74 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



left unprotected during the winter ; but, from this cause, many of 

 them perish — a conclusion which might easily be arrived at, were we 

 to take into consideration our very variable climate, and the conse- 

 quent fluctuation of heat and cold, humidity and moisture, to which 

 these plants are subjected in this country. By a careful examina- 

 tion into the circumstances in which they are naturally placed, it 

 will be found that, so far from their being exposed to any sudden 

 transition of temperature, or to the action of intense cold, they are, 

 during the winter season, or the greater part of it, enveloped in 

 snow, which is impervious to severe frosts, aud forms a protecting 

 screen equal, if not superior, to any the art of man can apply, at 

 least where there is any bulk of it, because it is then maintained at 

 a very trifling degree below freezing point, its surface merely being 

 affected by cold or heat. The plants, whilst in this state, exist in 

 comparative inaction, but in a uniform state as regards heat and 

 moisture — so that, whatever change takes place, it is so gradual, 

 that little or no injury can take place. It cannot therefore seem 

 strange at the want of success which is, for the most part, realized 

 in their cultivation. I will now briefly state the manner in which I 

 have grown them, and which has been attended with considerable 

 success. About the beginning of August they are shifted ; those 

 intended for specimens are put into pots four inches deep by six 

 across, and those for stock in pots three inches across. 



I am principally guided as to what sort of soil I put them in, by 

 judging in what situation they naturally grow : for instance, those 

 that are found in very exposed pisses I put in a mixture of loam, 

 peat, and sand, thoroughly incorporated with fine broken potsherds ; 

 whilst the more delicate sorts, and those which grow in moist, damp 

 situations, are potted in sandy peat, in some instances with a very 

 small addition of loam, and where pure leaf-mould can be had, a 

 small portion is beneficial in both mixtures. After being potted, 

 they are put in some shady situation, or into cradles, over which 

 hoops are placed— so that they can be exposed, shaded, or protected, 

 at pleasure. 



On the approach of winter they are plunged, to the rim, in coal 

 ashes, or some other coarse porous material, and protected from 

 severe frosts by suitable coverings. In this state they require very 

 little water during the winter months, and when given, it is very 

 sparingly. On the arrival of spring they are unplunged ; if this is 

 not done they are apt to root out of the pot, and when removed, 

 receive a severe check. As the season advances they are shaded 

 from the mid-day sun, and well sprinkled, night and morning, with 

 water — gradually diminishing this, on the approach of winter. The 

 plans generally adopted for their propagation are by seed, which 

 should be sown as soon as ripe ; and by division of the plant, which 

 can be done at the potting season. 



