beneath. Autumn. l. opposite, three-parted; segments linear-oblong. Branches slender, glaucous. h. 3ft. to 6ft. Chili, 1846. (B. M. 6170.)
BALCONY. A projection from the external wall of a house, usually resting on brackets, and having the sides encompassed by a balustrade. It should at all times be prettily decorated with plants, which in the summer is a comparatively easy matter. During winter, evergreens of various kinds are most serviceable, the best being Arbutus, Aucubas, Boxes, Euonymuses, Hollies, Irish and Goldon Yew, Portugal Laurel, Retinosporas, Vincas, &c. These may be grown in pots, and when replaced by the summer occupants, should be plunged in some reserve quarter, where they should receive plenty of water; by this means, they will increase in size, and keep in a healthy condition. Very little water will be required during the winter. Climbing plants, such as Ivy, Passion Flower, Virginian Creeper, Climbing Roses, &c., are indispensable for covering the trellises, and draping the pillars and arches.
BALDINGERA. A synonym of Premna.
BALL. This term is used in reference to the roots and mass of earth as they are moulded into form and pressed into hardness by the pot. The masses of roots and earth which, in the case of fibrous-rooted subjects (such as Rhododendrons), must be taken intact when removing the plants, are also termed Balls.
BALM (Melissa officinalis). A perennial herb, often used in the manufacture of a drink for sick persons, and sometimes employed for culinary purposes. It may be grown in ordinary garden soil, and is propagated by divisions, in spring. A pretty variegated form is sometimes met with, having the additional advantage of being equal to the normal species for medicinal purposes.