100 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



decayed hot-bed manure, mixed together, at the rate of two parts ot 

 the former to one of the latter, and a sprinkling of sand added to 

 keep the compost open. Plants planted in a compost prepared as 

 here directed will present a different appearance at planting-time to 

 those which, according to a general, but very objectionable custom, 

 are put in the refuse soil from the potting bench. 



Verbenas are not at all particular as to the position in which 

 they are planted, provided it is moderately open. If there is any 

 difference in the positions most congenial to a healthy growth, 

 preference must be given to an open situation, where the plants 

 w r ould be slightly screened from the rays of the midday sun. We 

 plant here in all situations with the most satisfactory results, and 

 there is no occasion for cultivators to trouble themselves much about 

 the selection of the most favourable situations. 



The most suitable soil is a rich loam, rather inclined to be heavy 

 than otherwise, but they will do well in almost all soils, however 

 light, if they are liberally enriched with manure some time during 

 the winter season. In very light soils the surface of the beds should 

 be mulched during the summer with a layer of half-rotten stable or 

 other manure, to keep the surface comparatively cool, and to check 

 excessive evaporation from the soil. The beds should also have a 

 few thorough soakings of water during a period of drought. If it 

 is intended to exhibit cut blooms, the plants should be put rather 

 farther apart than would be desirable when planted for ordinary 

 bedding purposes, so as to admit of their being covered with hand- 

 glasses a day or two before the show r day if necessary. The protec- 

 tion is merely required to shelter the trusses from heavy rains, and 

 also to screen them from the sun, to preserve the outside pips until 

 those in the centre are developed. The hand-glasses must of course 

 have a mat, or a piece of canvas thrown over them during the 

 hottest part of the day ; the caps must, however, be elevated suffi- 

 ciently to admit of a free circulation of air at all times about the 

 foliage. The trusses must also be secured to neat sticks, to prevent 

 the wind injuring them. 



FUCHSIAS EOE THE CONSEEVATOEY. 



BY J. JAMES, 

 Head Gardener, Redlees, Isleworth. 



fO cultivate Eucbsias successfully, they must be pushed 

 on vigorously when once started into growth ; therefore 

 it is a mistake for amateurs and other growers with 

 limited accommodation for plant-growing, to start them 

 into growth much before the greenhouse and pits are 

 cleared of the bedding plants with which they have been occupied 

 during the winter months. Euchsias are seldom wanted in the con- 

 servatory before quite the end of the summer, and as they are in every 

 way better if grown on quickly from the first, the ensuing month pre- 

 sents a very favourable moment for taking them in hand in earnest. 



