94 
LUCULIA GRATIS SIM A. 
taken off to induce an increase of branches ; a cold pit kept 
rather close will prove a suitable position for them through the 
next six weeks, by which time they will have grown considerably, 
and had better then receive the full influence of the air and sum 
in order to set the flower-buds which will occur by the end of 
September, when they may either be forced gently into bloom, 
or allowed to stand in the greenhouse and open their blossoms in 
a natural way ; in either case they make very handsome objects, 
their bright pink flowers produced in dense heads, like those of 
the Hydrangea, and deliciously fragrant, being highly desirable 
in the dull months of winter. 
After blooming, the plants should be allowed to rest till the 
following March, when such as it is wished to propagate from 
should be excited to grow, that cuttings may be provided in good 
time. Those which are intended to form specimens had better 
remain dormant till April, when they may be cut closely in, re¬ 
potted into large pots, with a light soil of peat, loam, and sand 
in equal quantities, amply drained, and then started by placing 
them in a close pit and moderate applications of water. Through 
the summer, when the plants are in full leaf, it will be advisable 
to sprinkle them over at least once a day, either early in the 
morning or in the evening. This keeps the foliage healthy, and 
prevents the attacks of red spider. A slight shade through the 
day, with plenty of air, when they have attained about the middle 
of their growth, keeps the leaves a deep green and the plant 
robust. In the active part of their progress water must be given 
liberally, withholding it gradually as they come nearer to ma¬ 
turity and the blooming season. The after management of the 
large plants will be the same through each season as that de¬ 
scribed, and each successive year will add to their resplendent 
beauty by an increase of branches, and consequently a finer dis¬ 
play of flowers. 
J. Green. 
