670 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



drawback, that is, some cultivators are apt to lose the tuberous 

 roots by decay during the winter season. This is, however, 

 easily overcome if a little care is exercised to thoroughly ripen 

 the tubers in the autumn by gradually withholding water. After 

 the leaves have died down, and the roots are quite dormant, turn 

 them out, remove all the soil, and store them in dry silver-sand, 

 placing a layer of sand and a layer of tubers alternately in a dry 

 place out of the reach of dripping of water, such as under the 

 staging near the hot-water pipes in a temperature of 7odeg. 



Equal parts of good, 

 turfy loam, peat, and 

 leaf-mould, with a 

 liberal sprinkling of 

 coarse silver-sand, 

 form a suitable com- 

 post. Pot the tubers 

 just under the sur- 

 face in February or 

 March. A little bot- 

 tom-heat will help 

 them to start into 

 growth, but it is not 

 absolutely necessary. 

 Transfer to larger 

 pots as the plants 

 grow and require 

 more room, making 

 the soil rather firm. 

 As they require an 

 abundant supply of 

 water when well 

 established, it is 

 necessary to provide 

 efficient drainage, so 

 that the superfluous 

 moisture may pass 

 readily away and not 

 sour the soil. When 

 the pots become full 

 of roots frequent 

 waterings with clear, 

 weak manure-water, and plenty of light, are beneficial to increase 

 the colourings and size of the leaves. Shading from bright 

 sunshine will, however, be necessary. The leaves of most kinds 

 require supporting with neat green sticks, and a little taste is 

 required to tie them in a manner to show off their beauty to 

 the best advantage. Propagation is readily effected by dividing 

 the roots just after growth has commenced. 



Fig. 435. — Caladium maculatum. 



