REMARKS ON THE CULTURE OF A FEW ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. HI 
' From amongst many other plants of this kind, thus undeservedly depreciated, 
b select the Templetonia glauca and T, retusa ^ — two spring flowering shrubs, 
!rely cultivated in a satisfactory manner. In most places these plants have an 
'.healthy and stunted aspect, seldom advancing into vigorous growth, and their 
wer parts becoming divested of foliage ; whilst if flowers are produced at all, 
*eir numbers are too scanty to contribute much show. Now and then, however, 
3 meet with specimens exactly the converse in appearance, which fully redeem 
e claim of the plants to be regarded as shrubs of a showy character. 
' Examination will generally show that the specimens which appear so un- 
omising and sickly, are deficient of roots. Instead, therefore, of allowing such a 
e to continue in the greenhouse in the hope of improvement, it is better at once 
1 1 shake away the old soil from the roots, cut off all decayed extremities, and then 
^iurn it to a smaller pot, observing to pay special regard to drainage, and the 
ality of the earth. It may then be placed in a close frame ; and when it begins 
I ; grow, a portion of the old branches should be removed to assist the fresh 
DWths in acquiring strength. Occasional syringing will be useful, and perhaps 
ading for an hour or two in the middle of sunny days. When the roots have 
. led the pots, and the shoots are pushing well, the plant should be transferred to 
'larger pot, unless the season is too far advanced to mature the wood before 
nter. They may be taken back to the greenhouse to winter, and the following 
ring they will flower abundantly. 
The necessity of careful potting is clearly shown in these plants. Once any- 
ing obstructs the circulation of fluids through the ball, the roots begin to suffer, 
ence, although it is proper to elevate slightly the collar of the plant, yet it is as 
jurious to raise it so preposterously as many do. As a rule of general applica- 
dty, the highest portion of soil should be beneath the level of the rim of the pot, 
that at every watering the whole may be submersed. Otherwise all the roots 
' the central portion of the pot will be left dry and useless. In the choice of 
11, many err in employing finely dressed peat. A good friable loam, with an 
fual quantity of coarse peat, answers far better. With care in potting, and in 
Ttering afterwards, a healthy state may be maintained constantly in a green- 
use: a little heat in spring, however, effects considerable improvement in their 
pearance. 
But whilst they make very handsome bushes when kept in pots, they acquire 
« far more excellent character when grown in a conservatory border ; and! from 
■jeir bushiness, and the total absence of anything like a tendency to grow feebly 
straggling, they are highly appropriate subjects for the situation. If through 
jiltreatment they have lost anything of the needed density and foliage in the 
jver parts, there is usually a number of latent buds in the heart of the plants 
At are easily started into growth by merely bending over the main shoots to 
event them from receiving all the sap supplied from the roots. 
Though by no means rapid growing plants, good specimens may be formed 
