196 ON TROPAGATING ERICAS FROM SEEDS, 



succeeded from time to time by sundry papers, calculated (it is 

 hoped) to interest your readers, and elucidate some particular branch 

 of their pursuits. 



[We hope to be favoured with the promised communications from 

 our intelligent Correspondent. — Conductor.] 



ARTICLE III. 



ON PROPAGATING ERICAS FROM SEEDS, AND GENERAL 

 CULTIVATION. 



BY A PRACTITIONER. 



I am glad to observe that this very highly interesting genus of plants 

 is again becoming extensively cultivated. I think too upon a more 

 successful system of management than was practised a dozen years 

 back. I herewith forward the mode of management I have pursued, 

 with the greatest success. 



Propagating Ericas. — This very interesting and numerous genus 

 is best cultivated in a house dedicated exclusively for themselves ; 

 and where such is the case, such house is known by the appellation 

 of heath-house or heathery, and to be complete should contain from 

 about two hundred and fifty to three hundred species, which will 

 afford a considerable share of bloom throughout the year. Heaths are 

 comparatively of late introduction, for we find that in Miller's time, 

 few were known, and those only of the hardy kinds : none of the Cape 

 species being at that time introduced. To his late Majesty George 

 the Third we are considerably indebted for the introduction of this 

 charming genus of plants. 



That monarch, at his private expense, sent Mr. Mason, a most 

 assiduous collector, two voyages to Africa, for the almost express pur- 

 pose, and by his exertions, the first collection of Ericas in this 

 country was formed. The late venerable Mr. James Lee, in company 

 with Mr. Kennedy, of the Hammersmith nursery, may be looked 

 upon as the first professional characters who embarked in this specu- 

 lation, and their collection was looked upon as unrivalled in Europe. 

 These were not only the first commercial collections formed, but there 

 also the mode of culture first devised, which has been the means of 

 disseminating them throughout Europe, chiefly uuder the management 

 and direction of our late ingenious, although unfortunate friend, 

 Cushing. Subsequent collectors have added considerably to this 



