Bulbs

Early-flowering bulbs ought to be coming in now, and will be found charming for tables. If there is a warm greenhouse, the plants will grow rapidly and flower freely. Attention to watering will be well repaid. Be careful that later bulbs do not remain too long in the fibre. If the top shoots get long and weak, the flowering is affected adversely.

Begonias

Winter Begonias will be in full growth and bloom where a temperature of 500 to 6o° can be provided. Watering will be necessary, but water should not be carelessly spilled about at this time of year, or given at regular intervals, irrespective of the state of the soil. Make sure that it is nearly dry before giving water.

Cactuses

These quaint but brightly - coloured plants are mostly at rest in winter, but there is one notable exception, the Epiphyllum, which, although nominally a summer bloomer, may produce its brilliant magenta rose flowers at the ends of the curious, drooping, jointed leaves at mid-winter, and hold them several weeks, even in a living-room. The best known species is Trun-catum, and there are several varieties of it with different-coloured flowers. Nurserymen propagate this interesting and beautiful plant by grafting it on to the Pereskia, and grow it in a compost of loam, leaf mould (one-third), and sand. Cereuses and Phyllocactuses have brilliant flowers also, both being much larger than the Epiphyl-lum. Grandiflorus is one of the best-known species of Cereus; it has huge white flowers, which open at night. Macdonaldiae and Nycticalus are also night bloomers. Fulgidus and Speciosissimus are brilliant species, and flower in early summer. Flagelliformis (Rat-tail Cactus) is a popular species, and bears pink flowers in early summer. It is often grown in a basket. We get very quaint growth in the Opuntias and Mammillarias. Some of these are covered with prickles, others with silvery hairs. Loam and shattered brick suit the majority, and they need practically no water throughout the winter. The Phyllocactuses are among the most brilliant of all. There are many lovely hybrids and varieties, notably Brilliant, scarlet; Cooperi, white; Epirus, pink; and J. T. Peacock Improved, crimson. These should be kept dry in winter. They will bloom in summer.

Fig. 94. - Grafting Epiphyllums.

a. Graft. b. Stock.

c. Graft duly fixed in the stock, and made secure.

Camellias

There are no more beautiful winter-blooming cool-house plants than the Camellias, and the amateur who has no plants might buy a few good varieties ready for blooming now. The following are beautiful sorts: Alba Plena, white; Contessa Lavinia Maggi, white, carmine stripes; C. H. Hovey, crimson; Beauty of Waltham, blush; and Reine des Beautes, rose. There is also a splendid semi-double, with crimson and white flowers, called Donckelaari. A temperature of 450 is ample, and water should only be given when the soil gets nearly dry. A high temperature and sodden soil bring the buds off. Camellias are often planted out in large houses, and when the large, brilliant flowers stud the lustrous green foliage they are extremely beautiful; but they may be grown in pots successfully with care in watering. If the pots get packed with roots, the plants should be repotted, but not otherwise. The best time for repotting is directly the buds are set. Equal parts of loam and peat, with sand, form a suitable compost.

Fig. 95. - Repotting Camellias.

a. Old ball of soil and roots.

b. Drainage.

c. Space for new compost, which should be made firm.