38 Cultivation of the Pelargonium. 



different names, that it is no easy matter to convey right im- 

 pressions to all minds. 



SOIL. 



This should always be in stock. A top spit of turfy loam 

 in alternate layers, with the muckings out of the stable, al- 

 lowed to lie in a heap till the straw is well decomposed, and 

 then turned repeatedly in frosty weather until well incorpo- 

 rated, forms an excellent staple, and should be placed under 

 some open shed, and protected from washing rains. Cow- 

 dung, several years old, when it assumes the appearance of 

 black mould, peat that contains plenty of vegetable fibre, and 

 the best silver sand, should be housed in a similar mamier. 

 Presuming a provision of this kind to be at hand, we will fol- 

 low the plants as they go from my stock. 



POTTING FOR WINTER. 



They are sent out by me in four-inch pots, and well estab- 

 lished ; shift them at once to a six-inch size, with plenty of 

 crocks, into a compost of two-thirds turfy loam, as above de- 

 scribed, not sifted, only rubbed down, and the larger stones 

 picked out, and the remaining third peat and silver sand. 

 Promote their growing freely until they have rooted well 

 round the pots, then keep them quiet by withholding water 

 as much as possible, and by giving them abundance of air ; 

 pinch the tops off the shoots, leaving not more than three eyes 

 to break from. 



POTTING FOR BLOOMING. 



At the beginning of February, shift them again into eight- 

 inch pots. An oyster shell over the hole, and a less quantity 

 of crocks, will give abundant drainage. Let the soil be three 

 fourths turfy loam, the remainder silver sand and cow-dung. 

 Rub off by hand the outside and top of the ball ; pot mod- 

 erately solid ; bury a portion of the stem if too long ; support 

 and train out the leading shoots, if possible, to short sticks, 

 and water with a rose. Keep them close, to encourage their 

 rooting ; then give them air at every opportunity, but avoid 

 doing so in cold easterly winds, which are always better ex- 

 cluded. 



FIRE HEAT. 



Ought to be withheld as much as possible. If the house is 

 fitted with roller blinds and curtains for the front and ends, 



