150 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



advauciDg mushrooms will generally appear in several different 

 stages of growth, gather those only that are of a proper age — that 

 is, before they become large and expanded, and generally while they 

 remain compact and firm ; detach them by a gentle twist close to 

 the root, but do not cut them out, or leave the stumps in the bed, 

 for they bring on the rot, and become maggoty and iufectious to the 

 succeediug young crop, which are advancing in successional growth. 

 Always, as soon as the gathering is finished, cover the bed again 

 directly witli the straw litter, especially in cold, wet weather ; at 

 any rate it should never remain long uncovered ; but only occa- 

 sionally on dry warm days. If the earth has by any means become 

 very damp, tlie covering may remain ofl" two or three hours, suffi- 

 cient to dry the surface ; but it should be covered again as soon as 

 possible. 



CULTUEE OF THE PELAEGOXIUM. 



BY J. KIEKE. 



[HE Pelargonium is well-known to be the gem of florists' 

 flowers, and is in the present day brought to great per- 

 fection, yet I cannot but regret to see so many of our 

 large growers so reserved and backward in bringing 

 their modes of cultivation before the public. In taking 

 up the above subject, I will make a few remarks on its cultivation, 

 but will not confine myself to growing for exhibition purposes. My 

 object is to obtain ornamental plants fit for adorning the conserva- 

 tory and like purposes. My experience for ten years has given me 

 good opportunities forjudging the most successful mode of cultivat- 

 ing the pelargonium, and by repeated changes of treatment I 

 have detected many things which are practically used in its cultiva- 

 tion, and proved them to be detrimental to the general welfare of 

 the plant. 



I will commence first with the cuttings, which should be taken 

 off" well-ripened plants at the latter end of June or early in July, 

 allowing two eyes to each cutting, I then prepare some 48-sized 

 pots half-full of crocks, with a compost of loam, leaf-mould, and 

 river-sand, a third of each ingredient. In each pot I put a dozen 

 cuttings, then choose a half-spent dung-bed for them, keeping them 

 "well shaded from sun, allowing a pretty moist atmosphere not exceed- 

 ing 70". Give air sparingly when beginning to root, and increase it 

 according to their progress of rooting. Pot oflf into small GO's when 

 ready, and the situation I prefer for them at this stage is a low brick 

 pit with a little top heat ; in such a place they wiU establish them- 

 selves, and do well. 



The stopping should be the next point to consider, which should 

 be done early to keep them near the pot ; they will then break, and 

 should be allowed to make about four shoots, which will be sufficient 

 for^ a 4S-sized pot, in consideration of having good blooms. They 



