166 THE FLORIST. 



The first sign of the breaking up of the storm was a small spot of 

 blue sky shown by the bursting of a cloud. From this point the floating 

 vapour which had just before overspread the whole heavens gradually 

 dispersed, opening a view into the immensity beyond. It was most 

 interesting to watch the fantastic shapes the clouds assumed, as, 

 unchanging, they coursed along the sky in taking their departure, 

 sometimes black, at others thick and murky, and anon of a fleecy 

 lightness, their upper edges fringed with gold. 



But the warring of the elements ceased, the sky was again cloudless, 

 the fragrant earth, refreshed by the shower, presented to the sight 

 trees, herbs, and flowers bespangled with liquid diamonds ; the sound of 

 the axe again rose upon the ear, the feathered inhabitants of the forest, 

 issuing from their leafy tenements, sat motionless on the outer boughs 

 warbling in subdued accents their evening song. 



Kryptos. 



ALLAMANDA NERIIFOLIA. 



Although inferior to A. grandiflora, A. Schotti, and other varieties of 

 the genus, both in the size and colour of the flowers, this has the 

 advantage of coming into bloom much earlier than any of the other 

 varieties, and flowers very freely in a small state ; and when seen in 

 the form of a really well managed specimen, is perhaps more generally 

 admired than any of the Allamandas in cultivation, except grandiflora. 

 Its dwarf compact habit also renders it very suitable for persons of 

 limited means for plant culture, and when managed so as to have it in 

 flower at the proper time, it forms a first-rate subject for exhibition 

 purposes ; but it must be admitted that it is nearly worthless for 

 decoration, for although it will bloom for months in succession, it cannot, 

 by the best management, be kept long in perfection, and the flowers 

 soon become too few and small for the mass of foliage to allow of its 

 being effective ; but it is easily kept in first-rate condition for several 

 weeks, and may be cut back after the first flush of beauty is over, and 

 had in good condition again in the autumn, and I have by this means 

 frequently shown the same plant twice the same season, — in May and 

 again in September. 



This Allamanda is easily propagated by means of cuttings of the 

 short jointed young shoots, which, if selected in a rather firm state, 

 afforded a moderate bottom heat, and otherwise treated with ordinary 

 care, soon emit roots. The cuttings should be got in early in summer, 

 however, so as to allow of having the plants strong and well established 

 before winter, and they should also be potted singly as soon as they are 

 sufficiently rooted, placing them in a warm moist situation until they 

 get fairly established in their pots. When the young plants get into 

 free growth after potting place them near the glass where they wfll have 

 plenty of light, but shade slightly in the forenoons of bright days, to 

 prevent scorching, and encourage free growth. In forming a specimen 

 of this plant timely attention towards getting it well furnished at the 

 bottom is of consequence, for it should be grown in the form of a low 



