182 



THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 



didn't." I set my man at it, but I soon found he took no interest in it. If a 

 caterpillar stared him in the face he might pick it off and tread upon it, but 

 was afraid he should soil his fingers. Well, then, as I said before, I kept an 

 eye upon the trees myself and trusted to no one. I showed all particulars of 

 these creatures to my very kind master, the Warden, who took a lively interest 

 in the matter. All along afterwards he was often to be seen spending a few- 

 minutes round a bush. I showed him the insect from the egg to the perfect 

 fly. What with the minutes and hours altogether, I might have spent from 

 three to four whole long days in hand-picking and killing these insects ; but if 

 you had come into our garden this autumn you would not have believed that 

 we had had a caterpillar by any chance this season. 



Winchester College. Thqs. Weaver. 



THE CHOROZEMA. 



This genus contains some of the most useful plants for decorative purposes, 

 and also some of the most effective for exhibition ; and when seen in the form 

 of well-managed, healthy, vigorous specimens, are, probably, more generally 

 admired than most of our greenhouse hardwooded subjects. But unfortunately, 

 although the plants have long been common in collections, it is but seldom 

 that we see a thoroughly good specimen of any of the varieties, especially of 

 the slender-growing kinds. The plants, however, remain longer in beauty 

 than most hardwooded greenhouse things do ; and a specimen of any of the 

 varieties, if in vigorous health, will last a month or five weeks in full beauty : 

 hence they will repay the trouble necessary to grow them properly. 



The culture of this genus is not difficult ; but the plants are, unfortunately, 

 very subject to the attacks either of red spider or mildew at all seasons of the 

 year, and especially during the period of active growth, and require constant 

 watching and attention to prevent their being injured by these pests. And if 

 either red spider or mildew once gets fairly established upon a plant, they are 

 so difficult to eradicate that only experienced growers are likely to be at the 

 trouble, &c, which is necessary to effectually clean a plant which has once 

 been severely attacked. It is useless, however, to think of having well- 

 furnished healthy specimens unless they are kept perfectly clear of these pests : 

 therefore the plams should be frequently and carefully examined, and if any 

 trace of red spider is observed, or if the leaves have a rusty appearance on the 

 under sides, the plants should be laid down on a clean mat, or some convenient 

 situation, and the under side of the leaves well washed with the syringe or a 

 small garden engine, applying the water with as much force as can be done 

 without injuring the foliage, &c. And this process must be repeated at short 

 intervals until the plants are perfectly clean ; and even then they must be 

 closely examined every week during the summer season, and occasionally at 

 other times. The beautiful Henchmani, which is now so seldom seen, is par- 

 ticularly subject to be attacked by mildew, and it must be closely watched and 

 liberally dusted with sulphur on the first appearance of the enemy; and, in 

 the case of the other varieties, I apply a slight dusting of sulphur to the under 

 sides of the leaves occasionally, which, if it does not prevent red spider, may 

 help to do so, and keep the plants free from mildew. I have given this promi- 

 nence to these remarks, because I have found red spider and mildew to be the 

 cause of most of the failures I have either experienced or observed in the 

 culture of this genus ; and if the plants are kept free from these pests they 

 will generally grow with surprising vigour, with only the most ordinary attention 

 in other respects. 



