406 THE GARDENER. [Sept. 



during the months of June, July, and August, it has few equals ; 

 and during the same time it is one of the most " telling " flowering- 

 plants that can be introduced into floral decorations in rooms of the 

 dwelling-house. For the latter purpose, during the months mentioned, 

 it is indeed invaluable, as it can be flowered successfully in pots of 

 all sizes, from 5 to 20 inches in diameter. 



When used for the purpose here referred to, and surrounded with a 

 fringe of Maiden-hair Ferns, or other plants with graceful foliage, the 

 efi'sct is highly pleasing, and seldom fails to attract the notice and call 

 forth the praise of all who see the arrangement. The merits of the 

 Kalosanthes, however, are not confined to the pleasing effect produced 

 by its flowers on the ocular nerves of the beholder ; as, in addition to 

 their bright colour, the flowers have the property of exhaling a delicate 

 jDcrfume, and this quality enhances the value of any plant when em- 

 ployed as an ornament in the dwelling-house. Then, when in good 

 health, it makes one of the grandest exhibition plants that can be taken 

 out to a flower-show. A healthy well-bloomed plant of Kalosanthes 

 coccinea will produce as striking an effect on the exhibition-table, and 

 rank almost as high in the eye of a good plant judge, as an Ixora of 

 equal dimensions, and having the same number of flowers thereon. 



Well, now, notwithstanding that the plant is possessed of all these 

 good qualities, we have to admit that it is seldom seen in private 

 places in a condition creditable to the cultivator. Why it is that so 

 useful and beautiful a plant is not better cared for by private gardeners 

 is not easily understood. The reason for the neglect of this plant 

 cannot arise from any difficulty experienced in its culture, as it is as 

 easily managed in all stages of its growth as a Scarlet Geranium or 

 Cineraria. 



For the benefit of any reader who may not have had any experience 

 in the culture of Kalosanthes coccinea, and who may wish to grow it 

 successfully, I will now give a few directions that may be of use to him. 



Propagation. — This is effected by cuttings. And although cuttings 

 will emit roots at any time of the year, the months of August and 

 September are the best time to insert them. Let the cuttings be from 

 3 to 4 inches long, taken from the tops of shoots that have not pro- 

 duced flowers. Insert three cuttings in a 3-inch pot that has pre- 

 viously been properly drained, and filled with a compost of leaf-mould 

 and coarse sand in equal parts. When the desired number are put in, 

 give them a good watering by means of a fine-rosed watering-pot, and 

 place the pots containing them in a close frame or in the propagating- 

 pit. While the rooting process is going on, they will require very 

 little water, and they should not have any shading except in the case 

 of very bright sunshine. 



As soon as the rooting process is complete, the cultivator must 

 decide the particular purpose that he intends the plants for. Those 

 of them wanted for general decorative purposes should be transferred 



