236 
THE ELORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
This Linum has a free habit of growth, and requires frequent 
stopping to secure compact, bushy specimens ; and the shoots 
s’ ould be kept regularly tied out, so as to admit light and air, which 
greatly promote close growth, and save the necessity for stopping so 
frequently. Maintain a moist atmosphere, and syringe overhead 
frequently during bright weather ; and if red spider makes its 
appearance, which, unless the plants are kept in vigorous health, 
will probably be the case, place the affected plants so that the under 
sides of the leaves can be well washed with the syringe, and see that 
this pest is thoroughly eradicated before it gains a footing. During 
the summer months the plants may occupy a warm corner in the 
greenhouse, but a cold pit or frame, which can be kept rather close, 
will be a more suitable situation. A second shift will probably be 
required towards the middle or end of May, and this should be 
given as soon as necessary ; it will be advisable to avoid repotting 
near the time for removing the plants to their summer quarters. 
Although a high temperature, maintained by means of fire-heat, 
would be decidedly injurious, it will be advisable to keep the atmo- 
sphere rather close, and shut up early after syringing in the after- 
noon, and a slight shade should be afforded for a few hours on the 
forenoons of bright days. When the plants are well established in 
their flowering-pots, manure water, in a clear, weak state, may be 
given two or three times a week ; this will greatly assist ] in pro- 
moting vigorous growth. On the occurrence of unsettled weather in 
autumn, remove the plants at once to a light, airy situation, where 
they can have the assistance of a temperature some ten degrees 
higher than that of the greenhouse, and where they can be allowed 
a free circulation of air in fine days. If they should be wanted to 
blossom earlier than they may appear prepared for, keeping them 
rather cool and dry for a fortnight, and then replacing them in a 
moist, warm situation, will check the tendency to growth and induce 
the formation of blossom buds. Care should be observed that the 
foliage is perfectly free from red spider previous to the appearance 
of blossoms, for it will be difficult to keep it under when the syringe 
cannot be used. After blooming, the plants may be placed in any 
spare corner where thej r will be safe, and not exposed to currents of 
cold air, and they should not be excited into growth early in spring, 
unless where very large specimens are desired ; they should be 
allowed to remain at rest until towards May, giving water very 
sparingly while they are in a dormant state, and avoid wetting the 
foliage during damp, cloudy weather. 
Before placing the plants in a warmer temperature, turn them 
out of the pots and ascertain the state of the roots, etc., and either 
give a moderate shift or repot into the same sized pots, after repair- 
ing the drainage and removing any unkind soil, as the state of the 
roots may require. The treatment during this season need not 
differ from that recommended for last, and with careful management 
and a small annual shift they will last for many seasons ; but the 
shoots must be cut back rather closely when necessary, to prevent a 
naked appearance, and they may be disrooted sufficiently to allow 
fresh soil to be given without increasing the size of the pot. It 
