58 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOQIST. 
[ March, 
by its acute spatliaceous bracts ; and from C. Pearcei by the transverse staminode, 
and the hairy ovary. 
It is a plant of remarkably free growth, as well as a free bloomer, throwing 
up its flower-spikes well above the mass of graceful foliage. These qualities, no 
less than the intrinsic beauty of its flowers, recommend it to the notice of Orchid- 
growers. It was awarded a First-class Certificate at South Kensington in June, 
1870.—T. M. 
SERIOOGRAPHIS GHIESBREGHTIANA. 
HIS pretty free-growing soft-wooded stove plant is very valuable for deco¬ 
rative purposes, on account of its property of flowering during the winter. 
It is easily propagated by cuttings, prepared in the usual way, and placed 
in a gentle bottom-heat. It grows freely in a compost of equal parts of 
loam and peat, with a little sand. Young healthy plants that were struck the 
previous autumn should be selected early in spring, and when they begin to grow 
they should be shifted into larger pots, and the young shoots when about 3 in. 
high stopped. As soon as the plants begin to fill the pots with roots give them 
another shift. Keep them steadily growing during the summer months, and tie 
out the shoots neatly as they advance in growth. It is rather subject to the 
attacks of green-fly ; if any appear, fumigate immediately with tobacco-paper.. As 
they are easily grown, and as they flower during the winter, a considerable 
quantity of plants should be grown where cut flowers are in daily demand at 
that season.—M. Saul, Stourton^ Yorkshire. 
THE APPLE: ITS CULTURE & VARIETIES.— Chap. VI. 
ITH reference to the distances at which the trees should be planted, I have 
already advised, and it may be well to remind the amateur of this, that 
Pyramids and Bush-trees should be planted comparatively close together in 
the early stages of growth, the distance between them to be increased 
by successional liftings as they advance in size. These liftings, if performed at 
regular intervals of, say, two years, or at the very farthest, three years, will 
answer all the purposes of root-pruning, until the trees arrive at such a develop¬ 
ment that it becomes necessary to plant them at their permanent distances, 
which may range from 12 ft. to 15 ft., according to the vigour of the variety. 
It is when they are well established in these positions that root-pruning proper 
may commence, its necessity or otherwise being determined by the general 
growth of the tree. If the tree bears a suflScient quantity of fruit every year, 
and at the same time keeps up a moderate supply of healthy, fruitful wood, let 
well alone—root-pruning is not required. If, on the contrary, there are few 
fruits, and a strong development of growth, root-prune at once. 
The operation may be performed in this way :—In October strike round the 
tree a circle, with a radius of 2 ft., or rather less if the tree is small, and another 
circle having a radius of 3 ft. 6 in.; then dig out the soil between these two 
