EX A C UM— FIC US. 



331 



3 inches long and an inch wide, tapering at both ends. The plant attains a height of 15 

 to 18 inches, and is of comparatively easy culture. It is raised from cuttings which 

 root freely at almost any period of the year in light sandy soil and brisk moist heat. 

 The plants grow well in sound loam and leaf soil, with a light dusting of soot intermixed, 

 and sand to secure porosity. The pots are better stood on a close damp stage than on 

 an open lattice trellising over hot-water pipes. The plants enjoy a light position, and 

 it is advisable to syringe them and 

 keep the roots moist to prevent 

 attacks of red spider. This Exacum 

 is a heat-loving plant and will not 

 long remain healthy in a winter tem- 

 perature below 60°, summer 70° to 

 85°. (See Index for coloured plate.) 



ficus. — F. elastica and its varie- 

 gated form (Fig. 154) are exten- 

 sively grown for sale, and will be 

 treated under Commercial Flori- 

 culture. F. Parcelli, Polynesia, is 

 grown in plant stoves for the beauty 

 of its variegated leaves. It is pro- 

 pagated in the spring by cuttings of 

 young shoots inserted in sandy soil 

 in a temperature of 65° to 75°. The 

 plants thrive in a rather firm com- 

 post of three parts loam to one each 

 of peat and leaf soil, with a little 

 sand. A somewhat shady position is 

 desirable. " Give water freely during 

 the hottest part of the year and in 

 '<■ moderation at other times. "What pruning is necessary may be done in February, 

 re-potting the plants just when fresh growth is forming. F. stipulata (syn. F. repens), 

 Japan, is found clinging (ivy-like) to numerous stove, greenhouse, and conservatory 

 walls. It forms small, roundish, dark green leaves, varying in size according to 

 circumstances ; easily propagated from cuttings, and may be planted in ordinary soil. 

 VOL. II. x x 



