470 THE GARDENER. [Oct. 



have filled those pots with roots they may be allowed to bloom. If 

 they require another shift, it will not harm them to do so when in 

 bloom ; for I have frequently shifted them when in full bloom and have 

 not seen the least bad effects from so doing. I am sure, if any one 

 that has not got this plant will procure it, it will give them entire 

 satisfaction. G. Warren. 



Balcombe Place. 



PROPAGATING LOBELIA AND CENTAUREA RAGUSIlSrA. 



In the September number of the ' Gardener,' my attention was drawn 

 to an article by J. S. on the propagation of Lobelias and Centaureas. 

 I quite agree with J. S. so far as regards the propagation of Lobelias 

 from cuttings being more convenient than raising the plants from 

 seed. I have myself practised that system for several years now, and 

 have found it not only more convenient, in relation to time and labour, 

 but much more satisfactory in its results. The plants from cuttings 

 have a decided advantage in the flower-garden, there being more per- 

 fect uniformity both in colour and habit, and not having the coarse 

 growth of seedling plants, which gives better effect in the bloom of the 

 cuttings. My plan is to strike a few cuttings in autumn, taken from 

 the best plants, and these cuttings constitute the stock plants. The 

 system is to strike in saucers with sand and water, placed on bottom- 

 heat : two or three days is sufficient to have them ready for potting off; 

 but I prefer boxes, as they take less space and are more convenient 

 for moving about. After potting off, they are placed in heat for a few 

 days till growth has commenced, when they are gradually hardened off. 

 In spring the plants are cut over, and the cuttings treated again in 

 the same way. Hundreds of thousands may be got up in two or three 

 weeks in this manner, as scarcely a cutting fails to strike root. 



In regard to propagating Centaureas by cuttings, the same method 

 may be followed with perfect success ; in fact, mostly all of our soft- 

 wooded bedding-plants can be staick in sand and water. I have tried 

 it successfully with some of our most delicate Geraniums, such as Mrs 

 Pollock, &c. It only requires judgment in the amount of water to be 

 kept in the saucers, as some plants will stand more than others. It 

 is the simplest and most effectual means of propagating Fuchsias, 

 Verbenas, Heliotropes, Iresines, and all plants of the soft-wooded 

 kinds, RoBT. Steve^ts. 



Pastox, Northumbekland. 



