ON THE CULTIVATION OF CALCEOLARIAS. 213 



has enabled me now to grow them superior to any others I ever saw. 

 The following is the mode of treatment I pursue : — Towards the end 

 of June the plants generally decline in bloom ; I then encourage them 

 in growth, cutting away decayed stems, blossoms, &c. A portion of 

 the old soil is removed, and a good top dressing of compost, consist- 

 ing of one barrowful of turfy loam, one of bog soil, and one of rotted 

 cow-dung, and a portion of small pieces of charcoal. The soil is not 

 sifted. This being given, many of the shoots around the bottom of 

 the herbaceous, and some even of the shrubby plants, will strike 

 root therein. I peg down all that I can, if they are not naturally 

 low enough. Early in July I commence propagating, dividing the 

 offsets from the herbaceous ones, and taking cuttings from the 

 shrubby kinds. 



The cuttings from the shrubby sorts are struck singly, in small 

 sixties, in a frame with a gentle bottom-heat, kept shaded, and rather 

 sparingly watered ; when rooted, air is more freely admitted, and the 

 plants gradually hardened. As soon as the roots appear through the 

 soil, they require shifting into forty-eights, and placed in a house 

 where they receive plenty of top air — side air and drafts being 

 prejudicial to the free growth of the Calceolaria. When the sun 

 bears considerable power, the plants remain on the shady side of the 

 greenhouse. The temperature of the house is from 45 3 to 50°. 



About the beginning of September, the plants which are growing 

 vigorously require shifting into larger pots, and this operation is 

 repeated as often as the pots are filled with roots. Liberal drainage 

 is at all times given, and regular watering carefully attended to, 

 never allowing the pots to get dry. The decaying leaves are removed, 

 for if suffered to remain upon the plants they cause mildew, and 

 much injury ensues. The plants require to be frequently examined, 

 to watch for the appearance of the green fly ; and, when discovered, 

 a check should be put to their increase, by well fumigating the plants, 

 and repeating the operation if the first is not effective, as it is difficult 

 to dislodge these pests from the young and downy leaves. The house 

 is frequently steamed by damping the flues, as the Calceolaria thrives 

 best in a moist atmosphere. During the winter months the plants 

 are removed to the south side of the greenhouse, to receive all the 

 light possible, and prevent their being drawn up weakly. This 

 treatment is continued till the beginning of March, when a gentle 



