222 



THE FLOKAL WOELD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



devoured by snails as soon as planted out) by cylindrical hoops of 

 the zinc and copper plate placed around each plant. 



If the tip of the tongue be placed midway on the zinc and copper 

 at the same time, an unpleasant metallic or saltish taste is perceived ; 

 this is the sensation which proves so unpalatable and detrimental to 

 the slug, and in which the protective power consists. 



The cost of these plates is about sixpence per foot ; they will, of 

 course, last for an indefinite period. 



SPAEMANNIA AFRICANA. 



jlMONGrST the multifarious pursuits which occupy the 

 attention of mankind, the cultivation of flowers is, 

 perhaps, the most delightful and instructive. The 

 amateur who is in possession of a competency, a garden, 

 and a greenhouse may retire from the stirring, aud 

 exciting turmoil of busy life, to contemplate the floral productions 

 of nature, and have his mind soothed and strengthened by their 

 benign influence. Among other things the cultivation of Spar- 

 mannia Africana is well deserving his attention, both from the 

 beauty of its flowers and its easy culture ; the flowers are produced 

 in umbels, and are well elevated above the foliage; the petals are 

 white, and the numerous stamens are particularly beautiful. A 

 very interesting feature of the latter is their sensitiveness. During 

 the months of April, May, and June, when the plant is in flower, on 

 a calm, warm afternoon, when the sun is shining, let the flowers be 

 examined, and the stamens will be found drooping, and crowded 

 together, as if eDJoying a tranquil repose ; give them a smart tap 

 with the finger, and they will separate and expand in a semi-globular 

 form. The Sparmannia will succeed well, and flower freely, if 

 grown in a small pot. It is a plant of free growth, and when placed 

 in a large pot, it is apt to become naked at the bottom, tall and 

 unsightly. About the beginning of March, select those shoots 

 which are too weak to flower for cuttings ; prepare them in the 

 usual way, put each into a small pot, plunge the pots in a gentle 

 bottom-heat, and shade the cuttiugs until they have taken root. 



"When well established, let them be finally shifted iuto a nine- 

 inch pot; they will gi-ow weli in a five-eighths of good turfy loam, 

 seven-eighths of peat, and one-eighth of silver sand. The plants 

 should be encouraged to grow freely in the early part of the season, 

 and the points of the shoots should be nipped oft' once or twice when 

 growiug, to make the plant more bush}', as it is naturally inclined to 

 grow to a single stem. The stopping should, however, not be done 

 later than July ; in August the plants should be placed out of doors, 

 in the shade at first, gradually exposing them to the full iufluence 

 of the sun. This plant will survive the winter well in a greenhouse, 

 merely protected from frost ; but if placed in the most favourable 

 situation w'!h regard to light, it will produce abetter display of 



