224 THE GARDENER. [May 



in some of the varieties a goodly number is necessary ; but the less 

 they are seen the better for the plant, both as regards health and 

 appearance. 



In offering a few hints on the culture of Heaths, it is necessary to 

 remark that, where it is at all possible, a house should be devoted to 

 themselves, which should be span-roofed, well lighted, most efficiently 

 ventilated, and so constructed that the plants can be kept near the 

 glass. As in nine cases out of ten, however, such accommodation can- 

 not be had, they should have a portion of the greenhouse allotted to 

 them separate from the general collection, or at least among such 

 hard- wooded plants as require similar treatment. The proper soil is 

 pure peat, with the addition of more or less sand, according to the 

 quality of the peat, whether naturally sandy or otherwise. The best 

 for the purpose is obtained from hillsides or dry moors, and from 

 spots where the wild Heath is found growing luxuriantly, and with- 

 out being associated with grass or reeds, cutting the turf or sod about 

 4 inches deep, choosing the winter season for the purpose, as the 

 worms are then below the top spit for protection from frost. The 

 turfs should be chopped up with the spade and thoroughly dried 

 before using. As a general rule, from the beginning to the middle of 

 May is the best season for shifting ; and in this operation it should be 

 borne in mind that the hard-wooded sorts, such as Massoni, Aristata, 

 and Tricolor, are found naturally growing in dry situations, in a soil 

 largely composed of the debris of coarse sandstone rocks ; while the 

 soft-wooded, such as Hyemalis, Colorans, and Linn^oides, are for the 

 most part found in damper situations, with less sand among the soil. 

 In potting, therefore, the hard-wooded sorts should not only have 

 more drainage, but a larger allowance of sand, than such as are soft- 

 wooded and more robust in their habits. 



All the kinds delight in charcoal, and small pieces incorporated 

 with the soil and among the crocks will be found beneficial ; the roots 

 penetrate it freely, and it has the effect of absorbing any superabun- 

 dance of moisture. 



Thorough drainage is of the utmost importance, and from li^ to 3 

 inches of crocks should be allowed, according to the size of the pot 

 and the kind of plant, placing a layer of rough fibry peat over them. 



In potting, the ball should not be buried deeper than to allow a 

 very thin sprinkling of fresh soil over the surface, and the soil pressed 

 firmly round the sides. If the soil is thoroughly dry, it can scarcely 

 be too firm. Nothing is more fatal to Heaths than loose potting ; the 

 water is absorbed by the soft peat, the old ball gradually loses its 

 moisture, and the plant soon becomes unhealthy. An essential con- 

 dition to the successful culture of Cape Heaths is careful watering. 



