CULTURE OF FAVORITE PLANTS. 
may be unripe allowed to dry in some airy place, when they may all be trimmed of the 
spent roots and leaves, and stored away where they will not mildew from moisture or 
suffer from frost. The Gladiolus is the finest cut flower in existence. The spike placed in 
a vase, after the first flower has expanded, will develop and open every bud, and grow 
more delicate and beautiful to the last. 
IIELIO TII OLE. 
.MONO the favorite plants for window culture, and one of the most 
desirable for the greenhouse, is the Heliotrope; and this on account of 
its clusters of vanilla-scented flowers, which are the various shades of 
lavender or purple, and are in great request for cut-flower decorations 
and bouquets. If we might be allowed the expression we should call it 
one of the most quick-tempered of plants, pouting and petulant, to be 
led coyly along as if not being led, or else given its own way, when it will grow 
gloriously. It is quite susceptible to a change of atmosphere. A plant brought 
from the greenhouse should be watched that it get not too dry in the soil, which will 
be when it looks very dry on the surface, or else the leaves will begin to turn yellow 
or brown, and in a few days will drop. We have sometimes turned the balls of 
earth out on our hand, and found the fine rootlets, that should be like white silk and 
full of life, one brown, decaying mass, rendered so by the withholden cup of water on 
the one hand, and on the other by the porousness of the pot, that had withdrawn what 
moisture they derived from the soil. All this dead substance should he picked off gently, 
and the plant replaced in the pot; when, with a little more attention, it will begin to grow 
again, having become accustomed to its surroundings. 
When placed in the ground in summer the Heliotrope grows finely, but is very impa¬ 
tient of removal, as the lifting disturbs the roots too much. Those who wish a choice 
specimen saved should secure slips from it first, and get them rooted; then they will not 
be entirely helpless in case of failure in removing the plant. In taking up a large plant 
the following directions may be observed: Cut the roots all round the plant, so that the 
ball of soil will be a little less than the pot or box it is intended to grow it in; let the 
cutting be done with a very sharp knife or spade, and after the cutting let the plant remain 
in the ground for six or eight days. When ready to transfer, lift the plant as gently as 
possible from the ground with something broad enough not to disturb the roots, and 
place it in the pot; put this in an entirely dark place for a few days, giving no water at 
first (as the soil should be in a condition not to require it), watching to see when it begins 
to revive, then gradually move it to the light and trim it back. The foliage will probably 
fall, but if successful it will start again. 
The Heliotrope, to be a fine plant, should be allowed to grow large, and then it 
would be nearly always covered with flowers. A tub or box is the best place for this 
plant. For a window, one the size of a butter firkin answers. Indeed, a firkin itself 
could be used by washing it free from grease, and then soaking out the salt which it has 
