THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 159 
TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
AzaLEas.— W. H. C.—Azaleas can be pruned, severely or otherwise, as may 
appear desirable; for they break freely from either the young or the old wood. 
The most suitable time for pruning is just before they commence to muke new 
growth, or immediately after they go out of bloom. They may be pruned as late 
as the middle of May, with a fair prospect of breaking strong. If convenient, place 
them after cutting the sloots back, in a structure in which they can have the 
assistance of a temperature of about 70°, and a moderately moist atmosphere. A 
spacious pit, in which they can be kept close and warm, and be syringed overhead 
twice a day, will afford them the most suitable quarters. When the new growth 
is completed, gradually harden off, and place out-of-doors for a month or six weeks 
to insure the thorough maturation of the wood. 
Inquirer.—Cuttings of the firm side-shoots of the clematis may be struck under 
hand-glasses out-of-doors. The clematis may also be increased by layering the 
young shoots in September. The plants raised from cuttings and layers may be 
expected to bloom in the course of the second summer and autumn. Cuttings of 
azaleas should be taken when the new growth has become rather firm; select 
moderately strong shoots; take them off about three inches from the point, and 
after a, portion of the lower leaves have been removed, insert them in pots filled 
with peat and sand. The cuttings should be placed under a hand-light in the green- 
house, or be covered with bell-glasses. They require very careful attention until 
the cuttings are struck. It is impossible to state the exact length of time the plants 
raised from cuttings will require for attaining a size sufficient to produce a good 
display of flowers; but you may rest assured that it will be quite long enough to 
thoroughly try your patience, Azaleas are usually increased by grafting early in 
spring. The raising of seedling camellias is a very simple matter, as the seed 
germinates freely when sown in pots filled with sandy peat and assisted with a brisk 
bottom heat. The chief difficulty is usually experienced in obtaining a supply of 
seed of sufficiently good quality to produce a fair percentage of varieties worth the 
house-room. The Cattleya should be divided just as it is commencing to make the 
season’s growth, as the roots are then active, and the plants quickly recover from 
the check received. The division must be effected with care, or the plants will 
receive irremedial injury. 
J. D.—The specimen is not sufficient for identification. The shoots should not 
be removed from the cactus unless you are desirous of increasing the stock. 
M, Me Bride, Trafford Park.—Botanically speaking, the strawberry is simply 
a swollen receptacle, as in the case of the “hip” of the rose; but owing to its 
being convex in form, the carpels are studded over the surface instead of being enclosed 
in the cavity, as in the rose * hip.” 
MyrstpHyLLUM AspARAGoIpDES.—F, K.—The plant you inquire about is known 
as Myrsiphyllum asparagoides, and is grown very extensively in America for the 
sake of its elegant sprays, which are found of immense value for associating with 
cut flowers. In reference to its culture, Mr. Fithian, an excellent authority, writes 
in the American Gardeners’ Monthly—* It is now used in the cities for decorating, 
and as affording green sprays for bouquets to such an extent that there is a great 
demand for it by our city florists. It is very easily cultivated, the seed being sown 
in boxes of light but rich soil in August, and placed in a close and shaded green- 
house. I saw at one time seed sown in two boxes, one box being placed in a close 
house, the seed in it germinating very well; the other box was put in a hotbed, 
the heat being 95°; there it remained for eight weeks, only five or six seeds 
germinating. Supposing the balance of the seed had decayed, the box was taken 
out of the hotbed, and placed with the first box. In less than a week every seed 
germinated and grew at a rapid rate, the plants soon outstripping those in the first 
box. When large enough the seedlings should be potted off in two-inch pots and 
placed in a warm house, and kept growing until early spring, when they want a 
rest, for it must be remembered they belong to the Lily family. After gradually 
drying place them under the bench, turning the pots ontheir sides. The first of August 
they will begin to show life by throwing up long slender shoots of a light purple 
colour, and looking somewhat like asparagus. They are now just one year old, and 
want planting out or potting. If they are desired for cut flowers, by all means 
plant them ont ; they are tremendous feeders, requiring plenty of room and water 
May. 
