FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 
117 
individuals. Seldom, however, do v^e traverse anew a beaten track ; and never, 
unless for the elimination of obscurities, or the completion of our observations by 
appending some newly-acquired particulars. In the present instance, the course 
of culture we have seen pursued, and which we intend recommending, is not gene- 
rally practised : we shall therefore escape any accusation of needless repetition or 
useless detail. 
The species of Clematis now nnder notice, are neither of them so thoroughly 
hardy as to be preserved successfully with the attention bestowed on the common 
kinds. C. Sieholdii has certainly been proved capable of sustaining a considerable 
degree of frost ; but it will nevertheless long rank as an appropriate and valuable 
ornament to the greenhouse. C. cwruUa^ on the other hand, is not near so hardy ; 
and its great scarcity, as well as the imaginary difficulties connected with its 
cultivation, will also operate effectually in perpetuating its confinement to the 
greenhouse. 
We have repeatedly heard it produced as an objection to C. cmrulea^ that it is 
apt to grow weak and sickly, and is likewise, while in this unhealthy state, liable 
to great injury, and even destruction, from ordinary moisture. Now, as this is 
by far the most beautiful species, and cultivators are generally open to prejudice 
from such reports, we are anxious confidently to affirm that such a condition can 
only be produced by injudicious treatment. An insufficient supply of air or light 
during the growing stage, or the employment of any artificial heat, would undoubt- 
edly occasion such debility; but the prudent culturist is as anxious to ascertain and 
shun the cause of this evil, as he is piqued at its presence and consequences. 
In the culture of C. cwrulea^ particular care should be taken that its growth, 
from the commencement to its conclusion, is purely natural. Every stimulating 
application or circumstance must be avoided as prejudicial. Hetainingit constantly 
in a cool house or frame, from which only the more severe frosts are excluded, the 
first motion of the sap in spring should be left to the excitation of solar heat, and 
it must be kept in a situation where the light is refracted as little as possible, and 
around which air can be unrestrainedly circulated at every period when its temper- 
ature and hygrometrical condition are favourable. Some caution is requisite in 
applying water to the roots, particularly in cloudy or misty weather, and when the 
plant is not growing vigorously. When both these circumstances are reversed, a 
gentle syringing over the leaves in the evening of the day will be of great advantage 
in promoting its luxuriance. 
Favoured with the treatment thus imperfectly described, and potted in a 
slightly enriched loamy soil, somewhat elevated in the centre, we have seen speci- 
mens of this plant flourishing in extraordinary perfection, and bearing flowers of 
considerably more than four inches in diameter, with leaves which, for the bright- 
ness of their colour, and their peculiar vigour, surpassed all our previous and most 
sanguine hopes. 
To C. Sieholdiiy this minuteness of attention appears scarcely necessary, as it is 
