19G ON GROWING TLANTS IN ROOMS. 



always be kept as near the light as possible, frequently turning the 

 plants to prevent the heads being deformed, as the natural inclination 

 is to lean towards the light. 



Pruning. — Taking off the point of the main shoot of a woody 

 plant when young causes it to grow bushy, and to be formed of a 

 handsome shape. Also, when a plant is making shoots for flowering, 

 taking off the points of the most luxuriant shoots tends to increase 

 the quantity and size of the blossoms. 



Ripening the Buds. — The singularly formed foliage or shape of 

 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 Amaryl- 

 lises, 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 Pelargoniums 

 (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 produced. Herbaceous 

 plants, as most species and varieties of Calceolarias, &c, after flower- 

 ing, 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 shoots to be pruned back a little. Ever- 

 greens, 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 satisfac- 

 tion ; I therefore think it unnecessary to attempt it here, and must 



