286 THE FLORIST. 



and especially the mixture of reddish tints with the verdure of the 

 foliage is a common thing among the genera of the Labiatse, having 

 large and thick leaves, of which different Lamiums, Mints, Glechoma,the 

 species of Perilla of China, and other kindred plants are instances." The 

 Coleus under notice is sometimes called Plectranthus concolor pictus, and 

 who among us would expect to find our old friend and acquaintance 

 Plectranthus fruticosus, the Nettle Geranium, the favoured tenant of the 

 cracked teapots and bottomless jugs of the frugal "gudewives" of 

 labourers, in such a respectable conn.ection, yet so it is. 



The P. fruticosus is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and loves a 

 warm dry situation ; as a window plant it is fitted with great powers of 

 endurance. I have seen it in the most crowded alleys of smoke-dried 

 cities, healthy, where nothing else would grow without a Wardian case. 

 C. Blumei is much more tender. 



A Gardener. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Auriculas. — These having been repotted as directed last month will 

 require but little attention for some time to come. A few things should 

 be kept in view, viz., plenty of air, a moderate supply of water, and 

 kept perfectly clean of dead foliage and green fly. The frames containing 

 the plants should be placed on a cool well-drained border, taking the 

 lights off on all occasions excepting during wet weather. 



Azaleas should be carefully looked over, and any thrips at once 

 removed by fumigations and syringing ; let this be done in time, and 

 have them perfectly healthy and clean before taken under glass. 



Camellias must not be allowed to get sodden under heavy rains, but 

 should be in proper working condition before removal from their summer 

 quarters. Examine the drainage of those not potted very recently ; if 

 any show symptoms of extreme dryness have them at once thoroughly 

 soaked. 



Carnations and Picotees. — The layering having been completed, 

 attention in watering is all that will be required for some time, 

 keeping all dead foliage cleanly cut from the layers. The soil for 

 wintering the plants in small pots should be kept sweet by frequent 

 turning, and also kept tolerably dry. Towards the end of the month 

 commence taking off those first layered, potting them in pairs generally, 

 but the strongest may be wintered one plant in a pot ; for the latter 

 use a 3^-inch sized pot, for a pair of plants a 4-inch sized pot, usually 

 termed a large 60. If taken from the stools early there is little trouble 

 in wintering them, as there will be ample time to harden the 

 plants after they have drawn root. Too many are apt to think that 

 Carnations and Picotees are difficult to winter, forgetting that two-thirds 

 of their losses are occasioned by want of forethought, and being behind 

 in their operations. 



Cinerarias. — Keep a sharp eye on mildew ; attend to it at once on 

 its first appearance ; sulphur, properly applied, is -a certain remedy. 



