34 THE FLORIST. 



To guard effectually against the rot, never allow the plants to 

 have any heavy rains ; and purchasers cannot be too careful in having' 

 their plants from a healthy stock. I lately saw large collections in 

 such a state, that I would not have taken the whole in a compliment, 

 knowing that I should only be introducing the plague into my own 

 stock. 



Geo. Lightbody, in ''The Scottish Gardener" 



FANCY PELARGONIUMS. 



Having been solicited by many to give some particulars respecting 

 the treatment adopted here in regard to this class of Pelargoniums, 

 particularly of the plants exhibited at Regent's Park last June, which 

 were then so much admired, I cannot do so at a more fitting time 

 than the present, when the plants every where will now be exciting 

 interest, and daily requiring attention. There are many older growers 

 of Fancies than myself who could, and who no doubt will give the 

 details of their practice in the pages of the Florist, for the benefit 

 of its readers ; but, in the mean time, I will venture to offer my views 

 on the subject. 



Fancies may be grown to almost any size by keeping the house 

 moist and warm ; in fact, by treating them almost hke stove- plants, 

 a quantity of wood will certainly be gained, but it will be at the ex- 

 pense of colour and size of the bloom, with a general weakly appear- 

 ance. Therefore, if your plants are not likely to be quite so large as 

 your neighbour's, do not, by too much heat, gain one advantage and 

 lose several others. 



Fancies undoubtedly like a little warmth ; but give plenty of air 

 all day, if you should even have a fire on at the same time, and afford 

 them plenty of room. Keep the outside branches tied out, in order 

 to give the centre-shoots all the light and air possible. With every 

 attention to tying, however, the plants have a tendency to become 

 crowded ; to lessen which I thin out a few of the under leaves occa- 

 sionally from the centre of the plant, which prevents the shoots from 

 becoming drawn. 



The soil only differs from that made use of for other Pelargoniums 

 in having a little rough peat mixed with it, and some broken oyster- 

 shells. 



In potting they are kept higher in the pot than the ordinary kinds, 

 the collar being level with the surface of the mould. 



Great attention should be paid to watering. You had better find 

 six plants dry than one too wet. There is a remedy for the one evil, 

 but none for the other. The roots, being of a much finer description 

 than those of the stronger-growing class, cannot endure an excess of 

 moisture. The plants above alluded to were not "pushed" by any 

 artificial means ; they received no fire-heat, and but very weak liquid 

 manure about twice a- week was given. They were merely permitted 

 to grow gently on in the lightest part of the house. The plants were 

 not large or old ; in fact, they were intended for another season, not 



