Encyclopaedia of Gardening 251 



which is sandy, for potting composts and for Azaleas, Rhododen- 

 drons, and other peat-loving plants. Brown fibrous peat is preferred 

 lor Orchids. The different kinds of peat can be bought at nurseries 

 and from dealers in horticultural sundries. 



Pelargonium, Stork's-bill (pelargo-nium, from pelargos, a stork, 

 in allusion to the seed pod. Ord. Geraniaceae) . A large and im- 

 portant genus, which includes the popular Zonal Geranium (see 

 Geranium, Zonal). The plants generally 

 grown under the name Pelargonium have 

 plain green leaves, somewhat cupped and 

 fringed, but not zoned or variegated. They 

 are free blooming, and the colours are bril- 

 liant, so they are well worth growing. Like 

 the Zonal they were more important in past 

 years than they are now, and when florists 

 grew them for exhibition they made various 

 classes, such as Show, Regal, and Fancy, 

 according to the type of flower. The plants 

 are kept exclusively for pot culture. They 

 are grown in warm greenhouses, and some- 



times put in room windows when in bloom, 



After flowering they are stood in a sunny 

 place outdoors, and water is withheld, 

 thus bringing growth to a standstill. 

 After a brief rest the branches are pruned back to short stumps, 

 the plants are 'watered, syringed, replaced in the greenhouse, 

 and started into fresh growth. Plants in 6-in. or /-in. pots may 

 grow nearly a yard through. Loam, with a fourth of decayed 

 manure and some sand, suits them. They may be propagated by 

 cuttings of the pruiiings, inserted in sandy soil in a frame. Loam, 

 with a third of dried cow manure and some sand, suits. Very little 

 water is needed in winter, when they should have a light place in a 

 greenhouse. Staking and tying will be needed, as each branch 

 must be clear of its neighbour. The following are good varieties : 



PRUNING SHOW PELAR- 

 GONIUMS. 



stems ripen the plants are 



cut back as shown. Fresh 

 g?th will start from the 



Show. 



Achievement 

 Blue Beard 

 Marguerite 

 Royal Ascot 



Fancy. 

 Bridesmaid 

 Delicatum 

 Roi des Fantaisies 

 Sims Reeves 



Decorative. 

 Eucharis 



Triomphe de St. Mande 

 Volonte Nationale 



,, ,, album 



Regal. 



Bush Hill Beauty 

 Madame Thibaut 

 Persimmon 

 Princess Beatrice 



The Cape Pelargoniums are an interesting class. Some have hand- 

 some foliage, others have scented leaves. They are less grown now 

 than they used to be, but one meets with them occasionally. The 

 majority are evergreen shrubs, but a few are herbaceous; all need 

 a greenhouse. Capitatum. rose flowers in June, has Rose-scented 



