General Notices. 553 



add about one fiftli thoroughly decayed cow-dung, passed through a fine 

 sieve to clear it of worms. — [Card. Chron., 1852, p. GQ8.) 



The Cineraria. — Flowering from Christmas to June, and forming hand- 

 some specimens for decorative purposes at a comparatively small expense, 

 both as regards attention and accommodation ; and also furnishing a pro- 

 fusion of finely-shaped many-colored flowers for bouquets, which the 

 cineraria does, it well deserves to be, as it is, one of the most popular 

 flowers of the day. It is of easy culture, and in most cases is well man- 

 aged ; but, nevertheless, in some instances where ample means exist, and 

 also, doubtless, a desire to produce respectable specimens, it exhibits effects 

 of the worst possible treatment. The following hints may enable such 

 growers to produce creditable examples of this extremely useful plant. 

 The ordinary method of propagating the cineraria is by root suckers, which 

 are produced abundantly by plants after blooming, when placed in a shady 

 situation and properly attended to with water. The old plants should be 

 broken up as early in August as suckers can be had strong enough ; the 

 latter should be potted singly in 4-inch pots, and placed in a shady part of 

 a cold frame till well established, which will be in less than a fortnight. 

 The plants should then be placed near the glass, and receive abundance of 

 air, with a view to secure " stocky " growth. During autumn, and until 

 severe weather occurs, a cold frame will form the most suitable situation 

 for promoting rapid growth ; but some attention will be necessary — not to 

 wet the foliage any more than can be helped, and also to avoid cold currents 

 of air, which turn the leaves foxy, and greatly injure the plants. At the 

 same time, however, admit sufficient air to prevent Aveakly growth. Water 

 should be applied early in the day when necessary, giving a good soaking, 

 and air admitted on the sheltered side of the frame, to dry the atmosphere 

 and foliage. During autumn and winter the cineraria is somewhat liable 

 to mildew, especially some varieties ; keep, therefore, a sharp out-look for 

 this enemy, and apply sulphur, the moment it appears, to the parts affected. 

 Mildew is greatly encouraged by a confined, over-moist atmosphere, which 

 is also very congenial to aphides, which will be sure to make their appear- 

 ance under such circumstances. 'As soon as they are perceived, apply 

 tobacco smoke ; but if the plants are kept in good health, neither evil will 

 be very troublesome. As soon as frost is likely to occur, the glass should 

 be protected every night with straw screens, or some efficient covering ; 

 for, remember, the cineraria will not stand much frost, and neglect in cov- 

 ering may do irreparable damage. With respect to potting, the plants 

 should be allowed plenty of root room until near their period of flowering, and 

 they ought never to be pot-bound during the growing season. Liberal 

 shifts may be given to healthy thriving plants, but weak varieties should 

 not be over-potted. Specimens may have 10-inch pots at the second shift, 

 which will be sufficiently large for the winter, and in March tliey may be 

 moved into 12 or 15-inch pots, according to the sized specimens desired. 

 The plants should be removed to the front of the greenhouse, or to some 

 light, airy situation, where they will be secure from frost and damp. As 

 before stated, keep them free from insects and mildew, and remove any 

 VOL. XVIII. NO. XII. 70 



