206 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [Nov'r. 



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[&\ Green bugs, green fly, or Aphis, will come upon plants, but it is an r® 

 o easy matter getting rid of them, either by putting them in a close room ^ 



( filled with tobacco smoke, or, a simpler method, pour boiling water 

 over tobacco, (refuse stalks from the manufacturers answers the pur- 

 pose) then dilute the liquor with rain water until it appears slightly 

 colored; lay the infested plant on its side (if in a pot) and distribute 

 the water with a syringe or through a fine rosed watering can, turn it 

 round so that every leaf receive a portion; one or two such applica- 

 tions will generally clean the plants. 



Sponge over the leaves of the plants frequently, leaves are their re- 

 spiratory organs, and they cannot perform their functions if coated 

 with dust. Do not neglect the underside of the leaf; indeed, it is more 

 important than the upper surface. 



As a matter of cleanliness and neatness, the pots are generally plac- 

 ed in saucers ; after watering always empty out the surplus that has 

 come through the soil, otherwise it will prove injurious to the roots at 

 this season. 



Some plants accommodate themselves better than others to window 

 culture. The Cactus family form a very interesting and easily man- 

 aged collection, more especially the dwarf kinds, such as Mammilar- 

 iv, Mehcactus, and Echinocactus, they are eminently cleanly plants, 

 requiring very little water, and never making u a mess" with falling 

 leaves and buds. Akin to these are the different varieties fof Aloes,, 

 A. nigras A. Humilis, A. variegata, A. retusa, &c. So is the Sem- 

 pevivum, and Mesembrytwthemum tribe, all requiring much the same 

 treatment as Cacti, and equally interesting in their diversity of foliage 

 and peculiarity of growth. 



The Cyclamen is a beautiful family, flow T ering all through the win- 

 ter ; some of the varieties are very fragrant. The Chinese Primrose 

 also suits well, so that it is not killed with too much water. Then 

 there is the universally beloved Mignonette, also hydropathically in- 

 clined. The Oxalis or wood-sorrel family also deserves a place, espe- 

 cially the species Boiveii, lutea, and versicolor; Lachenalias are also 

 beautiful, both in color and flower. Then for evergreens there is the 

 classic Myrtle, the Sweet Bay, Chinese Azaleas, and the fragrant 

 Daphne. A place must also be retained for Mosses, Lycopodiums and 

 Ferns, the flowers of which are truly "born to blush unseen. No mat- 

 ter what peculiar hobby you ride, whether in oddity of growth and 

 formation, variety in foliage or the beautiful in flowers, Flora can ac- 

 commodate you, and a few of her novelties will be noted occasionally 

 in these papers. D. D. 



Mr. Editor : — It is to be very much regretted, that among the nu- 

 merous intelligent gardeners and amateurs of this city and its neigh- 

 borhood, so few are found who pay any attention to the study and 

 collection of native plants. We are justly celebrated for the liberal 

 importation of foreign plants and hybrids, from the noble Victoria and 

 Amherstia to the last seedling Verbena ; but in the neighborhood from 

 whence Bartram sent plants which were the delight and astonishment 

 of Collinson, Dillenius, Gronovius and the great Linnaeus, there are 

 very few who think of spending a few hours in the collection of our 

 ^indigenous beauties. A premium is offered by the Pennsylvania Hor-GT 



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