170 FLORA DOMESTIC A. 



description of a plant so well known as any common species 

 of Geranium ; since there is scarcely a street, or even an 

 alley in London, but is adorned with one or more of them. 

 But there are many plants bearing this title which ha\& no 

 kind of resemblance to these in their general appearance, 

 and which the most passionate lover or attentive observer 

 of these beautiful plants, unskilled in the mysteries of bo- 

 tanical science, would never discover to belong to them. 



The Erodiums, with very few exceptions, may be in- 

 creased the annual kinds from seed, the perennial by 

 parting the roots in autumn, and will thrive in the open 

 air. The principal exceptions are the Crassifolium, or 

 Upright Crane's-bill, the Incarnatum, or Flesh-coloured, 

 the Glaucophyllum^ or Glaucous-leaved, and Chamcedry- 

 oides, or Dwarf Geranium, which must be treated as the 

 Pelargoniums. 



The Geranium, specifically so called, may be treated in 

 the same manner as the Erodiums, and will thrive in almost 

 any soil or situation. The Pelargoniums, which constitute 

 the principal division of this great genus, require more care. 

 They may be easily raised from seed ; but a person desiring 

 large and early flowers will procure a plant which has been 

 raised in a hot-bed. 



The Shrubby African Geraniums are commonly increased 

 by cuttings, which, planted in June or July, and placed in 

 the shade, will take root in five or six weeks. In September, 

 or in October as the weather is more or less mild, they must 

 be housed : even when grown, the Pelargoniums must be 

 housed in winter; at which time they should be gently 

 watered twice a week, if the weather is not frosty. In May 

 they may be gradually accustomed to the open air, and 

 about the end of that month be placed abroad entirely in 

 the day ; but should still for the next two or three weeks 

 be under cover at night, though fresh air must be admitted. 

 After that time they must be defended from strong winds, 



