172 ON TUK CULTIVATION OF HKATHS. 



ARTICLE II. — On the OuUivation of Heaths, {Ericas.) 

 By Philanthos. 



Herewith I send you a few observations on the management of 

 Heaths ; should you consider them worthy a corner in your va- 

 hiable periodical, they are much at your service. 



I know nothing more easy of culture than most sorts belonging 

 to this lovely genus of plants, if treated in a proper maimer; and 

 yet how many persons who attempt to gi'ow them, lose great mmi- 

 ■bers every year, and I am convinced that nine times out of ten, it 

 is because tliey are afraid of watering them too much, which is an 

 erroneous idea, if the pot has plenty of drainage at the bottom. 

 And I am satisfied by i)ractical observations, if the moidd is al- 

 lowed once to get thoroughly dry, the destruction of the plant is 

 completed, more particularly if the pot is filled with roots. Again 

 it is evident that many persons injure their plants much, by pla- 

 cing them in a situation, exposed to the scorching rays of a burn- 

 ing sun, especially if confined in small pots, for I always find 

 those Heaths to thrive best which are kept in a shady place, say a 

 shady shallow pit, or in any other convenient situation. 



In collecting peat, I always choose that which contains a pretty 

 good portion of sand, digging it in tnrfs, not above three or four 

 inches in thickness ; I then lay it uj) in a hea]), there to remain 

 for two or three years before it is used. 



When about to pot off, or shift my jylants, I chop the turfs well 

 to pieces, then rub it through a coai'se sieve, (as I do not approve 

 of using it too fine;) after sifting as much as will be wanted for 

 present use, I add to it about one third of sand, and mix the two 

 well together ; at the bottom of the pot is placed a few pieces of 

 broken crocks, then a layer of the coarse turf ])eal, or such as did 

 not i>ass through the sieve ; on that a little of the composition, in 

 which the plant is potted. I likewise keep them well supplied 

 with moisture hereafter, especially in dry weather. 



Aiiijust Wh, 183.3. Philanthos. 



ARTICLE 111.— On the Cultivation of the Carnation. — 

 By Mr. Alexander Mackenzie. 



As the CaiTiation is generally very difficult to cultivate true to 

 il«> colours, I herewith send for insertion in the Cabinet the fol- 



