1879.] LAPAGERIAS. 11 



increased, use 5- or 6-inch pots to lay the shoots in, and let them stand 

 on the stage round the stool, or on inverted pots, so that they may be 

 in a proper position, and easily got at for watering ; for after they 

 begin to make roots, which will not be till well on in the following 

 season, they must be looked over daily. As soon as they are well 

 rooted and commencing to grow the second season, pot them off singly 

 — using pots in proportion to the size of the plants — in the same soil 

 as recommended for striking them in, and always let the young shoots 

 have a small stake or piece of string adjusted for them to twine 

 up. As the plants grow on into size, shift them into larger pots ; 

 those of a deep make being preferable, as the roots always incline 

 to go downwards ; using the soil in a rougher state, such as turfy 

 loam and peat, with some lumps of sandstone and charcoal, and 

 a few quarter-inch bones intermixed ; always minding to drain the 

 pots well, and give them an abundant supply of water at the roots 

 when making their growth. If they are intended for exhibition pur- 

 poses, they must be trained on a balloon or other trellis, but allowed to 

 run freely wmen making their growth, and tied down at the end of the 

 season before coming into flower. They also do well planted out, and 

 trained on the back-wall or rafters of the greenhouse and conservatory ; 

 but in such cases the border must be made up for them. In doing 

 so dig out the natural soil 3 or 4 feet deep, and as much or more all 

 round as can be found convenient, to afford plenty of space for the 

 roots to run freely ; but, as already stated, they incline mostly to strike 

 downwards — hence the border should be of a good depth. To insure 

 perfect drainage, a layer of broken bricks should be laid in the bottom, 

 over which place another layer of broken pots, &c, and then some of 

 the roughest of the soil, which should be prepared by mixing equal 

 parts turfy loam and peat, a good addition of charcoal and quarter-inch 

 bones, and some lumps of white sandstone; and if the loam is very 

 heavy, a small portion of bruised sandstone should be added. Having 

 the border made up with this compost, and the plant to be put in well 

 established in an 8- or 9-inch pot, it will be safer to wait until growth 

 is fairly commenced before planting out ; and in doing so, carefully 

 relieve any of the roots that may have been twining round the sides of 

 the pot, and clear away all the crocks from the bottom of the ball, 

 planting deep enough to cover the whole of the ball, and then cover 

 the surface with fine gravel. After planting give a good soaking of 

 tepid water to settle the soil about the roots, and regulate and tie 

 out the shoots to the wires with small slips of matting, taking care 

 not to break their points. The plants must also have attention 

 during summer, so as to keep every shoot in position, as they are apt 

 to get twisted together when growing, and are not easily separated 

 without damaging the foliage. A slight touch with the syringe on 

 fine afternoons will also prove of great advantage in keeping the 

 foliage free from dust, vermin, &c. ; and a w T eak solution of soft soap 



