1083 



AN ENUMERATION 



OF THE PRINCIPAL GENERA OF 



GREEN-HOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS; 



WITH THE SOIL EACH GENUS THRIVES IN. 



INCLUDING THE MODE OF PROPAGATION, WHETHER FROM 

 SEEDS, ROOTS, CUTTINGS, &C. &C. 



Previously to entering upon the enumeration of the genera, 

 the following observations may not be deemed irrelevant : — 



Peat, loam, and sand, are the three simples of nature 

 which are made use of by cultivators, and the composts which 

 are formed of them in different proportions may be said to 

 suit all plants ; those that are parasitic, of course, being ex- 

 cepted. To these are added occassionally vegetable mould of 

 decayed tree leaves, and in some cases dung, which has long 

 undergone the process of fermentation, and become perfectly 

 decomposed. Lime-rubbish, pounded brick-bats, and gravel, 

 are used in the cultivation of some succulent plants, which re- 

 quire for the most part little nourishment from the soil, and 

 chiefly exist on the humidity of the atmosphere. 



Peati properly so called, is decomposed vegetable matter, 

 composed of, in some cases, entirely of decayed Sjj^agnwn, 

 and other mosses ; in others, of decayed wood, mixed with 

 herbaceous remains, and most generally of an heterogeneous 

 accumulation of many vegetables. This sort of peat is not so 

 much used, nor is it so much prized by cultivators, although 

 for some plants it is very useful. 



Sandy peat, in its natural state, is most esteemed, and is to 

 be found on the surface of most heaths, and is composed of 

 decayed vegetable matter, of a black colour, and pure white 

 shining sand, in considerable abundance. 



Sandy peat may be formed by adding pure white sand to the 

 peat of entire vegetable remains, which is entirely without 



