502 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



Pelargoniums will now require to be kept in a dry atmosphere ; cold 

 and damp will bring " spot " on them. To allow the shoots to become 

 close and matted, while there is so little sun and so much moisture in the 

 air, gives poor specimens. As much pains have been taken to get all 

 greenhouse plants safely under cover, there should be no falling back 

 of attention with them while their treatment is under glass : cutting 

 frosty winds, fire-heat and sun-heat together, and confined damp, are 

 some of the evils which make hard-wooded plants look stunted-like 

 when winter is past. Cleanliness should have strict attention. In- 

 sects should be shown no quarter. Plants should stand so that worms 

 cannot enter the pots. Examine bulbs, such as Hyacinths, Narcissus, 

 and Tulips under their temporary cover, and if roots are coming 

 through the soil and the crowns have grown a little, the pots may be 

 washed and gradually brought into light, and afterwards placed in heat 

 if they are wanted soon. Lily of the Valley should be brought for- 

 ward in a shady position, and allowed plenty of light as it grows. 

 Mignonette and Stocks in pots may have all the light and air possible, 

 keeping off frost and rain. Little water is required by them at this 

 time of year. M. T. 



— a-s.^'^^&e^s-s- — 



CULTURAL HINTS ON ALLAMANDAS. 



In compliance with the request of one of your correspondents, who desires a 

 chapter on Allamandas, I beg to offer the following remarks, in the hope that he 

 may derive some assistance therefrom. 



The AUamanda, without question, is one of the most splendid stove-plants we 

 have, whether as regards the beauty of its flowers, or the length of time over 

 which some of the species produce blossoms without interruption. The varieties 

 A. cathartica and A. nerifolia very much resemble each other both in flower 

 and habit, partaking more of what may be termed the style of a bush, under par- 

 ticular treatment. Then again, A. Hendersonii and A. nobilis are better fitted to 

 cover a rafter, or for winding spirally around a set of stakes when grown in pots 

 for specimens. AVith these difierences in view, we shall proceed to discuss a few 

 of the different methods of treatment, commencing with propagation. Perhaps 

 early in March is the best period to make the cuttings from the young growths. 

 The points of these, when about three joints, strike freely, inserted under a 

 bell-glass, amongst soil composed of well-reduced leaf-mould and silver-sand in 

 equal proportions. The bottom temperature into which the pots ought to be 

 plunged should be kept at 70°, with the atmosphere at 65"" to 70°. Light shading 

 should be resorted to in bright sunshine, until the cuttings have absorbed sap 

 sufficient to sustain themselves erect under the influence of the sun, when shading 

 ought to be dispensed with, unless when the sun is extra strong. Pot the plants 

 when rooted into separate pots, retaining as much soil as will adhere to the roots, 

 so that the plants exhibit no signs of suffering by the change. The soil which we 

 prefer is composed of rich, moderately light, turfy loam two parts, one part equal 

 portions of sharp sand and old leaf-mould, and the other part old Mushroom 



