THE FLORIST. 29 



their treatment from what I stated last month is as yet neces- 

 sary. A little re- arrangement in the tying out may be required* 

 to display the spikes of bloom more advantageously ; for this pur- 

 pose a few additional sticks may be wanted, which, to render 

 them as inconspicuous as possible, should be thin, painted green, 

 and not longer than necessary to fasten down the branch at their 

 summit. If a list of the newest varieties should be acceptable, 

 with their colours, habits, and most distinguishing characteristics, 

 I will endeavour to prepare one for another month. 



Whitehill, Dec. 18, 1848. W. H. Story. 



Ericas. — The early blooming varieties will this month begin to 

 swell their flower-buds, and the later ones make growth prepara- 

 tory to commencing the same process. These indications, how- 

 ever, should not be encouraged till the cultivation is aided by 

 longer days and a more genial sun, to mature and more perfectly 

 develope the coming flower. Low temperature, and small supply 

 of water, I must again recommend the continuance of, admitting 

 air on all fitting occasions, but avoid the freezing-point ; every 

 day will increase the risk of injury to the flowering growth by 

 exposure to a temperature below 32 deg. The plants will require 

 looking over, to remove any dead foliage that may have accu- 

 mulated. The most forward in bud may be tied out, and ar- 

 ranged for the season, such as Odora rosea, Vasiflora, Aristata, 

 Suaveolens, Beaumontia, Perspicua nana, the Vestitas, Vernix, 

 Ardens, and many others. In wet and close weather (of which 

 we have had this winter a more than usual amount), fire should 

 be lighted in the morning to dry the plants and floor of the house, 

 taking care, as I have remarked on former occasions, not to raise 

 the temperature ; dry, low temperature, and free circulation, are 

 the greatest enemies to mildew. When rain puts a stop to out- 

 door operations, pick over, and select choice bits of peat for pot- 

 ting by and bye, breaking them on the potting-board, and turning 

 frequently ; this sweetens and renders it in a more healthy and 

 fitting state for the purpose. A supply of well- washed sand may 

 be provided ; also painted labels of different sizes, and sticks of 

 different lengths, painted a green colour, not forgetting an ample 

 supply of clean crocks for drainage, and moss ; these appliances 

 at hand greatly facilitate the spring operations. 



Whitehill, December 18, 1848. W. H. Story. 



Fuchsias. — Those plants which were first put to rest should be the 

 ones selected for forcing into early flower; these may now be 

 potted, cutting back their roots pretty hard, and using a small 

 size pot, to be shifted on into larger as the roots find their way 

 to the outside of the ball ; spur them back, confining any branch 

 that may not seem disposed to take the direction you would wish ; 

 place them in a temperature of 50 deg. by day, dropping to any 

 point short of freezing by night. Seed should be sown this month 

 in a similar heat. Of seedlings that did not flower last year, 



