THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET. 
89 
student or collector. The local name is given with each 
plant figured ; we learn from this that the Downy Lady’s 
Slipper [Cypripedium pubescens) is known in New Eng¬ 
land as “ Whip-Poor-Will's Shoe,” a name appropriated 
in many localities by the Sarracenia. 
Mr. Baldwin’s illustrations are charming from an artis¬ 
tic standpoint, and most accurate botanically. A com¬ 
parative list, giving localities of the species, a compre¬ 
hensive bibliography, and a full index complete the book. 
The mechanical part of the work, printing, binding, etc., 
is excellent. It is impossible to praise the volume too 
highly in every respect. 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
Justicia— F. A. Ailing .— This plant will thrive with 
the same treatment that the Geranium requires. The 
best method of cultivation is to insert cuttings of it in 
March, and grow them in a cold frame during the sum¬ 
mer months. In early autumn, put them in five-inch 
pots, give them a good watering, and keep them in a 
partially shaded situation until they become well-estab¬ 
lished, then bring them into the house, and they will 
make handsome, free flowering plants, keeping in bloom 
the entire winter. The predominating colors are pink, 
or purplish pink. There is a species with yellow flowers, 
J. calytricha, a native of Brazil; we do not know of 
its having been introduced into this country. 
Ficus— Mrs. J. W. B.— We cannot always give the 
cause of failure of any plant to thrive. We would infer that 
you had given yours too much water when at rest; that, 
and too much pot room, would produce the result you 
state. We do not know of a “ Mammoth Calla,” in dis¬ 
tinction from the one commonly cultivated. If you mean 
what is sometimes termed a “ double-flowering Calla,” 
we would say that such a condition is simply accidental. 
If one of extraordinary size, then good treatment will 
give it to you. Pjenty of heat, very rich soil, and liberal 
watering will bring flowers of an enormous size. 
Palms —Mrs. Robert Earl .— Your Chamarops ex¬ 
cels a, is from some cause diffident in root-action ; it may 
have had too much water, and not sufficient heat. It is 
easily grown ; the plant should be potted in rich, strong 
loam, with a slight mixture of leaf-mould and sand. The 
pots should be well-drained, and water liberally supplied 
during summer. 
Daphne —Same .— There is no reason why your Daphne 
should not flower this winter, unless it be that it has too 
much pot room ; it should become foot-bound to flower 
well, and does not require shifting oftener than once in 
three years. 
Moss Ros e—Same. —Your Rose has undoubtedly been 
killed to the stock, and the vigorous growth you men¬ 
tion is from the Dog-rose or manetti stock. If such is 
the case, we should advise throwing it away, and getting 
a new plant. 
Olea Fragrans — Subscriber.— To succeed well with 
this plant it should be budded on the common Privet, and 
grown in rather a small-sized pot, one six inches in dia¬ 
meter is sufficiently large for a good flowering plant. It 
needs a moderately rich, strong, or heavy soil, and it will 
thrive in almost any situation, one that suits the Camel¬ 
lia, is well adapted to it. Its season of rest is in early 
winter. 
Lilium Harrisi— J. E. E .— Before this reaches you, 
your Lilies have undoubtedly made both root and leaf 
growth. The fact of their being a little backward in 
starting is a-good sign, unless the bulbs have decayed. 
Your Polyanthus Narcissi will do well in the temper¬ 
ature you have given them. They will do well in even a 
higher temperature, but it must be as nearly even as 
possible. 
Carnations— James A Bishop. —The trouble with 
your Carnations is a parasite, the same as is troubling 
nearly all others. The remedy no one has yet discovered. 
The best soil for the Carnation is well-rotted turf from 
an old pasture. They should be evenly watered; never 
allow them to become dry, neither let the soil get sod- 
dened. 
Turk’s Head Cactus— Mrs. A. E. Volker , N. H .— 
This Cactus will bloom, but it will take its own time to 
do it. Give it all the heat and water that is possible 
when growing, and then absolute rest in a dry, wmrm 
room, and it will bloom freely enough, although the 
flowers are of no great consequence.. 
Bouvardias — Subscriber. — See Notes and Comments. 
Tuberous ■ Rooted Begonias — Same. — This class of 
plants can be successfully grown in a partially shaded 
border, or in pots which should be plunged in earth or 
moss. During the winter the bulbs or tubers should be 
kept in earth and perfectly dry. They are strictly sum¬ 
mer-flowering plants. 
Jasminum Gracilimum — Same .— This is an excellent 
plant for the “Window Garden,” with the temperature as 
stated 65°. During summer plunge the pots in the open 
border, and bring in before frost. With a number of 
plants the season of bloom can be prolonged for several 
months, by keeping some back, cool and nearly dry. 
Stimulate growth as desired. 
Begonia— Same. —Fumigate with tobacco if conveni¬ 
ent; if not, dip the plant in strong soapsuds, warm, and 
rinse in clean water soon after. Repeat until the enemy 
disappears. 
Pelargonium, Fred. Dorner— Same.— It is a mistake to 
call this a Monthly ; it is a good bloomer, but by no means 
a perpetual. 
