14 
THE FUCHSIA AS A STANDARD. 
base of plants, vigorous ones from the branches of large specimens, &c., and where 
any particular kind is wished td be raised into a standard, and suitable cuttings are 
not at hand, they may easily be procured by placing the plant in gentle heat. 
It is necessary to be most particular in choosing cuttings, as nearly all the suc- 
cess, certainly a favourable result, depends upon a proper choice in the selection of 
cuttings. Those will greatly err who choose them promiscuously, taking weak small 
pieces, the terminal points of branches, &c., for it is indispensably necessary that, 
from the commencement, the plants possess a robust constitution. Chosen as just 
directed, shoots from four to six inches in length should be taken and struck as 
soon as favourable circumstances will permit, not under too exciting a process, or a 
weakening effect will be the consequence. After they have become well rooted, a 
removal into moderately-sized pots will be necessary. And here we may state as to 
the description of soil most suitable, one of medium quality will best answer the 
purpose ; as a firm and substantial growth is the most desirable, and most requisite 
to favour the accomplishment of the object in view. Also as to the extent of pot- 
room the plants will require throughout their process; while they must not be allowed 
to suffer in any degree from the want of an increased space in which to extend their 
roots : particular regard must be had that pots not at all larger than necessary only 
are used. It is necessary to keep the roots within prescribed bounds, in order to 
preserve evident proportion between the graceful style of growth and elegance of the 
plant, and the size of the pots employed. 
The other conditions, consisting in a proper supply of water to the roots, the 
temperature in which the plants are placed, the degree of moisture in the atmosphere, 
as well as stimulants in the shape of liquid manure, a higher degree of temperature, 
&c., must all be regulated in their application according to circumstances, over which 
there can be no systematic control. 
From the commencement of, and throughout the plants’ career, that process 
termed forcing must not be at all exercised, as the ostensible object is not the 
accomplishment of our purpose by means of undue excitement, but by steadily bring- 
ing out and carefully developing the energies and vigour of the plant. If, on the 
one hand, highly-stimulating practices are resorted to, a quick, but at the same time 
weakly growth will ensue ; and on the other, if a tardy and reverse of vigorous 
development be permitted, defeat will be sustained at the very outset. 
A proper cutting having been chosen, and the circumstances attending the 
beginning of its growth being favourable, in conjunction with which, if the various 
conditions necessary as it progresses are properly applied, a clean straight growth 
will be the result, with very little inclination to produce lateral branches ; where such 
inclination is exhibited, and the branches are at all allowed to extend, they must be 
stopped at the first or second joint ; and as they in turn produce shoots, a similar 
stopping must take place. At this stage of the plant’s growth, the production of 
lateral branches, in a thing of a succulent nature like the Fuchsia., providing they 
are kept within prescribed bounds, as just directed, will have a beneficial effect, from 
