ANCECTOCHILUS. 



125 



they grow should be kept perfectly clean, in order that they 

 may have plenty of light, but no sun, the sun's rays being 

 injurious to them. 



They are propagated by cutting the plants into pieces just 

 below the first joint, and so as to have a root attached to each 

 piece. For this purpose strong plants should be selected, 

 and, in cutting, care must be taken that the bottom piece has 

 two eyes, one to root from, and the other to push into a shoot ; 

 place them in small pots in the material already named. 

 The "bottom," or plant which has been cut, should be put 

 under a bell-glass, or placed in the case, where it will soon 

 throw up a young shoot, which is best left on till well rooted, 

 and may then be cut off the old plant, and treated like the 

 portion first removed, leaving behind the old part, which 

 will throw up again, and form another plant from the bottom 

 eye. 



The Anoectochili are attacked by different kinds of insects. 

 Red spider is very destructive to them, and, if allowed to 

 increase, soon spoils the foliage, but if constantly looked 

 after it may be kept in check. Upon the first symptoms of 

 the appearance of this marauder, take the plants out of the 

 case, and examine the under sides of the leaves, and rub 

 them over with a sponge. It is not advisable, however, to 

 do this except there is really a necessity for it. The thrips is 

 another enemy which must be kept under in the same way, 

 or by fumigation, taking the glasses off" for a short time. 

 Cockroaches, too, should not be allowed to get near them, or 

 they will work great mischief by eating the young stems ; they 

 must be sought after by candle-light, or killed by placing 

 some of Chase's beetle poison in different parts of the house. 

 The latter is sold in boxes, and should be laid down about 

 twice a week till the cockroaches are destroyed. In smoking 

 be careful not to give too strong a dose. The best way is to 



