70 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



using the water as warm as the temperature of the house, at 

 least. 



This, then, is a brief routine of our specimen culture, some of 

 which have year after year graced several of the provincial horti- 

 cultural shows in our neighbourhood, and were much admired. 



Small bulbs we grow in six-inch pots, for the decoration of the 

 dinner-table, etc., and when we require a succession for this purpose 

 in small pots, we take off the required number of offsets, pot them 

 singly, transfer them to a close moist temperature, such as i3 used 

 for propagating, where they soon establish themselves, and make 

 nice little plants for late work. 



In July and August the specimen plants are at their best, and 

 in September they begin to show signs of failing growth and beauty. 

 We then commence gradually to withdraw the amount of moisture, 

 continuing this until a moderately dry state of the soil is the result, 

 and until the foliage has almost disappeared. This maturing process 

 takes a considerable time, and must not be done by drying off the 

 plants too speedily, for on the gradual and proper maturation of the 

 bulbs will very much depend their successful keeping during the 

 winter months. 



After the drying process has been satisfactorily accomplished, 

 necessity compels us, for want of a regular plant-stove, to make 

 shift with them as best we can ; this we invariably do by managing 

 to have a small house of Muscat vines, well matured, and in a proper 

 condition for pruning. "When pruned, we turn the vines outside, 

 protect them during winter, and now convert this house into a 

 plant-stove, wholly occupied until the following March with a choice 

 collection of the most useful plants, generally in six-inch or eight- 

 inch pots, for decorative purposes, etc. Beneath a temporary stage, 

 erected for the plants, we manage to store away most of our 

 Caladiums, turning them on their sides, thereby preventing any 

 injurious effects from drip ; and in this position they remain until 

 required for starting again, receiving a minimum temperature of about 

 60°, and an atmosphere sufficiently moist for the welfare of the table 

 plants, which become at this time the first consideration. 



There are so many beautiful varieties in cultivation, that it is no 

 easy matter to make a selection. But I feel that this paper would 

 be incomplete if I omitted to name a few of the cheapest and most 

 useful, such as the amateur should give preference to for distinctive 

 characters, before purchasing many of the newer kinds. 



Argyrites and BeUeymei are essential in the smallest collection, 

 for their exquisite shades of green and white ; they are the most 

 delicately-coloured of all. 



Chantini is a strong-growing kind, with gorgeous crimson tints. 



Bicolor picturata is a noble kind, with rich red centre. 



Witjhti is remarkable for its red and white spots ; distinct from 

 all the rest. 



Brongniarti is a fine companion to the last named. 



The foregoing six form a fine group for exhibition, and may be 

 sufficient for most amateurs. 



In the " Garden Oracle " for 18G9 are descriptions of twelve 



