.lOO THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



axils of the leaves, while those of most other species resemble minia- 

 ture lemon-coloured bottle-brushes. 



The various species of Acacia to which we are at present referring 

 are free-growing, easily managed plants; and seeing that this is the 

 case, and that they produce their Howers freely during the winter and 

 spring months in this country, it is somewhat strange that so few 

 of them are to be met with in general cultivation, especially when 

 we remember that in addition to their free-flowering habit they are 

 clothed, at least several of them, with very ornamental foliage that 

 renders them at all seasons, whether in bloom or otherwise, attractive 

 objects in whatever position they are placed, 



A large healthy bush of A. armata when in full bloom during the 

 winter months is a very telling plant for conservatory decoration, 

 especially if arranged in combination with stately Palms such as 

 Kentia Australis or Seafortha elegans. Then A. Drummondii when in 

 flower is a real gem, and fit to occupy a place in any position where 

 flowering plants are admissible. This species is of a more slender and 

 twiggy growth than any of the others that w^e have mentioned ; and if 

 the cultivator keeps it in good health, and free from red-spider and 

 other insect pests or enemies, it will not fail to reward him with an 

 ample crop of flowers for his trouble and attention. 



Another species, A. Eiccanna, deserves to be specially mentioned. 

 Its style of growth is distinct from that of any of the species men- 

 tioned. The branches, foliage, and flowers of this plant assume a 

 drooping position, that imparts to it a very pleasing and interesting 

 appearance at all seasons of the year. It succeeds admirably under 

 pot-culture, although I have heard the reverse stated ; and when 

 planted out in a prepared border, it is excellent for training on the 

 rafters of large conservatories or other cool glass structures of large 

 dimensions. 



There are several other species that deserve to be mentioned, but 

 those already named are sufficient to direct attention to the at present 

 partially neglected genus Acacia, and I will now add a few notes of a 

 cultural kind. 



Propagation. — Acacias may be increased by cuttings, layers, or by 

 grafting. By seeds, however, is the quickest and best method of pro- 

 pagating them. Seeds of most kinds can be obtained at a cheap rate 

 from any respectable house in the seed trade. If good, they germinate 

 quickly at any season of the year if placed in a bottom-heat of from 

 CO" to 70"". The best time, however, to sow them is in the months of 

 March and April. Before the seeds are sown it is advisable to soak 

 them for twelve or fourteen hours in water ; and if the water, at the 

 time they are put into it, is at a temperature of 100°, no harm but 

 good will follow. 



The seeds should be covered about half an inch with the compost, 

 which should consist of sandy loam, and be pressed firmly on to them. 



