CALLA JDTHIOPICA. 
141 
that it will run freely through the pot; by the middle of April, 
as the sun gains power, and the growth of the plant is yet more 
active, the watering must be increased to a daily supply, and, by 
placing it in the air, the new leaves will gain strength and the 
moisture of the soil will be found pretty nearly absorbed by the 
evening. In May it will bloom, if its progress has been uninter¬ 
rupted, and, from the time the flower-stem is visible, onwards 
through the summer, it should stand in a pan containing a little 
water. While the flowers are in perfection, it will of course be 
kept where its beauties can be enjoyed, but afterwards, in the 
hot weather of summer, it should be placed in a shaded spot, out 
of doors, being abundantly supplied with water at the roots, and 
occasionally sprinkled over head, to remove dust. In July it will 
probably require to be repotted, which should be done as soon 
as its roots have reached the bottom of the first pot, placing it 
this time in one two sizes larger than the previous ; and, by con¬ 
tinuing it in the shade, a second growth will be induced, which 
is to bear the first flowers of the following year. Its size, by the 
middle of September, should have increased to about six or seven 
leaves, and, from that time till the first week of October, the best 
position for it will be the most sunny part of the garden; and, 
having very little or no water, the requisite degree of maturity 
will be imparted to the roots, and the plant brought into a fit 
state to meet the winter. As our autumnal frosts are often con¬ 
fined to the second week of October, it will be well to carefully 
guard it just at that time, but for a month afterwards, if the 
weather be fine, it will be better out of doors than in. The 
winter treatment must be confined to an endeavour to keep the 
plant quite dormant; if it grows at that time it is rather an 
injury than otherwise, and therefore no more water should be 
given than will just keep the leaves erect. The fullest exposure 
to the light and frequent cleaning will preserve them in health, 
and their handsome appearance must be considered ample recom¬ 
pense for this little attention. 
On the return of genial weather in spring, it will soon evince 
an inclination to grow, and must then be moderately watered, 
but should not be repotted or receive a full supply of moisture 
till it has bloomed. In general terms, it should never be dry in 
summer, or wet in the winter, receiving all the light possible 
