NERIUM. 
103 
gle flowers. The N. splendens is considered one of 
the best, and being a hardy greenhouse plant, is easily 
managed, and will keep very well during winter in a 
cellar. 
Propagation. —The best way to propagate Olean¬ 
ders is by cuttings from the young shoots taken in 
August or September. The cuttings should be taken 
off at a joint, and be from three to six inches long, 
and planted in pots filled with sandy loam, or sand 
and peat; and they will strike root freely if placed in 
a close frame with a little bottom heat. They may be 
kept in the cutting pots through winter, and early in 
Spring should be planted in single pots in any good 
rich soil. They may also be raised from layers, but 
they not unfrequently die after being taken off the 
parent plant. 
As the Oleanders are vigorous plants, they require 
a good soil. A compost of two parts loam, one ditto 
decayed manure, and one of peat, suits them well, and 
they should be shifted once a year, the best time for 
which is before they begin to grow in the Spring. 
Trim off the matted roots and loosen the ball a little 
shake off as much of the old soil as possible, and re¬ 
pot them in the fresh compost, (pressing the soil well 
between their roots,) and give them a watering. 
The Oleander will seldom fail to flower freely, if 
kept in the coldest part of the greenhouse or cellar 
during winter, and early in Spring removed to a warm 
situation. From the time the flower buds make their 
appearance, the roots should be well supplied with 
water until they have done flowering, and their beauty 
