162 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
in the course of the season. A shift into pots two sizes larger is. 
desirable, because they will then have sufficient space for the free 
development of the roots without being overpotted, and no further 
shift will be desirable. In subsequent years the stock should be 
repotted once only, and that should be done in the spring, just as. 
they begin to make new growth. In repotting now the roots must 
not be disturbed, but when the plants are shifted in the spring the 
ball of soil should be materiaily reduced, and the roots trimmed a 
little, so that they can have all the advantages of a liberal shift, 
without the size of the pots being materially increased. If it is 
desired to increase the stock, it can be readily accomplished by 
dividing the plants when they receive their annual shift. The 
readiest way of doing this is to shake nearly all the soil from about 
the roots, and then with a sharp knife separate them into two or 
more pieces, and pot each piece separately. In much the same 
manner specimens that have become too large may be divided, and 
the most promising portion be potted and grown on, and the other 
part be destroyed. Equal parts of turfy loam and peat, with a 
moderate quantity of silver sand, forms an excellent compost, and 
care should be taken to press it firmly between the sides of the pot 
and the ball of soil. The drainage must be good, and for pots from 
six to ten inches in diameter, from one and a half to two and a half 
inches of crocks should be placed in the bottom with a layer of the- 
roughest part of the peat placed over them. 
To ensure the full development of the distinct markings and 
velvety texture of the leaves, the plants will require to be screened 
from bright sunshine during the summer season, but as the majority 
of stove plants require shade throughout the summer, they are not 
in this respect peculiar in their requirements, and no difficulty will be 
experienced in affording them the necessary protection from brilliant 
sunshine. A moderate degree of atmospheric humidity and liberal 
supplies of water to the roots are essential, but during the autumn. 
and winter when they are at rest, the atmosphere should be dry, 
and the supply of water to the roots limited in quantity. It may be 
added, that stimulants are quite unnecessary, as clear, soft water is- 
quite sufficient. 
A large collection of sorts is not desirable in the stove of the 
amateur, and of the immense number in cultivation, the following 
may be specially recommended for their great beauty and dis- 
tinctness :— 
Calathea crocata.—A dwarf-growing species, with bright green 
leafage, and richly coloured inflorescence. 
C. xebrina.—A_ strong-growing species, with large gracefully 
arching leaves, barred with shades of olive and green. It is re- 
matkably handsome, and one of the best of the strong growers for 
the amateur, because of its free growth and the facility with which 
it can be grown into a good specimen. 
Maraita albo lineata.—A small grower, the leaves dark green,. 
striped with transverse lines of pure white. 
M. fasciata—Another dwarf-growing kind, the leaves cordate 
and marked with broad bands of white on a green ground. 
