316 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



CINERARIAS should have air whenever it is possible. For 

 watering choose the middle of the day, and do not slop the 

 water about carelessly, or mildew may result. In houses which are 

 not lighted all round, the plants should be turned regularly to prevent 

 them from facing one way. Such specimens are worthless for 

 the dinner table, and will be diminished in value for decorating the 

 drawing-room. 



CYCLAMENS are still in the height of their beauty. The pots 

 have become so full of roots that ordinary watering partially fails 

 of its purpose. An occasional immersion of the pots for about 

 half an hour will result in marked benefit to the plants. The 

 flowers, when taken from the corm, should be lifted by a smart 

 pull. If cut, the stems bleed and exhaust the root. 



Where a succession of this flower is valued, a sowing should 

 be made either in this month or in February. Dibble the seed, 

 an inch apart and a quarter of an inch deep, in pots or pans firmly 

 filled with rich porous soil ; and place in heat of not less than 56 

 not exceeding 70 ; the less the temperature varies the better. Cycla- 

 men seed is both slow and irregular in germinating, and sometimes 

 proves a sore trial even to the patient. As the seedlings become 

 ready transfer to small pots, and shift on as growth demands, always 

 keeping the crown of the corm free from soil. The increasing power 

 of the sun will render shading essential ; yet a position near the glass 

 is most advantageous to the plants. 



GESNERA ZEBRINA DISCOLOR. Those who have once grown this 

 handsome conservatory plant will not afterwards consent to be without 

 it. The richly marked foliage contrasts admirably with the orange 

 and scarlet flowers. Sow in the manner advised for Gloxinia, and the 

 two plants may be grown in the same house. 



GLOXINIA. From two or three sowings, and by a little manage- 

 ment, it is easy to have a supply of this magnificent flower in every 

 month of the year. There are three types the drooping, horizontal, 

 and erect- flowered. All are beautiful, and have their special adapta- 

 tions, but the horizontal and erect classes command the majority of 

 admirers. One routine of treatment is applicable to all. Sow thinly 

 in new pots filled with a light porous compost, and see that the 

 drainage is exceptionally good. Give the pots a warm moist position, 

 and a light sprinkling of water daily will assist germination. The 

 first seedlings that are ready should be lifted and pricked off without 

 disturbing the remainder of the soil. Follow up the process until all 

 are transferred. Although the leaves may rest on the surface, the 



