CULTURE OF LIMSIA ANETHIFOLIA. 
211 
suffering for the want of it. If this rule be followed of keeping them perfectly- 
dry through the winter, no fear need be entertained of losing them ; for although 
the leaves all fall, and the plants look naked and withered, yet when spring 
approaches, they burst out again with renewed vigour from this temporary torpidity, 
and produce firm strong shoots three, four, or five feet long. 
At the end of February or beginning of March, all the previous year's wood 
should be pruned according to its strength, to within a few eyes of the old branches ; 
the stronger shoots to two or three eyes, and the weaker ones to within one or two 
eyes. When this operation is finished, the plants will have a naked stump-like 
appearance, but the vigorous growth which will follow this treatment more than 
compensates for the want of ornament and extra trouble which the performance of 
it entails. 
When the plants are pruned, and begin to show signs of returning growth by 
the swelling of the buds, commence administering a small portion of water ; but at 
first this must be done very gradually and with due caution, until the buds begin to 
burst. When these signs appear, if the plants are in pots, immediately repot them, 
giving abundance of root-room as before directed. After which, replace them in the 
places where they grew the previous year, and as the growth advances, increase the 
heat and moisture, and furnish them with every possible stimulant to render their 
development as rapid and as perfect as possible. By the end of June when this is 
completed, treat them again as recommended for the flowering season. They are 
increased pretty readily by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, which should be 
planted immediately after being separated, in pots of fine sand, and placed in heat 
under a hand-glass. 
When rooted, pot them off in a mixture of light sandy loam, heath-mould, and 
leaf-mould, equal parts, and again place them in a close heat until they have begun 
to grow, then remove and treat them in the same way as the old plants. 
CULTURE OF LIMSIA ANETHIFOLIA. 
This plant is a native of New Holland, in arid situations, and was introduced in 
1825. The best soil is a mixture of two parts heath mould, and one part light sandy 
loam only partially broken. 
Drain well with plenty of broken potsherds, and mix a good portion in the soil in 
which the plants are potted ; also a few pieces of charcoal and freestone mixed through 
the soil is not without its use. Give plenty of root-room in potting, for if the roots 
are cramped in too small pots they invariably suffer — often die. 
The roots, although vigorous in their growth, will neither endure great drought 
or over watering ; it is necessary therefore always to administer this element with 
caution. It is advisable not to place them out of doors during the summer season, 
