2l6 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



the kind of soil they grow in, and will bear much rough usage. They should have an 

 abundance of water, and liquid manure will benefit those long kept in the same- 

 sized pot. For illustrations on propagation, see p. 32 6, Vol. II. 



Eulalia. — For obviating the stiffness of some kinds of flowering plants the elegant 

 Eulalia japonica and its varieties, E. j. foliis striatis and E. j. zebrina, are of the 

 greatest assistance. These beautiful Japanese grasses are of easy culture, and attain a 

 height of about 3 feet. They are propagated by division in March or April, at which 

 time also large plants in pots may be re-potted, after having some of the stale soil 

 shaken or picked away from the roots, thus admitting of their being returned to much 

 the same size of pot as they formerly occupied. The larger clumps succeed best in tubs. 

 Good ordinary soil is suitable. 



Ficus. — "Well-grown plants of F. elastica, and its variegated form, are of good service 

 in conservatory decoration, especially when from 2 feet to 4 feet high, and furnished 

 with sound lower leaves. If kept properly supplied with water and liquid manure at 

 the roots large pots are not essential — only enough weight being required to keep the 

 plants from toppling over and maintaining them in good health. Seeing that this 

 ficus is most extensively grown for the markets, remarks on propagation and cultivation 

 may, with advantage, be deferred till the chapter on Commercial Floriculture is reached. 



Grevillea. — The most popular of this genus is known as G. elegans. It is of 

 elegant growth, and in a small state is a good table plant. Propagation is effected 

 by seed sown in light, sandy soil during February, placed in a temperature of 65° to 

 70°, and covered with a square of glass till germination takes place. The seedlings 

 must be first placed singly in small pots and grown in gentle heat, giving them a 

 small shift before they become badly root-bound. Early in the following spring the 

 plants may be transferred to G-inch or slightly larger pots, which will be all that need 

 be done in the way of re-potting, as old plants, minus the lower leaves, are not of much 

 value. A fresh stock of plants ought, therefore, to be raised every season, so as to 

 have plenty to take the place of those no longer sufficiently ornamental. 



Lomatia. — L. elegantissima and L. ferruginea are elegant green-leaved plants that 

 should find a place in most conservatories. For cultural details see Greenhouse Plants, 

 page 205, Vol. II. 



Osmanthus. — The holly-like 0. ilicifolius aureus variegatus is a comparatively slow- 

 growing shrub, somewhat dense in habit, but is attractive in appearance. It can 

 be propagated by cuttings of firm young shoots in sandy peat, under a hand-glass ; 



