98 ORNAMENTAL WINTER AND SPRING FLOWERING PLANTS. 



account of their treatment would occupy too much space in this 

 notice, so I will merely recommend that repotting be done in 

 autumn, immediately after the flower buds are set, rather than in 

 spring, just when the young growths are commencing. The 

 latter is the method commonly practised. The varieties of Bel- 

 gian Azaleas, with those of Rhododendron ponticum, are very 

 useful, and give hardly any trouble, as they need not be taken 

 up and potted till their buds are fairly set ; thus giving an op- 

 portunity of selecting those which are the best furnished. In 

 forcing this, and the other hardy shrubs mentioned in the above 

 list, the same course should be pursued as recommended for 

 similar plants in List 2. Wistaria sinensis is a charming plant, 

 often grown on the walls or pillars of conservatories ; but the 

 handsomest way of growing it is as standards in pots, about five 

 feet high : it is easily induced to form nice heads. The treat- 

 ment of Tulips, Hyacinths, and other Dutch Bulbs, is well 

 known. The Lily of the Valley forces well in a frame near the 

 glass, with a gentle heat beneath it. Anna Boleyn and other 

 Pinks are very useful : for forcing the cuttings from which they 

 are raised should, if possible, be taken from plants which had 

 been similarly treated, as they are earlier and complete their 

 growth much sooner, thereby fitting themselves for early flower- 

 ing. If the plants in the open garden are layered very early, 

 and some of the strongest of the young plants potted into a light 

 rich soil, they will throw up flower steins in October and 

 November. 



In the foregoing remarks I have only noticed the peculiarities 

 necessary in the treatment of different species, and, to avoid 

 repetition, I consider it better to conclude with an abstract of 

 principles which are of general application, and which must be 

 carefully observed in order to obtain perfect success. 



As the season in which these plants are to produce their flowers 

 is, of all others, the least favourable for the healthy development 

 of vegetables, it is necessary that, in the course of their previous 

 cultivation, one object should be kept constantly in view, namely, 

 the hardening of their constitution, so as to fit them to endure 

 winter excitement. This is to be effected only by a very careful 

 consideration of the treatment which is necessary to grow them 

 vigorously, but not exuberantly ; carefully supplying the agents 

 — light, air, heat, water, soil, &c. — in adequate proportions ; 

 avoiding deficiency on the one hand, and superfluity on the other. 

 One point, which will contribute very essentially to success, is to 

 encourage the roots to progress rather faster than the tops, so 

 that they may always be in advance of the latter. 



Light. — With comparatively few exceptions, light cannot be 

 too freely supplied, unless in the shape of very bright sunshine ; 



