SEPTEMBER. 
195 
of the most robust plants, discarding those that are weak, or have a stunted 
appearance, as they are apt to start into flower too soon, and can only make 
shabby plants. The plants intended for growing on pot off, and do not over¬ 
press the soil in the operation ; give a good watering overhead through a rose, and 
return them to the frame ; shade if the sun shines for a day or two, and raise 
the lights behind sufficiently to permit of a good circulation of air in the frame. 
Dispense with shading as soon as the plants have recovered from flagging, 
and endeavour to keep the plants moist both at the root and foliage ; and when 
they are established in their pots remove the sashes in fine days, avoiding 
strong sunshine. About the beginning of October change the frame to a 
southern aspect, and let the plants have the full enjoyment of the sun, except 
in extreme cases. 
As soon as the early winter frost endangers the plants in the frame, make 
provision for their winter quarters. Any house with sufficient artificial heat 
to keep out frost will do, if accommodation near the glass can be had, otherwise 
it is useless. As this is one of the most essential points in good cultivation, a 
shelf from 18 inches to 2 feet from the glass will produce, with attention, splen¬ 
did plants for specimens. 
Attend strictly to giving larger shifts as the plants progress, using the same 
soil all through ; syringe overhead after strong sunshine, turn regularly, and 
remove weeds continuously, in case of breaking the large leaves. Give air on 
every favourable occasion, and give a smart smoking every time green fly makes 
its appearance. When the flower-shoots make a start, put the plants into their 
last shift of pots, and peg out their lower shoots. 
Some pick out the leading .shoots at this stage. This, in my opinion, is 
wrong, as it spoils the natural elegance of the plant. The Cineraria naturally 
forms its head of flower into a half-globe, of a flattened pyramidal form, which, 
with the assistance of pegging, is much improved, and when the branches have 
pushed out beyond the pots, a few light stakes crossed horizontally over the 
surface, and tied to the rims of the pots, will keep them iu position ; and the 
higher tiers of shoots can be fixed in their places, with threads of matting 
attached to the branches thus trained out. 
As soon as the plants have filled their last shift of pots with roots, liquid 
manure waterings regularly twice a-week, at the rate of forty gallons of soft 
water to 1 lb. guano, ought to be given them up to the tune they are breaking 
into general flower. In conclusion, attend regularly throughout every stage of 
their growth to watering, syringing overhead, airing, turning their pots, train¬ 
ing outside branches (without sticks), except those already referred to, and 
keeping clear of green fly, to the day they are turned out of doors. 
A. Kerr (pn Scottish Gardener'). 
PICEA NORDMANNIANA. 
Picea Nordmanniana is second to no Silver Fir now in cultivation for 
symmetry and beauty. It grows here with remarkable freedom, making in 
some seasons yearling shoots from 2 to 3 feet and even more in length, and 
becoming densely clothed with branches. Its foliage is, on the upper side, of 
a beautiful dark green, smooth, and shining ; and on the under surface of a 
silvery hue. It has not, however, been seen with us in its greatest beauty till 
last winter, when I was surprised and delighted to observe that in the case of 
two large tall trees growing here, the under side of the foliage on the most 
aged parts had become of the most beautiful shining silvery white ; as the wind 
turned them up to the sun this feature was truly beautiful. 
