344 THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



shaded from the sun, is because a full exposure robs the leaves of 

 their bright green colour. They will, nevertheless, in spite of this 

 precaution, though to a less extent, assume a reddish tinge, but after 

 they are returned to the pit they will have time to recover their 

 green hue before the flowers open. "While these remarks, however, 

 exhibit the essential elements of good culture, in reference to small 

 specimens, the Luculia must not be considered unsusceptible of 

 being grown to a large size, in proper conditions. Like the Hydrangea, 

 it will become an ugly object when allowed to grow more than two 

 feet high, if it be not frequently pruned. But, when pruning is 

 regularly practised, it can be made to reach the height oi Jive or sm 

 feet, and yet retain an ornamental character. IndeeH, a good speci- 

 men of this height is a most maijnificent thing while the flowers 

 are open. 



To cultivate the Luculia to any size, it wants planting iu the bed 

 or border of a conservatory, where it will be sufiiciently shaded to 

 prevent the sun beating fiercely upon its leaves, and jet not alto- 

 gether deprived of a large amount of indirect light. It should also 

 be put where a current of cold air can never play round it, and then, 

 provided it be planted in generous soil, well drained, and yet capable 

 of being kept moist enough to maintain a rather damp atmosphere 

 around the plant, it will flourish with a luxuriance that is seldom 

 witnessed, and bloom in a very splendid manner. 



After two or three years' growth in the same soil, a mulching of 

 well-pulverized manure will be of the greatest assistance to the plant, 

 and this should be liberally continued in every subsequent season. 

 Wood ashes or charcoal would be an excellent thing to mix with the 

 compost in which it is placed, whether in a pot or border ; and broken 

 stone might be substituted when they cannot be obtained. The 

 species, being peculiarly liable to suflTer from over-watering, or from 

 standing water, some such appliance to draining is particularly 

 desirable. The charcoal and ashes would likewise be useful in a 

 nutritive point of view. P. M. 



PEACH-HOUSES, AND PEACH-TREES THAT HAVE 

 ERUITED. 



Vekt much has been written upon the culture of the Peach and management of 

 the Peach-house, I feel it would be needless for me to enter into details ; but there 

 is one point which is generally overlooked by gardeners in tbeir advice under this 

 head ; the directions hold good up to the time the fruit is ripe, and nothing more is 

 said upon their culture till frost sets in. Many naturally suppose the house may be 

 left to take care of itself till the leaves are off, and the sooner that takes place the 

 better. But such is a great mistake. 1 am convinced that after the fruit is gathered 

 is the critical time with them ; every root has been taxed to its utmost to perfect 

 the fruit, therefore, in order to insure a supply for the coming year, constitutional 

 vigour must be replaced. As soon as the fruit is gathered the trees sliould have a 

 thorough washing down with clear soot-water, and also a thorough watering at the 

 root, and two or three days after another watering with weak liquid manure, and 

 the ground sprinkled over with dry soot. If tlie house is shut up early the wood 

 will ripen far better than by leaving the trees exposed to the cold autumnal nights, 

 and the soot from the ground will impregnate the atmosphere of the house, keeping 

 down insects, and be very healthful to the trees. Keep the leaves in health as long 

 as possible, and lewater if required. H. S., Yeovil. 



