214 



JODENAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE, 



[ Hueh 22, 1877. 



as possible. The bnlbs can afterwards be planted in light rich 

 soil, and in two years and onwards they will prodnce attractive 

 spikes. These bulbs are of little use for pottiug ; but Hyacinths 

 which have flowered late in pots are, if well and carefully 

 managed.very valuable in future years. — A Doctok's Gakdeneu. 



FICUS PAECELLII. 



Fbebh interest has been evinced in this beautiful variegated 



stove plant since it has arrived at a fruiting state with some 



cultivators, and from the fact that the fruits are attractive as 



well as the foliage. To many the plant is well known, but. 



remained there until the third week in October, when they 

 were removf J to a cold house. In the month of December 

 they began showing signs of growth, and they were shaken out 

 and repotted into pots from 7 to 'J inches in diameter, the 

 compost used consibting of two parts of loam and one of leaf 

 soil, with enough pounded charcoal and gaud to give porosity, 

 rubbing a liberal quantity of dried cow dung into the whole. 

 They were potted moderately firm. About the middle ot 

 January they were placed in a vinery having a night tempera- 

 ture of 50°, rising to 00° in the daytime with sun heat. As 

 soon as the pots were filled with roots they were supplied 

 about twice a- week with manure water in an almost clear state, 



FiB. 29.— Fiona pabcellh. 



judging from letters which we have received, there are others to 

 whom it is not familiar. Messrs. Veitoh & Sons have enabled 

 QB to publish a truthful representation of a leaf of the plant, 

 which is conspicuous from its distinct colours and their decided 

 contrast. The plant, we need only add, is of easy culture, 

 and is very useful for general decorative purposes. 



SPIR^A JAPONICA CULTURE. 



Theek is now flowering in the conservatory of C. Massey, 

 Esq., The Beeches, Newoastle-under-Lymo, some fine speci- 

 mens of the well-known Spirma (Iloteia) japonica, a plant 

 which deservedly holds a foremost place amongst our spring, 

 flowering plants, especially where there is any demand for cat 

 flowers. The plants alluded to are bearing from twenty to 

 twenty-five spikes of bloom on each, one in particular having 

 thirty, with its beautiful foliage measuring nearly 3 feet across. 



Mr. S. Kirkham states the following as his mode of culture. 

 The plants were forced last year in 6- inch pots, and were after- 

 wards placed in their pot < outside under a fence having a 

 western aspect, and, being supplied with abundance of water, 



made from the scrapings of the poultry yard, until the flowers 

 began expanding, when it was discontinued. The plants are 

 now in the conservatory, and are admired by all who see them. 



HAMPTON COURT PALACE AND GARDENS. 



This royal palace is delightfully situated on the north bank 

 of the river Thames, fourteen miles from Loudon. It is em- 

 bellished by nature as well as art, and is historically associated 

 with the lives of illustrious men. It was built by Cardinal Wol- 

 sey, who is said to have provided here two hundred and eighty 

 silk beds for strangers only, and richly stored it with gold and 

 silver plate. It caused so much envy that he gave it to King 

 Henry VIII., who in return allowed him to live in his palace 

 at Eichmond. This king greatly enlarged Hampton Court. 

 Queen Elizabeth adorned it with pictures and other orna- 

 ments, but King Charles I. is mentioned as having given hia 

 personal attention to the garden. The semicircular garden 

 spreading from the terrace of the east front was planned by him. 

 We are informed that Charles II. superintended the royal 

 garden if any alterations were going on, or he was fond of oat- 



