THE FUCHSIA. 
261 
instance soil is a most important agent, and I particularly beg to 
call attention to it, as I believe I differ from many cultivators on 
this point, in so far tbat I use no loam. Instead of the usual 
compost, I would recommend equal parts of well decomposed 
cow dung, leaf-mould, and peat, to which add half a peck of 
Riegate sand to one barrowful of the mixed compost; sift it 
through a very coarse sieve for the first potting, that is in tliirty- 
two-sized pots, but for the second and third potting, merely chop 
it up ; be particular to have free drainage, for this is essential to 
all plants ; now after the plant has been potted the last time, and 
is beginning to fill the pot with roots, I would recommend a layer 
of fresh sheep dung on the surface, and on that a layer of nice 
green moss ; if you have never tried this plan you will be asto¬ 
nished at the effect, as it draws the roots through the sheep dung 
into the moss, which supports the plant very much at this time; 
in addition, when the plant begins to bloom, water it twice a week 
with liquid manure. The above remarks are more adapted for 
the high coloured Fuchsias; the light varieties do not require 
such stimulants, as manure, either fluid or solid, tends to hush 
the colours. 
For one variety, Venus victrix, a universal favorite, I would 
recommend peat and sand only, in fact, they all grow fast enough 
in peat and sand, but do not hold their flowers ; the effect of the 
peat in this variety is that it comes decidedly lighter. I would 
also recommend the partial shading of Fuchsias, more particularly 
the light ones. 
I have now stated the plan by which I have produced tolerably 
good specimens, and have full confidence in recommending the 
foregoing remarks to your consideration. 
It will not be out of place to offer a few' words on hybridizing, 
which in my humble opinion ought to devolve more upon the 
gardener than is generally the case, because he has greater facilities 
than nurserymen, and he might make it a source of profit to 
himself; indeed, I should like to see more hybridizing, and less 
propagating among gardeners, as I feel confident it would be 
more beneficial to both parties. It would be ridiculous on my 
part to attempt to instruct you in this operation, only endeavour 
to have unique habits of plant, and the greatest possible contrast 
of colour in the flowers, and as soon as the seed is ripe, take it 
