GROWING THE GIANT VICTORIAS I47 



larger pans. Besides this repotting, as they 

 grow, the young Victorias require but httle 

 care. It is advisable to keep them clean and 

 free from insects and algal growth. Ordi- 

 narily, flushing with a garden hose will meet all 

 requirements, though in extreme cases the 

 use of a bath sponge of fine quality — a so- 

 called Turkish sponge — will have to be 

 resorted to. Should the sun become too 

 strong, which is liable to happen especially 

 during the last days which the plants spend 

 in the greenhouse, shade must be provided, 

 either by whitewashing the glass or by means 

 of cloth or lath frames which can be used 

 during the middle of the day. 



If one does not care to take the risks of 

 growing Victorias from seed, young plants 

 can be obtained from the larger horticultural 

 establishments at from ^5 to ;^io each. 

 Shipped in their own pots and protected by a 

 packing case, they arrive in very fair con- 

 dition, provided the distance be not too great, 

 a journey of more than three days being 

 liable to produce unfavourable results. On 



