166 THE FLORIST AND 
excels it. The foliage will want occasional sponging to keep down red spi- 
der and other pests that commonly infest plants with a milky sap. Eor 
soil use one half turfy loam, one fourth peat or leaf mould, the same of 
white sand all well incorporated together. The pot should be carefully but 
not deeply drained. 
TiLGATE. 
ALLAMANDA NERIIFOLIA. 
Although inferior to A. grandiflora, A. Schotti, and other varieties of the 
genus, both in the size and color of the flowers, this has the advantage of com- 
ing into bloom much earlier than any of the other varieties, and flowers very 
freely in a small state ; and when seen in the form of a really well managed 
specimen, is perhaps more generally admired than^any of the Allamandas in 
cultivation, except grandiflora. Its dwarf, compact habit also renders it very 
suitable for persons of limited means for plant culture, and when managed 
so as to have it in flower at the proper time, it forms a first-rate subject for 
exhibition purposes ; but it must be admitted that it is nearly worthless for 
decoration, for although it will bloom for months in succession, it cannot, 
by the best management, be kept long in perfection, and the flowers soon 
become too few and small for the mass of foliage to allow of its being efl"ec- 
tive ; but it is easily kept in first-rate condition for several weeks, and may 
be cut back after the first flush of beauty is over, and had in good condition 
again in the autumn, and I have by this means frequently shown the same 
plant twice the same season, — in May and again in September. 
This Allamanda is easily propagated by means of cuttings of the short 
jointed young shoots, which, if selected in a rather firm state, afi"orded a 
moderate bottom heat, and otherwise treated with ordinary care soon emit 
roots. The cuttings should be got in early in summer, however, so as to 
allow of having the plants strong and well established before winter, and 
they should also be potted singly as soon as they are sufficiently rooted, 
placing them in a warm, moist situation until they get fairly established in 
their pots. When the young plants get into free growth, after potting, place 
them near the glass, where they will have plenty of light, but shade slightly 
in the forenoons of bright days, to prevent scorching, and encourage free 
growth. In forming a specimen of this plant, timely attention towards 
getting it well furnished at the bottom is of consequence, for it should be 
grown in the form of a low bush, exactly like a Pimelea or any other hard- 
wooded plant, and young plants should be stopped, cutting back to the last 
