122 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
raent; but as we intend offering a few observations on the ra¬ 
tionale of the process, we now return to the cultivation of the 
plants under consideration. Every one-grows geraniums, conse¬ 
quently there are several methods of growing them; but each 
method points to the same end, and each and every one of them 
which attains the object in view is correct: there may be some 
minor objections advanced against our mode, but we are per¬ 
suaded, from the result of several years’ practice, those who are 
inclined to follow the rules laid down will seldom fail of obtain¬ 
ing healthy plants, a vigorous growth, and an abundant bloom. 
The first point to be observed is to insure strongly rooted 
plants at the earliest possible period previous to their being placed 
in the house for the winter ; for this, the cuttings should be taken 
off at the commencement of July: it is not judicious to take 
them off while the plants are flowering, as it destroys the beauty 
of the plant; but it should be done immediately after, which is 
usually about the time mentioned. When taken off, the lower 
leaves should be cut away about three joints up, and the cut¬ 
tings placed in a previously prepared bed of about equal parts 
decayed leaf mould and peat, and a third of the whole fine white 
sand; these should be well incorporated, and covered with a 
frame or handlights, observing to choose a shaded part of the 
garden as the most proper situation. In planting the cuttings 
they should be securely fastened in the earth with the dibble, 
and afterwards lightly watered, in order to settle the earth firmly 
about their stems; the glasses should be kept close and well 
shaded until they are rooted, when air should be admitted gra¬ 
dually, till they are fit for potting. The compost used for the 
first potting should be similar to that recommended for striking 
them in, and the pots suited to the size of the plants : it is now 
most essential to their future well being that an effective drain¬ 
age is secured, for without it the plants frequently damp off 
during the confinement of the winter months. When potted 
they require protection from the sun for a few days, till they are 
reestablished; they may be allowed to remain in the open air 
till the end of September. In arranging the plants in the green¬ 
house, carefully avoid crowding them, as a free circulation is 
most necessary; it is far better to grow a smaller number of 
plants well, than in the endeavour to include too large a pro¬ 
portion to spoil the whole; for though there may be accommo- 
