276 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



materially depends upon obtaining a full development of growth 

 previous to the period they should be in bloom. This can be most 

 effectually secured by giving tbe assistance of a genial bottom-heat 

 during the growing period. When the growth is matured, the 

 plants coming into bloom may be moved to a drier atmosphere in 

 the stove, and they can then be used for the decoration of the dinner 

 table, as required. As a rule, a stunted growth and poor spikes of 

 bloom may be attributable to the want of a brisk temperature, com- 

 bined with a moist atmosphere, and a free exposure to light during 

 the spring and early summer months. Put from six to eight tubers 

 in a five-inch pot, and handsome specimens will be produced with 

 very little trouble. Almost any light rich soil will suit them, but 

 one-third each of loam, peat, and leaf-mould, and a mixture of plenty 

 of silver sand will suit them best. 



Jtjsticia. — When well bloomed, and the foliage well developed, 

 J. carnea is exceedingly useful for table decoration. Young plants 

 are preferable, and the same treatment as advised for the Thyrsa- 

 canthus will grow the Justicia well. Great attention must be paid 

 to the plants when in vigorous growth, as it is most important to 

 have them as dwarf and compact as possible. 



The above selection does not by any means exhaust the list of 

 plants suitable for the dinner-table, but it will be quite sufficient for 

 medium-sized establishments. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



I will now proceed to mention a few subjects which may be 

 cultivated in a greenhouse. 



Chinese Primrose. — The most effective are the red and white 

 single varieties. The striped varieties, and those having flowers of 

 an intermediate shade, are not so effective. To insure a stock of 

 large-sized plants, sow the seed in the beginning of May, and grow 

 steadily on throughout the summer. Pot them in a moderately 

 light and rather rich compost, and keep them near the glass. 



Fuchsias. — These, trained as pyramids, from one foot to eighteen 

 inches high, produce a very pleasing effect. It is important to 

 select suitable varieties, and for the table I consider the following 

 to be the best six : — Wave of Life, Avalanche, Marvellous, Enchan- 

 tress, Souvenir de CMswick, and Rose of Castile. 



Saltia. — The brilliant-flowered S. splendens may also be men- 

 tioned as being exceedingly bright and telling, as it blooms when 

 flowers are generally scarce. Cuttings struck early in the spring, 

 and then grown on freely in a warm greenhouse, and near the 

 glass, will produce fine medium-sized specimens by the autumn. 



Cyclamen. — The varieties of C. persicum are certainly unsur- 

 passed amongst greenhouse flowering plants. Specimens with an 

 abundance of flower should be used. Those with deep red and 

 white, with red base, are the most effective. Their cultivation has 

 been so fully described in past issues of the Floral World, that 

 it is not necessary for me to do more than direct attention to their 

 adaptability for the decoration of the dinner-table. 



