1 84 THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



in thousands for sale in flower markets, and few plants are more chastely attractive 

 during their flowering season. Some of these last-named ericas will stand a considerable 

 amount of rough treatment, including attempts to repot them by novices. Not so 

 the harder-wooded species ; the slightest mistake made with these, either in potting or 

 watering, is liable to lead to the death, slow but sure, of the plants. 



Ericas are only raised from seed by experts. The plants are increased from cuttings 

 of firm, young wood. The soft-wooded varieties, being the first to form young shoots, 

 are naturally the earliest to give suitable cuttings, and none should be subjected to a 



temperature higher than G0°. The plan 

 of surrounding the pots containing the 

 cuttings with moss in larger pots, and 

 covering with a square of glass, as shown 

 in Fig. 87, is a good one, as the pots are 

 not liable to become unduly hot and dry, 

 less moisture being consequently retained 

 without having recourse to frequent water- 

 ings—a very important matter. Whether 

 the cuttings are covered with a bell-glass, 

 or with only a square of glass, the pre- 

 caution should be taken of daily wiping 

 the glass dry as a preventive of mildew 

 and damp. Any cuttings that give signs 

 of damping must be removed at once. 



The cuttings, when well rooted and 

 slightly hardened, should have abundance 

 of air and may be topped, deferring potting them singly till the following spring. 

 The soft-wooded species will make fairly good progress during the second season, and 

 should be topped sufficiently often to make them bushy. Only small shifts ought to be 

 given. The hard-wooded species arc slow in arriving at a serviceable size, and those 

 who would be successful with them at exhibitions should purchase what are known as 

 half-specimens, and by good culture gradually prepare them for the shows. 



Cultukal Details. — The repotting of ericas must always be regarded as a most 

 critical proceeding. It has to be done though, and that, too, before the plants become 

 badly root-bound and stunted in growth. This does not indicate the necessity for 



References : — a, drainage ; h, moss or turf ; c, peaty 

 soil ; d , fine sandy soil ; e, layer of pure sand. 



