68 
REMARKS ON THE ASTRAP^A. 
suit it better than to be planted in a border of well-prepared compost, yet, as it is 
not always desirable or convenient to have them growing in the borders, pots of 
a sufficient size should be procured, proportioning them, in this respect, to the size 
and health of the plant intended to grow in them. 
2. The most favourable season for potting them is early in the spring, before 
the sap, which is abundant in these plants, begins to be much excited, for, in this 
case, the first effort of their roots is not unfrequently frustrated, and the growth 
thereby diminished. 
3. Previous to potting, nothing is more essential to their growth than good 
drainage, so that the water may pass off without interruption ; for, as they naturally 
delight in a liberal supply of that element, a bad effect will result if it be allowed to 
become stagnant, which, if possible, should be prevented. 
4. Rich soil is indispensable for them : this should be composed ©f two parts 
good loam, to one of well-rotted dung, with a little sandy peat ; the whole well 
mixed together with a spade, but not sifted. 
5. Always water liberally when the plant is growing, but, before applying the 
water, it is necessary to examine the soil with the hand, and if it be found very full 
of moisture it should for a time be suspended. In the autumn, as the exertions of 
the plants decline, the quantity of water should be proportionably diminished, and 
in the dead of winter it should be almost wholly withheld. 
6. A damp situation in the stove, where it can have plenty of light and sun- 
shine, with from 65 to 75 degrees of heat, will suit them admirably. 
7. Their free growth and dense foliage render it necessary to syringe frequently 
and forcibly all over the branches and leaves, at least every alternate morning or 
evening ; this, if properly performed, will have a twofold effect, that of stimulating 
their vegetative powers, and at the same time prevent the attacks of the red spider, 
&c., to which they are very subject. In order to arrest the progress of these 
enemies, it is requisite to examine narrowly for them while in the act of syringing ; 
for as the whole plant is covered with small hairs, these little intruders are liable to 
take advantage of them, and thus elude the action of the water, and after a time they 
become so numerous as to carry their depredations to an injurious extent, which a 
little timely attention will prevent. 
8. If it can be avoided, never, in cleaning off dirt or insects, make use of a 
sponge or any thing else that is likely to damage the leaves, for nothing tends more 
to make the plant unsightly than freckled leaves, which is alniost sure to result 
from this ; but if due attention be paid in the application of water with the engine 
or syringe, these services will not be called for. 
9. Propagation is effected by cuttings of the ripened wood, observing, in 
preparing them, to make a clear cut at the joint to be inserted, and, if possible, the 
leaves should not be wounded ; pot them in any common sandy soil, bearing in 
mind to press the soil close to the lower part of the cutting; afterwards place them 
under a hand-glass, where a moderate heat is kept, and they will soon strike roots. 
10. After the cuttings have made roots of three or four inches in length, they 
may be potted off into 48 sized pots, using for this purpose a little rich friable soil ; 
let them stand till pretty well established in the cutting frame or pit ; during this 
