THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 303 



former method is attended with the least trouble, and is, therefore, 

 to be recommended. Sow the seed early in February in shallow 

 pans or boxes, according to the number required, in the same way 

 as other seeds are sown. A mixture of loam and leaf-mould will be 

 the most suitable for filling the pans, and also for covering the 

 seeds. The seeds will soon vegetate in a temperature of about 

 50°, but the most suitable situation for the seed pans is that afforded 

 by the cucumber-house. Where there is only a greenhouse tempera- 

 ture, it will be well to defer the seed sowing until the first week 

 in March, when, by covering the pans with a piece of glass, and 

 placing them in the warmest corner, a stock can be easily raised. 



Where it is intended to get up a stock from cuttings, place a 

 few old plants in a growing temperature of 55° about the middle of 

 February, to furnish a supply of healthy cuttings by the second 

 week in March. At the last-mentioned period take ofi" the growing 

 points close under a joint, and dibble them in thickly in the cutting 

 pot, and treat exactly the same as spring-struck verbena cuttings. 



After the seedlings are strong enough to handle, and the cut- 

 tings nicely rooted, the treatment will be just the same; therefore, 

 the following rules will be applicable to both. Pot off singly into 

 small GO's before they are injured from crowding in the seed pan 

 or cutting pot, and return to a genial growing temperature again. 

 Water cautiously until the pots are full of roots, but lightly sprinkle 

 them overhead twice a day. When the pots are full of roots, and 

 before the plants become thoroughly pot-bound, shift into five or six 

 inch pots. Ours are grown entirely in the former size, as that is 

 the most suitable for window and table decoration, purposes for 

 which they are admirably adapted. After the first week in May 

 shift into a pit or frame, where they can be kept close to the glass, 

 and receive regular attention. If the plants can have the assistance 

 of a little artificial heat in very cold weather, during the first month 

 of their probation, well and good ; if not, never mind. Sufficient 

 protection must be afforded from frost, and much can be done by 

 shutting up early to economize the sun-heat as much as possible. 

 Syringe regularly twice a day, excepting in dull weather, and fumigate 

 immediately the first aphis makes its appearance. Everything 

 depends upon keeping the stock clean, and we make a practice of 

 fumigating once a month, whether green-fly or thrip are perceptible 

 or not. I am no believer in the wisdom of letting the plants be 

 half ruined before applying the remedy ; besides, it is more economi- 

 cal to fumigate lightly once a month, than it is to be compelled to 

 fumigate heavily for two or three nights in succession. It is, how- 

 ever, a difficult matter to make people believe this. A slight shade 

 must be afforded the stock during the hottest part of the summer, 

 but this can be easily effected by painting the glass with a thin 

 coat of whitewash. 



After the pots are full of roots, a dose of weak manure water 

 about twice a week will give increased vigour, and consequently a 

 finer lot of berries. The pots must be set upon a thick bed of coal 

 ashes, to prevent the worms getting through the bottom. Give 

 plenty of air throughout the summer, but shut up early in the 



