BOUVARDIA. 11 



a kindly moist heat, say a temperature of 70°. The best 

 soil for them is a good turfy loam, with a reasonable addi- 

 tion of sharp sand ; but in good peat they grow freely. In 

 any case, strong manures are rather to be avoided than 

 used, although we must confess that we have often aided 

 large specimens by administering weak manure water occa- 

 sionally. 



In the formation of specimens, the natural growth 

 should be humoured rather than checked ; but a moderate 

 amount of stopping to promote the formation of side shoots, 

 and to furnish the lower parts of the plants, may be advis- 

 able. Over-potting is to be guarded against, therefore 

 there should be no shift until the pots are well filled with 

 roots, when the next size should be used; not, as some over- 

 hasty cultivators advocate, pots two or three sizes larger. 

 The long rods that rise from the base indicate healthy 

 vigour, and should not be stopped until they have attained 

 their full length and are beginning to harden, when a 

 moderate shortening may be performed. 



To regulate the flowering time of all such plants is an 

 easy matter. It may be reckoned that from six weeks to 

 two months will be required from the last stopping to the 

 time of flowering, according to the season. If they are to 

 be allowed to flower at their own time, there should be very 

 little stopping. But if they are required to flower at a 

 particular time, then flowering should not be allowed in 

 advance of that time, but should be checked by careful 

 stopping, training, and a shift into the next size of pots 

 when the roots need it! This practice will tend to the for- 

 mation of large handsome plants, but must cease entirely 

 six to eight weeks before the time at which it is desired 

 they shall flower. It only remains then to leave them 



