156 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



will be sufficiently large to produce fine bushes. Water must be 

 applied very cautiously after giving a large shift, and the atmos- 

 phere kept rather close and moist, to induce the roots to strike the 

 fresh soil. Apply the trellis on which the plants are to bloom 

 directly after potting, and train the shoots to it, taking care to get 

 the lower part well furnished first. Keep the plants clear of insects, 

 and properly supplied with water, and afford them a cool airy 

 position as soon as they have got hold of the fresh soil, and they will 

 make very rapid progress ; and, by giving a small shift about every 

 other year, they will bloom finely in the greenhouse or conservatory 

 for many summers. For soil, use rich turfy peat, carefully broken 

 up into small pieces, and well intermixed with about one-fourth its 

 bulk with sharp silver sand. The addition of a small portion of 

 sandy turfy loam will be advisable in the case of having to use poor 

 sandy peat. 



EEANTHEMUM PULCHELLTJM. 



|HEN properly managed, this is an extremely useful plant, 

 forming, as it does, large compact specimens in a short 

 time, and producing bright blue flowers for many 

 weeks in succession, during the winter months. It, 

 however, requires the temperature of an intermediate 

 house to have it in perfection ; for, unless it is afforded a heat of 

 some 50°, the flowers are never sufficiently numerous at one time 

 to render it effective. Cuttings made of young wood in a rather 

 firm state, planted in sandy soil, and placed in a gentle heat, strike 

 root readily. When sufficiently rooted, pot them off singly in small 

 pots, placing them in a pit or frame, where a warm, moist, shady 

 atmosphere is maintained, until they have become well established. 



Like all plants from a warm climate, this delights in a gentle 

 bottom heat ; and if that can be afforded to young plants, they will 

 grow with astonishing vigour, forming fine broad healthy foliage, 

 which no insect will venture to attack. They should, however, be 

 placed near the glass, and afforded a moderate circulation of air on 

 fine days, with all the light possible, except on the forenoons of 

 very hot days, when a light shade for a few hours will be beneficial. 

 Attend to shifting as the pots become filled with roots, giving liberal 

 shifts ; and unless side shoots are formed near the base of the 

 plant, pinch out its top ; but the habit is such that this will seldom 

 be necessary. It will be expedient, however, where the object is to 

 grow large specimens quickly, to keep the shoots well tied out until 

 a good foundation is secured ; and even afterwards, the use of a few 

 sticks to regulate the main branches, so as to admit light and air 

 among the foliage, and preserve the plants in form, will be useful. 

 Syringe liberally on the mornings and afternoons of bright days, 

 and be careful to keep the plants thoroughly moist at the roots, 

 giving manure-water in a clear, rather weak state, frequently. 

 Plants intended for blooming, should be so managed as to have their 



