HODANTHE MANGLESII. 
33 
WEST KENT PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY OF GARDENERS. 
Jan. 5th. The following paper on the cultivation of Rodanthe 
Manglesii was read by Mr. Cooper: 
In my opinion this is one of the most delightful annuals ever 
introduced to our collections for ornamenting either the green¬ 
house or flower-garden, and I regret that it is not more ge¬ 
nerally cultivated. My meaning is this,—in every garden where 
artificial heat is at command, I think it should be grown. With¬ 
out this agent it cannot be cultivated to perfection, as it is one of 
the most essential points. I have noticed in different works va¬ 
rious modes adopted in the treatment of this delicate little plant, 
many differing with regard to the compost the most congenial to 
its welfare. Some recommend loam and leaf-mould, others loam 
and well decomposed dung. Either of these in all probability 
would grow them well, but the soil I use is composed of equal 
parts of peat and loam, with a mixture of silver sand. The peat I 
use is produced from decayed moss and other unfermented veget¬ 
able matter,—not the poor hungry material from a barren common. 
As to the time of sowing, some recommend August for early spring 
flowering, October for May flowering; but to have fine, strong, 
healthy, bushy flowering plants, I recommend the last week in 
February, or the first week in March, as I am convinced that the 
quicker Rodanthe Manglesii is grown the finer it will carry the fo¬ 
liage. It may be requisite to sow in August or October for a few 
early plants, but, for the general sowing, let it be done at the time 
I have before named, the last week in February or the first week in 
March. Sow either in pots or pans, using the compost somewhat 
fine, and let the seeds be covered very lightly; place them in a 
temperature varying from 60° to 70°, keeping the soil moderately 
humid, until they make their appearance. As soon as you can 
conveniently handle them, before they make their third leaf, pre¬ 
pare for potting them off into thumb pots, one plant in each pot, 
performing the operation if possible in a vinery or stove, it not 
being advisable to remove them to a lower temperature to per¬ 
form the operation. In transferring them from the seed pan or 
pot, take a small dibble, gently rise them, so as to have the roots 
as entire as possible. When you have potted the whole, place 
