130 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The proper night temperature in winter ranges from forty to 

 forty-five degrees ; and on bright sunny days from fifty-five to 

 sixty degrees, with an abundance of air whenever the weather 

 permits. In such a temperature and with such treatment I have 

 found them do exceedingly well, and remain so clean from insect 

 pests that I seldom have had occasion to fumigate them more than 

 once during the winter. 



Stimulants. — Cinerarias are gross feeders and will take an 

 abundance of plant food after the pots are well filled with roots. 

 If given once or twice a week it will not by any means hurt them, 

 provided it is not too strong and the weather is bright. 



The most satisfactory results have been obtained, in my own 

 experience, with guano or guano and soot mixed half-and-half. 

 The soot tends to intensify the color. I take as much guano as I 

 can grasp conveniently in my hand, which is equivalent to two- 

 heaping tablespoonfuls, dissolve it in six gallons of water, and 

 water the plants with it at that strength ; this rule holds good with 

 the soot and guano. 



Cow manure liquid is very good as a stimulant, and can be used 

 freely. Standen's Fertilizer is excellent, but it is not readily 

 dissolved in water like some other fertilizers ; it is better therefore 

 to spread it over the surface of the earth in the pots, as when in 

 contact with the earth it will dissolve gradually. A teaspoonful is 

 sufficient at one time to surface a ten- or twelve-inch pot. It is 

 better to repeat oftener than to give too large a dose at once. 



Calceolarias. — I would state that the cultural treatment of 

 the calceolaria is similar to that of the cineraria in almost eveiy 

 particular. 



The former, however, as a rule is not sown until about the first of 

 August, and, the seeds being much smaller, the plants, in their 

 earlier stages, require more attention from the grower in order to 

 be successful with them. 



They are even more impatient of high temperatures than the 

 cineraria. They require the coolest and shadiest position to 

 germinate freely. They are also more sensitive to bright sunlight, 

 and must therefore be well shaded during sunny weather. They 

 must always, whether in frames or greenhouses, be kept close to 

 the glass to encourage a sturdy and stocky growth. 



The green aphis, being particularly partial to this plant, must 

 be kept in check at all times ; it will attack the under side of the 



