236 
have but limited space, as the roots can be stored away 
on cool shelves in Autumn, so as to make room for the 
Winter-flowering plants. The soil best suited for these 
plants is a mixture of fibrous peat, leaf mould, and well- 
decomposed sheep manure, with a very liberal addition 
ofsand. If a succession of bloom is required, some of 
the tuberous roots should be potted in January, and suc- 
cessional batches in February and March, and these will 
yield a good supply of flowers. They should be watered 
liberally but carefully. .Some growers recommend syr- 
inging, but we prefer keeping a very moist atmosphere 
for them in preference. When the flowers are past, and 
the growth is nearly finished, they may be stood in the 
open air to ripen well before Autumn, but must be pro- 
tected from heavy rains; and when they are quite ripened 
they must be stored in their pots, in some moderately 
cool dry place, until again wanted for potting. 
CROTON. 
8 genus of beautiful ornamental foliage plants. Tigli- 
== cemiis the species from. which the Croton oil, a 
powerful purgative, is obtained. They are nearly all 
natives of the East Indies, and were first introduced in 
1748. ‘They are all handsome plants, and are of very easy 
culture. There have been many fine species added to this 
class within the last few years. When growing they 
delight ‘in strong moist heat; and in order to produce the 
rich golden color in the leaves, to which they are indebted 
for so much of their beauty, they require to be placed 
close to the glass. As large specimens, either for public 
exhibition or for decorations, Crotons are indispensable, 
for their. habit and color produce an effect which is not 
+ 
a 
4 
a 
7 
, 
| 
| 
| 
: 
