iSo 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Strong plants ought to be pruned soon after flowering, the erect-growing varieties 

 rather closely, but not below the leaves ; those of a more pendulous character having their 

 growths shortened to about half their length only. The cultivator's aim should be to 

 obtain as many strong early growths as possible with a view to having these thoroughly 

 ripened by the autumn for producing an abundance of flowers in the winter or spring. 

 When young shoots are beginning to form, the time has arrived for examining the state 

 of the soil and roots. If the drainage is free, the soil sweet, and roots not crowded, the 



Fig. S3. Pig. 84. Epacris miniata 



El'ACEIS ELEGANB. SPLENDENS. 



plants will go another season without being re-potted. Those found with their drain- 

 gauge clogged and soil soured, owing probably to the presence of worms, should have the 

 crocks removed, much of the sour soil carefully picked away from the sound roots with 

 a pointed stick, and worms destroyed, prior to returning to clean, well-drained pots just 

 large enough to hold the roots comfortably, firmly surrounding these with good sandy 

 peat. Vigorous plants with abundance of roots should have a small shift given. Beturn 

 the plants to a warm part of a greenhouse, shading from bright sunshine, syringing 



