48 



GUIDE TO THE CONSERVATORY. 



A greenhouse plant of much beauty in its 

 foliage and flower, and when grown to perfection 

 is a fine contrast to the foliage of surrounding 

 plants. 



Soil. — Sandy fibrous peat, exposed to the air 

 some time previous to using it : if not thus purified 

 by the air and sun, you will fail of success in the 

 cultivation of this plant, for it is absurd to ex- 

 pect to grow fine delicate plants in soil contain- 

 ing impure vapours. The aphelexis will require 

 to be placed in a situation which will admit of 

 its having the benefit of a free circulation of air, 

 and as much of the sun's rays as possible. Let it 

 remain in the greenhouse all the year if you are 

 not provided with a canvass screen to throw over 

 such species of plants in heavy rains. 



Give a good drainage, and do not give excess of 

 w ater, nor yet allow the plant to flag. 



It is propagated from cuttings inserted in peat 

 -and cally sand of equal quantities, and placed in a 

 gentle bottom heat without a bell glass, as they are 

 very apt to damp off. 



APRIL. 



CONSERVATORY. 



Heat. — Keep but little fire during the night in 

 mild weather ; occasionally put on a fire in the 

 morning to dry up the damp. 



Air. — Admit as much as you can when fine ; if 



