218 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
should be placed in a cold pit or frame, where they can be screened 
from the direct rays of the sun in the event of bright hot weather 
setting in, and the atmosphere should be kept moist by sprinkling 
the plants, etc., on the mornings and afternoons of sunny days, 
shutting the frame up at a rather high temperature after the after- 
noon’s syringing, but some air should be left in for the night. Aim 
at obtaining dwarf healthy growth, and regulate the treatment 
accordingly. If the pots are full of roots, give a moderate shift at 
once, as it is advisable to have the plants well established before the 
end of the growing season, and they should be prepared for winter 
by full exposure to the sun’s rays, and a free circulation of air after 
the end of August. It will also be advisable to remove them to an 
airy part of the greenhouse by the middle of September, and to water 
them rather sparingly after that time. During winter give no more 
water to the soil than is necessary to prevent its becoming very dry, 
but when water is applied give enough to moisten the whole ball, 
and give no more until absolutely necessary again, allowing the 
plants to occupy a place near the glass free from currents of cold, 
damp air. About the middle of March they may be encouraged to 
start into growth by increasing the temperature to 55° or 60° by day, 
with sunshiue and air, and 50° at night, and giving water more freely 
as they exhibit symptoms of growth. It will be necessary, however, 
to cut back last season’s shoots, and this should be done as soon as 
any increase of temperature is given. The shoots must be cut back 
to within a few inches of the crown, otherwise it will be impossible 
to obtain compact bushy specimens. Give a moderate shift as soon 
as the plants start into growth after being cut back, but only to 
such as require it. If aphides make their appearance, which will 
very probably be the case with plants excited into growth early in 
the season, fumigate with tobacco-smoke at once. Keep the atmo- 
sphere in a healthy, moist state, and draw the syringe lightly over 
the plants on the mornings of fine days, especially when you are 
inducing them to start into growth. The same treatment may be 
continued during the spring, giving air and water more freely after 
the plants are in full growth, but avoiding cold currents. 
In May, or early in June, the specimens may be removed to a cold 
pit or frame, or a quiet corner near the glass in the greenhouse will 
suit them. A second shift may be required by vigorous plants, and 
if so, this should be given as soon as it may be necessary, in order to 
get the pots well filled with roots previous to winter ; and healthy 
plants not over-potted, will be benefited by an occasional supply of 
clear, weak manure-water during the growing season. 
The autumn and winter treatment, already recommended, will be 
proper again, and if the specimens are not considered large enough 
for flowering, they must be cut back in spring, and permitted to 
have another season’s growth. Flowering plants should be allowed 
to remain in the greenhouse until their blossoms expand, and they 
should be fully exposed to light to colour the flowers ; they may then 
be removed to the conservatory, or wherever their presence will 
be most agreeable. After flowering, the shoots should be well 
shortened, weakly ones cut out, and the plants placed in a situation 
