270 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ December, 
the most desirable varieties, and endeavour to create as great a variety as possible, 
with easy and graceful outlines. At all times guard against crowding, giving to 
the prominent plants space for development. To plant successfully, and with 
any degree of certainty, calculation and forethought are requisite, studying the 
habits and future development of the various plants employed, and striving to 
give relief by a free admixture of the various colours and forms, both as regards 
foliage and flowering plants. Attend to the protection of all tender plants, and 
see that the materials employed are sufficiently open, and not likely to generate 
damp. Clear up leaves and stack them away, as they form most valuable 
compost when rotted. 
In the case of Hoses , lose no favourable opportunity to complete planting 
operations, staking the Standards as planted, and mulching the surface. Roses 
delight in a firm soil, and therefore should be planted solidly ; protect tender sorts. 
Conservatories should now give a brilliant display of floral beauty, and at no 
season of the year are their bright hues more appreciated or welcome. We have 
Camellias and Azaleas in abundance, with the flaming colours of Poinsett ias and 
Euphorbia jacqitiniceflora , Ac., which are so famous for lighting up and giving 
relief to groups of foliage. Plumbago rosea is one of the best plants at this 
season of the year, as are also the free and effective-flowering Centropogon Lucy- 
anus and Epiphyllums in variety. Eupatorium odoratum and E. fragrans are both 
plants worth growing in quantity for decorative purposes at this season of the 
year. Jasminum grandiflorum in the shape of grafted plants, single and double 
Narcissus , Roman Hyacinths , with a few pots of Violets , are at all times 
welcomed for their fragrance ; Heaths , Epacrises , Cyclamens , Primulas , and that 
old effective and favourite plant, Richardia cethiopica, are also amongst the 
most effective for conservatory embellishment at this season. The temperature 
of conservatories should not be kept at the present time higher than will suit the 
majority of the occupants ; at the same time, it will be dangerous to allow it to 
fall below 50°, as it would endanger the standing of many of the most valuable 
plants. 
Stoves: The majority of the plants in these should be still kept at rest, using 
fire-heat moderately, and watering sparingly. Take every opportunity to eradicate 
insect pests. Such plants as are required for decorative purposes must be 
afforded a genial temperature, so as to keep the foliage fresh, whilst at the same 
time they should be sufficiently hardened as not to be liable to suffer when 
placed in rooms. 
Eorcing-IIouse: Introduce successional batches of plants as required, and see 
that the fermenting material is in an active state, as a moist, stimulating medium 
will be found congenial to development of growth. Examine Bulbs that are 
buried in ashes, removing such as are rooted ; and introduce fresh batches in 
succession. Rhododendrons , Roses (Teas, in particular), Deutzias , Rhodoras , 
Kalmias , Prunus , Lilacs; Clematis , such as Albert Victor, Fair Rosamond, Lady 
Londesborough, Stella, and Miss Bateman ; Iloteia japonica, and various Spirceas, 
&c., may now be brought forward. 
In the Greenhouses , Hard-wooded Plants should have a free admission of air 
on all favourable occasions, and the plants should be kept near to the glass. Any 
plants that show signs of damping should be elevated; and dust with sulphur 
such as become attacked with mildew. Water should be given with moderation ; 
at the same time, the frequent surface-dribbling system is objectionable, being 
apt to keep the surface-soil moist, while the lower portion of the ball is dry, and 
the roots perishing in consequence. From this cause more particularly large 
specimens suffer. When water is necessary, see that it is efficiently given, so as 
