306 HOW TO GROW SPECIMEN PLANTS. 



convey an idea of their beauties. In conclusion, we can 

 give no time for beginning to. grow a specimen ; for soft- 

 wooded plants, four or five months will suffice to make 

 a specimen from a cutting ; but many plants require 

 years to approach perfection. The general rules may be 

 laid down thus : 



Study the habit of the plant, and by it regulate your 

 treatment. 



Grow your plants slowly, with plenty of light (except 

 orchids, some ferns, and lycopodia), and free circulation 

 of air. 



Keep the plant from sudden changes of temperature, 

 and never let it suffer from want of. 'water, or become 

 pot bound. Do not be afraid to use the knife freely, 

 prune whenever necessary, whatever you may sacrifice. 



Grow your plant well first, and then the plant will give 

 you the bloom. 



