220 THE GARDENER. [May 



those without them ; but this is not all that should be considered, and 

 especially when the roots perish in the manner described, the system 

 cannot be otherwise than misapplied. Inverted turf laid all along 

 the shelves and stages whereon to set the pots is another very good 

 medium, where it can be conveniently adopted, as the pots so placed 

 will not dry up nearly so quickly as those set upon the bare shelves ; 

 and besides, the roots derive considerable nourishment from the turf. 



As far as I have seen of the success of forcing Strawberries in 

 pots, and at one place in one year, I was told that 2 cwts. of ripe 

 fruit were packed and sent to London alone. The plants, from 

 the time they are started till the fruit is ripe, should never be 

 allowed to get a check. As much as possible all through their season 

 of growth they should be under the influence of something like a na- 

 tural climate of sunshine and shower, with plenty of air, till the fruit 

 begins to ripen ; and water should be given but sparingly. 



Robert MacKellar. 



Elvaston. 



PLAITTS SUITABLE FOR TABLE DECORATION. 



OfiCHMEA FULGBNS. 



Among the many varieties of plants suitable for dinner-table decora- 

 tion, the Dracaena, as a fine-foliage plant, is worthy to stand first; and 

 out of a great number of flowering-plants which I have tried, none have 

 been more pleasing than QEchmea fulgens. Its rich green foliage and 

 handsome form make it attractive when in its growing state, but when 

 graced with its spike of coral-like flowers, it cannot but be admired by 

 all who see it. If you have an old plant by you, it will be very little 

 trouble to increase the stock ; if not, in making a purchase it is best 

 to get two plants, no matter how small, so long as they are rooted and 

 are both the same size. If they have not filled their pots with roots, 

 allow them to remain in them until they have, but at the same time be 

 careful not to let them get pot-bound ; then shift them into the size of 

 pots you use on the dinner-table — 4 or 5 inch are large enough, and 

 are the size I use myself, but a size larger will do them no harm. The 

 soil should be two parts peat, one part fibrous loam, one part tho- 

 roughly rotted cow-dung, with a good sprinkling of silver sand. Let 

 this be well mixed together, but not rubbed, as the soil ought to be in 

 pieces about the size of Spanish nuts. It is a good plan to water the 

 young plants thoroughly, if they are dry, about an hour before you 

 shift them into larger pots ; and then, after they are potted, let them 

 stand two or three days before you water again ; and if it is winter-time. 



