HOYA. 



261 



HUMULUS. 



forcing fruits or growing plants from 

 tropical climates, and fruit forcing is best 

 accomplished under these conditions, and 

 the air within the tropics is, generally 

 speaking, warm and laden with moisture, 

 which tends to promote the luxuriance of 

 vegetation, brilliancy of flowers, and 

 flavour of fruit, that are found in tropical 

 countries. In structural points the hot- 

 house differs but little, ft at all, from the 

 conservatory and the greenhouse, so that 

 the chief points that must be regarded in 

 connection with it are, the means of main- 

 taining a high temperature, and of obtaining 

 that moisture of atmosphere which is so 

 necessary for the well-being of its tenants. 



Hoya (nat. ord. Asclepia'dese). 



A genus of stove or hothouse plants 

 remarkable for their beautiful wax-like 

 flowers, which assume the form of clusters 

 of tubular florets, mostly of a white or pink 

 colour. The best known is Hoya carnosa, 

 with flowers of pinkish white. It is the 

 least tender, and therefore the variety that 

 is most frequently grown. It does well 

 when planted at the foot of a cool green- 

 house wall or in hanging baskets. Propa- 

 gation is effected more readily by layers 

 than by cuttings. The soil required for the 

 established plants themselves or for layering 

 is a compost of fine peat and rich loam. 

 Many varieties are climbers, but they are 

 difficult to manage as such in this country. 



Hurdles. 



See Shelters for Growing 

 Plants. 



Hu'mea (not. ord. Compos'itae). 



A remarkably handsome plant, invaluable 

 for decorative purposes, whether in the hall, 

 the conservatory, or dispersed in pots about 

 the lawn, pleasure-grounds, or terraces. 

 Planted in the centres of beds or mixed 

 borders, its majestic and graceful appear- 

 ance renders it a roost effective and striking 



object ; in long mixed borders, if placed at 

 intervals in irregular positions, it breaks 

 that monotonous appearance which most 

 persons so much dislike. Indeed, in any 

 position, this plant stands unrivalled as a 

 garden ornament. The leaves, when 

 slightly rubbed, yield a powerful odour. 

 When well grown it has been known to be 



HUMEA ELEGANS. 



8 feet high and 4 feet in diameter. It 

 succeeds best in light rich soil. Young 

 plants grown from seed like a compost 

 composed of loam freely incorporated with 

 thoroughly decayed manure and a small 

 quantity of charcoal. The best known of 

 the varieties is Humea elegans, a half-hardy 

 biennial, with flowers brownish-red, crim- 

 son, or pink in colour. 



Hu'nmhlS (nat ord. Urtica'cea). 



A genus of plants of which the best 

 knowa is Humulus Lupulus or the 

 Common Hop. It is a perennial climber 

 delighting in a rich deep loam. The 

 flower-like fruit is used in brewing. As 

 far as the gardener is concerned, it is 

 chiefly valuable to him as a strong and 

 quick -growing climber which will soon 

 cover a summer house or any railing or 

 fence. It is propagated by seeds or by 

 \ divisions of the root made in spring. 



