THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE, 
125 
S. purpurea, rubra, variolaris, anil Drummond!. They should he 
placed in a low pit, where the temperature can be kept at about 60° 
by night, allowing it to rise to 75° or 80 Q with sun-heat, before 
admitting air — shading bright sunshine, to prevent the necessity of 
drying the atmosphere by currents of air to keep down the tempera- 
ture. Turn the plants out of their pots, removing as much of the old 
soil as can be done without injuring the roots, and repot them in 
convenient sized pots, using light fibry peat, broken up roughly with 
the hand. Fill the pots about half-way with crocks, on which lay 
some thin pieces of peat ; and in potting be careful to pack the soil 
closely and nicely about the roots, and cover with a thin layer of 
sphagnum, which will give the whole a neat appearance. The pots 
should be placed in saucers, which should be kept regularly filled 
with water during the growing season, and water must be frequently 
changed, always using water at a temperature of 80° or 90°. Keep 
the atmosphere thoroughly moist by frequent syringings during 
bright weather, and keeping the pit close ; and also see that the soil 
about the roots is kept regularly wet, for any approach to dryness 
would be injurious to the plants. As the specimens advance in 
growth, attend to affording them sufficient pot room, and do not 
defer shifting until the plants suffer for want of sufficient space for 
their roots. By following out the above system of treatment during 
the growing season, the plants will make rapid progress, and will form 
nice-sized specimens by autumn. At this season they may be 
removed to a warm corner of the conservatory, or show-house, where, 
by covering them with large bell-glasses, to secure the necessary amount 
of moisture, they will be quite at home for the winter months, 
provided a temperature of about 4-5° is maintained. Water must be 
liberally supplied, however, to the soil, and if convenient to continue 
the use of pans, it will be advisable to do so, as this will insure 
keeping the roots regularly moist. Should the plants show indica- 
tions of injury from the confined atmosphere, remove the glasses at 
night, replacing them before giving air to the house. In the absence 
of better accommodation, the plants may be grown during the 
summer in a one-light box, in which, if it be kept close, and properly 
managed, they will be quite at home ; but artificial heat must be 
afforded in spring, otherwise large specimens will not soon be 
obtained, nor will the plants bloom freely. Propagation is easily 
effected by means of division, which should be done just before 
starting the plants into growth, taking care to select some promising 
pieces for rooting, and also to keep the young plants close, warm, 
and thoroughly moist, until they become well established in their 
pots. The same care must be observed with the young plants as to 
placing their pot3 in pans of water, etc., as recommended above. 
April. 
