propagating Cape Heaths. 683 



cuttings from it in that state might answer my purpose. Ac- 

 cordingly I begged a few ; and the result was, that, under the 

 above treatment, every one of them grew, to the number of 

 about a score. 



The species of very easy growth, such as the ignescens, 

 gracilis, &c., I took less pains with, by putting the cuttings 

 under a hand-glass, on a north border, which, under the above 

 treatment of watering and well draining, succeeded to admir- 

 ation. I found, by experience, that the sooner the cuttings 

 were potted off after taking root the better ; as, by remaining 

 long in the cutting-pot, they became drawn and sickly. 

 Their drawing might be prevented, by confining one sort to 

 a pot, as air might then be given in any proportion ; but in 

 my case it was different, having frequently, through the want 

 of a sufficient number of striking glasses, four or five sorts 

 together in a pot, some of which took less time than others to 

 strike. However, under any circumstances, experience taught 

 me that early potting was best, as I found that they would 

 not remain long in a healthy state in the striking-pot. I had 

 not the opportunity of trying how they would strike in sand 

 by the above method, as I could ol^tain none of the proper 

 kind in that part of Cornwall where I resided. After potting, 

 when the plants begin to grow, if their tops are taken off, they 

 will throw out side shoots ; and, during the following spring, 

 form nice little bushy plants. The usual practice of daily 

 wiping the glasses is useless in this mode of propagation. 



I am induced to send you the above, in order, if possible, 

 to give a fresh impulse to the growing of this beautiful tribe of 

 plants, vast numbers of which are so very ornamental to the 

 green-house. Many gardeners, no doubt, are great admirers 

 of them ; but, through the difficulty often found in propa- 

 gating them, they are induced to give up the task, and thus 

 deprive themselves of the pleasure they would derive from 

 having a collection of them under their care. On the 

 supposition that from two to three hundred kinds can be 

 propagated by the above simple method, and that some 

 others may be raised from seeds perfected in this country ; a 

 choice collection might be kept up at an easy expense, by 

 purchasing now and then a few of those which, on account 

 of their peculiar growth, structure, or delicacy, are difficult to 

 propagate. I remain. Sir, yours, &c. 



Shortgrove, Essex, Sept. 1832. * T. Rutger. 



These practical directions, by Mr. Rutger, in conjunction with those 

 imparted by Mr. M'Nab, in his very valuable pamphlet on the same sub- 

 ject (see p. 210.), will, it is hoped, so uuich avail the lovers of these 

 loveliest of plants, as to cause them to be henceforth far more commonly 

 cultivated. — J. D. 



