HARD-STEMMED GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



143 



iew sheets of paper, or give other shade. If the shelf is 

 kept damp by pouring water between the pots on the 

 gravel, they will not dry out quickly ; but examine every 

 day, and if the top soil is dry, water with a fine rose. 



The small plantlets may be pricked off into other 

 pans or small pots. Early potting is desirable, as later 

 the young roots mat together and might be injured or 

 weakened by parting the plants from each other. 



These plants do well in a coldframe, where they 

 should be put on sand or ashes to prevent worms and 

 snails from eating them. They should be stood close 

 under the glass, and have all the light possible. Shield 

 irom sun with a piece of muslin on a frame raised to al- 



keep the house dry, as any dampness causes the young 

 shoots to damp-off, and to prevent this, heat will be 

 needed. While they are in their winter quarters keep 

 them free from insects, especially thrips, snails andslugs. 



Some seeds from warm and dry countries require the 

 aid of a hotbed. After they have germinated they may 

 be hardened off, potted, and, when established in pots, 

 placed in the open air and treated like the hardier kinds. 



Propagation by cuttings is adapted to almost all rapid- 

 growing plants, and must be resorted to when seed fails. 

 For striking them, a cool shady place is needed. A deep 

 frame or the shady side of a pit may be used. In both 

 cases they have to be kept cool as possible, and moist. 



D,JiV.ALLi,\ Moorea: 

 From a photograph sent by John 

 low a current over the glass. Harden ofi gradually. 

 Later, put outside in a border, plunged to the rim to 

 prevent drying. 



The young plants should be potted before August 15 ; 

 if later, they cannot get established before winter. Keep 

 them in the seed-pans in the pit during winter, and pot 

 them in single pots in spring. Besides, some seeds will 

 not germinate before the following spring. 



Potted plants put outside should be taken to their 

 winter quarters in September or early in October. 

 They must have a light and airy place. During bright 

 and warm weather the pit should be well aired, and the 

 plants must, if necessary, be shaded during the middle 

 of the day until cooler weather sets in. During winter 



lA. (See page 145 ) 



Dallas, Fairfield Co., Connecticut. 



Plunging the pots in sawdust, etc., will do very well to 

 keep the soil moist. Myrtles, camellias, laurus and 

 others should not be covered, as they will drop their 

 leaves when kept too close. Cover the others closely 

 with glass and shade carefully, especially after they are 

 first put in ; but the shading should not be left on too 

 long in the afternoon. In the morning look the glasses 

 over, and wipe them with a dry cloth. An hour's airing 

 is useful, as it removes excessive dampness. Water 

 the pots or pans which require it ; keep a medium be- 

 tween wet and dry, and the cuttings will strike root 

 freely. Take care that the cuttings do not touch the 

 glass, for if they do, they are likely to damp off. 

 Royal Botanic Gardens, New, Eng. Paul Lesser. 



