160 Tllti FLUKIST. 



ECHITES SPLENDENS. 



When properly managed, and well- bloomed, this lovely stove climber 

 is the admiration of all who- see it; and, in addition to its intrinsic 

 beauty, it is invaluable for the length of time it continues in perfec- 

 tion, justly entitling it to take the highest place in plant-collections. 

 For the benefit of your readers I will give the treatment I have 

 pursued with respect to it for these last ten years, and under which 

 I have found it to thrive well, and bloom to my entire satisfaction. 

 The best time to commence growing a plant, if required to bloom 

 fine the same season, would be April, but May or June might also 

 be chosen, if the plant is not required to flower early. Commence 

 by examining the roots, and if found to be in want of fresh potting, 

 prepare some light turfy loam and fibrous peat, in equal proportions, 

 for the purpose ; adding to this half the quantity of well-decomposed 

 leaf-mould, and a liberal allowance of sharp silver- sand, mixing it 

 well together, and using it in a rough state, taking care to well drain 

 the pot that is to receive it. When potted, the best place for it will 

 be in a close house or pit, where the temperature is kept rather high 

 and moist, say from 70° to 80°, and where bottom-heat is at com- 

 mand, for there is no plant with which I am acquainted that delights 

 in a moderate bottom-heat more than this does. When it starts 

 into growth, train it upon some sticks or on a trellis, keeping it tied 

 as it advances ; for if this is not done, it will be found difficult as well 

 as dangerous to perform the operation after the plant has been 

 allowed to make long shoots and becomes entangled in each other. 

 Keep it syringed over the top every morning and evening ; and as it 

 advances supply it with some weak manure-water twice or three 

 times a week. This must be applied in a tepid state, and it will be 

 found to add amazingly to its strength and vigour ; it will soon be- 

 gin to shew bloom from the sides of the young wood ; and as soon 

 as the flowers begin to expand, it should be removed to a cooler and 

 dryer atmosphere, until by degrees it can be brought to bear the 

 temperature of the conservatory, where it will continue to bloom 

 three or four months in great perfection. At the end of the season, 

 either in September or October, according to the state of the plant, 

 and the time in which it has been started into growth, it will re- 

 quire to be wintered in an intermediate house, where water should 

 be gradually withheld for the purpose of ripening its roots and wood. 

 It may remain there till the season arrives for starting it into growth ; 

 and if more than one plant is required a succession will be necessary, 

 by starting them into growth at different seasons. When the time 

 shall have arrived for starting them, examine their roots, and if found 

 in a healthy, kind state, they may be shifted into a larger pot ; but 

 if, on the contrary, they are unhealthy, and the mould unkind, par- 

 tially prune the plant, and shake it clean out of the soil, potting it 

 into the smallest pot that can be made to accommodate it, and using 

 the same compost as before directed. Using the smallest pot it can 

 be conveniently placed in will cause it to throw out its roots with 



