Cultioatloii. and Treatment of Cape Heaths. 169 



little for growth, but still so as to shade each other some. My 

 object is to keep the roots moist and cool, and, whenever by 

 their growth, which always happens, they begin to crowd 

 each other, I take them up and replmige them at suitable 

 distances again ; using the lights until all danger of frost is 

 over. By that time, by giving a plentiful supply of air daily, 

 and gradually inuring the plants to the open air, I dispense 

 with the use of them altogether, except to protect them from 

 heavy rains and stormy weather. In this manner, I keep 

 them until it is quite necessary to remove them to the green- 

 house in the fall, I am always particularly anxious to keep 

 them in the frames as long as possible, so that they feel the 

 effects of cold, (but not frost,) and their growth is entirely 

 stopped, even if it be necessary to protect the frames by cover- 

 ing. 



By this treatment, I find that the plants acquire a hardy, 

 robust habit, and are more easily kept over winter ; last sum- 

 mer, I kept over 300 one year old plants in this manner, and 

 they were never shaded the hottest day, and I never lost 

 a single plant, and by plunging the pots, the young roots are 

 protected and kept moist and cool ; whereas, when the pot 

 is exposed to the action of the sun, the yOung roots are scorched, 

 then the plant begins to suffer and is unable to bear the sun : 

 they also require less water, which is a great thing, as too 

 frequent waterings are hurtful to them. Great care is neces- 

 sary that they shall not suffer for want of water, or that they 

 be over watered ; in either case, they will suffer more or less, 

 although they may not show it just at the time. 



It will be seen, then,'that, in order to grow these plants suc- 

 cessfully, they must be placed in those circumstances, where 

 they can acquire a bushy and healthy, robust habit ; this 

 can be effected only by a free exposure to sun-light and 

 air at all seasons, and due regard being paid to their period of 

 rest or winter. A great deal also will depend upon the system 

 of potting which is followed, for this is a very important part of 

 their management, and requires both care and judgment. In 

 order to have the plants flower finely, they must have well 

 filled their pots with roots before their season of rest commen- 

 ces ; it is a bad practice to over-pot them at any time, par- 

 ticularly when young ; I like, rather, to shift them the oftener, 



VOL. XIII. — NO. IV. 17 



