ON GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



725 



and syringe freely. As they begin to complete their growth, 

 gradually give more air and sunlight, finally, during August and 

 September, placing outside in the full sun and continuing to 

 syringe. Keep in the cool pit during winter, removing to a warm 

 one to open the flowers. Water may be given freely during hot, dry 

 weather in summer, but must be administered with care at other 

 times, especially during winter. The plants may be had in flower 

 from March to June, 

 but if wanted earlier 

 forcing will be necessary. 

 A. Mollis and its 

 hybrids are also very 

 useful for early spring; 

 they are quite hardy, 

 but are at their best 

 when cultivated in pots 

 for the greenhouse. 

 Grow outside in sand 

 and peat during sum- 

 mer and winter, re- 

 moving to the cool pit 

 in February, but give 

 protection during very 

 severe weather. Pro- 

 pagate by layers in 

 spring after flowering. 



Banksias are an in- 

 teresting and peculiar 

 group of plants, seldom 

 met with now, chiefly 

 on account of their 

 slow growth, but they 

 were largely grown at 

 one time. They bear 

 handsome flowers, 

 which produce rather 

 quaint cones, and the 

 foliage is also orna- 

 mental. Banksias do 



not strike well, and are best raised from seed sown in spring in 

 the warm pit. They can also be layered, which should be done 

 about May. Grow in loam and sand. They make fine specimen 

 plants, and do not like frequent potting. Sorts : B. Baueri, 

 red ; B. attenuata, yellow ; B. ericifolia, yellow ; B. coccinea, 

 scarlet ; and B. grandis, yellow. 



Boronias are most beautiful little plants, bearing pink, 

 purple, and white flowers. Some of the species have a most 



Fig. 471. — Boronia megasttgma. 



