Editors Letter- Box. 6 1 



We have frequently been asked how to force Dielytra {Dicentrd) spectabilis. 

 The following article from " Country Life " is just to the point : — 



"This most beautiful plant was found in Northern China by Mr. Fortune, and 

 sent by him to the London Horticultural Society in the year 1846. Since that 

 period, it has, no doubt, been largely distributed throughout the country. Of late 

 years, however, this and many other (at one time much-thought-of) plants have 

 been in a measure discarded, to make way for more costly and fashionable subjects. 

 The Dielytra spectabilis, like most other fleshy-rooted plants, is easily excited into 

 growth. At almost all seasons, consequently, very gentle forcing is necessary 

 to have it in bloom at a time when the humblest plant in flower is made welcome. 



" To have dielytra, then, in bloom at the new year, or soon after, the follow- 

 ing is the simple plan we adopt to attain that object : About the latter end of 

 October, or soon in November, a large root or two are dug up from a shady bor- 

 der in the kitchen-garden, where they have been turned out in the past spring 

 after the blooming period was over. The roots are divided, and potted into 32 

 or 24 sized pots, using leaf-mould and sandy loam in equal parts. A rich com- 

 post is to be avoided at this stage of its cultivation, as it has a tendency to make 

 the plants produce an over-abundance of foliage, and not a corresponding amount 

 of bloom. If large specimens are required, a richer mixture would be necessary 

 when the plants receive their last shift than might be required in the case of 

 smaller plants. I prefer a dozen or two of small plants with plenty of bloom, 

 before a huge specimen or two with a dense mass of foliage and a few spindly 

 flower-spikes. After the potting and watering of the roots have been completed, 

 they are placed in a cool pit or frame, where they will readily commence to make 

 fresh rootlets. When the pots become well filled with roots, they may be shift- 

 ed to new pots a size or two sizes larger. Where small plants only are required, 

 they may be potted in the same sized pots again, adding a little fresh mould at the 

 operation. When there is danger of much frost setting in, they should be moved 

 to a vinery or peach-house that is likely to be started early in December, bring- 

 ing the plants nearer the light and warmest part of the house as they advance 

 in growth. Attention to sticking and tying out, supplying the plants with weak 

 liquid manure-water once or twice a week when they are showing bloom, are all 

 that is required to insure the successful pot-culture of this highly-ornamental 

 flower." — W. C. 



J. C, Havana, 111. — What is the proper treatment for cinerarias ? — Sow the 

 seed in spring. As soon as large enough to handle, prick out in pans or boxes ; 

 and, when larger, transplant into small pots : keep repotting, carefully picking 

 off all buds until the plants are large enough. Give perfect drainage, plenty of 

 light and air, and smoke often to keep down the green-fly. Soil, — loam, well- 

 rotted manure, and peat, in equal parts, with sharp sand to keep the soil open. 

 Old varieties are increased by cuttings of side-shoots. 



T. S., Garrisons. — Thanks for your suggestions. It is difficult to obtain such 

 communications as you commend. We are not blind to their value ; but, for one 

 real practical article, we receive dozens of theoretical communications. 



