190 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



CULTIVATION OF THE CINERARIA. 



BT J. H. 



SHIS gay and interesting spring flower is fast becoming a 

 favourite at the principal spring shows, and is to be 

 found in every well-kept greenhouse and conservatory, 

 and it well deserves a place in any collection. The 

 attention of Jate given to its cultivation has been produc- 

 tive of remarkable results; the well-furnished, regularly grown, and 

 gay plant of to-day is a totally different thing to the meagre, staring 

 plant of the past, and of this great advance we owe much to 

 Mr. Turner, of Slough, who grows them to a considerable extent. 

 I may refer also to Mr. Smith, of Dulwich, who, during the last few 

 vears, has made a great stride in richness and purity of colour, 

 although the plants may be delicate in habit. As the leading kinds 

 have been several times successfully exhibited, the work of 

 selection to improve the stock should have immediate attentiou. 

 A few of the most desirable seedling* are Mrs. Livingstone, 

 Mrs. Dix, Wonderful, Perfection, Purpurea, Editor, Mars, and 

 Sultan. Although the three first-named are all in one way of 

 colour, yet each bas its own particular qualities. If they can 

 be got in large 60-size pots, or 4S's, so much the better, as they 

 generallv throw up stronger for stock than those grown in larger 

 pots. Let me give a few hints on culture, for the information 

 of the inexperienced. Suppose a purchase to have been made in 

 60's, or 48-size pots, the flower and stem ready to decay, pot on 

 into one size larger, and place them behind a south wall, upon a bed 

 of coal ashes, or upon slabs or slates, as a preventive to worms and 

 slugs ; they will soon begin to start into growth if the extremes of 

 damp and dryness be avoided, for an excess in either will speak for 

 itself in the cultivation of the plant. When the grass (as it is called) 

 becomes two or three joints long, it is fit for striking. They should 

 be taken off a little below ground, to secure the fibrous joint 

 which is found below the surface, and placed round the edges of a 

 pot, in a compost of half loam, quarter leaf-mould, quarter decomposed 

 manure, and sufficient sand to take the water through. Pot them 

 into a cold and shady handlight until struck, which, if in a bealthv 

 condition, will be in about three weeks. Then harden theui off 

 graduallv, and pot off into 60-size pots, still keeping in the shade. 



THE GAliDEN GUIDE FOR JUJS T E. 



THE FLOWEB, GAEDEN. 



HOULD all the annuals not yet be planted, plant at once, choosing 

 showery weather ; but should the weather be dry, plant iti the 

 evening. Give support to such as need it. The more tender sorts 

 may now be turned out into the borders, and if hot sunny weather 

 follows, they will need a little shading during the middle of the day. 

 Until established, they will require watering once a day, at least, if the weather is 

 dry. Finish transplanting perennials and biennials sown in spring. Tie up the 



