THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 307 



soil is kept moist in dry weather, roots will be emitted through- 

 out the whole length of the cane ; and as each bud will form nice 

 little canes, a very large number of vines may be raised with very 

 little trouble. 



The best sort for the open walls are Early White Malvasia, 

 Millers Burgundy, Espiran, and Royal Muscadine. In very favour- 



Fig. 3. Fig. 4. 



Layering the Gbape Vine. 



able situations the Black Hamburgh may be planted, but as it requires 

 rather more heat than we usually have, it cannot be depended 

 upon. It should be planted sparingly in very favourable situations 

 only. 



FOKCING ASTILBE (HOTEIA) JAPONICA. 



BY THOMAS TB.USSLEE, 

 Head Gardener, High Leigh, Hoddesdon. 



'UKING the last few years this elegant plant has acquired 

 an immense popularity, especially in the neighbourhood 

 of the Metropolis. But it i& not prized a whit more 

 than it deserves, for it is undoubtedly one of the most 

 elegant plants grown for the decoration of the con- 

 servatory and dinner table, during the early spring months. The 

 demand for it in this country is now so large, that it is cultivated in 

 Holland very extensively for supplying roots ready for forcing, and 

 these are imported in almost fabulous quantities by the leading dealers 

 in Dutch bulbs, such as Messrs. Hooper & Co., of the Central Avenue, 

 Covent Garden, through whose kindness these remarks are illus- 

 trated with a portrait of a complete plant. It is so well known 

 that there are but few who are not more or less acquainted with it, 

 but for the sake of that few, it appears necessary to say that the 

 leaves are of a bright glossy green, and the inflorescence pure white, 

 presenting a charming contrast against the brilliant leafage. 



The roots imported, ready for forcing, consist of several crowns 

 each, and should, as soon as they come to hand, be potted in as small 

 a size pot as possible, without their being divided or otherwise dis- 

 turbed. Use a light rich compost, consisting of loam, leaf-mould, and 

 thoroughly decayed manure, in equal parts. The pots must be well 

 drained, for when the plants are in full growth they will require 

 liberal supplies of water, and unless means are provided for carrying 

 off the superfluous moisture quickly, a danger will exist of the soil 

 becoming sour through its remaining in a constant state of saturation. 



