1870. ] 
LINUM TEIGYNUM. 
87 
It was introduced, in 1799, from the East Indies, and taking into consideration 
the country from whence it came, one might be led to infer that a stove 
temperature would be necessary for it; but this is not the case, an intermediate 
temperature being the most congenial to its development. In a state of nature 
its blooming season is June, but in this respect the plant is very accommodating, 
for by the following treatment, than which nothing can be more simple, it may 
be had in flower by November. 
The plants after flowering should have been rested in a temperature of about 
40°, water sufficient only to sustain life having been given at the roots, and the 
foliage having been kept perfectly dry, as a preventive against damping off, which 
the stems are subject to do, if exposed to excess of moisture at that particular time. 
They will now be showing signs of growth, and must be pruned into shape and 
started. The cutting-back must, in a great measure, be regulated in accordance 
with the ripeness of the wood, which will now be made discernible by the vigour of 
the buds. They will break strongest from the ripened portions. When the young 
shoots are about an inch long, take the plants out of the pots, remove the 
greatest portion of the soil, trim the roots, and re-pot in a pot corresponding with 
the reduced state of the root; afterwards place them near to the glass, in a brisk 
growing temperature, with the addition of bottom heat; water carefully at the 
roots until the plants show signs of active growth, and admit air freely on all 
favourable occasions. 
Under these conditions, they will grow freely. As they advance in growth, the 
terminal buds should be pinched out, to encourage the formation of lateral shoots. 
Be careful to re-pot before they get pot-bound. The pots into which they are 
shifted should be of such a size as to become well filled with roots by midsummer, 
especially if they are wanted for winter flowering. An 8-in. pot will grow a fair¬ 
sized specimen, but smaller plants are readily attainable from cuttings of the 
young shoots, as they root quickly and freely, and make nice flowering plants the 
same season. 
The soil I find them to grow well in consists of equal parts of turfy loam, 
peat, and a mixture of leaf-mould and dung, with a liberal supply of sharp 
sand and charcoal. Studiously avoid shading them at any period of their 
growth. My opinion is, that shading is often carried to an unnecessary and 
injurious excess, especially as regards flowering plants, causing the growths 
to be drawn up weakly and attenuated ; whereas, by fully exposing the plants 
to sun, light, and air, we secure a more natural, more rigid and floriferous 
growth, which is, without doubt, the key to success, in as far as early forcing 
is concerned. Frequent waterings with clear weak liquid manure may be 
given beneficially ; they will have the tendency of counteracting the attacks 
of red-spider, which are very apt to be troublesome, and which must be 
kept under by the timely application of remedies.—G. Westland, Witley 
Court. 
