ON PROPAGATION OF ERICAS. 13 



the sun upon the pots, they ought to he plunged, or otherwise co- 

 vered, and proper drainage secured. This is generally effected by a 

 stratum of coal-ashes ; but I have often had occasion to plunge 

 plants where the remains of the ashes, turned up in digging, appear 

 unsightly in the extreme : in these cases I drained the pots contain- 

 ing the plants by placing a small empty pot heneath each, and found 

 the result so satisfactory, that I have adopted this plan wherever 

 plants are plunged, it being free from every objection that applies to 

 ashes. Pots are easier applied and removed ; and more effectual, as 

 by them worms are completely excluded. The plunging taking place 

 when the pots required for drainage woidd be lying idle, they may be 

 so applied without any sacrifice. 



ARTICLE V. 



ON PROPAGATION OF ERICAS. 



UV THE FOREMAN 01' A LONDON NUHSIiUY. 



Observing in a late Number of the FLORicuLTrauAi: Cabinet a 

 Correspondent asks for some information on the best mode of increas- 

 ing Cape Ericas, and having, as foreman of one of the first nursery 

 establishments in or around London, had many years' practice in 

 the propagation of Ericas, I forward a few general instructions, 

 which, if attended to, will ensure every desired success. 



Increase by Seed. — Always sow in July or August, so that the 

 young plants will be strong enough to sustain winter, but not too 

 large, so as to become a dense mass of foliage, and thus be liable to 

 rot. This would be the case if seed was sown much earlier in the 

 season. Let the pot be filled up about one-third with drainage, such 

 as broken pot and rough turfy peat in lumps ; upon this, sandy 

 peat, to about half an inch from the rim. Let tha surface of the 

 soil be made even, and as fine as possible; sow the^ seed regularly 

 upon it, gently press it to the. same by means of a flat piece of wood ; 

 this being done, only just cover it with the finest dwisty sandy peat; 

 if deep it will perish. Sprinkle it over with water as fine as 

 dew, if possible, so that the seed be not washed bare ; cover the top 

 of the pot over with a flat piece of common glass; place the pot near 

 the glass on a shelf in a greenhouse, or cool frame, shading from hot 

 sun; keep the surface moist, not wet; protect from frost and excess 



