1879.] POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA. 139 



small portion of the lower part of our atmosphere ; but owing to the 

 law of diffusion of gases and other causes the quantity is never 

 lessened, notwithstanding the continual abstraction of it by millions 

 of hungry leaves. It is itself supplied to the atmosphere from active 

 volcanoes, in large quantities, from fissures or cracks in the earth, 

 from the breath and exhalations of animals and fishes, from burning 

 substances containing carbon, from the decomposition of substances 

 containing carbon dioxide, such as chalk or limestone (both of which 

 are animal formations), and from rain and sea-water. 



POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA. 



We have many varied and rich floral colours of singular beauty and 

 attraction to please the eye, elevate the taste, and otherwise charm the 

 fast-declining days of the year — the cultivator having by previous fore- 

 thought and care produced many subjects wherewith to brighten its re- 

 tiring hours. Amongst the numerous species of plants suitable for such 

 a purpose, I think the Poinsettia occupies no unimportant position. 



Although now very generally grown and utilised for winter decora- 

 tion, I would endeavour, by giving a few cultural remarks, to estab- 

 lish it in the position which its merits justly claim. Its worth and 

 beauty call for greater attention than has been hitherto accorded it. 



The easiest mode of propagation is to take well-ripened shoots of the 

 previous year's growth, with good buds on them, and with a sharp 

 knife form them into "eyes," in a manner similar to that adopted for 

 Vine eyes. Where a large stock is required, wide pots, or, better still, 

 ordinary-sized seed or cutting pans, will be found most suitable : these 

 should be thoroughly well drained, nothing being more essential to 

 healthy vitality than a compost perfectly free from sourness. With 

 good drainage, a compost of fibry loam, leaf-mould, charcoal, and a 

 liberal addition of sharp sand, may be used. Fill the pans to within an 

 inch or so of the top ; sprinkle a layer of sand over all. Insert the eyes, 

 leaving their upper extremity merely visible, at a distance sufficient to 

 clear the eyes and admit of easy extraction of the most advanced when 

 potting time arrives. Plunge in a bottom-heat of 80° to 85°, having a 

 surface-heat of 70° to 75°. No water should be given for several days, 

 until the pores are closed, or they will discharge a considerable amount 

 of white acrid matter peculiar to the genus. 



The compost not being over-dry, very little more water will be re- 

 quired than an occasional moistening to prevent the sand getting 

 powdery until growth has taken place. Water should be given very 

 carefully, as the eyes suffer in a marked degree from over-dampness. 



Eyes put in during March will be fit for potting into small pots 

 in the early part of May, in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, and sand. 



