1868. ] 
CULTIVATION OF ACHIMENES. 
29 
not be classified with ascertained truths. If it is true, as Mr. Cox believes, 
that the production of roots on the stem is caused by an undue depression 
of heat in the soil, an excess of water, or an excess of drought, and that 
the appearance of spongioles in this quarter is purely a secondary matter, 
and that they are called into existence merely to sustain a paralysed 
system, will he explain why our pot Vines commit the same irregularity ? 
We usually begin to force them between the 20th of October and beginning 
of November. They are grown in narrow houses about 9 feet wide, in 
which is a pit, the bottom heat being supplied by two 8-inch pipes. These 
are covered to the depth of 15 inches with stones, upon which are placed 
tree leaves as plunging material. The temperature of the bed is regu¬ 
lated by an underground thermometer, which is allowed to range 
between 78° and 82% so nothing is wrong on that score ; and as the roots 
are constantly open to inspection, they are never drowned with water, nor 
frizzled by drought. Still roots are produced abundantly on the stems,' 
though the proper roots extend through the bottom of the pots and run 
through the greater part of the bed. 
I might go on multiplying indisputable evidence in support of what 
I have heretofore maintained—namely, that the production of roots on the 
stem of early forced Vines is due to a humid warm atmosphere ; while by 
the withdrawal of moisture they nearly if not totally disappear. There are 
some varieties of the Vine which, whether propagated from eyes or cuttings, 
emit roots more freely than others. These will be found almost invariably 
to produce spongioles from the stem. 
I beg to assure Mr. Cox that no one estimates the value of Dr. Lindley’s 
Theory of Horticulture more than I do. I have made both editions a 
subject of study, and feel persuaded that no book has yielded so many 
contributions to assist the practical gardener; but, with this admission, 
I am not prepared to believe all Di\ Lindley’s statements, and reject none 
more decidedly than the one now under consideration. Great minds have 
erred, and do err; hence we must not assign to any mortal the attribute 
of infallibility. There are cases where the evidence of certain truths lies 
beyond our apprehension, and cannot be accurately measured; but no 
mystery surrounds the subject of our debate, as the disputed point can be 
proved by direct experiment. 
The Gardens , Tortivorth Court. Alexander Cramb. 
CULTIVATION OF THE ACHIMENES. 
Achimenes is not so much grown as it was a few years back, though 
it is very beautiful as well as very useful for conservatory decoration. 
I trust, therefore, that the following hints may induce many cultivators 
again to adopt it for this purpose. 
