358 



The HortkiiUurkt and Journal 



not to water over the crowns of large bulbs, 

 or get the soil sodden, or the bulbs will de- 

 cay. A temperature of about 50'^ is best for 

 these plants, 



Clirysanthemuyns, — Select and mark 

 the best and most desirable sorts when in 

 flower. There are so many fine sorts that it 

 is useless to grow a quantity of the poor 

 dingy varieties. One or two dozen varieties, 

 if well selected, will give more satisfaction 

 than a larger number. 



Succulents, such as Agaves, Echeverias 

 and Cacti, will not require frequent watering, 

 or the roots will perish. Yuccas, although 

 requiring more water than the above, will not 

 want it often, the variegated sorts being a 

 better color when kept moderately dry. Re- 

 move any decayed leaves at once, or they will 

 decay others. 



I'afms, growing in cool houses, must not 

 be saturated Avith water, or the roots will per- 

 ish ; but these plants must never get very 

 dry, or the ends of the leaves die. This is 

 the principal cause of the many unsightly 

 plants of this splendid tribe of plants ; and it 

 must be remembered that many species are 

 natives of very hot and moist districts of the 

 tropics ; so that it would be useless to attempt 

 to grow these in anything but a tropical tem- 

 perature ; but there are many species which 

 will grow and flourish well in an ordinary 

 greenhouse, and also in the open air during 

 the summer. The taste for these plants is 

 fast growing in this country. This is not to 

 be surprised at, from the grace and beauty of 

 the plants when well cultivated. Until re- 

 cently, only those traveling in Europe have 

 the opportunity to see well-grown Palms ; but 

 now they can be seen in this country as well 

 grown, and with the same varieties as large 

 as in Europe, although at present there is 

 no large house here in which to show them 

 to full advantage. Something of the sort is 

 proposed at Philadelphia. We hope it will 

 be carried out. 



Orchitis.— ^e\cral of the winter-flowering 

 varieties will now be in full beauty. Zygo- 

 petalon crinitum being now fine, and, on 

 bright, sunny days, will perfume a large 



house. These plants are growing all the 

 year, and will do well in a house not much 

 below 50° at night ; but in a cool house will 

 not require frequent watering. 



Liella aticeps will also be in full beauty. 

 This is a splendid species — will grow well in 

 a cool house, and last from six weeks to two 

 months in flower. 



Lypetpediuui iitsif/ne will also be in 

 flower. This will last for two months or 

 more in flower in a sitting-room, and for weeks 

 after cutting, placed in water. This is one 

 of the best plants for a novice in orchid 

 growing. 



Lcelia aiffitiniialis, albida, and acu- 

 minata will also be in full flower. Autum- 

 nalis is more difficult to grow and flower sat- 

 isfactory than any of the above named, but 

 very beautiful when in flower. 



fJattleyu Trianxe will be commencing to 

 flower. These are very interesting, for scarcely 

 any two are exactly alike ; and, with a num- 

 ber of plants, there will be a succession of 

 flowers for several months. If the plants are 

 in good health the flowers will last for seven 

 or eight weeks. The Guttatum varieties 

 usually flower two or three times in the 

 year ; so that usually a few flower during 

 the winter. The old-fashioned Maxilearia 

 picta, although not very showy, from the 

 abundance of bloom and the pleasant perfume, 

 which resembles hawthorn, is worth growing, 

 and will be in flower at this season ; also 

 several varieties of Odontoglossums ; but these 

 are not very satisfactory plants in this climate. 

 The summers are too hot, and too much fire 

 heat required in the winter to keep out frost. 



Oncidiuni Cdvendi.^hii, altissinium, 

 andoriiithorhijnc/ion will also be in flower, 

 and are very useful to decorate tall vases of 

 flowers. Care must be taken not to allow 

 any of these plants to become dust-dry, which 

 they may do if standing near the heating ap- 

 paratus ; or to allow drip in the young 

 growth, especially if grown in a cool house. 

 The Peristeria or Dove plant will now have 

 finished its growth, and must be kept dry and 

 hot if expected to flower next summer. Many 

 people are disappointed with this plant from 



