THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 35 



When the potting is finished, give them a good watering, and put 

 them in a cold frame or pit. In December shift a few into a cool 

 house, when they will begin to start into growth. About the end 

 of January they will be ready for the stove or forcing-pit, with a 

 temperature of 60° by night, and ten degrees higher by day. But 

 between the cool house and the stove, the plants must pass through 

 several intermediate temperatures, and at all times be kept near the 

 glass, and have sufficient room for the foliage to develop in a natural 

 manner. It is hardly necessary for us to say, that the amount of 

 water to be applied to the roots must in a great measure depend 

 upon the progress the plants are making ; and also, that after they 

 once get into active growth, they must not be allowed to suffer from 

 drought. The forcing must be conducted very slowly, and the 

 plants kept near the glass, or the whole affair will be ruined, as the 

 growth will be poor and spindly, and the flower-spikes small in size 

 and few in number. If extra large specimens are required, they 

 must have two years' growth instead of one, and then go into 

 24-size pots. 



The number of species at present in cultivation is by no means 

 large, the best of which are the following : — 



8. palmata, the finest of all, and one of the most beautiful hardy 

 plants in cultivation. The flowers are a rich crimson-purple colour, 

 and the leaves, which are a beautiful green in summer, assume in 

 autumn splendid tints of brown and orange. Height four to five 

 feet. 



8. aruncus, a strong grower, with white flowers ; requires a moist, 

 shady position to do it justice. Height four feet. 



8. digitata, a fine rose-coloured species. Two feet. 



S. filipendula plena, white. Two feet. 



8. Jdponica, white, the best for forcing and front rows in borders. 

 Average height, twelve inches. 



8. trifoliata, red and white. Two feet. 



8. ulmaria,- and its variegated form, are both good, and have 

 white flowers. Two feet. 



8. venusta has fine spikes of rose-coloured flowers. This is the 

 best of the older kinds, and certainly the scarcest. Many collectors 

 of herbaceous plants have never seen it. Height three feet. 



8. Kamschatica, another scarce but good species, with white 

 flowers. Height two feet. 



Spirseas are well adapted to plant in masses, and where the soil 

 is damp and deep, they would associate well with hardy lilies, del- 

 phiniums, and milfoils, and form fine groups. They are not, however, 

 adapted for association with such plants as geraniums and verbenas 

 in the richly-coloured parterre, though S. filipendula makes a pretty 

 edging, the leaves being like fern fronds, and the flowers more 

 elegant than lace. S. H. 



