308 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
very brief manner; but it is hoped sufficient will be said to show 
how successful results may be insured with the least possible amount 
of trouble. 
Astilbe barbata, commonly known as Spirea japonica, is so 
generally appreciated, that it is not necessary to say anything in its 
praise. Clumps prepared for forcing are annually imported from 
Holland, and can be obtained through any of the nursery or seed- 
houses; and, unlike many other of the roots and bulbs received 
from the Dutch growers, the Astilbe may, after it has done flower- 
ing, be planted out, and grown on for forcing the following season ; 
indeed, if the amateur is so minded, he may, in the course of a 
few years, work up a large stock from a few strong clumps pur- 
chased now, and henceforth be quite independent of the trade 
growers. But for the present we have only to consider the prepara- 
tion of the clumps for forcing. As the roots receive more or less 
injury by being kept out of the ground for a considerable period, 
they should be purchased early, and potted immediately they come 
to hand. A mcderately rich compost should be prepared, and the 
strongest of the clumps be put into six-inch pots, and the smallest 
into others one size smaller. The soil must, with the potting-stick, 
be pressed very firm, to prevent the moisture soaking away too 
quickly. As this plant cannot be forced very early quite so well as 
a few other things, it is not desirable to start any of the roots until 
the end of January. To maintain a succession throughout the season, 
the stock available should be divided into three lots, and be intro- 
duced to the forcing-pit at intervals of three weeks. A temperature 
ranging from 65° to 70°, liberal supplies of water to the roots, and 
an abundance of moisture in the atmosphere, are the main essentials. 
From the time they are potted until removed to the forcing-pit, let 
them have a place in a cold frame or in a sheltered position, and be 
covered with dry litter or leaves. 
Azaleas.—The pretty little A. amena, which is tolerably hardy, 
is most valuable for forcing, for it produces its rich magenta flowers 
very profusely, and, when in bloom, its neat little bushes are remark- 
ably attractive. Cuttings of the partly-ripened wood, inserted in 
sand, and placed in the greenhouse, will, if they are covered with 
a bell-glass, strike freely. When struck, they can be planted ina 
bed of peat, or be grown on in pots; and of the two, the latter 
course is preferable. In a few years nice plants may be had; but 
as it is cheap, amateurs will, perhaps, do well by purchasing well- 
established plants to begin with, and then adding to their stock 
according to their requirements. All the Ghent azaleas, which are 
perfectly hardy, force remarkably well; and to insure a good display 
it is simply necessary to lift from the bed, or to purchase plants 
well set with flower-buds, to put them in the smallest pots possible, 
and then place them in the forcing-house. With a temperature of 
65°, more or less, and frequent syringings overhead, they may be 
had in full bloom in a very short time. By starting the plants at 
intervals they may be had in flower from Christmas until April. 
After they have done flowering they can be hardened off and be 
planted out-of-doors, and the second season be lifted and foreed 
