MARCH. 67 



leading shoot, and a timely and systematic stopping of the side 

 shoots, which should not be allowed to get more than three joints 

 from the stem before stopping, beginning at the first lateral 

 branches, and proceeding upwards as they get to the proper 

 length ; this will cause the leading stem to push forward, and the 

 lateral branches will increase. But if the plants are to be of a 

 bushy compact growth, the stopping of the leading stem should 

 take place before, or at the time of first, potting the plants, 

 which will cause them to push several shoots ; these again must 

 be stopped before the second potting, ^'ow, if these directions 

 have been attended to, the plants will be in (3-inch pots, and with 

 the lateral branches again breaking forth in greater number, and 

 the leading stem advancing in height, if pyramidal plants, when 

 they should receive another stopping of the lateral branches, 

 previous to the final shift, which should take place as soon as the 

 pots are moderately filled with roots, which will be by the end of 

 April or beginning of May. Plants of this bushy compact mode 

 of growth should be again stopped before receiving their last shift. 



Now, as to the size of the pots for the flowering of the specimens 

 in, the cultivator must be guided by the time at which he may 

 require the specimens to be in perfection. If they are not in 

 request until September they should be potted into 1 2-inch pots, 

 and receive another stopping in June, and another in July, dis- 

 continuing it after this period. But if the plants are required in 

 perfection in July or August a pot of 9 inches will be found 

 sufficient, discontinuing the stopping after the middle of June. 



If the plants are of the pyramidal form but only stick is 

 required, but if of the compact bushy growth one must be placed 

 to every shoot ; this is most essential when they are intended for 

 exhibition, as it will show the plants to great advantage if neatly 

 done, and will support them in travelling, the blossoms of some of 

 the large varieties being very liable to drop ofi" if not securely fixed. 



One of the greatest points in culture to secure well grown 

 specimens is to maintain a regular temperature from . 5° to 65°, 

 excepting the rise by sunshine, for if this is not carefully attended 

 to the lateral branches will be placed at unequal distances, and the 

 joints will not be of a regular growth, which will greatly lessen the 

 beauty of the specimen. The plants will require clear manure 

 water three times a week at all times, when the pots are 

 moderately filled with roots, and if it is applied every day a month 

 before the plants are to come into bloom, it will greatly add to the 

 number, duration, and quality of the bloom, provided the drainage 

 is good, which should be carefully done at the time of the last 

 potting. 



When the sun becomes powerful use a thin shade in themid^e 

 of bright days, but apply this sparingly, and afi'ord the plantsall 



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