CULTURE OF FAVORITE PLANTS. 
and from seeds. For parlor culture it is best to secure good, healthy plants that are just 
about to start into leaf; as, if too far advanced in growth when removed, they are very 
liable to suffer from the change of situation unless in the hands of some one thoroughly 
skilled in their management. They are much helped by a daily syringing of the leaves, 
or, if inaccessible, the free use of a feather duster is a partial substitute. When raising 
the Smilax from the seed, the amateur must wait at least two years for his plant, though 
skilled cultivators have developed it in one year. The time for planting is in October, 
though greenhouse-men manage to keep two sets — one for summer and one for winter 
growth, planting a second time in midwinter. It does not require a very sunny place, 
and when at rest should have but little water until the vines begin to start. It needs 
frequent syringings to repel the red spider, its most formidable and destructive enemy. 
S TE JPH A JSTO TIS. 
\DAGASCAR is the native home of the Stephanotis floribunda, 
a lovely plant of the Milkweed family. It is called Stephanotis 
from two Greek words denoting crown and ear, because of the 
resemblance in the shape of the anther, the crown of the stamen, 
to the human ear; and floribunda, from the wealth of its bloom. 
Most of the Milkweed family are not climbers, but the Stephanotis, 
the Hoy a and some others, are exceptions. The flowers are from 
inches long, with a waxen, pearly appearance, and grow in clusters 
around the stems of the axils, and being also very fragrant and of rather a 
j handsome shape, they are of course much used for bouquets and floral decora¬ 
tions. The leaves are thick, fleshy and waxy, with a dark-green midrib, and 
are themselves a source of much beauty. The Stephanotis, though commonly 
ranked with hothouse plants, is easily cultivated in a parlor, and will flourish well through¬ 
out the winter if kept clean, supplied with liquid manure and tepid rainwater, and kept 
in an atmosphere not less than sixty-five degrees. About the beginning of summer it 
should be moved outdoors and placed, with or without its pot, in some partially-shaded 
bed or border, to enjoy a needed rest, and be moved back late in August or early in Sep¬ 
tember to where it is designed to bloom. It can be propagated from leaves in the manner 
described under Hoyas, the stem end being inserted in sand to the depth of about half an 
inch. The plants of this genus are subject to scales and what are called cotton-bugs, 
which should be wiped off with a sponge in open places, and rubbed off with a half-worn 
tooth brush in the axils; but the regular syringing will ordinarily prevent their appear¬ 
ance. Although natives of a hot climate, they are liable to be scorched by intense heat 
through glass, and hence should be withdrawn from the glare of the sun. Perhaps, 
because being by nature dingers to something larger than themselves, a protecting 
shadow has become indispensable. The soil used is common peat earth, with a slight 
admixture of manure and sand to insure the necessary freedom from stagnant moisture. 
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