STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 35 



dry sand. This operation is best performed after midsummer. Another 

 good method to get up stock of extra fine varieties from leaves, is to 

 cut them in sections resembling the letter V, the lower part to consist of 

 at least an inch of the midrib, and the leaf cut obhquely to the margin. 

 Treat them similarly to the triangular-shaped cuttings of the Rex Bego- 

 nias, so far as potting them in the sand goes; but keep on the dry side 

 w^hile forming tubers. Smaller tubers are made by this method than if 

 the leaves were laid flat on the sand; consequently it should only be 

 used when it is desired to make the most of extra good kinds. Old 

 tubers are successfully wintered over in the pots in which they have 

 flowered; or, to save room, they may be taken from the pots, the soil 

 removed, and stored in boxes of dry sand, keeping in a minimum temper- 

 ature of 60 degrees. In starting, bring to the light and give water, pot- 

 ting up when about an inch of growth has been made. 



Diseases— The plants are liable to the attacks of a disease concerning 

 which little appears to be known. It first shows itself in tlie leaves, 

 small brownish spots appearing, as if the foliage had been burned by the 

 sun. The diseased surfaces gradually enlarge until the health of the 

 plant suffers to such an extent as to stop the growth of the flower buds. 

 Probably careless watering at the roots has something to do with the 

 trouble. Each plant should be examined at least once a day, because 

 the broad leaves lying over the surface of the soil are apt to hide a very 

 dry ball; and if the plants go without water for any length of time 

 when dry their usefulness is ended. 



Soil— The Gloxinia is fond of leaf soil, and it may be used to the extent 

 of one-half the bulk, loam, sand and cow manuremaking up the balance. 

 They are not deep-rooting plants. Large seed pans should be provided 

 for the full-sized tubers. In saving seeds the capsules should be carefully 

 watched else the seeds will be lost. Up to the time of bursting open the 

 seed vessels are green; they split down the middle, suddenly exposing 

 the seeds, which are easily displaced. 



GREVILLEA ROBUST A— This would be a popular plant were it not 

 that its general appearance is suggestive of the rag-weed. It is a first- 

 class house plant, and one very easy to get up. Seeds are sown in 

 March. Pot singly when quite small, and when in 3-inch pots plunge in 

 a frame until large enough for 5-inch pots. The plants will stand the 

 full sun. A cool greenhouse will suit them in Winter. 



HAriELIA PATENS— A tender shrub very well suited for growing in 

 tubs. When the plants are in good health they are covered with flowers 

 during the greater part of Summer. Propagated from ripe wood in 

 early Spring. 



HEDYCHIUn— These have long been grown in conservatories, where 

 plenty of room is at command. In small conservatories they are not 

 desirable. H. coronarium has pure white, sweet-smelling flowers. H. 

 Gardnerianum and its hybrid form are useful for planting near the mar- 

 gins of ponds, where their roots get an abundant water supply. They 

 may be rested under a bench during Winter. 



