Milkmaid.—­See “Cardamine.”

Milk Thistle.—­See “Carduus.”

Mimosa.—­These shrubs are often called Sensitive Plants, on account of the leaves of several of the species of this genus shrinking when touched.  They grow well in loam and peat with a little sand, but require to be planted in a warm situation or to have greenhouse care.  Cuttings of the young wood root readily in sand under a glass.  They may also be raised from seed.  Mimosa Pudica exhibits most sensibility.  Height, 2 ft.

Mimulus (Monkey Flower).—­Showy half-hardy perennials which thrive in moist and shady situations and in almost any soil.  They may be grown from seed sown in slight heat from February to May, or increased by division of the root.  The frame and greenhouse kinds grow best in a rich, light soil, and may be multiplied by cuttings.  The annuals may be sown where they are to flower.  They bloom in June and July.  Height, 2 in. to 11/2 ft. (See also “Diplacus.”)

Mina Lobata.—­A charming half-hardy annual climber, bearing singularly shaped flowers, produced on long racemes.  When young the buds are a vivid red, changing to orange-yellow, and when fully expanded the flowers are creamy-white.  It thrives in loam and peat to which a little dung has been added, and is well adapted for arbours, trellises, or stumps of trees.  Sow the seed on a hotbed in March, harden off, and transplant when all fear of frost is over.  Height, 8 ft. to 12 ft.

Mint.—­May be grown in any garden soil.  It is increased by runners, which, if not held in check, become very troublesome.  The roots may be confined by means of tiles or slates.  Flowers in July.  Height, 11/2 ft.

Mistletoe.—­Raise the bark of an apple, pear, or oak tree on the underneath part of a branch and insert some well-ripened berries, then tie the bark down neatly with raffia or woollen yarn.  If the berries were inserted on the top of the branch the operation would result in failure, as the birds would devour them.

Mitella Diphylla.—­A hardy perennial which bears slender racemes of white flowers in April.  It makes a pretty rock plant, delights in a peat soil, and is increased by division of the root.  Height, 6 in.

Moles.—­These pests may be destroyed by placing in their runs worms that have been kept for some time in mould to which carbonate of barytes has been added.

Monardia Didyma (Oswego Mint, or Horse Balm).—­See “Bergamot.”

Monetia Barlerioides.—­An ornamental shrub, suitable for the greenhouse or stove.  It requires to be grown in loam and peat, and may be increased by cuttings planted in sand, under glass, in a bottom-heat.  Height, 3 ft.

Monkey Flower.—­See “Mimulus.”

Monkey Puzzle.—­See “Araucaria.”

Monk’s-hood.—­See “Aconite.”

Montbretia.—­Very graceful and showy plants.  The flowers, which are like small Gladioli, are produced on long branched spikes and are excellent for cutting.  Plant 3 in. deep and 2 in. apart in sandy loam and leaf-mould.  The corms should never be kept long out of the ground, as they shrivel, and weak growth and few flowers are the result.  Though they are hardy it is well to give them a covering of litter in winter.  They may also be grown in pots.  Height, 2-1/2 ft.