246 
ROELLA CILIATA. 
that generally bloom in nurseries, and, indeed, in most collections, are very 
inadequately qualified to form a proper opinion of its actual merits. When literally 
covered w^itli its splendid blossoms, and otherwise in a compact and verdurous 
condition, it is as much removed from anything despicable, mean, or unengaging, 
as the most favoured tenant of our greenhouses, and quite as well calculated to 
excite, or even to command attachment. 
It is not easy to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the question why it 
is so often met with in a disagreeably unhealthy or unprolific state. Several 
points in its ordinary treatment have struck us as being somewhat objectionable, 
the chief of which we shall now notice. Being a slender-rooted plant, of limited 
growth, short and by no means luxuriant branches, and small foliage, its capacity 
for imbibing, appropriating, and dispersing fluids, must unquestionably be 
circumscribed ; consequently, it appears to require a soil with which sandy heath- 
mould is more freely blended. In fact, we should choose two-thirds of heath soil 
to one of light loam and sand as a suitable compost. Nor would the good effects 
of this be experienced, unless, at the same time, a very safe and effective drainage 
were secured. For, owing to its evergreen nature, and the perpetual necessity for 
the administration of water, it is essential to its health that the fluid supplies be 
readily and rapidly passed through the pot, and never be left to evaporate from its 
surface. 
Too much water, in an earth which retains it beyond a very short period, and 
is rendered increasingly liable to saturation from a lack of sufficient drainage, 
is, therefore, according to our conviction, the great antidote to perfection in this 
plant. Other causes may, no doubt, unite with this ; yet, we should certainly 
consider it the principal reason of failure. Where there is a marked disposition in 
the specimen to a very loose or scattered arrangement of its branches, there can be 
no question that the use of the knife, in reducing them almost down to the main 
stem, will be advantageous. The species has naturally scarcely any tendency to 
develop lateral shoots ; and pruning ought to be sometimes practised to superinduce 
such a habit. It should not, however, be too unsparingly indulged, nor the branches 
decapitated lower than within an inch of the stem, since buds are not generally 
abundant at their base. 
Cuttings taken off in the spring, and potted in sand, root rather tardily ; on 
which account they may be subjected to a trifling bottom heat. 
It is to be procured for an exceedingly moderate sum, of any London or country 
nurseryman ; and should be in the possession of every cultivator who is desirous 
of growing only ornamental plants. 
