THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



83 



strong bouncing plants that will grow away freely at once, and com- 

 mence to flower early, may be obtained. On the otber hand, when 

 small, weakly plants are put out, the summer is past before they 

 can make much progress, and they are cut off by the frost just 

 as they begin to flower in earnest. These, then, are my reasons for 

 recommending the purchase of dry roots in preference to young 

 plants. In the case of new varieties, there is no choice in the 

 matter, because dry roots cannot be obtained, and the trade cannot 

 well have the stock ready for distribution before the period men- 

 tioned above. This, however, is not of much consequence, because 

 a little nursing when they come to hand will do wonders ; but of 

 course what would be an easy matter in dealing with two or three 

 plants, would be practically impossible with the whole stock. 



First of all it must be stated that the assistance of a genial 

 temperature, between 60° and 70°, is indispensable to start the roots 

 into active growth. It matters not whether they are put into a 

 greenhouse, vinery, cucumber-frame, or a properly-prepared pro- 



/ V 



Fig. 2. 



-' A \ 

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Fig. 3. 



pagating pit, provided they have the assistance of a temperature 

 between the two extremes. Perhaps the best way to start them 

 would be upon a bed of leaves, covered with an ordinary garden- 

 frame. Put a layer of soil over the interior, then pack the roots 

 rather close together, and fill the space between with fine soil. The 

 soil should be moderately moist when used, and the surface be 

 within about twelve inches distance of the glass. This will insure a 

 stocky and firm growth ; but provided they can have a moderate 

 share of light it is not of much consequence if they are started at a 

 distance of eight or ten feet from the glass. The manner in which 

 the roots should be prepared is admirably shown in the accompanying 

 figures, which the publishers have placed at my disposal for illus- 

 trating these notes. 



In starting the roots in a bed of soil, or in shallow boxes, with a 

 considerable number in each, cut the ends of the tubers off where 

 the lines are drawn through them in Fig. 1, and bury them in the 

 soil to the depth indicated by the dotted line. Those that are to be 

 started in pots should be trimmed so that they fit nicely, as shown 



