146 FLORA DOMESTIC A. 



The Erodiums, with very few exceptions, may be in- 

 creased — the annual kinds from seed, the perennial by 

 parting the roots in autumn, — and will thrive in the open 

 air. The principal exceptions are the Crassifolium, or 

 Upright Crane's-bill, the Incarnatum, or Flesh-coloured, 

 the Glaucophyllum, or Glaucous-leaved, and Chamajdry- 

 oides, or Dwarf Geranium, which must be treated as the 

 Pelargoniums. 



The Geranium, specifically so called, may be treated in 

 the same manner as the Erodiums, and will thrive in 

 almost any soil or situation. The Pelargoniums, which 

 constitute the principal division of this great genus, require 

 more care. They may be easily raised from seed ; but a 

 person desiring large and early flowers will procure a 

 plant which has been raised in a hot-bed. 



The Shrubby African Geraniums are commonly in- 

 creased by cuttings, which, planted in June or July, and 

 placed in the shade, will take root in five or six weeks. 

 In September, or in October, as the weather is more or 

 less mild, they must be housed: even when grown, the 

 Pelargoniums must be housed in winter ; at which time 

 they should be gently watered twice a week, if the weather 

 is not frosty. In May they may be gradually accustomed 

 to the open air, and about the end of that month be 

 placed abroad entirely in the day ; but should still for 

 the next two or three weeks be under cover at night, 

 though fresh air must be admitted. After that time they 

 must be defended from strong winds, and be so placed as 

 to enjoy the svm till eleven o'clock in the morning. 



As the shrubby kinds grow rather fast, they will some- 

 times fill the pot with their roots, and push them through 

 the opening at the bottom ; they must therefore be moved 

 every two or three weeks in the summer, and the fresh roots 

 which are seen pushing through must be cut off. They 



