GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 55 



the cuttings to the depth of about an inch, but do not crowd. They 

 must be kept "close" during the operation of rooting, and as cool 

 as possible. The pots, which may be plunged in sand, should be 

 covered with a movable glass structure. A good plan is to have 

 two sets of those hand-light or bell-glasses, and instead of wiping 

 the moisture from them daily, remove the wet ones and slip over 

 them those which are dry. After the first watering, the cuttings will 

 take but little more during the process of rooting; when they do 

 require it the foliage should be allowed to dry before putting back 

 the covers. 



' ACALYPHA. (For further discussion of Acalypha, see p. 280.)) 



Culture. Large plants in pots are speedily produced by using 

 a goodly quantity of bonemeal in the soil. Grow in a high tem- 

 perature. If tall plants are wanted, keep nipping out the flower 

 spikes as they appear in the axils of the leaves. When the plant 

 reaches the desired height nip out the ends of the shoots; this will 

 cause branching. Mealy bugs are troublesome on Acalyphas 



ACANTHOPHCENIX. A. crinita is one of the rarer Palms 

 which will never be very common, because it is a slow-growing 

 species and very sensitive to low temperatures. 



Propagation. It is raised from seeds secured from European 

 seedsmen. In a comparatively young stage it is quite attractive. 



AGAVE (Century Plant). The Agaves are stiff and coarse 

 plants, standing a great deal of ill-treatment. A. americana and its 

 variegated forms, together with several other more or less orna- 

 mental species, are much cultivated in pots and tubs. A. Victorice 

 RegincB is a dwarf species of small size and one of the prettiest. 



Culture. They grow best in rather poor but well-drained 

 soil. The flowering period of adult specimens is hastened by keep- 

 ing them in a pot-bound state. On the other hand, growth of foli- 

 age is accelerated by giving abundant root room. 



Propagation. The larger sorts are increased by seeds and 

 offsets, but A. VictoricE is only propagated by seeds. 



ACOCANTHERA (Toxicophlaea). A. speciabilis is a Spring 

 blooming stove shrub. Flowers are pure white, borne in dense 

 clusters. 



Culture. Should be treated similarly to the Ixoras. 



Propagation. By cuttings early in the Spring. 



