550 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ December 24, 1891. 
Hyacinths (R. J. B .).—The bulbs that are “ raised out of the pots ” 
have not been properly potted. The soil on which they rest has been 
much too firm, and instead of the mass of roots entering it freely, it has 
by its resistance caused the displacement complained of. If the roots 
are not more than an inch or two long, which is probably the case, the 
bulbs should be at once potted afresh, and if the work is done with great 
care the Hyacinths will flourish. As much of the soil must be taken 
from the pots as will enable you to hold each bulb in the left hand in 
the centre of the pot, the roots hanging so that they do not touch the 
bottom ; then with the right place in the soil carefully, not pressing it 
about the roots, which are very tender, but giving instead a few smart 
raps of the pot on a firm bench, still holding the bulb with the hand. 
When the pots are filled with soil it may be pressed down round the 
sides, but the bulbs must not be piessed down, nor the roots crushed. 
FIG. 99.— LANKESTERIA BARTERI. 
Water them immediately through a fine rose, and cover with cocoa-nut 
fibre refuse for about three weeks, by which time they will be well 
established. When the bulbs are partially upheaved and not rectified 
the plants are never satisfactory, as the spikes grow in a slanting direc¬ 
tion and are with difficulty staked upright to show them to advantage. 
Potash for Plants (M. B .).—The correspondent to whom you refer 
gave the following information on the subject:—“ Potash salts may be 
had under the name of sulphite of potash, muriate of potash, kainit, and 
nitrate of potash from most seedsmen and all dealers in artificial 
manures. Kainit, or crude potash salts, is cheapest, but it only contains 
about 25 per cent, of sulphate of potash (equal to 13 of pure potash) ; 
but it also contains large quantities of other salts which have been found 
hurtful to vegetation when more than 5 or 6 cwt. is applied per acre, 
and sometimes even that quantity hag done mischief. Sulphate of 
potash contains about 60 per cent, (equal to 34 of potash), and is, though 
in proportion dearer, altogether preferable. Muriate of potash contains 
81 per cent, of chloride of potash (equal to 50 of pure potash), and is so 
much more valuable. Sulphate of potash is most commonly used. The 
nitrate (saltpetre) we have found useful on a small scale— i.e., for pot 
plants when evil smells would not be tolerated. Our source of potash is 
the cowhouse. Cow urine contains about 40 lbs. per ton, and much 
other valuable matter ; that of the horse contains about 54. Like you, 
we are inclined to think that the proper use of potash has not yet been 
fully ascertained ; with nitrogen it is wonderful how long a vigorous 
growth may be sustained with it.” 
Disqualifying' at Shows (./. D.). —Your letter arrived too late 
for our last issue, and to insert it now would be not only “ old news,” 
but the incident is only of local importance. The exhibitor it appears 
was awarded the prizes on the merits of the productions, but disqualified 
by the infringement of some rules. He will, perhaps, remember 
this another year. 
Justlcia flavicoma (<2.).—Yes, this plant is valuable for 
conservatory decoration, as the flowers last a long time in beauty. 
When the first flowers fade return the plants to a heated struc¬ 
ture where they will flower a second time from the same truss. 
In fact, they will flower three times in succession. 
Bankesteria (R. B). —Yes, there is a small genus of the 
family Acanthacere, and as far as we are aware there is only 
one species in cultivation—namely, L. Barteri, which no doubt 
is the one you have. The plant is a native of West Tropical 
Africa, and requires strong heat, with a moist atmosphere. The 
compost should consist of loam and leaf soil in equal parts, with 
a little sand. The plant is of bold habit, with large opposite, 
oblong, lanceolate, dark green leaves, and the rich yellow and 
orange-scented flowers are produced in large terminal or axillary 
spikes. The general character is shown in fig. 99. 
Vines Infested with XVSealy Bug' ( Constant Reader ').— 
If the Vines have any leaves they may be removed and burnt, 
then syringe the Vines with a petroleum mixture, a third gill or 
wineglassful of petroleum to four gallons of water, in which 
8 ozs. of softsoap and 4 ozs. of washing soda have been dissolved 
whilst hot, and keep thoroughly mixed whilst being applied. 
Allow it to dry, and then repeat the application, wetting the 
Vines thoroughly in every part, and all the woodwork of the 
house. Let this also dry, and repeat once more. Then the 
Vines may be pruned, the woodwork washed, the glass cleaned, 
the walls limewashed, and the Vines, stripped of their loose bark, 
may be washed with the same mixture as advised for syringing 
them, reaching well into every angle, crack, hole, or crevice, 
using a brush, and taking care not to injure the buds. It is best 
applied whilst warm, 90° to 120°. If there are any plants they 
must be removed, and the surface soil must be scraped off and 
fresh supplied in its place. 
Tuberoses {Merchant) —Thousands of plants are grown to 
supply flowers for market by placing one medium-sized bulb 
in a 5-inch pot and three in 6 or 7-inch pots. Very large bulbs 
are sometimes placed singly in 6-inch pots. The upper part of 
the bulbs are above the soil, which is similar to that in which 
Hyacinths are grown. They are usually buried in cocoa-nut fibre 
refuse under the stage of a warm greenhouse, where no drip falls 
from the plants. In that way the soil is kept moist without 
watering, and roots form freely. When top growth is visible 
light is essential, a shelf in a warm house being suitable. Many 
plants are grown on shelves and stages from the first, but great 
care is needed in watering. When flowers are wanted early the 
plants are grown in stoves or hothouses, and in this case it is 
advantageous if the pots can be plunged in a hotbed. Not 
knowing your cultural conveniences we are unable to indicate 
the best method to pursue in your particular case. Your postcard 
was overlooked last week, but the bulbs will not have suffered 
in the least if they are not yet potted. 
Seneclo pulcher (S. T. V.). —This is a vigorous-growing 
perennial, with large fleshy or almost leathery leaves of a 
deep green colour and shining; the radical or root leaves 
are variously dentated and lobed, while those on the stem 
are ragged and irregularly cut. The flower stems are from 
2 to 3 feet high, very stout, freely branching at the top, and support¬ 
ing numerous flowers with the rays of a brilliant purplish crimson 
colour, and the disc or centre golden yellow, measuring 3 incnes or more 
in diameter, and lasting a considerable time in beauty. It flowers during 
the late autumn months, when it is of special interest and very welcome; 
and when well cultivated it is a most attractive plant. It may readily 
be cultivated in ordinary borders, but especially does it thrive in rich 
loamy soil in a damp situation, as it enjoys plenty of moisture during 
the summer months. As regards the pot culture of this plant, there is no 
difficulty in securing good flowering plants by that treatment in, say, 5 
or 6-inch pots, using as soil good yellow loam, leaf soil, and well-decayed 
cow manure, with some wood ashes and sand, or in lieu of the ashes fine 
nodules of charcoal ; the latter is of decided advantage in growing the 
plant. Perfect drainage is also essential, and an abundance of moisture 
during the growing season ; and it would be advisable to plunge the pots 
in some material such as spent hops or ashes, which would greatly assist 
to keep the roots cool and moist. 
