The FiLcJisia. I33 



have no more elegant plants in our greenhouses than the species and varie- 

 ties of the fuchsia. 



This is due not alone to the beauty of the flower, but to its easy culture, 

 the freedom with which it can be grown, and its floriferous properties. A 

 large fuchsia will probably, in a single summer, give more flowers than any 

 one plant occupying the same space. But not only is the plant adapted 

 for the greenhouse ; it is one of the best we have for parlor-culture : and, with 

 a little care, most varieties may be had in bloom at any season except mid- 

 winter ; and there are even winter-blooming species. For the summer 

 decoration of piazzas it is very useful, requiring only sufficient water to 

 give a profusion of bloom all summer. Supposing it to be early spring, 

 and our stock to be a few young fuchsias just well rooted (such as can be 

 obtained from any florist for from three to five dollars a dozen), let us go 

 with our plants throygh the season. 



They will be in thumb-pots, about three to five inches high, and with from 

 sLx to eight leaves. Let us remember in the first place that the fuchsia 

 never looks better than when grown as a single stalk, with the axillary 

 branches drooping regularly and gracefully on every side. As soon as the 

 roots touch the sides of the thumb-pots, it is time to repot the plants : for 

 this, use pots from one to two sizes larger (remembering that nothing is 

 ever gained by overpotting), and a compost of rich loam, old well-rotted 

 manure, and a slight admixture of silver sand (house sand, if washed to 

 take out the salt, will do). 



Carefully take the young plant from the pot, remove any sour surface- 

 soil, and, being careful not to break the ball, place it in the centre of the 

 new pot ; press the earth firmly around, give a gentle watering, and the work 

 is done. 



Tie the plants carefully to slender stakes, and set them in a sunny window. 

 We particularly describe parlor-culture ; but the greenhouse treatment is in 

 all important respects identically the same. Turn the plants every day to 

 prevent their growing towards the light, or an undue development of 

 branches on one side. Water freely ; but never allow water to stand round 

 the roots, to prevent which the pots should always be well drained. After 

 the plants once begin to grow, they should never be allowed to flag for 

 want of water. 



