222 
THE ELOEAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 
devoured by snails as soon as planted out) by cylindrical hoops of 
the zinc and copper plate placed around each plant. 
If the tip of the tongue be placed midway on the zinc and copper 
at the same time, an unpleasant metallic or saltish taste is perceived ; 
this is the sensation which proves so unpalatable and detrimental to 
the slug, and in which the protective power consists. 
The cost of these plates is about sixpence per foot ; they will, of 
course, last for an indefinite period. 
SPARMANNIA AFRICANA. 
MONGrST the multifarious pursuits which occupy the 
attention of mankind, the cultivation of flowers is, 
perhaps, the most delightful and instructive. The 
amateur who is in possession of a competency, a garden, 
and a greenhouse may retire from the stirring, and 
exciting turmoil of busy life, to contemplate the floral productions 
of nature, and have his mind soothed and strengthened by their 
benign influence. Among other things the cultivation of Spar- 
mannia Africana is well deserving his attention, both from the 
beauty of its flowers and its easy culture ; the flowers are produced 
in umbels, and are well elevated above the foliage ; the petals are 
white, and the numerous stamens are particularly beautiful. A 
very interesting feature of the latter is their sensitiveness. During 
the months of April, May, and June, when the plant is in flower, on 
a calm, warm afternoon, when the sun is shining, let the flowers be 
examined, and the stamens will be found drooping, and crowded 
together, as if enjoying a tranquil repose ; give them a smart tap 
with the finger, and they will separate and expand in a semi-globular 
form. The Sparmannia will succeed well, and flower freely, if 
grown in a small pot. It is a plant of free growth, and when placed 
in a large pot, it is apt to become naked at the bottom, tall and 
unsightly. About the beginning of March, select those shoots 
which are too weak to flower for cuttings; prepare them in the 
usual way, put each into a small pot, plunge the pots in a gentle 
bottom-heat, and shade the cuttings until they have taken root. 
When well established, let them be finally shifted into a nine- 
inch pot ; they will grow well in a five-eighths of good turfy loam, 
seven-eighths of peat, and one-eighth of silver sand. The plants 
should be encouraged to grow freely in the early part of the season, 
and the points of the shoots should be nipped oft’ once or twice when 
growing, to make the plant more bushy, as it is naturally inclined to 
grow to a single stem. The stopping should, however, not be done 
later than July ; in August the plants should be placed out of doors, 
in the shade at first, gradually exposing them to the full influence 
of the sun. This plant will survive the winter well in a greenhouse, 
merely protected from frost ; but if placed in the most favourable 
situation with regard to light, it will produce abetter display of 
