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CULTURE OF THE GENUS ERICA. 
This genus requires peculiar treatment to ensure perfection of growth ; but the 
species are not difficult to keep, provided proper soil be obtained, and the situation 
in which they are placed be suitable. 
The free growing kinds appear to thrive best in good black peat, and large-sized 
pots ; whilst the dwarf and hard- wooded sorts always succeed better in a very sandy 
peat and small pots, well drained with plenty of broken pots, and bits of turfy 
peat. They will not endure so much water as the free growing kinds, because 
they grow naturally in situations where there is little soil and less moisture. 
Perhaps this may be better illustrated by naming a few species, with their 
localities; in doing which we will extract a short notice from the Gardener’s 
Magazine, vol. 1, p.364; in which place Mr. James Bowie, who went out as 
Botanical Collector for the Royal Gardens at Kew, names the situations in which 
he observed many of the species growing. 
1. Linnceoides, tubijlora, color ans. — In running waters and springy grounds, a 
black vegetable soil. 
2. Albens, ampullacea, retorta , ardens, fastigiata, J ascicularis. — -Shattered sand- 
stone rocks, little or no soil, the roots embracing the stones in the crevices. 
3. Caffra, eriocephala , gelida, Haticacaba. — Similar situations as No. 2, -but 
thrive more freely in the moist clefts, 3,000 feet above the sea. 
4. Viscaria, Blcerioides, viridiflora. — Decomposed sand-stone, shaded by Scir- 
poideae, &c. 
5. Sebana, sexfaria , Plunkentiana , baccans.— Decomposed schistus, lower parts 
of the mountains and secondary hills, exposed to drought. 
6. Massoni, calycina , retorta , Walkeria , gracilis. — In pure sand, exposed to heat 
and drought on the mountains, from 2,000 to 5,000 feet above the sea level. 
7- Mammosa , metulaejlora , Cerinthoides, ignescens , grandiflora. — In sand on the 
lower plains, frequently on spots abounding in natron. 
8. Vestita, Jilamentosa, cerinthoides, cruenta, versicolor, trijlora . — In loam, with 
iron pyrites on the exposed plains and secondary mountains, enduring drought at 
times for several months. 
9. Urceolaris, persoluta, arborescens. — Decomposed schistus, on the streams in 
deep-shaded glens. 
10. Vestita, versicolor, discolor , hirta.— In stiff loam, and margins of woodlands, 
moist glens, &c. surrounded by various Pelargoniums, Scirpoidece, &c. 
All Cape Heaths require a considerable portion of air, without which they are 
liable to be attacked with the mildew. 
They are very impatient of being crowded together, and seldom prosper unless 
kept at a considerable distance from each other. 
Fire heat is generally injurious, and should never be employed, except to prevent 
