154 ON CULTIVATING PLANTS IN KO011S. 



some plants, may obtain for them a place in collections, but in 

 general most plants are admired for their blossoms. In order to 

 have them in perfection as well as profusion, it is highly essential 

 that the embryo, or bud, be in a mature state. Bulbous plants, as 

 Amaryllises, Hyacinths, &c, when the flower is decayed, the foliage 

 must be encouraged for a few weeks ; after which, it may be allowed 

 to die away and remain at rest. The pots retaining the bulbs may 

 be placed on a shelf, where they will be dry, until the time of re- 

 potting, which in general will be in October. Those plants which 

 produce their blossoms upon the wood of the same season, as Pelar- 

 goniums (Geraniums), Salvias, Roses, Chrysanthemums, &c, after 

 flowering, require their shoots to be cut back to three or four buds, 

 taking care to preserve the form of the plant, and giving but little 

 water during the state of rest. When the plant begins to grow in 

 the spring, having a larger pot given, and a regular supply of water 

 afforded, and kept in moderate warmth, the blossoms will be pro- 

 duced. Herbaceous plants, as most species and varieties of Cal- 

 ceolarias, &c, after flowering, require their tops cutting off, and but 

 little water during their rest ; a large pot is given when the plants 

 begin to grow. Deciduous plants, as Fuchsias, Hydrangeas, &c, 

 when the leaves begin to fall, will require but little water, and rest 

 until spring, when a larger pot will be necessary, and the shools to 

 be pruned back a little. Evergreens, as Azaleas, Myrtles, &c, when 

 done flowering, require a larger pot, and their wood encouraging 

 until it becomes ripe. Here I include the Cactus tribe, &c. At 

 this potting, some of the species will require their old wood thinning 

 out. 



Choice of Plants. — The taste of persons being so dissimilar, no 

 list of plants I could furnish would be able to give entire satisfaction ; 

 I therefore think it unnecessary to attempt it here, and must leave 

 the amateur to suit himself, his experience and fancy being likely to 

 afford the best directions on the choice of plants suitable for him to 

 cultivate. 



