Chaptalia
(named after M. Chaptal, a celebrated French chemist, 1756-1831). ORD. Compositae. A genus comprising about eighteen species, confined to the New World; perhaps the only one in cultivation being that mentioned below. It is an ornamental hardy herbaceous perennial, easily grown in a light sandy soil. Propagated by divisions of the roots, in early spring. C. tomentosa (tomentose).* fl.-heads white; pappus capillary; receptacle naked; ray-florets in a double row, deformed; scape naked, one-headed; head nodding. May. l. ovate-oblong, entire, silvery beneath. h. 6in. North America, 1806. (B. M. 2257.) CHARCOAL is the main solidifying element of organic nature, and is present in large quantities in all organised structures. It is a pure form of Carbon. The powers of Charcoal in absorbing effuvia and the greater number of gases and vapours is well known, and as a filter Charcoal Powder has long been used to deprive water of its numerous organic impurities. As a manure, Charcoal is of especial value. It may be mixed, either crushed or in lumps, with the soil of pot plants, in the proportion of one part Charcoal to sixteen parts of earth. Besides rendering the soil porous and facilitating drainage, Charcoal is one of the most indestructible substances known, and has the property of absorbing carbonic acid and other gases, yielding these up to plants as required for nourishment. It may be applied to the most delicate subject without danger. Pieces, the size of walnuts, should be put in Hyacinth glasses, in order to keep the water pure during the growth of the Hyacinth. It is often thought necessary to add some to water in which grapes are placed when cut, but water will keep good without it so long as the Vine shoot is inserted. The roots of Orchids cling to Charcoal in many cases much better than to anything else.