194 ON THE CCLTIVATION OF HELIOTROPE. 



naonopetalous, pentaphyllous, with the sinuses simple ; stamina 

 five filaments, furnished with small antheva ; pistillum, four germina, 

 slender stylus, and notched, peltate stigmata ; pericarpium none ; 

 semina four, oval, cohering, and lodged in the calyx. Specific 

 characters are — folium lanceolate ovate ; caulis frutescent ; floris 

 aggregate, corymbose. 



This production of the Peruvian clime is well worthy of culti- 

 vation : its delightful fragrance and (by the following manage- 

 ment) long continuance in flower, well repay any occasional care 

 or extra attention bestowed upon the plants. I have very often 

 seen them grown and treated in a similar manner to greenhouse 

 plants, but when treated in this manner, I always notice leafless, 

 sickly -looking plants. Upon close application to the culture of 

 the Heliotrope, in common with others, I find the following me- 

 thod to answer best, and produce as fine flowering plants as any I 

 ever see. Such being the case, I humbly present the particulars 

 of the same for the consideration of Myrtella, and your other 

 numerous correspondents and readers. 



Propagation. — Cuttings must be procured about the latter end 

 of February or beginning of March, planted in pots of rich gar- 

 den soil, and plunged in a working Cucumber or Melon frame. 

 When the sun is powerful, that part of the light where the pots 

 . are under must be covered with something, to shield them from 

 the overpowering heat of the solar rays. Water must be given 

 when required, and all mouldiness, decayed leaves, &c. should be 

 removed as they appear; for if suffered to remain, they will pro- 

 bably injure the whole. In two or three weeks, the cuttings will 

 be sufficiently struck for potting ; but previously to so doing, remove 

 them to an airy part of the stove for a few days, to harden. If. a 

 succession of flowering plants for the autumn and winter months 

 are required, more cuttings must be put in during May and June. 

 If any plants are wanted for turning out into the flower garden in 

 summer, cuttings must be struck in September for that purpose. 



Cultivation for Flowering in Pots. — Provide for a good compost 

 equal quantities of maiden loam, rotten horse-dung, and sandy 

 peat ; a little leaf mould might also be added. The whole should 

 be well chopped and incorporated together, after having been 

 ameliorated by the frosts and atmosphere of the preceding winter, 

 but should not be sifted. When the cuttings have been in tlje 



