260 REMARKS ON DESIRABLE VARIETIES OF HEARTSEASE. 



nature of the plant, taking care at all times, when the weather is con 

 genial, to give a moderate supply of air, and to keep the plants as free 

 from dust as possible, which may be done by occasionally syringing, 

 particularly when the plants are in a healthy growing state in spring 

 and summer, and also by syringing the leaves of Camellias, and 

 plants of a similar class. 



The reader will no doubt smile when I state, that so enthusiastically 

 fond am I of plants, that I have generally from seventy to eighty of 

 one sort or another, — some in the parlour, some in the kitchen, and 

 others up-stairs, so that when one goes out of bloom I take it away 

 and bring another in its place from my reserve up-stairs or in the 

 kitchen. 



Having lately seen in this Magazine charcoal recommended as a 

 medium in which to strike cuttings, I have had a zinc pan made, 

 about two feet in circumference, with a false bottom pierced with 

 holes, upon which I place the pounded charcoal, and underneath 

 there is a place for hot water with two tubes, through one of which 

 hot water is poured in, and which will keep hot for a considerable 

 time, and when cold, the other serves to draw it out ; but the best 

 plan would be to have a small spirit lamp underneath, which would 

 diffuse a genial warmth by causing the steam to percolate through 

 the charcoal, and which, I think, could not fail of success, — indeed, I 

 have failed in very few instances, either with cuttings or seeds, and 

 have at present cuttings of Cobcea scandens which I believe are 

 rooted. 



I find I am lengthening this communication too much for your 

 pages, and merely observe, in conclusion, that in potting I use the 

 soil quite rough and unbroken, mixing a few small stones along with 

 it. Should these rambling remarks prove acceptable, I shall perhaps 

 trouble you with some further remarks at a future period. 



[We shall be glad to receive further communication. — Conductor.] 



ARTICLE IV. 



REMARKS ON DESIRABLE VARIETIES OF HEARTSEASE. 



BY THE SECRETARY OF THE BOXI.EY, IN KENT, HEARTSEASE KI.ORAL SOCIETY. 



Being an admirer of this interesting flower, I am willing to use all 

 the means in my power to improve upon what we already have. 



