THE ELORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
139 
Young plants of it may now be bought in from nurseries at a 
moderate price. After they are received, place them for a few days 
in a close, warm situation, in order that they may recover from any 
injurious exposure to which they may have been subjected during 
removal. Then, if well rooted, and otherwise healthy, and in a 
growing condition, give a moderate shift into well-drained pots, one 
or (in the case of strong plants) two sizes larger than those they are 
in. After potting remove them to a close, warm pit or frame, 
where a moderate bottom-heat is maintained, and keep a moist 
atmosphere around them, giving gentle waterings as required, and a 
slight shading during bright, sunny days, the foliage being liable to 
burn in a close atmosphere. When growth has commenced freely 
the young shoots should be stopped at a well-placed joint. 
After the buds have again started strongly, which will soon be 
the case if the roots have made good progress, a second shift should 
be given into larger pots, proportioned to the strength of the plants, 
and they should be again placed in heat. They should receive every 
encouragement to make vigorous growth, so as to get the wood 
ripened well by the end of September, after which a drier and cooler 
atmosphere is requisite to ensure a period of rest. A temperature 
of from 50° to 55 ° is most suitable during winter, water being given 
sparingly, but in sufficient quantity to prevent the foliage being 
injured by a long period of drought. If fair-sized specimens are 
wished for, the plants should be pruned back a few joints in February 
or March, and after the wounds are healed, placed in heat as before, 
to start them into growth ; but if bloom is desired this season, 
pruning must be deferred, as the flowers are produced on the points 
of last year’s wood. Blossoming, in a small state, however, con- 
siderably weakens the plant, and I therefore prefer growing it a 
second season, before it is permitted to flower. If pruned, as already 
stated, and placed in heat, the buds will break kindly, and the plants 
may then receive a shift into the pots in which they are destined to 
bloom in the following season. Previous to repotting, carefully 
examine the ball and remove any impure soil, drainage, etc. The 
pots now used may be from twelve to fifteen inches in diameter, and 
they should be well drained. Iu the progress of growth the shoots 
should be once or more stopped if necessary, and neatly tied out, to 
allow light and air to reach the iuside branches. The former opera- 
tion should be completed as early in the season as is consistent 
with the formation of a well-shaped plant. This will allow more 
time for the production of robust, well ripened wood for the next 
year’s bloom. The winter treatment may then be the same as 
before. 
The period at which the flowers would be most desirable must 
influence the time of commencing to force the plants. If started in 
January they will be in bloom in March or the early part of April, 
or they may be retarded for a considerable period. When the flowers 
begin to expand, a cooler and drier atmosphere will preserve them 
for a length of time in perfection. After this period the plants will 
require judicious pruning, repotting if necessary, and otherwise 
treatment like that previously given them. By timely attention, in 
May. 
