THE OLEANDER. 
231 
jated stove to the warmth of an ordinary greenhouse, as the flowers advance 
(Wards maturity, enhances their colour, and prolongs the period of their duration ; 
it a sudden transition from the one to the other imposes a check, which prevents 
lem from expanding, or if expanded at the time, hastens their decay. 
Specimens, however, planted in a border where a greenhouse temperature is 
aintained, will flower beautifully, if the roots are nearly deluged with water in 
le hot summer months ; or, at least, so abundantly furnished with it as to 
'(■event any of the soil in the vicinity of the roots from becoming dry. Many 
3 ople content themselves with bestowing a very superficial sprinkling, which is 
itirely taken up by the soil within two inches of the surface, whilst that beneath 
3Comes completely void of moisture, and hence the roots which ramble amongst it 
■e comparatively in a state of inaction and uselessness, being incapable of drawing 
iatrition for the support of the plant. One frequent consequence of the soil 
lacking this state in the course of the plant’s growth is, that the upper branches 
':e apt to wither up suddenly, as if blasted ; — in the morning they maybe quite 
salthy, and at night sapless, and no after-treatment can recover them. The 
ranches of old trees, moreover, are liable to decay in the greenhouse during the 
' inter months, when they should be at rest, if there is much dampness either at 
le root or upon the foliage. This decay or canker commences in a small speck 
a the bark, and gradually extends along the surface, and penetrates in depth, 
11 further circulation of sap is stayed. 
' Old specimens frequently thrive and flower tolerably well in pots in a green- 
oiise or conservatory, when they are not exposed to a cold air, especially in the 
lay of a current. In this case it will be necessary to give them frequent and 
Dpious draughts of liquid manure in a clear state, during the growing and 
owering seasons. 
Another feature in the management of the Oleander is the production of dwarf 
looming specimens. These are easily procured by making cuttings (especially in 
Lutumn) from the upper shoots; such cuttings, when rooted and encouraged in 
le forcing-house in Spring, will develope large trusses of flower when not more 
•lan a foot or eighteen inches high, and thus form pretty objects for the green- 
ouse or drawing-room. A collection of such plants of the white, variegated, and 
ouble-red flowered kinds, would make a pleasing variety, even in the absence of 
ther things to mix amongst them. 
■ Before we quit the subject, we must view the Oleander in another light — 
'je mean as a plant for exhibition. 
! We believe it has seldom or never made its appearance at any of the great 
iOndon Floral Exhibitions. It is true these exhibitions take place at a some- 
what early period for the flowers of the Oleander generally ; but there is nothing 
xtraordinary in having them to flower by the middle of July : and when we 
')ok at the many proofs of skill and untiring assiduity which one of these fetes 
resents, the idea of diflSculty vanishes. On such occasions a few specimens of 
