ASTER. 37 



The China Aster is an annual plant. It should be sown 

 in March or April, and kept in a tolerably warm room 

 until it has risen about three inches above the earth ; and 

 should then be gradually accustomed to the open air. The 

 seed may either be sown singly, or many together, and re- 

 moved into separate pots when they have grown about three 

 inches : in the latter case, they must be placed in the shade 

 until they have taken new root, and be gently watered every 

 evening. According to their situation, China Asters will 

 require water every evening, or second evening, in dry 

 summer weather, after they are rooted ; but it is necessary 

 to give particular attention to this when they are newly 

 planted. They will flower in August. 



Most of the Asters have perennial roots and annual 

 stalks, and may be increased by parting the roots, which 

 should be done soon after the plant has done flowering. 

 The Itahan Starwort should not be removed oftener than 

 every third year. The earth should be kept tolerably 

 moist for all of them, and the taller kinds should be sup- 

 ported with sticks. 



The African species must be raised in a hot-bed, and 

 require protection in winter. 



AUCUBA JAPONICA. 



HHAMNEiE? TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



This tree, the leaves of which are singularly dabbled 

 with spots, is very commonly grown in pots, as an orna- 

 ment for balconies, windows, &:c. and seems to have been 

 long a favourite ; probably, in some measure, from being 

 of a hardy constitution, always green, and requiring little 



