THE FLOEAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 139 



Young plants of it may now be bought in from nurseries at a 

 moderate price. After they are received, place them for a few days 

 in a close, warm situation, in order that they may recover from any 

 injurious exposure to which they may have been subjected during 

 removal. Then, if well rooted, and otherwise healthy, and in a 

 growing condition, give a moderate shift into well-drained pots, one 

 or (in the case of strong plants) two sizes larger than those they are 

 in. After potting remove them to a close, warm pit or frame, 

 where a moderate bottom-heat is maintained, and keep a moist 

 atmosphere around them, giving gentle waterings as required, and a 

 slight shading during bright, sunny days, the foliage being liable to 

 burn in a close atmosphere. When growth has commenced freely 

 the young shoots should be stopped at a well-placed joint. 



After the buds have again started strongly, which will soon be 

 the case if the roots have made good progress, a second shift should 

 be given into larger pots, proportioned to the strength of the plants, 

 and they should be again placed in heat. They should receive every 

 encouragement to make vigorous growth, so as to get the wood 

 ripened well by the end of September, after which a drier and cooler 

 atmosphere is requisite to ensure a period of rest. A temperature 

 of from 50° to 55° is most suitable during winter, water being given 

 sparingly, but in sufficient quantity to prevent the foliage being 

 injured by a long period of drought. If fair-sized specimens are 

 wished for, the plants should be pruneM back a few joints in February 

 or March, and after the wounds are healed, placed in heat as before, 

 to start them into growth ; but if bloom is desired this season, 

 pruning must be deferred, as the flowers are produced on the points 

 of last year's wood. Blossoming:, in a small state, however, con- 

 siderably weakens the plant, and I therefore prefer growing it a 

 second season, before it is permitted to flower. If pruned, as already 

 stated, and placed in heat, the buds will break kindly, and the plants 

 may then receive a shift into the pots in which they are destined to 

 bloom in the following season. Previous to repotting, carefully 

 examine the ball and remove any impure soil, drainage, etc. The 

 pots now used may be from twelve to fifteen inches in diameter, and 

 they should be well drained. In the progress of growth the shoots 

 should be once or more stopped if necessary, and neatly tied out, to 

 allow light and air to reach the inside branches. The former opera- 

 tion should be completed as early in the season as is consistent 

 with the formation of a well-shaped plant. This will allow more 

 time for the production of robust, well ripened wood for the next 

 year's bloom. The winter treatment may then be the same as 

 before. 



The period at which the flowers would be most desirable must 

 influence the time of commencing to force the plants. If started iu 

 January they will be in bloom in March or the early part of April, 

 or they may be retarded for a considerable period. When the (lowers 

 begin to expand, a cooler and drier atmosphere will preserve them 

 for a length of time in perfection. After this period the plants will 

 require judicious pruning, repotting if necessary, and otherwise 

 treutment like that previously given them. By timely attention, in 



May. 



