THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 143 



sunny one, we might dispense with tbe drainage beneath the 

 plants, and use the mixture only ; but in the absence of any fore- 

 knowledge, those who intend to grow them had best adopt the 

 precaution of using it, as a thorough system of drainage is at ail times 

 essential to success. 



CINEEAEIAS. 



BY J. JAMES, 

 Head Gardener, Redleea, Isleworth, W. 



jHE inferiority in form and colour of the flowers of the 

 majority of the seedling plants, when compared with the 

 best of the named varieties, is so great that I cannot 

 understand how any one can tolerate them in their con- 

 servatoi y. The trouble of propagating a stock of plants 

 from cuttings is undoubtedly greater than from seed ; but the 

 task is by no means difficult, and the advantages are more than 

 sufficient to repay any little extra labour and attention. A few 

 observations will be made upon raising seedling plants ; but as t 

 am anxious to encourage the cultivation of the best of the named 

 sorts now in command, the remarks will be principally devoted to 

 giving directions for their propagation and after management. The 

 details are, however, very simple, and the whole matter can be dis- 

 missed in a very few words. 



To secure a stock of offsets early in the season, the plants should 

 have the flower-stems removed immediately the flowers begin to 

 fade, as seed-bearing weakens them and interferes with the produc- 

 tion of offsets. Preserve the healthy leaves and place the plants in 

 a cold frame, protect from frost, and keep the soil moderately moist. 

 "Where frame-room cannot be spared, the last batch may be stood 

 upon a bed of coal-ashes in a shady position in the open air, and 

 protected from frost when necessarv. The early batch can also be 

 placed in the open air after the first week in May, if desired ; but 

 if retained in a frame after that period shade during brilliant 

 sunshine. 



With ordinary attention the offsets will be strong and ready 

 for removal early in August. They should be taken off with a heel, 

 and a small portion of root. Put four or five together round the 

 sides of a five-inch pot, and place in a cold frame, where they can 

 be shaded and regularly sprinkled overhead. They must not be 

 kept too dark, nor the frame too close, or a large proportion will 

 quickly damp off; on the other hand, no more air must be admitted 

 than they can bear without the foliage flagging. Pot off singly when 

 well rooted, and keep close and shaded for a few days, afterwards 

 gradually increase the supply of light and air to promote a healthy 

 and well-matured growth. 



The best comjiost for the cineraria is undoubtedly one consisting 

 of five parts turfy loam, a sixth part of well- decayed manure, and a 



