42 Gardening in Egypt. 



C. aucubsefolius-giganteus. This is also a hardy 

 variety, similar in habit and growth to the above- 

 mentioned species, but with larger leaves. 



C. Veitchii. A well-known variety, with large 

 oblong leaves and red veins. It is usually met with 

 as a pot plant, and often grows into a fine specimen. 

 Several other varieties stand out during the whole 

 year in Cairo, where the winter temperature is higher 

 than in Alexandria ; but with the exception of the 

 three here mentioned, all Crotons should be protected 

 during the winter in gardens on the coast. 



Culture. For the successful culture of a large 

 collection of Crotons, a sandy rich soil, composed 

 chiefly of well decomposed vegetable matter, or potting 

 soil (see page 70) well mixed with sand is a suitable 

 compost. The pots should be clean, and well-drained 

 by placing a large convex piece of pottery over the 

 hole inside the pot, and 2in. of smaller pieces on top. 

 See that the hole is sufficiently large enough for the 

 water to pass out freely, or the soil will quickly 

 become sour. Pot firmly by pressing the soil round 

 the roots, and leave an inch or so at the top of the 

 pot to hold the water. 



, March is a good month for potting, but the plants 

 should not be shifted unless the pot is full of roots 

 or the soil is sour, and then only shift into a vessel 

 a size larger. Healthy growing specimens will require 

 to be shifted again about the end of August. After 

 the spring potting, they should be placed in the 

 glasshouse or a shady position, and the foliage 

 syringed occasionally until the plant has made new 

 roots. Air should be given on all possible occasions, 

 or loss of foliage, thrip, and other insect pests will 

 be the consequence. 



About the middle or end of June, the plants should 

 be plunged with their pots in the soil under a thin 

 shading of palm-leaves, and t ,the foliage syringed 

 morning and evening ; this will induce them to make 

 strong healthy growth, and form nice plants for the 



