92 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



ety very showy ; both are well suited for the bouquet with 

 the Camellia, Pelargonium, in the early spring. When 

 this plant begins to flower, it should be placed in a saucer 

 of water, and it will bloom profusely through the season, 

 but should be removed as soon as the plant begins to flower 

 weakly. 



The China Primrose is increased by seed and by cut- 

 tings ; if by seed the best time to sow them is as soon as 

 ripe, in a rich soil, and when three or four leaves are formed 

 they should be potted off into small size pots, and be shifted 

 as they increase in size. To increase by cuttings, as soon 

 as the plants have done flowering, cut each stem as near the 

 pot as possible, into as many pieces as there are crowns, 

 plant them in a light rich soil in pots well drained, and 

 place them in the shade ; keep them moist, and each will 

 root and make good flowering plants in the spring. In 

 September each should be potted into five inch pots, and be 

 removed into their winter quarters. The soil best suited to 

 this plant is one half leaf mould, the balance sandy loam 

 and old manure from a cucumber frame. This plant is 

 tender and must be guarded against frost ; the trouble at- 

 tending it is but little ; it is a most profuse bloomer, and 

 every way desirable for parlor culture, and should be prized 

 as such. 



