THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
233 
Side-shoots, however, are produced very freely when the plants are 
grown rapidly in a brisk, moist temperature, and kept near the 
glass, and these should be slightly tied out without bending them 
down, so as to afford the foliage sufficient space. The habit of the 
plant, however, although it is what is deemed had by plant growers, 
is exactly suited to the inflorescence, for the long drooping spikes of 
bright- coloured flowers would not be half so effective if produced on 
dwarf, bushy plants. But if, from any cause, side-shoots are not 
produced freely, the plant should be bent down, leaving the eyes 
which are wished to start into growth the highest, which will check 
the growth of the leading shoot, and more effectually promote the 
growth of others than stopping would do. 
Discontinue shading, and expose the plants freely to sunshine 
after August, admitting air more freely, to induce short-jointed wood. 
Attend, however, carefully to watering, and do not let them sustain 
any check, as with proper attention they will grow very freely till 
late in autumn. If the plants are wanted to flower early, they should 
be sparingly supplied with water, and kept rather cool for a few 
weeks ; but they must not be allowed to get too dry, as this would 
injure the foliage ; and, except for plants that are wanted to flower 
early in winter, there will be no artificial treatment necessary to 
induce them to flower profusely, which they will do from January 
till May. The time at which they will blossom will, however, 
depend upon the temperature ; for, unless this is rather warm, they 
will not flower so early. When in bloom, they must be kept in a 
temperature of not less than 55° or 60° ; for the flowers do not 
open in the temperature of an ordinary conservatory, nor do the 
spikes attain any length in a cool place. 
In order to preserve the plants in beauty as long as possible, 
avoid wetting the flowers in syringing, and keep the plants in good 
health by attention to watering, etc. After their beauty is over, 
remove them to where the temperature may be kept at about 50°, 
and allow them about a month or six weeks to recruit their energies 
after blooming, cutting back the shoots as may be deemed proper. 
Before placing them in heat, give a liberal shift if necessary, and 
when the buds start keep the stronger shoots tied out, bending 
down and stopping any that may incline to outgrow the others, and 
syringe, etc., as recommended last season, only that bottom-heat 
may be dispensed with in the case of plants that are some size. 
And as there will be no necessity to keep them growing late in 
autumn, a plant or two for early flowering may be removed to a 
rather cool place and sparingly watered until the growth is checked, 
and then returned to the stove, where they will soon flower. 
The T hyrsacanthus is a vigorous grower, and not very particular 
as to soil, except that it should be rich and light, and efficient 
drainage should be secured in potting. About equal portions of 
turfy peat and loam, with plenty of sand, will suit perfectly, and a 
little thoroughly decomposed cow-dung would do no harm. 
.August. 
