286 THE FLORIST. 



Soil composed of two parts sandy loam and one of peat, with a 

 liberal mixture of silver sand, will suit them perfectly; but this should 

 be used in a rough state, and care be taken in potting, to secure 

 a perfectly good drainage, as the hair-like rootlets of this fine plant 

 are very impatient of a sodden soil, or any thing approaching to it. 



I can easily fancy, that the successful growers and propagators of 

 this plant will indulge a smile at the idea of cuttings being six or 

 nine months in rooting, while they root them in three weeks ; to such 

 I can only say, that I should be glad to know how to do so also ; for 

 I confess that the Luculia is to me rather troublesome to propagate, 

 and I have seldom met with an amateur who had ever succeeded in 

 rooting a single plant by means of bottom-heat, though I have known 

 many failures, and many plants lost through haste and roasting. I 

 will also say, that the method I have described is sure, although slow. 



I have said nothing about the adaptation of the Luculia for plant- 

 ing in a conservatory-border, as I meant my instructions for amateurs 

 only, and they seldom have very spacious conservatories to furnish ; 

 but it is well known and generally esteemed as one of the most 

 valuable plants for such a situation ; and if any amateur can find it a 

 place in a conservatory-border, he will find that it will soon attain 

 the size of an ordinary specimen of the Sweet Bay, and will furnish 

 abundance of flowers and ample gratification during the winter months, 

 to repay him tenfold for all the trouble involved in its simple culture. 



Adiantum, 



OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. 



Auriculas. — Carefully shelter the plants from wet, and con- 

 tinue to give as much air and light as possible, particularly when the 

 atmosphere is heavy and foggy. In severe, black, frosty weather, 

 attended with brisk drying easterly or northerly winds, the frames 

 may be closed while it continues ; for sufhcient air to carry off the 

 evaporations from within will penetrate between the laps of the glass. 

 Light waterings must be given where the soil in the pots is getting 

 dry ; little moisture is requisite at this season, but that little should 

 be kept up to insure a healthy condition. Prepare a little compost 

 for sowing seed in; a small quantity of vegetable mould will be 

 necessary — that obtained from decomposed oak-leaves is excellent 

 for the purpose ; clean it of worms and other insects, and preserve it 

 in a moderately moist state ready for use. The heap of compost in- 

 tended for next season's potting should be turned over now and then. 

 The winter rains waste a considerable portion of the nourishing quali- 

 ties, if it is left fully exposed. A temporary covering over the heap 

 is advisable, so that the soil shall be preserved in a half-dry state ; 

 the frost will then act upon it more beneficially. 



Calceolarias. — The stock should be carefully gone over, remov- 

 ing any fogged foliage, particularly about the neck of the plant, or 

 at its junction with the soil ; give air at all suitable opportunities, 

 and fumigate when necessary. 



