THE HEATH HOUSE. 151 



no month in the whole year when the Heath may not 

 be had in flower, nor is there a colour, or shade of 

 colour that it does not display. There is, moreover, no 

 class of plants capable of assuming such symmetrical 

 and elegant proportions as this, combined with the 

 most beautiful inflorescence, and in such abundance. 

 It is rather curious that the natural distribution of 

 some Heaths seems so different compared with others. 

 The greater part come from South Africa, but they 

 also seem to extend to the north of Europe ; whilst 

 but few, or none, are found in either the east or west. 



The culture of the Heath is easy enough, yet we 

 find very few persons who grow them. The London 

 growers, however, are noted for the rapid propagation 

 and commercial uses of this family, and it is quite 

 astonishing how soon these market nurserymen will 

 produce Heaths fit for sale. A few remarks with refer- 

 ence to the way in which it is done may be of some use 

 here. About the beginning or middle of February the 

 young and healthy plants of sorts intended to be pro- 

 pagated are introduced into a house where the average 

 heat is 53 Fahr. but not more. The plants are placed 

 near the glass, a low structure being best suited for 

 them, and very soon they give an abundance of young 

 growth ; as soon as the young growth has made half an 

 inch, or not more than an inch of wood, take it off 

 with a sharp and fine-edged penknife with a slight 

 heel of wood at the base. Cut this base smooth, and 

 have pots three inches in diameter filled with fine and 

 pure peat. 



Now let me remind the reader that bog-earth must 

 not be used, nor any black soil ; to ensure good suc- 

 cess in Heath growing none but pure peat is to be used. 



