20 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



planting. Sow the seeds in soil made light \s ith. sand and vege- 

 table mold. Cover with a pane of glass until they germinate, 

 after which give air and harden by gradually removing the glass. 

 When the plants are large enough to transplant, from four to six 

 may be placed about the edge of a six-inch pot in a soil having a 

 fair share of fibrous vegetable mold (not black humus) with some 

 sand and manure. Water thoroughly, but not too often. The 

 plants will grow slowly at first, but should be transplanted to sep- 

 arate pot3 as soon as the roots begin to crowd. They will gener- 

 ally need no rest during the first winter, but if the leaves begin 

 to turn yellow and drop off, withhold water, and let them rest in 

 a cool, dark place for about six weeks ; then bring them forward 

 to grow, and be patient. After resting, the Smilax always starts 

 a new growth of roots first. When one year old, the plants will 

 be such as we usually receive from the florist, with the advan*age 

 of having been exposed to no transportation hardships. 



Repot plants which have been bought, using such soil as has 

 been already described. Soil suitable may be procured in any 

 woodland or among rich hazel brush. Remove the dry surface 

 leaves and secure a supply of decayed leaves and roots which will 

 readily crumble and yet show something of their original com- 

 position ; mix this with an equal quantity of loamy garden 

 soil and half the same amount each of sand and thoroughly de- 

 cayed manure. Plant in small pots or boxes, and use judgment 

 in watering. Give enough each time but not too often. Let the 

 surface become dry each time before renewing the supply. Let 

 them have a situation in summer where they can be shaded from 

 the midday sun. Repot as soon as the roots fill the soil, before 

 any of the white roots begin to turn brown, no matter how small 

 the growth of plant may be. If there is any special secret about 

 growing the Smilax it consists in giving more room for roots just 

 as soon as they need it; but never put it or any kind of small 

 plant iu a very large pot. As soon as plants are large enough to 

 require a six inch pot, increase the proportion of manure to the 

 garden soil. Like the Asparagus, a near relative, when once 

 established they are strong feeders. Liquid manure may be used 

 with judgment to advantage. A good, strong growth should be 



