THE FLORIST’S LETTER-BOX. 
163 
With a few exceptions they are natives of Central and South 
America, from the table-land of Mexico all the way to Cape Horn. 
They occupy the place of the heaths in that part of the world, 
the same as the Epacridece do in Australia ; but the soil which 
they require is different from that which suits best with the last- 
named genus and with the heaths. Some grow in exposed situ¬ 
ations, and others in the shade ; and the soil best fitted to them 
seems to be decomposed volcanic rocks and leaf-mould, with an 
admixture of sand ; but, as they are strong growers, there must 
not be too much of the latter. Out of South America the only 
species that have been discovered are F. discolor , a red and purple 
one, found in the Falkland Islands, and F. excorticata , with vari¬ 
able coloured flowers, but generally green or red, which occurs 
in New Zealand. These two appear, from their variable colours, 
to have been transported from their native habitat in South 
America, which must be regarded as the head-quarters of the 
whole tribe. In this country, as has already been said, they 
grow freely ; and as their native habitats are on the mountains, 
where showers are frequent, they do not require any particular 
seasonal treatment, excepting the shelter of a frame in very severe 
weather ; and a few of the more delicate ones suit well for the 
greenhouse. 
THE FLORIST'S LETTER-BOX. 
This month wo must confine our replies to the fewest words possible. 
M. had better consult any maker of flower-pots, for the sizes answering to the 
numbers, bearing in mind that there is a difference of diameter between the 
shallow ones and the deep. 
E. M. will please to observe that Lechenaultia is a New Holland plant, and 
therefore seasonal in its habits; and as the soil in which it naturally grows 
consists of decomposed rock, with less vegetable mould than the soil of most 
countries, a very considerable mixture of sand is required in order to grow it 
successfully in this country. Both species are greenhouse shrubs, or, at least, 
cannot stand our winters without shelter; though, like most New Holland 
shrubs, they ought to be hardened by free exposure during the latter end of 
summer and the beginning of spring. Dry peat, if properly macerated in 
water, is not inferior to that fresh from the bog, as it is not growing moss, but 
decayed moss that suits for plants. Cut flowers, if fine enough to be worth 
