236 THE GLOBAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 



This Linum has a free habit of growth, and requires frequent 

 stopping to secure compact, bushy specimens ; and the shoots 

 8 ould be kept regularly tied out, so as to admit light and air, which 

 greatly promote close growth, and save the necessity for stopping so 

 frequently. Maintain a moist atmosphere, and syringe overhead 

 frequently during bright weather ; and if red spider makes its 

 appearance, which, unless the plants are kept in vigorous health, 

 will probably be the case, place the affected plants so that the under 

 sides of the leaves can be well washed with the syringe, and see that 

 this pest is thoroughly eradicated before it gains a footing. During 

 the summer months the plants may occupy a warm corner in the 

 greenhouse, but a cold pit or frame, which can be kept rather close, 

 will be a more suitable situation. A second shift will probably be 

 required towards the middle or end of May, and this should be 

 given as soon as necessary ; it will be advisable to avoid repotting 

 near the time for removing the plants to their summer quarters. 

 Although a high temperature, maintained by means of fire-heat, 

 would be decidedly injurious, it will be advisable to keep the atmo- 

 sphere rather close, and shut up early after syringing in the after- 

 noon, and a slight shade should be afforded for a few hours on the 

 forenoons of bright days. "When the plants are well established in 

 their flowering-pots, manure water, in a clear, weak state, may be 

 given two or three times a week; this will greatly assist; in pro- 

 moting vigorous growth. On the occurrence of unsettled weather in 

 autumn, remove the plants at once to a light, airy situation, where 

 they can have the assistance of a temperature some ten degrees 

 higher than that of the greenhouse, and where they can be allowed 

 a free circulation of air in fine days. If they should be wanted to 

 blossom earlier than they may appear prepared for, keeping them 

 rather cool and dry for a fortnight, and then replacing them in a 

 moist, warm situation, will check the tendency to growth and induce 

 the formation of blossom buds. Care should be observed that the 

 foliage is perfectly free from red spider previous to the appearance 

 of blossoms, for it will be difficult to keep it under when the syringe 

 cannot be used. After blooming, the plants may be placed in any 

 spare corner where they will be safe, and not exposed to currents of 

 cold air, and they should not be excited into growth early in spring, 

 unless where very large specimens are desired ; they should be 

 allowed to remain at rest until towards May, giving water very 

 sparingly while they are in a dormant state, and avoid wetting the 

 foliage during damp, cloudy weather. 



Before placing the plants in a warmer temperature, turn them 

 out of the pots and ascertain the state of the roots, etc., and either 

 give a moderate shift or repot into the same sized pots, after repair- 

 ing the drainage and removing any unkind soil, as the state of the 

 roots may require. The treatment during this season need not 

 differ from that recommended for last, and with careful management 

 and a small annual shift they will last for many seasons ; but the 

 shoots must be cut back rather closely when necessary, to prevent a 

 naked appearance, and they may be disrooted sufficiently to allow 

 fresh soil to be given without increasing the size of the pot. It 



