258 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



wood of some of the forests. The flowers of this are 

 larger than those of the other species, and it is by some 

 called the Flowering Myrtle, because it flowers more 

 freely in this country than most others. 



There are many varieties of the Common Myrtle ; as 

 the Italian, the Orange-leaved, the Bay-leaved, the Broad- 

 leaved Dutch, the Box-leaved, the Thyme-leaved, the 

 Double-flowering, &c. The Box-leaved has very small 

 blossoms, which blow late in the summer. 



All the varieties of this Myrtle may be increased by 

 cuttings. The most straight and vigorous young shoots 

 should be selected: they should be six or eight inches 

 long, and the leaves should be stripped off two or three 

 inches high. The part which is put into the earth should 

 be a little twisted: they should be planted two inches 

 apart, the earth pressed close to them, and a little water 

 given them. They must be shaded from the noon-day 

 sun, and be kept always moderately moist. 



These cuttings should be planted in July: they are 

 generally placed in a hot-bed, but will take root very well 

 without that assistance, though not so quickly as where 

 it can be allowed them. They should, however, be re- 

 moved within doors, admitting fresh air. With the ex- 

 ception of the Orange-leaved and the Nutmeg Myrtles, 

 which are somewhat tenderer than the rest, they may 

 have air given them in mild weather throughout the win- 

 ter : only requiring protection from frost. 



During the winter, they should be gently watered twice 

 or thrice a week, when not frosty. If any decayed leaves 

 appear, they should always be pinched off. 



The young plants should be carefully taken up in the 

 spring, with the ball of earth adhering to their roots, and 

 parted into separate pots ; watered well, and kept in the 

 house till they have again fixed their roots. About the 



