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FOREIGN N0TICE8. 



Cuttings of this plant root freely in spring ; use young side shoots three or four inches long 

 taken off with a heel attached to them. Place them in a pot filled with a light sandy compost, 

 cover with a bell-glass, and set them in a close warm pit or frame, in which, if there is a gentle 

 bottom heat, so much the better. When rooted, pot them singlj' into 3-inch pots, and place 

 them in a close frame, and as the pots become filled with roots give a second shift, and after- 

 wards harden them preparatory to turning them out of doors, where, with due attention, they 

 will grow much stronger than if kept under glass. To flower strongly they should be grown a 

 second season before they are forced, and by ihat time, if well treated, they should be well 

 established plants in 8 or 9-inch pots. They will, however, flower well in pots of a much 

 smaller size, but they should not be kept more than one year without shifting; therefore where 

 small plants are desired it is preferable to propagate a few each season, planting out such as 

 have become too large to be kept conveniently. — Alpha, in Gadenem' Chronicle. 



The Cineraria. — Flowering from Christmas to June, and forming handsome specimens for 

 decorative purposes at a comparatively small expense, both as regards attention and accommo- 

 dation, and also furnishing a profusion of finely-shaped many-colored flowers for boquets 

 (which the Cineraria does), it well deserves to be, as it is, one of the most popular flowers of 

 the day. It is of easy culture, and in most cases is well managed ; but, nevertheless, in some 

 instances (where ample means exist, and also doubtless a desire to produce respectable speci- 

 mens) it exhibits effects of the worst possible treatment. The following hints may enable such 

 growers to produce creditable examples of this extremely useful plant. The ordinary' method 

 of propagating the Cineraria is by root suckers, which are produced abundantlj^ by plants after 

 blooming, when placed in a shady situation and properly attended to with water. T^e old 

 plants should be broken up as early in August as suckers can be had strong enough; the latter 

 shoidd be potted singly in 4-inch pots, and placed in a shady part of a cold frame till well estab- 

 lislied, which will be in less than a fortnight. The plants should then be placed near the glass, 

 and receive abundance of air, with a view to secure "stocky" growth. During autumn, and 

 until severe weather occurs, a cold frame will form the most suitable situation for promoting 

 rapid growth ; but some attention will be necessary not to wet the foliage any more than can be 

 helped, and also to avoid cold currents of air, which turn the leaves foxy, and greatly injure the 

 plants. At the same time, however, admit sufficient air to prevent weakly growth. "Water 

 should be applied early in the day when neoessarj-, giving a good soaking, and air admitted on 

 the sheltered side of the frame, to dry the atmosphere and foliage. During autumn and winter, 

 the Cineraria is somewhat liable to mildew, especially some varieties; keep, therefore, a sharp 

 out-look for this enemy, and apply sulphur the moment it appears to the parts affected. Mildew 

 is greatly encouraged by a confined over-moist atmosphere, which is also very congenial to 

 aphides, which will be sure to make their appearance under such circumstances. As soon as 

 they are perceived, apply tobacco smoke, but if the plants are kept in good health, neither evil 

 will be very troublesome. As soon as frost is likely to occur the glass should be protected 

 every night with straw screens, or some efficient covering ; for remember the Cineraiia will 

 not stand much frost, and neglect in covering may do irreparable damage. AVith respect to 

 potting, the plants should be allowed plenty of root room, until near their period of flowering, 

 and they ought never to be pot-bound during the growing season. Liberal shifts may be given 

 to healthy thriving plants, but weak varieties should not be over-potted. Specimens may have 

 lOinch pot-t at the second shift, which will be sufliciently large for the winter, and in Mai-ch 

 they may be moved into 12 or 15-inch pots, according to the sized specimens desired. The 

 plants should be removed to the front of the greenhouse, or to some light airy situation, where 

 they will be secure from frost and damp. As before stated, keep them free from insects and 

 m Idew, and remove any decaying leaves as they appear. When the flower st^ms begin to 

 elongate, they should.be pegi^ed or tied out, so as to keep the specimens open for the admission 

 of light and air, and manure water will be highly beneficial at this stage. When the jdantsare 

 in flower they should occupy an airy place, where they will receive abundance of light witiiout 

 being exposed to the full force of the forenoon's sun ; but this applies only to plants flowering 



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