226 THE GARDENER. [May 



As soon as the plants show signs of colouring, I give more liquid 

 manure and increase the temperature, and at the same time use the 

 syringe freely. Under such a course of treatment as this I have ob- 

 tained bracts measuring from 18 to 21 inches across, and v/ith from 

 five to seven heads on a plant. Who can withhold admiration from such 

 grand objects, especially when there is found in combination fine 

 and healthy foliage] I have been most successful in growing 

 the plants dwarf for table decoration, having them in pots about 

 6 inches in diameter, with two or three bracts to a plant, measuring 

 from 12 to 15 inches across, and with a fine leaf foliage to boot. 

 These I have found to require more attention than large plants, to 

 do them well. The height of both pot and plant averages some 12 

 inches only. 



In commencing their culture, I make cuttings of the old stems in 

 the month of April, cutting them up into pieces with three or four 

 eyes, and allow them to lie a few days before inserting them in the 

 cutting-pots ; and when placed therein, I leave about two eyes above 

 the surface of the soil. When rooted sufficiently, they are potted off 

 into 4-inch pots, and when well established, and a rapid growth has 

 set in, the leading shoot is taken out, and by this means about three 

 shoots of equal development are obtained from which to form the plant. 

 When they have made a few inches of growth, the shoots are tied down 

 to stakes, and kept as near the glass as possible, so that both light and 

 air can aid the production of robust, healthy foliage. When repotted 

 into the blooming-pots, a compost similar in character to that used for 

 the larger plants is allowed them ; and as in the case of the specimens, 

 space is left for top-dressing. These plants are greatly benefited by 

 being placed in feeders, and by attention being paid to watering — both 

 with water and liquid manure, which should be given in abundance. 

 At the same time the syringe is freely used overhead. 



In cases where the cultivator has plenty of heat at his command, a 

 supply of plants of various lengths may be had, by putting in cuttings 

 from May till the end of July ; the side-shoots of some plants, and the 

 tops taken from the leading shoots of others, can be made use of to give 

 cuttings, and these will be found to give at least a single head of 

 bloom ; and where there is no convenience for growing large plants, the 

 following method will be found very useful : — Place the cuttings each 

 in a thumb-pot, allowing them to become dry at the base, but not to be 

 suffered to flag overhead, or the best leaves are lost, which is a matter 

 of considerable importance. When rooted, put them off into 4-inch 

 pots, and they will be found to make very useful plants for decorative 

 purposes. By so obtaining a supply of plants of various growths you 

 can supply the conservatory throughout the dull winter months. The 



