FUCHSIAGERANIUM 239 



FUCHSIA 



Greenhouse shrub 



To raise Fuchsias from seed will be new practice to many ; but it 

 is both interesting and inexpensive, and every year it secures an 

 increasing number of adherents. Seed may be sown at almost any 

 time of the year ; if a start be made in January or February, the 

 plants will bloom in July or August. The soil for the seed-pots 

 should be somewhat firm in texture, but a light rich compost ought 

 to be employed later on, when the plants come to be potted off, and 

 the final shift should be into a mixture containing nearly one-third of 

 decayed cow-manure. For the early sowing we have named, a rather 

 strong heat will be necessary to bring up the seed. When large 

 enough to handle, prick off the seedlings round the edges of 60- 

 pots, putting about six plants into each pot. Shade and moisture 

 are requisite to give them a start after each transfer. Subsequently 

 they must be potted on as growth demands, until the final size is 

 reached ; and flowering will not commence so long as increased 

 pot-room is given. The growth must not be hurried, and the plants 

 should at all times be kept free from vermin. The seedlings which 

 have narrow pointed leaves may be consigned to the waste-heap 

 without scruple ; but plants with short rounded foliage, especially if it 

 be dark in colour, are almost certain to prove of high quality. 



GERANIUM 



Crane's-bill. Half-hardy perennial 



GERANIUMS of all kinds are most valuable if treated as annuals. 

 In their seedling state the plants are peculiarly robust and tree-like, 

 and charmingly fresh in leafage and flowers, even if amongst them 

 there does not happen to be one that is welcome as a novel florist's 

 flower. When grown from first-class seed, however, a large proportion 

 of fine varieties and a few real novelties may be expected. The 

 seed may be sown on any day throughout the year, but February 

 and August are especially suitable. Sow in pans filled with a good 

 mixture, in a somewhat rough state if the surface nodules are as 

 large as horse-beans it will be none too rough. Cover with a fair 

 sixteenth of an inch of fine soil. Put the seed-pans in a temperature 



