HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 61 



The "prominence" here alluded to, lies in the fact that all plants have 

 some blooms larger than others ; and as the sexual organs are large in equal 

 proportions with calyx, corolla and pericarp, they ars called prominent — but 

 the sex still remains unchanged. W. E. 



BALSAMINA LATIFOLIA ALBA. 



If it cannot be said of this Balsam that it is one of the most beautiful 

 plants which we possess, it certainly is one of the most useful, for it is per- 

 petually in bloom, forms specimens of good size in a short time, and is so 

 easily managed that even the most inexperienced grower could scarcely fail 

 in its cultivation. 



If afforded a gentle bottom heat, cuttings made of firm pieces of the 

 wood emit roots freely ; they should be planted in sandy soil, covered with a 

 glass, placed in a shady situation, and not allowed to droop. When suffi- 

 ciently rooted to bear handling, pot them singly in small pots, and replace 

 them in a close moist warm situation, shading them from direct sunshine till 

 they get established in their pots ; then give air more freely and pinch out 

 the tops in order to obtain a bushy plant. Shift into 6-inch pots, and get 

 them strong well established plants in these before winter. To effect this 

 the cuttings need not be put in earlier than June. The young plants should 

 be placed near the glass in a house where the temperature may average 

 about 50°, giving no more water to the soil than will keep the foliage in 

 health. Towards March, or earlier if required, remove them to a warm 

 house, placing them where they will receive all the light possible ; and give 

 a liberal shift, using good, rich, turfy loam, leaf-soil, and thoroughly decay- 

 ed cow manure, in about equal proportions, well intermixed, adding suffi- 

 cient sharp sand and lumpy pieces of charcoal to keep the compost open and 

 porous, in order to ensure the free percolation of air and water through the 

 mass. Peg down the shoots, and as they advance in growth stop the stronger 

 ones, keeping the leading shoot tied up to a stake and regulating the others 

 so as to obtain nice well-furnished pyramidal specimens. Give a free supply 

 of water to the soil, and keep the atmosphere moist ; syringe the plants 

 over-head morning and evening, and if green-fly makes its appearance fumi- 

 gate with tobacco. As the plants advance in growth, more pot room will 

 soon be wanted, and the second shift should be into the flowering- pots, the 

 size of which must be regulated by the size which it may be desired to ghave 

 the specimens. With a light, warm, airy position the plants will make very 

 rapid growth, and soon form large handsome specimens. Discontinue stop- 

 ping a few weeks — say three — before the time you may wish to have your 

 plant in bloom ; and except pinching out the point of any shoot which may 

 incline to so far outgrow the others as to spoil the form of the specimen, 

 stopping should not be practised after the plants are considered large enough 

 for flowering. By keeping them in a light, sufficiently airy position while 

 in bloom, they will grow slowly, forming short-jointed wood, and retaining a 

 compact bushy habit ; and as a constant succession of blossom depends upon 

 securing a regular development of healthy young wood, it is of importance 



