14 STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



not got up in any very great quantity, possibly from methods of propa- 

 gation not being evident. It is rather backward in producing seeds in 

 this country, although moderately large plants flower freely enough. 

 From cuttings, by topping old plants, it is rather slow. It is said to 

 vegetate from pieces of the roots. I have not tried this method. Seeds 

 are obtainable from some of the European firms at reasonable prices. 

 These should be got hold of during March or April and sown then, as 

 they do not retain their vitality for any great length of time. Firm the 

 soil in the seed pans before sowing, and cover with a mixture of loam 

 and sand; place in a temperature suitable for warm greenhouse plants, 

 shaded from the sun. The seedlings, as soon as large enough to handle, 

 should be potted off singly into 2-inch pots, and when in 4-inch pots 

 they should be plunged outside during the Summer, in a frame covered 

 with slats, or with sash-tilted top and bottom alternately. When large 

 enough for a shift they should get it, as they suffer from being root- 

 bound. Old plants will stand considerable frost, but the young plants 

 are always more tender and should on the approach of cool weather be 

 given protection. 



A. J. variegata is a highly ornamental form. 



ARAUCARIAS In the propagation of the Araucaria a good plan is 

 to procure seed and sow at the end of the year. The seedlings are, of 

 course, not well-furnished at the base, but they make good stock plants 

 and cheaper ones than can be procured otherwise. The finely ripened 

 tops of the seedlings are so easy to root that, with ordinary care, it is 

 almost impossible to lose a cutting Moreover, the cut-back plants will 

 immediately begin to throw up good leaders, which in turn are used for 

 cuttings. In taking cuttings from plants which have attained consider- 

 able size, the lateral branches may be rooted along with the tops not 

 for making specimen plants, because this is impossible, but for the pur- 

 pose of providing material for cuttings; for, when cut back, they will 

 throw up leaders, which are as good as the best. The soil for propa- 

 gating should be sandy, and pressed firmly about the base of the cut- 

 tings, which should be kept in a frame shaded from sunlight, with 

 enough moisture in the atmosphere to keep them from wilting. Keep 

 the temperature a little higher after the cuttings have callused. Most 

 of the plants used in this country (principally A. excelsa) are imported 

 from Europe. This Araucaria is a native of Norfolk Island and is 

 known as the Norfolk Island Pine. The best place for the plants in 

 Summer is under a structure covered with slats, in which similarly con- 

 stituted plants may pass the hot months. 



ARDISIA The red-berried ardisia, A. crenulata, continues to be one 

 of the most attractive Christmas plants. It can be recommended as a 

 first-class window subject, owing to its apparent indifference to a little 

 cold or occasional neglect in the way of watering. Seeds may be sown 

 during the latter part of January. Plants over one year old are never 

 without a crop of seed at any season, if they are in good health; and 

 frequently we see them with two crops at one time along with the 

 flowers, which in a short period produce the third crop of berries. The 

 old fruits have usually a grimy appearance from hanging so long on the 



