308 



THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



Pot firm and bury them just deep enough for the points of the 

 crowns to show above the surface of the soil. After potting, give 

 them a good watering to settle the soil, and set them in a cold pit, 

 but apply sufficient protection during severe weather to prevent the 

 soil becoming frozen. 



Unless a large stock is grown they should remain in the frame 

 until February, otherwise a few may be started about a month 

 earlier. For amateurs, who only have a dozen or so, the first men- 

 tioned month will be quite early enough to start the first batch in 

 heat. From the pit they should be removed to the greenhouse, and be 

 placed near the glass. In a short time they will begin to show signs of 

 growth, and then, and not until then, they may, a few at a time, 

 remove to a rather higher temperature. A temperature intermediate 

 between that of the greenhouse and the stove is the most suitable, lor 



ASTILBE (HOTEIA) JAPONICA. 



they must be pushed on very slowly, and not be hurried ; if it is a 

 matter of necessity to put them in the stove or forcing pit, direct 

 from the greenhouse, place them in the coolest end and allow them to 

 remain there during the first week or ten days, to render the change 

 as slight as possible. To put the case in the clearest manner possible, 

 they should be first started in a temperature of 50', and have a rise 

 of 55°, from thence a rise to 60°, and then allow the temperature to 

 rise gradually to 70°. It is not essential that these temperatures 

 should be strictly adhered to, but the cultivator will act wisely in 

 adhering to them as closely as circumstances will permit. Those who 

 have not the convenience of a stove or forcing pit may have a beau- 

 tiful display later in the season by keeping the plants in the green- 

 house from the period mentioned above until they are in full bloom, 

 where they can remain or be employed in the decoration of the indoor 

 apartment as may be considered the most desirable. Even when the 



