64 THE BOOK OF THE GREENHOUSE 



where they may be shaded during the hottest part 

 of the day. Syringe freely two or three times a day 

 and see that they never get dry at the root. In June 

 pot into the flowering pots, using two-thirds loam, 

 one-third leaf mould, with plenty of sand added. Pot 

 in five-inch or six-inch pots according to the strength 

 of the plants. When nicely rooted, move to a frame 

 and keep them fairly close for a few days. Avoid 

 over-watering at this period, but syringe twice a day with 

 soft water. After a while, ventilate with more freedom 

 and be sure to give the plants ample room. When 

 the nights grow cool, remove to a warm part of the 

 greenhouse. Feed with manure water when the 

 flower buds show. Cyclamen is subject to green 

 fly, and sometimes is pestered also with thrips. 

 Neither must be tolerated or the plants will suffer. 



Humea elegans. — Seeds of this attractive biennial should 

 be sown in May in pots of loam and peat equally 

 proportioned and mixed with silver sand. The seeds 

 are light and easily washed away, so it is best to water 

 the seed pot before sowing them. After scattering the 

 seeds cover them with the merest sprinkling of fine soil. 

 The seeds germinate slowly but should not be raised in 

 heat, a shady corner in a cold frame with a sheet of glass 

 on the seed pot to conserve moisture being what they need. 

 Pot off the seedlings into three-inch pots, and when the 

 roots come to the sides pot again into five-inch pots. This 

 last potting should be in September or early in October. 

 Careful watering is a salient matter in dealing with this 

 plant, never giving an overdose, and never allowing dry- 

 ness. Keep in a cool house all winter, just safe from frost. 

 In spring re-pot into seven-inch pots and later on into larger 

 ones, using at each potting similar but more lumpy soil. 

 Give manure water when the roots have filled the pots 

 given at the last potting. Humeas like some shade from 

 bright sun and to be always amid cool surroundings, 



