138 
THE FLORIST'S JOURNAL. 
severe winter? as in that case, though they were subjected to 
ever so much, they would not show it at the time, but the effect 
would be exactly as a “ New Subscriber” describes it at the 
present time. If such is the case, I would recommend them to 
be repotted, and pruned well back, and then placed in a gentle 
stimulating heat, shaded from the intense rays of the sun; where 
let them remain for a month or six weeks, (giving them occasional 
slight waterings over head,) by which time those which have now 
any powers of vegetating left will have made sufficient progress 
to be gradually inured to the open air ; which treatment will be, 
perhaps, the best, let their present appearance proceed from what 
cause it may. An improper soil, over-watering, or a confined, 
dark situation, during the winter months, may be also considered 
as very prejudicial to these beautiful and peculiar plants. 
The Epacris is a native of Australia, where it is generally 
found growing on the sides and at the tops of mountains of very 
considerable elevation; consequently it requires a free supply of 
pure air, and the full influence of the sun during the winter and 
early spring months ; but in an artificial state, as it is with us, it 
requires some protection from frost in winter and the scorching 
effects of our summer’s sun ; as, when turned out with other plants, 
in June, the roots, which are very fine, and by that time generally 
close to the pot, are frequently injured to such a degree, that it is 
scarcely possible to recover them by the heat imbibed through the 
pores of the pot. To obviate this, some recommend them to be 
repotted into larger pots just before they are turned out of doors ; 
but as I consider over-potting to be nearly as bad as the effects 
of the sun, T prefer placing them closely together in a cold 
frame, with a west aspect and in an open airy situation ; or, if the 
plants are wanted for grouping or other ornaments, I surround the 
pots with moss, which I find keeps them cool and moist; and by 
attention to watering, a luxuriant growth may be kept up all 
summer. About the beginning of August keep them rather 
dry, and with a little more sun, so that the wood may ripen well; 
for on this depends the blooming. Remove them into the house 
rather early than late, always placing them in an airy open situa¬ 
tion, among Ericas and other plants of similar habit. During 
winter great care is necessary in watering. It should be given 
in small quantities, just sufficient to keep them moist, and no 
more. Also, avoid the extremes of both heat and cold. The 
