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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



each develop a single long growth, which should sparkle with small brilliant flowers in 

 the winter. This is better than topping and having several weakly shoots. Strong 

 plants in C-inch pots may, when about 12 inches long, be given a sharp curve, this 

 causing each stem to push two or three long growths ; these, as well as the curved portion 

 or original leader, if well matured in the full sun, flowering in due course. At 

 no time ought the plants to be exposed to currents of cold air or low temperatures, a 

 check of this description causing them to shed their leaves. 



If the plants have been transferred to an intermediate temperature while in flower 

 for keeping them attractive as long as possible, return them to an ordinary stove 

 temperature and rest them for about three months, giving only sufficient water to keep 

 the wood plump. Prune and start into active growth as already advised. A sufficient 

 number of cuttings having been obtained, the old plants may be re-potted, after carefully 

 picking a portion of the old soil from the roots. A small shift suffices. Subsequent 

 treatment is similar to that of young plants, allowing the heads of growth to develop 

 naturally and strongly. This Euphorbia succeeds admirably planted out in stoves either 

 thinly, in a bed, or singly against back walls, pillars or other uprights. A great mass 

 of soil is not needed. After flowering reduce the water supply, and freely shorten the 

 branches prior to starting the plants into active growth in the spring. (See index for 

 coloured plate. ) 



E. splendens, a Bourbon species, is totally different from the foregoing, and less 

 useful. It is of branching habit, stems woody, closely furnished with sharp thorns, and 

 sparsely covered with small bright green leaves. The "flowers " bright red, waxy, and 

 produced in small trusses, almost constantly. Short side-growths, inserted singly in 

 small pots of sandy soil and placed in dry heat, emit roots freely. From small pots 

 shift into larger sizes, as more root room is required. The growths are lightly trained 

 round stakes, or over a trellis, and neither topping nor pruning is desirable. Arrange 

 the plants in a sunny position, give water freely during the hottest part of the year, 

 and somewhat sparingly during the winter. 



exacum macranthum. — Belonging to the gentian family, and a native of Ceylon ; 

 this is one of the most beautiful of all stove plants, because of its lustrous indigo-blue 

 flowers, with rich yellow stamens. The individual blooms, of which several are borne on 

 a terminal corymb, are about 2 inches in diameter, the corolla being divided into five 

 ovate, slightly recurving segments, terminating in a rather sharp point. The leaves are 

 bright green and slightly ribbed, those on the upper part of the stem, sometimes 



