General Notices. 323 



back plants, — these come in very useful for autumn flowering ; but the 

 symmetrical form, luxuriant foliage, and increased display of blossoms, 

 which young plants furnish, Avhen properly managed, can hardly be expected 

 from old plants. Cuttings, destined to form large specimens during one 

 season's growth, should be selected about the end of July ; rather firm 

 pieces of the young wood should be chosen, and, if possible, that which 

 shows no indication of flowering. Let them be planted in light sandy soil, 

 and placed in a shady situation where the temperature will be but a few- 

 degrees higher than that in which the plants from which they were obtained 

 were growing; and as nothing is so efficient in checking a premature 

 production of flower as a uniformly moist atmosphere, this should be secured 

 by covering with a bell glass. 



As soon as the cuttings are sufficiently rooted to bear handling, pot thenn 

 singly in 4-inch pots, and keep them close and moist, until they are fully 

 established. A temperature of about from 45° at night to 50° or 55° 

 during the day, will be sufficient during winter ; and if kept free from 

 insects, and allowed pot room, and properly supplied with Avater and a moist 

 growing atmosphere, their progress will be very rapid. But it is probable 

 that some of the plants, especially the weakly growing varieties, will, 

 despite of every precaution, prove more inclined to flower than to make 

 strong rapid growth. Such had better be set aside, as there is but little 

 chance of their forming large handsome specimens ; and I need not say that 

 this casualty should be provided for, by rooting and preparing a sufficiency 

 of plants from which to select the most promising of each variety. The 

 plants should be strong vigorous examples, in 8 or 9-ineh pots, ready for a 

 final shift in March. The size of the pots to be used must be regulated by 

 the habit of the variety. The stronger growers, if properly managed, will 

 fill 18-inch pots; while 12 or 15-inch ones will be sufficiently large for 

 others. Keep the plants rather close after shifting, in order to encourage 

 root action; syringe over- head freely, and keep the atmosphere moist, but 

 water very carefully till the growth indicates that they have taken to the 

 fresh soil. Beginners should be especially careful in this respect, as it is 

 easy either to over or under water after a large shift. When the plants 

 appear to have laid hold of the fresh soil, admit air freely whenever the 

 temperature arises above 60°, but shut up early in^he afternoon ; syringe 

 over-head, and keep the atmosphere as moist as possible by sprinkling the 

 floors, &-C., frequently during the day. Clear manure water should be used 

 as soon as it is supposed that the pots are moderately well filled with roots. 

 When the sun becomes powerful use a thin shade on the forenoons of 

 bright days, but apply this sparingly, and afford the plants all the light 

 possible, without subjecting them to the direct rays of a mid-day sun. 



Some attention will be requisite to secure the desired form of plant. If 

 the pyramidal shape is preferred, (and it is the best, as it is most in accord- 

 ance with the habit of the plant,) a stake for the support of the leading 

 shoot, and a timely and systematic stopping of any over luxuriant side 

 branches, are all that will be required until the shoots become loaded with 

 blossom, when a few strips of matting or soft string so tied to the stake 



