i873-] DINNER-TABLE PLANTS. 27 



before tlie setting process is past. At tli-e same time, avoid an arid at- 

 mospliere, or a check from want of water at the root. Either extreme 

 must be avoided until it be seen that the fruit are out of danger. But 

 with well-ripened wood and bottom-heat, the fruit are rarely lost. As 

 soon as the young growths have made four or five joints, pinch out 

 the terminal bud, and increase the temperature to 65° in mild weather, 

 When the second crop has fairly shown itself, feed the plants liberally 

 with manure-water, as there is then a great demand on the energies of 

 the plant. Manure-water made from sheep's dung and soot, should 

 be given in a weak clear state every alternate watering ; or guano, at 

 the rate of a handful to a large garden watering-pot of water, answers 

 well. 



DINNER-TABLE PLANTS. 



The great demand for plants on the dinner-table now, makes all who 

 have a large and regular supply to keep up all the year anxious to get 

 possession of anything likely to be of service. Having proved a few 

 of those sent out since last spring, a short notice of some of those I 

 have found most useful may not be out of place in ' The Gardener.' 



The Crotons have always held a high place in this department of 

 decoration, and from the fine varieties sent and to be sent out, they 

 have every appearance of still holding their ground. 



C. Joliannis. — This is a beautiful plant in every way, so graceful in 

 habit, the leaves drooping so light and free ; when well grown in a 6-inch 

 pot, it will not be easily excelled on the table. It is after the style 

 of Angustifolium, but longer in the leaves, being of a glossy green colour, 

 the centre and margin bright yellow orange. 



C. Hookerii. — This is another good plant. It appears to be a more 

 compact grower than the former. The leaves are large, lanceolated ; the 

 upper surface dark green, the midrib being yellow, with the same 

 colour running out to the margin. 



C. unduJatum. — This is thought by many the best of them all, and 

 either for table or exhibition purposes it will undoubtedly take a high 

 place when plants get large. In its younger stages the leaves are nearly 

 yellow. As they get older and are grown in strong light, they get bright 

 green, irregularly marked with bright crimson, the edge of the leaves 

 being beautifully waved. 



C. Veltchii. — A strong grower, having large broad leaves, beauti- 

 fully marked with green, yellow, red, and purple. From my experience 

 of it, it will soon make a large specimen — quite distinct from any of 

 the others. 



