212 ON BLOOMING THE EOCHEA FALCATA. : 



after consklerable practical experience, I find they keep much better 

 than when potted off singly. They also require less room, which is a 

 matter of considerable importance ; for, if potted after spring, they will 

 grow very well in turf pits, witli a little bottom heat, or any similar 

 place, which would be wholly unfit to keep them in during winter. It 

 would be impossible to say which are the best varieties, there are so 

 many whose merits are equal ; the object is to get the hardiest and 

 most free-growing kinds of each class ; that is, if they are most distinct. 

 I always prefer the upright growing varieties, as they make tiie best 

 beds. I never peg down a Verbena, as I consider the beds have a bad 

 effect so managed ; instead of pegging them down, I stick a quantity of 

 small twigs in the bed, and tie the slioots to them. I find this mucli 

 the best plan ; as I put tlie twigs in so as, when covered, the bed has 

 just the sliape I wish ; and in case of having rain, the plants remain 

 erect, while, if pegged down, they would be laid like a field of corn 

 after a severe storm. By this precaution that is prevented. I place 

 twigs (l^rushwood) among most of my bedding plants, as Geraniums, 

 Petunias, Calceolarias, &c., and the plants are thus kept steady, the 

 branches soon spread amongst them, and no wind can injure the plants 

 either to break or twist them. The leaves and flowers cover the brush- 

 wood out of sight in a short time, for the plants being kept thus steady 

 encourages their growth. In order to produce variety, and in some 

 instances much increase the beauty, I have the brushwood laid higher 

 or lower in the various parts of the bed, so that I obtain an undulated 

 surface of any desired form, for the plants grow higher or lower as is 

 the surface of the brushwood. 



ON BLOOMING THE EOCHEA FALCATA (formerly 

 CRASSULA FALCATA). 



BY A nobleman's FLOWEa OAKDENER NEAB LONDON. 



This is a charming plant when well grown and in full bloom. Its 

 fine heads of rich scarlet and gold are peculiarly beautiful. It is not, 

 however, often to be seen well cultivated, nor bloomed one-half, as it 

 can be done. I have however succeeded in growing it to the admira- 

 tion of all who have seen it, and am desirous to promote its culti\'ation 

 in better proportion to its merits. I send the particulars for insertion 

 in the Cabinet. 



Cuttings will root freely in sand, without a glass ; even when lying 

 in a damp, shady place, they will emit roots freely ; the common 

 mixture of loam, peat, and sand suits it perfectly. I have tried richer 

 materials, but could not perceive any improvement either in growth or 

 flowering. The principal thing to be attended to in growing this 

 plant is the situation : it loves a full exposure to sun-heat, and to be 

 near the glass ; therefore I always keep it on shelves till in flower. 

 By this means the plants acquire a strong, stiff habit, and produce 

 large heads of flowers. Cuttings struck early in the spring, and well 

 grown through the summer, should flower strongly in the following 

 .spring. I begin late in autumn to gradually withhold water, and in 



