74 



GUIDE TO THE CONSERVATORY. 



peat, and old wood, with about one-sixth cally sand. 

 Place them near to the glass. Attend to the water- 

 ing. Do not sodden the soil, nor allow them to flag. 



ERICA. 



Class, Octandria. Order, Monogynia. 



Erice>e. 



Natives chiefly of Cape of Good Hope, 1773.— 

 Propagation, seeds and cuttings. 



This interesting genus claims our admiration for 

 its singular and various forms and colours, and 

 more particularly because by a judicious selection 

 we may have flowers for every month in the year. 

 The heath requires a house to itself, to grow it to 

 any degree of perfection : it ought always to be kept 

 as cold as possible whilst in the house. Fire heat 

 should not be used at any time, excepting on very 

 severe frosty nights. 



The soil in which heaths grow is peat soil, 

 taken from the surface of the ground, and mixed 

 with about one fourth of cally sand. No regular 

 period can be assigned for shifting, but I prefer it 

 when the flowering season is over. 



Whilst under glass, keep the plants as near to it 

 as possible. 



Water. — This element must be supplied by 

 a judicious hand ; if once the ball is suffered to 

 become dried through, I know not of any means by 



