A FEW REMARKS ON THE CULTURE OF PERENNIALS. 
201 
success can be anticipated. To encourage their growth, do not place them behind 
or under the plant stage, as is a common custom ; but expose them to a little extra 
heat, give them plenty of light, and gentle waterings, occasionally with liquid 
manure : but as soon as the leaves begin to die, lessen the quantity of water, 
remove the plants to a cooler situation, and eventually leave them dry altogether. 
Wintering. During the time of their torpidity, any dry, cold pit or frame will 
suit them, provided they are not exposed to the effects of frost or water ; and as 
soon as the season is arrived in which they begin to grow, the bulbs should be 
shook out of the soil, the offsets be separated and repotted in fresh soil, and placed 
in a gentle heat. 
In potting always be careful to drain well, for a stagnation of water usually 
destroys the bulbs. After potting, as soon as the plants begin to grow, give a 
gentle supply of water, increasing it as the plants get more strength. 
Stove bulbs require the same kind of treatment as greenhouse bulbs in 
every respect, except temperature. Being natives of tropical countries, they 
require the heat of a good stove, and, at the time of their torpidity, placing in a 
temperature not lower than that of the greenhouse. 
HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. 
The mode of cultivating this class of plants is perfectly easy : three things 
chiefly have to be attended to. First, the manner of propagating ; second, the 
most suitable soil ; and third, the requisite temperature. 
There are five methods of propagation practised : by division, suckers, seed, 
layers, and cuttings. 
Dividing the roots. This maybe done either with a knife, if the plant is 
small, or a spade, if the root is large and strong. The best time for doing it is 
when the tops are just beginning to grow, after having been cut down. 
Suckers. These may be taken up any time when they appear ; but the most 
usual time is when the plant is beginning to grow. 
Seed. Sow, for the most part, early in spring in light soil, and plant out the 
following autumn in the situations where they are to flower. 
Layers and Cuttings. Proceed precisely in the same manner as for propa- 
gating soft-wooded shrubs and trees. 
Soil. Different species of plants require rather different kinds of soil ; but a 
light rich loam will suit the greater part of plants. Those confined in pots should 
have the soil enriched with a little very rotten dung. 
Temperature. Plants may be divided into three or four kinds : hardy, 
frame, greenhouse, and stove. The first require very little care, except keeping 
free from weeds after once they are planted ; but the three last are more trouble, 
because they grow in pots. They all require similar treatment to each other, 
with the exception of the heat. The first will bear all weathers without injury ; 
the second require a slight shelter in winter ; the third require a little protection 
during most part of the year ; and the fourth will not flourish without a brisk 
heat. 
VOL. II. — NO. XXI. D D 
