138 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
the present moment with small well-established plants, they may be 
had in splendid condition towards the end of the summer, when 
they will be found of special service, as the number of flowering 
plants adapted for decorative purposes is not at that period by any 
means large. 
In commencing with a stock of young plants, furnished with one 
or two stems only, pinch tliem back to within four or five joints of 
the base, and when the young shoots are about an inch in length, 
shift into five-inch pots. Those which have been stopped already 
and have started into growth again, maybe repotted at once. After 
the first shift, place them in a frame or greenhouse, the temperature 
of which is maintained at or about 60°, and sprinkle the foliage once 
or twice a day, according to the weather. When they have reco- 
vered from the shift, and the side-shoots have attained a length of 
from five to six joints, pinch them all back to about three or four 
joints each. These will soon break again, and when the young 
shoots are half an inch in length, remove the plants to a cold frame, 
and admit very little air for the first two or three days. After a 
fortnight’s stay in the cold frame, shift the whole stock into the 
blooming-pots, the exact size of which must be determined by the 
cultivator ; but, for general decorative purposes, the sizes known 
as six and eight inch are the most suitable. 
In all stages of growth keep them as close to the glass as circum- 
stances will permit, and after the first few days of the stay in the 
cold frame, ventilate freely to promote a dwarf and stocky growth ; 
indeed, at this stage the lights may be drawn off altogether during 
the day, whenever the weather is sufficiently favourable to admit of 
its being done with safety. After the last shift, the shoots must be 
trained out regularly in the usual way, to promote the formation of 
well-proportioned specimens. 
Syringe once or twice a day, but, as a rule, once will be sufficient 
to keep them free from dust and insects. If, however, greenfly and 
thrips make their appearance, fumigate bel'ore they are able to 
commit any mischief. There is not much fear of either of these 
pests mustering in sufficient force to do any harm, if the plants are 
properly supplied with water, and syringed overhead in the manner 
here suggested. Clean soft water should be used until the pots in 
which the specimens are to flower are well filled with roots, and then 
weak liquid manure may be substituted for it, and its use continued 
throughout the season. 
There is no better compost than a mixture of two parts turfy 
loam, and one part of decayed manure and leaf-mould. The varieties 
grown at Ealing Park are mostly selected from seedlings of the 
previous year. Those who prefer growing named varieties may, of 
course, do so, but I do not feel justified in occupying the space 
necessary to give a list. At all events, those who want one cannot 
do better than refer to the “ Garden Oracle.” 
