82 THE FLORIST. 



it has succeeded so well is Epping loam mixed with crocks, sand, and 

 Wimbledon peat (the fibry part), to the extent of about one-third 

 its bulk. As in all climates, with few exceptions, plants have a 

 period of growth and rest, these conditions have been imitated in 

 the artificial culture of the Amherstia. While it is growing it likes 

 plenty of heat and moisture. This, indeed, will be readily conceived 

 when it is remembered that it comes from the warm province of 

 Martaban, near the gulf of that name, where the annual fall of rain 

 is perhaps five or six times that of London, whose yearly average 

 depth is about 24 inches. 



Magnificent, however, as the noble Amherstia certainly is, it will 

 be unsuitable for the conveniences of many of our readers ; and we 

 do not anticipate that any but those who can afford it large accom- 

 modation and much heat will attempt its cultivation. Nevertheless 

 we have thought it right to introduce to their notice, in the manner 

 we have done, a novelty which has lately occupied much attention 

 in the horticultural world, and from which much is yet expected. 



Since the above was in type, we have learned from the Gardener's 

 Chronicle (to which periodical we are indebted for our woodcut) 

 that the Amherstia has flowered in the Royal Gardens at Frogmore. 

 The first raceme was taken to Buckingham Palace on the 7th ult., 

 and others have unfolded their beautiful blossoms since. In its cul- 

 tivation Mr. Ingram has found it necessary constantly to shade it 

 from the rays of the sun, otherwise the 5^oung pendulous leaves are 

 apt to get their edges scorched. It grows luxuriantly in a moist heat 

 of from 65° to 70° Fahr. ; it likes a good supply of water, and some- 

 times a little liquid manure. 



DESTRUCTION OF APHIDES. 



As the time is approaching when one of our most mischievous pests, 

 the aphis, takes the field, permit me to impart to such of your 

 readers as still burn expensive tobacco so ineffectively for its destruc- 

 tion, an easy and certain method of completely and with little trouble 

 placing the whole legion hors de combat. 



For a small greenhouse or moderately-sized pit, dissolve an ounce 

 of saltpetre in a common teacup of hot water. In the solution steep 

 two ounces of cheap tobacco, till the latter absorbs all the liquid ; 

 open and spread the tobacco, which should then stand in the sun, or 

 before the fire, until nearly but not perfectly dried. Place it in an 

 old plate or pan, not too close to the plants ; ignite with a match, 

 and shut close. In a few minutes so dense will be the obscuration 

 that nothing within the house will be perceptible ; and next morning, 

 not only will you find every plant perfectly clean, but for weeks — 

 sometimes for a whole season — there will be no necessity for a repe- 

 tition of the process. In late autumn and during the winter months, 

 I would not advise the use of the prepared tobacco in shallow frames, 

 the nitre acting injuriously on the damp foliage of tender plants ; at 



