NERINE — NERIUM {OLEANDER). 



2'S 



sand. Three large bulbs, or five medium-sized ones, may be placed in each, well-drained 

 6-inch pot, and they should bo about half buried. While top growth is progressing gentle 

 bottom heat is of good service, and the plants ought to be kept well supplied with water. 

 Those not re-potted should have the surface soil removed, and receive a top-dressing of 

 sandy loam and manure, also abundance of water and liquid manure during the growing 

 season. 



When growth ceases, gradually withhold water, and during the summer keep them 

 out-doors in a dry state, in the full sunshine. After this thorough ripening and rest, 

 pots of bulbs, in succession, may be given a good watering and then started into growth, 

 the autumn and winter flowering species soon showing their flower heads. Neglecting 

 to do all that is possible to promote a strong leafage during the growing season, drying 

 them off prematurely, and failing to ripen the bulbs thoroughly after their growth has 

 been completed are common errors, and should be avoided by all would-be successful 

 growers of Nerines. Their growing season is from September to May, and most of the 

 species flower either in advance of leaf growth, or just when the leaves are appearing. 

 They have a beautiful effect arranged among maidenhair ferns. 



NERIUM. 



What are popularly known as Oleanders are ; strictly speaking, Neriums, or varieties of 

 Nerium Oleander (Fig. 100, next page). The original species is a native of the Mediter- 

 ranean region, and has long been cultivated in this country. Although not quite so much 

 appreciated as of old, Neriums must yet be considered to rank among the handsomest 

 of large greenhouse and conservatory plants. In all probability few gardeners are aware 

 how very poisonous the wood, leaves, and flowers of this old favourite really are. They 

 have proved fatal to animals, as well as to members of the human race, but with ordi- 

 nary care no ill results should attend the cultivation of Ncriums. 



Propagation is effected by simply taking off branchlets or firm young shoots, and 

 after removing the lower leaves, inserting the stems in bottles of rain water containing 

 also a few pieces of charcoal. These bottles may be kept in gentle heat, or a greenhouse, 

 and all that is further necessary is to keep the bottles filled with water, and to watch 

 progress. When well rooted these plants should be treated similarly to those raised 

 from cuttings, inserted in pots of sandy soil under a close frame. All should be placed 

 singly in 2^-inch pots and returned to a warm corner in u greenhouse or frame. 



