THE EPACRIS. 
171 
should be kept rather close and shaded, to induce them to com¬ 
mence their growth, but afterward the supply of air should be 
gradually increased to prevent them being drawn up weakly; 
water, of course, must be given regularly, and in quantities pro¬ 
portionate to the state of the weather, and condition of the plants. 
An occasional syringing will be found highly beneficial, but must 
not be indulged in to any great extent, or mildew will perhaps 
make its appearance. 
By the middle of September, the seasonal action of the plants 
will decline; and, to complete their growths, it will be well to 
expose them completely to the sun for three weeks or a month, 
at the same time abstaining from the free use of water, closing 
them up at night and using every endeavour to ripen the shoots 
that have been made. Some time in October or the early part 
of the following month, they should be taken to the greenhouse, 
where a light, airy situation at the coolest end should be selected 
for them. Epacrises only require to be guarded from frost; and, 
with the coolest treatment compatible with that particular, ge¬ 
nerally succeed the best. Their treatment through the winter 
will, therefore, be that of a dormant plant; no more water should 
be given than is positively necessary to keep them from shrink¬ 
ing, and as much air as the external atmosphere will permit. 
In the spring, when the flowers begin to expand, some little 
encouragement may be given, as to remove them from chilling 
draughts, and to supply them rather more liberally with water; 
still, the latter must be used cautiously, or some danger of the 
blossoms falling before they open will be incurred. 
No particular mode of training can be recommended for these 
plants, or, rather, we should advise it to be altered according to 
the habit of each individual. Much difference exists in the length 
and vigour of their stems, and perhaps the easiest rule will be to 
train the long, weak-growing kinds upon wire cylinders, while 
the more robust may be left to grow erect. Whatever mode is 
adopted, the means should be kept as much out of sight as pos¬ 
sible, as, however necessary sticks or frames may be, they should 
never be conspicuous. 
The following selection would be a good one to begin with, 
and any of the number may be added with advantage where they 
are not already grown :— 
