3+° 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



glass in a temperature of 75 to 85°. The first young plants must be grown as strongly 

 as possible. The front stage of a plant stove or forcing house, on which they are 

 arranged, ought to be covered with ashes or other moisture -holding material, kept con- 

 stantly damp. The plants must never become very dry at the roots, nor in the earlier 

 stages of growth ought shifting into larger pots be deferred till they become seriously 

 root-bound. Top the young plants once to make them branch, then allow them to 



Fig. 155. Gatuienia Florida intermedia. 



develop naturally. From 2|-inch pots, transfer to 5-inch, a size in which the later- 

 struck plants may be flowered, giving another shift to the more advanced. Suitable soil 

 consists of equal parts loam and peat with a little crumbled manure and sand. Over- 

 potting is a too common mistake. If the soil gets soured before the roots have a chance 

 to occupy it little further growth will be made, the foliage changing from a bright green 

 to a sickly yellow hue, and then the plants are not worth house-room. At the same time 



