65 



About the middle of September, the more vigorous roots will begin 

 to show the buds of their flower-stems, which are commonly of a red 

 colour; therefore these pots should be removed into a situation where 

 they may have the full benefit of the sun, and be sheltered from wet, 

 and strong winds; but by no means too near a wall, or under glasses, 

 which would draw them up weak, and render them less beautiful in 

 their blow. At this season they should be gently refreshed with water 

 occasionally, when the weather is warm and dry. 



As soon as the flowers begin to open, the pots should be removed 

 from the open air, to prevent the flowers from being injured by too 

 much moisture; but they must not be kept too close, or be placed 

 in situations too warm, as that would occasion their colour to be 

 less lively, and hasten their decay. The flowers of this plant often 

 continue in beauty, when managed in the above manner, a full 

 month : and though they have no scent, from the richness of their 

 colour, they are justly esteemed as flowery ornamental plants. 



AVhen the flowers are decayed, the leaves begin to shoot forth in 

 length, and, if sheltered from severe cold, continue growing all the 

 winter season; but they must have as much free air as possible in 

 mild weather, and be covered only in severe rains or frosts; for 

 which purpose a common hot-bed frame is the best, as the glasses 

 may be taken off constantly every day in dry open weather, which 

 will encourage the leaves to grow strong and broad; whereas, when 

 they are placed in a greenhouse, or not exposed to the open air, they 

 are apt to grow long and slender, and have a pale weak aspect, by 

 which the roots become weak, seldom producing good flowers. 



The roots should be transplanted every fourth or fifth year, about 

 the latter end of June or beginning of July, into fresh earth; but not 

 oftener removed, as that would retard their flowering. 



The offsets may also be taken off, and planted out into different 

 pots; which, in three years time, mostly produce flowers. Conse- 

 quently, after a person is once stocked with these roots, he may in- 

 crease them, so as to have a constant supply of blowing roots, wiih- 

 out being at the trouble or expense of sending to the above places 

 annually for them; and the roots, thus preserved, will flower stronger 



