96 On the Cultivation of Geraniums. 



before the frame is wanted for this use, about four inches of 

 light dry earth should be put over the bed, in order to plunge the 

 pots in regular order down to their rims. 



This system of propagating the geranium, I have no doubt, 

 will not be approved of by some individuals, who may think that 

 there is no necessity to go to this trouble to propagate a plant 

 that almost every person who makes the attempt, no matter what 

 method is taken, generally succeeds; nevertheless, where fine 

 young plants are preferred, it will be found, by trying the method 

 I have proposed, that they will be very easily obtained; and in 

 situations where framing is carried on to any extent, all the care 

 that is necessary will be amply remunerated by the beauty of the 

 plants. 



If a north aspect near to a high fence or building has been 

 selected, no shading will be necessary; — observe to prop up the 

 light that is on the frame every fine day a half an inch or an inch. 

 In the course of three weeks or a month the cuttings will be 

 well rooted, and as soon as this is ascertained, the glass must be 

 taken off altogether, in order to give them all the advantage of 

 hght and air, looking over them occasionally, to see that they do 

 not suffer for the want of water, &c. Plants propagated in this 

 manner may be grown to any shape or size the cultivator wishes 

 to have them in one year; for by being rooted in the first place 

 singly in pots, the plants receive no check when they are repotted 

 into larger ones, but will immediately start and make a vigorous 

 growth. The geranium will soon unite by being inarched, or 

 grafted by approach, making choice of one for this purpose that 

 is a free grower, to work on such varieties as any cultivator's 

 taste may suggest; and if neatly done by a good workman, the 

 different varieties when in flower, on one plant, are a great curi- 

 osity. 



Mr. Hogg, of New York, has a superb collection, embracing 

 all the fine English varieties. The display of flowers must sur- 

 pass any thing of the kind in this country. 



Yours, 



J. W. Russell. 



J\Iount Auburn, Cambridge, Feb. 1837. 



It would be almost superfluous for us to recommend the above com- 

 munication by Mr. Russell. The s^eranium is not grown in our gardens 

 to near the perfection that it is in England, and for the only reason that 

 the idea is so prevalent that it may be cultivated without any trouble. 

 This is, however, an error; for though they be made to bloom easily, 

 the plants are generally drawn up with spindling shoots, and they re- 

 main in beauty but a few weeks. In England they bloom from April 

 to August. — Cond. 



