LIST OF PLANTS 127 
which fill to within ? inch of the rim with a compost 
of loam, leaf-mould, and sand in about equal proportions 
that has been passed through a 4-inch sieve. Dip the 
pot into a vessel of water nearly to the level of the soil 
inside to moisten it thoroughly, and stand on a level 
surface to drain for an hour. The seed being extremely 
minute, it is a very good plan to mix it with a little fine, 
dry silver sand in order to distribute it evenly. Scatter 
it thinly over the surface of the pots of compost, and 
sprinkle a very small quantity of silver sand over, but 
barely enough to cover the seed. Plunge the pots in a 
bottom heat of 75 degrees, cover each pot with a sheet 
of glass, and ‘this with a sheet of brown paper. If 
condensed moisture appears too abundant on the under- 
side of the glass, take this off and wipe it dry each 
morning. 
In nine or ten days the young seedlings may be 
expected to appear, and the brown paper covering may 
then be removed. The glass may now be tilted to admit 
air, and finally removed altogether, to prevent damping- 
off by an excess of confined moisture. When the first 
two rough leaves appear, lift the seedlings with the 
point of a label and prick them out an inch apart in 
pots of similar compost to that used for sowing the 
seed. Immerse the pots in warm water, to moisten the 
compost, and keep the tiny plants close and shaded 
from sun until re-established. When large enough, 
transfer them singly to small pots, continue to shade 
from bright sunshine, and grow on briskly without 
check for flowering from July to October. 
Young shoots from tubers just started into growth 
make good cuttings, which root readily in a warm, 
close propagating-frame. Mature leaves with a short 
