CONSER VA TORY PLANTS— AZALEA S. 



2 37 



are valuable to those who force shrubs, and a newly-started vinery with the old- 

 fashioned central pit is a capital place for them. Failing this, a span-roofed house with 

 a good central bed ought to be set apart for the purpose, though a few shrubs can 

 be forced in a variety of other places. Commence with bottom heat of 75° to 85°, and 

 a house temperature of 50° to 55° increasing gradually to GO to 65°. Syringe the 

 plants daily with tepid water after sunrise and again at midday, damping the walls, 

 wood- work, and floors at the same time, to create the moist atmosphere previously 

 recommended. When the 

 plants are moved to the 

 conservatory, which should 

 be done during the warmest 

 part of mild days, they 

 must still be kept well 

 supplied with water at the 

 roots. From the conserva- 

 tory they ought, when no 

 longer presentable, to be 

 transferred to a cool house 

 to harden prior to planting 

 out. A few additional cul- 

 tural details will be given 

 when each kind of plant is 

 commented on separately. 



Andkomedas. — These 

 dwarf evergreen shrubs 

 force admirably, but must 

 not be subjected to high 

 temperatures. Under glass the heath-like flowers are even more attractive than in 

 the open. The species recommended are A. floribunda and A. speciosa. These should 

 have peaty soil, and after forcing and hardening be planted out in more of the same 

 kind. 



Azaleas. — Several Indian azaleas (p. 152, Yol. II.) force well, and can be had in 

 flower at midwinter if desired. The double white Deutsche Perle is of a most accommodat- 

 ing nature, as it can be had in bloom early and late. The old single Fielder's White, 



