AND CONSEEVATOliT. 211 



be pruned, but they should be cut back to where the wood is 

 firm, and a certain uniformity preserved. Fibrous loam, 

 mixed with a good proportion of leaf-mould and sand and a 

 liberal sprinkling of broken crocks, forms the most suitable 

 compost. 



Klexia. — These are of small importance, yet two sorts at 

 least ought to be grown, and these should be K. repens and K. 

 tomentosa. The first has leaves of a light metallic blue colour. 



Pachtphiton. — The beautiful silvery-leaved P. hracteosum 

 has now become so well known that it is scarcely necessary to 

 say that its distinct character and unique appearance render 

 it well entitled to a place in the most limited collection. P. 

 lingua is very similar in growth to the preceding, but the leaves 

 are dark green instead of white. Large specimens of hrac- 

 teosum are valuable for associating with Echeveria metallica 

 in the flower garden, as well as in pots in the greenhouse or 

 conservatory. 



EocHEA. — The beautiful R. falcata ought to be grown 

 extensively for conservatory decoration during the autumn, 

 instead of being grown merely as a curiosity. Even where 

 soft-wooded plants generally are cultivated, a dozen or so of 

 this Eochea should find a place as much for the showy 

 appearance of the flowers as for the distinct and somewhat 

 singular character of the plants. The Eocheas grow freely 

 in the soil advised for the Echeverias, and are increased by 

 means of the side-shoots formed at the base. 



Sedum. — A large number of the hardy dwarf-growing 

 species are well worthy of a place under glass, the best and 

 most distinct being S. glaucum, S. miilticeps, 8. pulcliellmn, 

 S. atro-piir])ureum, S. sempervivoides, S. Icamtschaticum, and 

 8. liispanicum. The above should all be grown in rather deep 

 pans, filled with a light and gritty compost. The soil should 

 be raised about three inches higher in the centre than at the 

 sides, which can be easily accomplished by fixing a few pieces 

 of stone in the middle of the pans, and then dibbling in the 

 young shoots over the entire surface. 



Sedum Siehohli and S. spectahile (si/n. Eabarium) and their 

 variegated varieties require a distinct system of management 

 from the preceding, and are most valuable for conservatory 

 decoration in the autumn. The first makes a capital basket 



