Greenhouse and ^ot 'Plants, 205 



When there is an appearance of wilting of the foliage, the plants should have a 

 thorough watering, showing at the bottom of the pots. The water should be as near 

 the temperature of the house as possible. Unskillful watering is a great evil in 

 Greenhouse management. Plants cannot be watered without injury unless they 

 show the need of it, for the water will remain stagnant in the soil. Neglecting to 

 water at the proper time is equally injurious to the plant." 



A few favorite plants are the following : 



Camelia Japonica. — The dark green, glossy foliage and glorious flowers of these 

 plants commands the admiration of all. They are more easily cultivated than is 

 generally supposed. They should be potted in a soil composed of two parts sandy 

 loam, one part peat, with a little leaf mould added. They should be syringed three 

 or four times a week, except when in flower, and kept in a close, moist place while 

 growing. Water sparingly if plant is strong and robust, to cause a better bud 

 setting. When this is done be careful not to allow them to become too dry. The 

 plant flowers freely in temperature of fifty deg., in a moist atmosphere. 



Azalias delight in a soil of two parts peat, one part loam, and considerable sand. 

 In well drained soil, and not allowed to become too dry, they thrive in almost any 

 situation, although preferring partial shade. Exposure to sun is better than too 

 much shade. In summer mouths they must be plunged to the rim of the pots in the 

 ground. No hard wooded plant requires so much watering as this. 



Acacias are Australian plants of many varieties, with snowy yellow flowers, 

 blooming from January to April. They should have a soil of two parts loam and 

 one part each of sand and peat, a low temperature and abundance of water when 

 flowering. 



The Pelargonium is often erroneously called the Lady Washington Geranium. 

 No plant is more beautiful than a well grown Pelargonium loaded with flowers, and 

 none needs more care. In almost every collection we find it in a worthless condition. 

 To propagate them take cuttings as early as possible in June, and put them in six 

 inch pots in a close frame. In about a month they will be rooted, when they are to 

 be carefully repotted in three inch pots, replaced in frame, admitting air mornings 

 and evenings after they begin to grow. The tops should be pinched oflf to induce 

 side shoots. When pots are well filled with roots, repot in six inch pots, giviuf air 

 night and day, but guarding against heavy rains. September 1st shift to eight inch 

 pots, replace in frames for two weeks, and then give no water except when they show 

 signs of sufi"ering. House them at approach of frost, keeping near the glass, giving 

 air freely and watering once a week. As the days begin to lengthen, give a little 

 more water. By middle of March put in ten inch pots, give plenty of water, and 

 after showing bloom, give liquid manure three times a week until buds show color. 

 Two inches of drainage with a little moss is used in potting. The soil is equal 

 parts loam and leaf mould, with a little sand and well rotted cow manure. 



Fuchsias should be brought from the cellar or pit about the middle of February, 

 if an early bloom is desired. Use the knife freely and give a temperature of 45°. 

 Water sparingly until leaf buds break, then repot in small pots ; shifting into larger 

 pots as they grow, continuing this until it is wished to have them flower. This plan 

 gives strong, stocky plants. They can be shaped as desired by cutting. The soil 



