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The Canadian Horticulturist. 



plants of every description dislike strong heat, preferring a cool, moist atmos- 

 phere, with plenty of air in mild weather, and free access to the sun's rays. 

 They do not require to be constantly deluged with water, but should receive a 

 liberal supply whenever the soil becomes dry. Drainage in the pots must 

 always be attended to, as stagnant water at the roots will result in diseased 

 plants and impoverished flowers. For window-culture, the plants should be 

 started either in a cool greenhouse, or sunny window in the domestic apart- 

 ments, whence they may be removed to the living room as the bloom begins to 

 appear, — Popular Gardening. 



HOYA CARNOSA. 



|ig|piHH^jg|^j^:;;M||HERE space is limited, I prefer to grow flowering plants 

 instead of vines, ivies, etc. But a blooming vine has a 

 combination of qualities which should be respected. Such 

 a vine is the hoya, or " wax plant." It delights in a warm, 

 shady situation, and a rich sandy loam. Five years ago I 

 was given only a leaf of that coveted plant. An eight-inch 

 pot was filed with rich sandy loam, the leaf was inserted, 

 and about half covered with the soil ; it was watered, then 

 placed in a south window to wait developments. Yes, 

 indeed, I waited ; but, long as it seemed, it amply paid me 

 for waiting. The first year it grew about six or eight 

 inches, but the next two years it grew very fast, and formed buds that gave me 

 the most beautiful flower of my collection. It bears its flowers in umbels of a 

 pinkish white with a dark centre. They look like the purest wax, with a drop 

 of honey in the centre of each flower ; and they are also delightfully fragrant. 

 Contrary to the advice usually given, the flowers of the hoya should not be 

 taken off", for they bloom each year on the old flower stem ; it also sends out 

 buds each year that bloom the following season. The long trailing ends should 

 not be cut off", for in time they put forth leaves and branches. The hoya should 

 not be shifted or the roots disturbed if flowers are wanted ; they will then bloom 

 when three years old. I give plenty of water during the growing season, and a 

 weak fertilizer while in bloom, but in winter water is withheld, and the plant 

 allowed a rest. The leaves are dark green, thick and wax-like, thus both leaves 

 and flowers suggest its common name. Kept free from dust it is a very desirable 

 foliage plant. My hoya stands in a west window ; sun-loving plants are placed 

 between it and the window to shield it from the direct rays of the sun. It is 

 an ornament to any plant collection, and improves with age. — Vicks Magazine. 



" Don't talk to me," said the lettuce to the turnip. " I have a heart and 

 you haven't." " I don't see how that can be," replied the turnip. " You never 

 get mashed, and I do." — Life. 



