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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



them to push up their flower scapes soon after. Pinch them out as soon as seen, unless 

 flowers are particularly wanted or the cultivator can afford to run risks, as this untimely 

 flowering seriously checks root action. 



A moist hot-bed is of great service in promoting root growth, but after the soil is 

 well occupied by roots, the plants are safest and best arranged on a bed of ashes, with 

 hot-water pipes beneath ; if plunged in decaying hot-bed material, the plants are liable 

 to be over-watered, and worms too are troublesome, souring the soil. Eucharises ought 

 not to be mixed among a variety of other plants, not only because they like plenty of 

 room, but also because insect pests quickly mar the foliage. Dry surroundings are 

 injurious, and the syringe should be frequently employed in moistening the pots and 

 staging ; also in spraying the leaves. Nor ought bright sunshine to reach the leaves 

 after the middle of March. Eucharises succeed admirably under a roof, thinly covered 

 with stephanotis, with a blind over the glass on hot days. They seem to have a pre- 

 dilection for certain sites, and when once these are found it is well not to move them 

 elsewhere for any great length of time. 



A check to their growth, caused by moving healthy plants into a lower temperature, 

 or an intermediate house, and withholding water from the roots for a month or so, followed 

 by a sudden change to greater heat and moisture, will cause the bulbs to push up flower 

 scapes quickly, but this may also prove injurious to the bulbs. After the young leaves 

 have reached their full size, rather less water should be given, and the temperature of 

 the house lowered about 5°, if this can be done. After three weeks of this comparative 

 rest, a sudden increase of the temperature from 5° to 10°, accompanied by more atmos- 

 pheric moisture and a soaking of water at the roots, will usually cause all strongly rooted 

 bulbs to flower, and no risks are run. There should be no rest or partial rest given 

 until the young leaves are fully developed. Eucharises also succeed when planted in a 

 bed of well-prepared soil. 



Their worst enemies are the mite already alluded to and mealy bug. The former 

 minute pest multiplies quickly, preys on the bulbs and roots, soon paralysing their 

 action, the bulbs eventually becoming loose, while the foliage changes to a sickly yellow 

 hue. Bulbs in this condition are very difficult to restore to a healthy state, and most 

 growers prefer to throw them away, and to start with a fresh, clean stock. The experi- 

 ment of harvesting infected bulbs on a dry shelf, and after soaking them either in a 

 dilution of lemon oil or other insecticide, potting in the usual way and starting them 

 into growth is worthy of a trial. Preventive remedies are, however, more to the 



