THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 125 



S. purpurea, rubra, variolaris, and Drummondi. They should be 

 placed in a low pit, where the temperature can be kept at about G0° 

 by night, allowing it to rise to 75° or 80° with sun-heat, before 

 admitting air — shading bright sunshine, to prevent the necessity of 

 drying the atmosphere by currents of air to keep down the tempera- 

 ture. Turn the plants out of their pots, removing as much of the old 

 soil as can be done without injuring the roots, and repot them in 

 convenient sized pots, using light fibry peat, broken up roughly with 

 the hand. Fill the pots about half-way with crocks, on which lay- 

 some thin pieces of peat ; and in potting be careful to pack the soil 

 closely and nicely about the roots, and cover with a thin layer of 

 sphagnum, which will give the whole a neat appearance. The pots 

 should be placed in saucers, which should be kept regularly filled 

 with water during the growing season, and water must be frequently 

 changed, always using water at a temperature of 80° or 90°. Keep 

 the atmosphere thoroughly moist by frequent syringings during 

 bright weather, and keeping the pit close ; and also see that the soil 

 about the roots is kept regularly wet, for any approach to dryness 

 would be injurious to the plants. As the specimens advance in 

 growth, attend to affording them sufficient pot room, and do not 

 defer shifting until the plants suffer for want of sufficient space for 

 their roots. By following out the above system of treatment during 

 the growing season, the plants will make rapid progress, and will form 

 nice-sized specimens by autumn. At this season they may be 

 removed to a warm corner of the conservatory, or show-house, where, 

 by covering them with large bell-glasses, to secure the necessary amount 

 of moisture, they will be quite at home for the winter months, 

 provided a temperature of about 45° is maintained. Water must be 

 liberally supplied, however, to the soil, and if convenient to continue 

 the use of pans, it will be advisable to do so, a3 this will insure 

 keeping the roots regularly moist. Should the plants show indica- 

 tions of injury from the confined atmosphere, remove the glasses at 

 night, replacing them before giving air to the house. In the absence 

 of better accommodation, the plants may be grown during the 

 summer in a one-light box, in winch, if it be kept close, and properly 

 managed, they will be quite at home ; but artificial heat must be 

 afforded in spring, otherwise large specimens will not soon be 

 obtained, nor will the plants bloom freely. Propagation is easily 

 effected by means of division, which should be done just before 

 starting the plants into growth, taking care to select some promising 

 pieces for rooting, and also to keep the young plants close, warm, 

 and thoroughly moist, until they become well established in their 

 pots. Jin- same care must be observed with the young plants as to 

 placing their poto in pans of water, etc., as recommended above. 



April. 



