DECEMBEIl. 285 



cessity of watering often. If the cuttings are allowed to remain in 

 this state, and merely guarded against damp and drought, they will 

 root as certainly as any plant with which I am actiuainted, the only 

 difference being in the time in which this takes place. Cuttings in- 

 serted in April will probably, if treated in this way, be found suffi- 

 ciently rooted before winter to allow of their being removed to a 

 lighter and more airy situation, and probably the loss will not amount 

 to one in ten. 



As early in the spring as convenient, such of the plants as are 

 found to be rooted should be placed in a gentle growing heat, and 

 shiited into 5 -inch pots ; and if they can be placed in a mild bottom- 

 heat, they will grow the faster. They must be stopped frequently 

 during the growing season, if dwarf bushes are desired, as the habit 

 of the plant is rather straggling, and its growth rapid. They should 

 be kept in a shady part of the house or pit, as the foliage suff^ers very 

 much if exposed to the direct rays of the sun ; and unless they are 

 kept in a growing state, and receive a liberal application of the syringe, 

 they will probably be infested with red spiders ; they are also selected 

 for the depredations of the black thrips ; and if the latter once secures 

 a footing, it will cost considerable trouble to clear the young plants 

 of this pest, and if they are not cleaned effectually, they may as well 

 be thrown to the rubbish-heap, as this puny locust will speedily eff'ect 

 their entire ruin. The plants should not be stopped after the begin- 

 ning of July, as they will be apt to flower weakly if stopped after 

 this time. About the beginning of August they should be removed 

 to a situation in the greenhouse, where they will receive abundance 

 of light and air without being exposed to the direct rays of the mid- 

 day sun ; or they may be placed in some sheltered warm spot out of 

 doors, where they will be partially shaded from the forenoon's sun ; 

 but if intended to be placed out of doors, they must not be stopped 

 after the beginning or middle of June, and they must be removed to 

 a situation under glass early in the autumn. To secure their flower- 

 ing freely, they should be placed in the warmest end of the green- 

 house, and kept rather close ; or if they can be put in a shady pit and 

 kept close, they will be more at home than in the greenhouse. 

 When in flower, which will be from the middle or beginning of No- 

 vember to March, they may be placed in the greenhouse or sitting- 

 room window : and if the flowers are guarded against damp, they will 

 remain in perfection for six weeks or longer, and will load the atmo- 

 sphere with the most agreeable odour. 



After their flowering is over, the plants should be closely cut back, 

 and not over liberally supplied with water for (say) a fortnight, and 

 while in this state they should be carefully cleared of every vestige of 

 insects. As soon as they have broken their buds, and made a fair 

 start for growth, they may be re-potted, and treated in the way re- 

 commended for their first year's growth. I should have said, how- 

 ever, that the i)lants require plenty of pot-room ; but this must be 

 regulated according to their health and vigour. For flowering plants 

 of one year's growth I use 8-inch, and generally liloom them the 

 second year in 12-inch pots. 



