io8 PLANT CULTURE 



few inches of ashes to retain moisture. The sash may be raised a 

 few inches above the woodwork by running pieces of wood along 

 top and bottom. The best shading device is probably a piece of 

 cloth fixed to a roUer, so that it may easily be stretched over the 

 glass during the hottest part of the day, or the glass may be covered 

 with one of the shading mixtures. Heavy rains should not strike 

 the plants, but they wiU be benefited by removing the sash in the 

 evenings, replacing them as the temperature gets too warm the fol- 

 lowing morning. Greenfly, the Cyclamen's greatest insect enemy, 

 may be removed by periodical syringings, or by scattering tobacco 

 stems among the pots. The plants should be repotted when neces- 

 sary, the very latest ones getting their last transfer about the ist of 

 November, the earliest plants at least a month sooner. Well-de- 

 veloped specimens should easily fill an 8-inch pan. 



CYPRIPEDIUM (Lady's Slipper Orchid). These sorts are 

 terrestrial and mostly evergreen (our native species being herba- 

 ceous). The evergreen kinds need copious supplies of water while 

 growing, and even during the resting season they should not be al- 

 lowed to get dry. They may be grown largely in peat and sphagnum. 

 C. insigne, the one most frequently met with, is best grown cool. 

 It should be kept outdoors during Summer, and to retard the 

 flowering period may be kept in well-aired frames until there is 

 danger from frost. C. Spicerianum requires a warm temperature, 

 flowering in early Spring. 



CYTISUS (Broom, Genista). Several forms are grown for 

 mid-Spring and Easter flowering. 



Culture. Frequent syringings are necessary to combat the at- 

 tack of red spider. Pinch back the strong growths as soon as they 

 show a tendency to outgrow the others. Keep cool during Autumn 

 and the early Winter months. After January they may be trans- 

 ferred gradually in a warmer house for forcing. 



Propagation. Cuttings are rooted in February. They may 

 also be increased by seeds and layers. The young plants may be 

 grown in frames. 



DALECHAMPIA. This plant belongs to the same family as 

 the Poinsettia, and, like it, is grown solely on account of its bracts, 

 which are rose colored. D. Roezliana is the only species cultivated. 



Culture. It is a warm house plant, but may be plunged out- 

 side in Summer to make abundant growth. Use a sandy peat soil 

 with good drainage. 



Propagation. By cuttings. 



