Page:The Amateur's Greenhouse and Conservatory.djvu/159

Rh and well-furnished specimens may be produced in a comparatively short space of time. A good stock may be propagated without difficulty, provided the small side shoots are selected for cuttings when moderately firm in the early part of the summer. Some of the species can be propagated by means of seed sown and otherwise managed as advised for acacias. Good fibrous peat two parts, mellow turfy loam one part, and a part of small crocks, nodules of charcoal, and silver sand, mixed together in equal proportions, will form a compost in which they make the most vigorous progress, and produce their flowers in the utmost profusion. They must not be overpotted even when in a young slate, and after they have attained a considerable size a shift once every second year will be ample. During the first year, and probably the second also, it will be necessary to pinch back the leading shoots once or twice to promote the production of side shoots. They are mostly of a straggling habit, and the training must be commenced at a very early period, and in each year this should be done during the autumn or winter, as they naturally flower early in the season, and it is difficult to train them properly after the flower-buds are formed without breaking off or otherwise injuring a portion of them. A light and airy position is of the first importance, especially when they are making their new growth; for if they are too far from the glass or crowded up with other plants, the wood will be thin and long-jointed, and in consequence they will flower unsatisfactorily the following season.

.These produce their flowers during the winter. They are neat in growth, and thrive in good fibrous peat and silver sand. They are propagated by grafts and cuttings. The points of the side-shoots make the best cuttings, and they should be taken when the wood has become rather firm. Unless the plants grow out of shape, which can be easily prevented, they will require very little pruning beyond the removal of a branch occasionally. During the summer season place them in the open air, to ensure the thorough maturation of the new wood.

.— A peaty soil, moderate supplies of water, and a light position, are the main essentials to success in the cultivation of croweas. The short-jointed side shoots strike rather