282 THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



obtained during the summer, and on the approach of autumn the 

 plants should be thrown away, in order to make room for more 

 young and vigorous stock. 



The soil best adapted for the growth of this plant is a mixture 

 of equal parts turfy loam, peat, and well-decomposed cow-dung ; 

 the two former should be broken small, and the latter sifted through 

 a fine sieve. When mixed together, a liberal supply of sharp sand 

 and some small pieces of charcoal should be added. The latter is 

 a useful fertilizer, and assists in keeping the drainage in proper 

 condition. Green-fly or thrips are the only pests to which this 

 plant is liable, and both are easily destroyed by timely application 

 of the usual remedies. 



bossi.es. 



f03iE of the species of Bossires deserve to be classed 

 with the most beautiful of our greenhouse plants, and 

 are indispensable in every well-furnished collection. 

 All the sorts are profuse bloomers, and not difficult to 

 cultivate ; but they are subject to the attacks of red 

 spider, which must be carefully guarded against ; for if once it 

 obtains a settlement, it is afterwards eradicated with much difficulty, 

 and it soon disfigures the most vigorous specimens. If healthy 

 plants are obtained at the present season, they will require merely 

 the ordinary treatment of greenhouse plants during the winter; but 

 if they are found to be pot-bound they should be afforded a small 

 shift, and be placed in the closest part of the house for a month or so, 

 in order to induce the formation of fresh roots. It is, however, 

 advisable to avoid shifting at this season, and unless they are 

 suffering for want of pot-room, it will be better to defer the operation 

 till spring. Young plants should then be encouraged to start into 

 growth early, so as to secure a long season. Therefore, about the 

 beginning or middle of March, place them where the temperature 

 may average about 45° at night, and from 55° to 00° by day, with 

 a circulation of air, and keep the atmosphere as moist as can con- 

 veniently be done. Have soil in readiness, and as soon after 

 placing them in growing circumstances as possible shift such as may 

 have filled their pots with roots ; but be careful to have the balls in 

 a nice moist healthy state when the operation is performed, and 

 keep rather close and warm, maintaining a moist atmosphere after 

 potting, until the plants appear to have taken to the fresh soil. 

 When fairly established in their fresh pots admit air freely on eveiy 

 favourable occasion, and see that they are placed near the glass, and 

 where they will be fully exposed to light and sunshine. Give a 

 gentle syringing on the mornings and afternoons of bright days ; but 

 this should be done after watering the soil, otherwise there is 

 danger of being deceived, the soil appearing moist when beneath the 

 surface it is dry. If red spider should make its appearance, the 



