ME. AYBES ON MANAGING ERICA HIEMALIS. 131 



laceum, and E. Russellianum, both which I grow in the same 

 manner. 



I have grafted the Epiphyllums upon several Opuntias and 

 Pereskias, but I find the Cereus speciosissimus very superior to 

 any other as a stock. It is more lasting, a strong grower, and 

 very hardy ; indeed I find it the best stock for all other Epiphyl- 

 lums, and for the weak-growing kinds of Cereus. 



I water all my Cacti when growing occasionally with guano- 

 water. 



XIX. — T7ie ^lethod pursued in managing Erica hiemalis. By 

 Mr. TV. P. Ayres, C.M.H.S., Gardener to James Cook, Esq., 

 F.H.S. 



(Communicated February 17, 1846, with a very fine specimen, to which a 

 Banksian medal was awarded.) 



The plant now exhibited was purchased, two years back, from 

 Messrs. Fairbairn, of Clapliam, for the sum of 1*. Qd., being 

 then about six inches high, and growing in a five-inch pot. 

 In February, 1844, it was potted into an eleven-inch pot, in a 

 mixture of Shirley and "Wimbledon peat in about equal quantities, 

 using the soil as rough as possible, and with a liberal admixture 

 of Reigate sand, charcoal in large pieces, and small pebbles. 



Until it started into free growth it was kept in a moist and 

 rather warm atmosphere ; but during the summer it was grown 

 in a low pit with free ventilation, and occasional shading in 

 bright sunshine. On dull days and dewy evenings the lights 

 were removed entirely, and during September and October it was 

 fully exposed to the sun. Having, however, grown very freely, 

 it showed but little disposition to bloom ; and what few flowers 

 were produced were removed before they expanded. In Feb- 

 ruary, 1845, it was removed into the eighteen-inch pot in which 

 it is now growing, and, during that season, was kept in the 

 greenhouse, but was placed in the open air on all favourable 

 occasions ; indeed, it was not housed at all, except in very heavy 

 rains, until after Christmas. 



It has been in bloom nearly three months, but is now rather 

 fading. I should not have sent it in this state, only at the earnest 

 request of several members of the society. I must not omit to 

 mention, that during the season of 1845 it was occasionally 

 watered, say once a month, with a weak solution of soot and 

 guano, used in a perfectly clean state. The guano used was 

 Potter's, which I prefer to the imported, it being more uniform 

 in its strength. 



K 2 



