GREENHOUSE AND HOTHOUSE FLOWERS 179 



for large, airy conservatories and corridors, where they may be 

 grown in large pots or tubs. They are generally esteemed for 

 their fragrant foliage, and the white flowers are not particularly 

 attractive. The plants thrive in the normal mixture, and with 

 due attention to watering will live for many years. 



Oleander (Nerium). The Oleander is conspicuous by its large, 

 symmetrical, brilliant flowers. It has the reputation of being 

 what gardeners call a "dirty" plant that is, it is much worried 

 by aphides, and some refuse to grow it on that account, but if 

 the course of action recommended under Insects is adopted there 

 ought not to be any serious trouble. It is a plant to grow for 

 large, airy houses, in which it may be encouraged to grow to a 

 considerable size. It will grow very well in the normal mixture, 

 but enjoys some peat in the compost. It may be increased by 

 cuttings. 



Orange. Small Oranges make very pretty greenhouse orna- 

 ments when they are grown in pots, and are well furnished with 

 fruit. Many people raise them from pips, and are disappointed 

 that they do not get fruit ; the fact is, seedlings are generally 

 barren, but they can be transformed into fruitful plants by uniting 

 to them a shoot from a plant which bears fruit. This is effected 

 by the process known as inarching. A slit is made in the stem 

 of the plant which does not bear, and a corresponding slit is 

 made in one of the shoots of the fruitful plant. The two parts 

 are brought together and bound. When they have united the 

 two plants are cut apart. Oranges succeed in the normal soil. 



Pancratium. Pancratium fragrans is a beautiful, sweet, white- 

 flowering stove bulbous plant, which blooms in summer and early 

 autumn. The perfume and purity combine to make it a great 

 favourite with owners of hothouses, and fortunately it is not 

 difficult to grow. With the addition of a fourth of peat, the 

 normal compost will suit it perfectly, and it may readily be 

 increased by offsets. 



