2G6 THE GARDENER. [June 



little, as it causes a watery growth. Return the plants to the 



quarters they were struck in till they are established in the pots ; 



and they will require shading from direct sunshine for a few days 



after being potted ; and then two shifts, first into 4-inch, and lastly 



into 6-inch, pots, will in general be sufficient to grow plants large 



enough for ordinary purposes. Over-potting the plants should be 



guarded against, especially those wanted in flower before midwinter. 



By timely attention to this matter much disappointment may be 



avoided. Plants in large pots are apt to continue in free growth 



till the season is too far advanced to insure the maturity of the 



young wood, upon which a crop of flowers depend. The plants do 



well grown in a cold pit or frame from June and onwards during the 



summer months, when they are attended regularly in regard to the usual 



items of watering, staking, tying, and pinching to keep them stocky. 



The method of cultivation adopted by the "Squire's Gardener," which 



he detailed in your pages some years ago — viz., that of turning the 



plants out into earth-pits, is worth the attention of those whose 



labour power is limited, and who are expected to keep up large 



numbers of flowering-plants with, at best, inadequate means of doing 



so. I have adopted this method in the case of Cyclamens with good 



results. Unless a good position not far from the glass can be afforded 



them in the greenhouse, there need be no hurry in housing the plants 



in autumn, as they will do far better in a frame than when huddled 



along with other plants which already may have too little room. The 



flowers are produced freely in a comparatively cool greenhouse with 



a dry atmosphere. They should be carefully and regularly attended 



to with water in a tepid condition throughout the winter months. 



D. Mackie. 

 Ayrshire. 



GLOXINIA CULTURE. 



The Gloxinia is now becoming a very popular plant, and most de- 

 servedly so ; for the beautiful varieties now in cultivation have a grand 

 and very effective appearance when in full flower. Those desirous of 

 having a few plants in their stove collection should procure a packet 

 of seed from some well-known grower, and from some good strain, 

 and sow it at once in gentle heat. The seeds should be sown 

 thinly and evenly on a fine surface, and simply dusted over with light 

 soil, — watered with tepid water through a fine rose, covered with a 

 piece of glass and placed in gentle heat, and never allowed to become 

 too dry or kept too wet, as the seedlings may damp off. Whenever the 

 plants are noticed above the soil, the glass should be removed, and a 

 little shade afforded them when the sun is very strong. As soon as 



