1879.] HINTS ON HEATING OF FORCING-HOUSES. 233 



prominent points in a cultural aspect. The Pentstemon is a free root- 

 producer, and requires a deeply-cultivated and well-enriched soil in 

 which to succeed satisfactorily. When planted, I would recommend a 

 spadeful and a half of rich compost to be placed underneath every 

 plant ; this serves as a certain producer of quick and uninterrupted 

 growth from the first — a main factor in the ultimate securing of good 

 spikes of fine bells. The month of April is quite early enough to 

 plant. When started freely into growth, the whole of the " breaks," 

 with the exception of the main spike and, at most, four side shoots, 

 should be rubbed off. The central spike will of course take the lead, 

 and be much the finest and earliest, but under favourable conditions 

 the side spikes will be comparatively good — more so if the main spike 

 is not allowed to carry seed, but removed as soon as it gets past its 

 best. Providing a stake for each spike at an early stage of growth is 

 very important, as one of the sharp passing gales generally experienced 

 at the time these will be well grown may destroy the harvest of the 

 season's labour. When cut for exhibition or competing the spikes 

 should be placed with the cut ends in water without any delay, as the 

 flowers and foliage droop past remedying if this precaution is not 

 taken. At local horticultural shows the Pentstemon is commonly 

 shown in wretched plight, merely through want of taking the above 

 simple precaution. Though not hardy enough to stand out of doors 

 through moderately severe winters without being killed, the protection 

 of a cold pit is sufficient to secure safety. September is the month the 

 supply of cuttings for the ensuing season should be taken. Short 

 growths, if healthy, make the best cuttings. These are inserted in 

 boxes in a loamy soil, placed in a cold pit or frame, and kept close 

 until roots are produced. During winter and spring, when the weather 

 is not frosty nor windy nor rainy, the light should be kept off the 

 plants. During frosty weather extra protection should be given them ; 

 and if a continuance of frost should cause them to be frozen, the pro- 

 tecting material should not be removed until the plants are thawed. 

 Plants may be lifted and potted in autumn, to furnish cuttings in 

 February, which strike freely in a common dung propagating frame. 



R. P. Brotherston. 



HINTS ON THE HEATING OF EORCING-HOCJSES. 



Before the trials of the past winter are forgotten in the warmth and 

 sunshine that may be expected soon, it may not be out of place to make 

 one or two allusions to certain matters in forcing operations, which will 

 have been but too lucidly demonstrated of late, unless where the most 

 complete and perfect appliances for forcing have been at command. 



Not since the memorable winters of 1860-61, or 1866-67, have we 

 had anything at all approaching the severity of the past winter, either 



