282 
THE FLOEAL AYOELD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
obtained during the summer, and on the approach of autumn the 
piauts should be thrown away, in order to make room for more 
young and vigorous stock. 
The soil best adapted for the growth of this plant is a mixture 
of equal parts turfy loam, peat, and well-decomposed cow-dung ; 
the two former should be broken small, and the latter sifted through 
a fine sieve. AV hen mixed together, a liberal supply of sharp sand 
and some small pieces of charcoal should be added." The latter is 
a useful fertilizer, and assists in keeping the drainage in proper 
condition. Green-fly or thrips arc the only pests to which this 
plant is liable, and both are easily destroyed by timely application 
of the usual remedies. 
BOSSIiES. 
OME of the species of Bossims deserve to be classed 
with the most beautiful of our greenhouse plants, and 
are indispensable in every well-furnished collection. 
All the sorts are profuse bloomers, and not difficult to 
cultivate ; but they are subject to the attacks of red 
spider, which must be carefully guarded against ; for if once it 
obtains a settlement, it is afterwards eradicated with much difficulty, 
and it soon disfigures the most vigorous specimens. If healthy 
plants are obtained at the present season, they will require merely 
the ordinary treatment of greenhouse plants during the winter ; but 
if they are found to be pot-bound they should be afforded a small 
shift, and be placed in the closest part of the house for a month or so, 
in order to induce the formation of fresh roots. It is, however, 
advisable to avoid shifting at this season, and unless they are 
suffering for want of pot-room, it will be better to defer the operation 
till spring. Toung plants should then be encouraged to start into 
growth early, so as to secure a long season. Therefore, about the 
beginning or middle of March, place them where the temperature 
may average about 45° at night, and from 55° to 60° by day, with 
a circulation of air, and keep the atmosphere as moist as can con- 
veniently be done. Have soil in readiness, and as soon after 
placing them in growing circumstances as possible shift such as may 
have filled their pots with roots ; but be careful to have the balls in 
a nice moist healthy state when the operation is performed, and 
keep rather close and warm, maintaining a moist atmosphere after 
potting, until the plants appear to have taken to the fresh soil. 
AVhen fairly established in their fresh pots admit air freely on every 
favourable occasion, and see that they are placed near the glass, and 
where they will be fully exposed to light and sunshine. Give a 
gentle syringing on the mornings and afternoons of bright days ; but 
this should be done after watering the soil, otherwise there is 
danger of being deceived, the soil appearing moist when beneath the 
surface it is dry. If red spider should make its appearance, the 
