MODE OF CULTURE.

Very few, if any, of the species, but have been increased by cuttings. The only method we shall therefore treat of is this, and by seeds. The process for making and planting the cuttings is as follows: Let a middle-sized pot be prepared by filling it within three inches of the margin with small broken potsherds, or some such matter, that there may be a constant and ready drain for the water, which it will be necessary to give the cuttings at any time when the earth appears dry. Then, consulting the Index, take a sufficient quantity of sandy loam, sandy peat, or common sand, or a mixture of any of them, finely sifted, to fill the pot up to the margin, and press it lightly with the hand. Thus prepared, it is fit to receive the cuttings. These must be taken about an inch long, or shorter, from the smallest and tenderest shoots, cutting off the leaves two-thirds of the length, close to the shoot. When a few are thus made ready, take a small pointed piece of wood and dibble them into the pot; fixing the lower end of the cutting as firm as possible. When the pot is filled with them at about half an inch distance each way, cover them with a small bell-glass, to fit as near as possible. Then place it under a large hand-glass, or frame, where it must be kept from the stronger rays of the sun till the cuttings are rooted. Soon after the small bell-glass must be first removed, and in a week they may be exposed to the open air in the shade of a north wall, or, in winter, in the shady part of the green-house, to protect them from the sun and winds till they are removed into separate pots. The seeds of some species which ripen in this country, as well as those procured from the Cape, may be sown about the middle of March, in pots prepared the same way as for the cuttings; with this exception, that the earth be invariably sandy peat finely sifted. The seeds should be very slightly covered, and watered with a pot whose rose or head should only admit the water like a light dew, lest the seeds be all washed together. The smallest pots that can be procured are the best for transplanting. The earth in which most Heaths thrive best is a soft, loose, sandy peat.

ERICA. HEATH.

CLASSIS VIII. ORDO I. OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Character Genericus Essentialis. Calyx. Perianthium tetraphyllum. Corolla monopetala, quadrifida. Stamina. Filamenta octo, capillaria, receptaculo inserta. Antheræ apice bifidæ. Pistillum. Germen superum. Stylus filiformis. Stigma coronulatum. Capsula quadrilocularis. Dissepimenta valvularum margine. Semina numerosa, minima. Obs. Antheræ in aliis emarginatæ, in aliis bicornutæ, cristatæ, aristatæ, muticæ, vel penicillatæ; inclusæ vel exsertæ. CLASS VIII. ORDER I. EIGHT CHIVES. ONE POINTAL. Essential Generic Character. Empalement. Cup four-leaved. Blossom one petal, four-cleft. Chives. Threads eight, hair-like, inserted into the receptacle. Tips two-cleft at the end. Pointal. Seed-bud above. Shaft, thread-shaped. Summit crowned. Capsule four-celled. Partitions from the edge of the valves. Seeds numerous, very small. Obs. The tips in some are notched at the end, in others two-horned, crested, bearded, beardless, or pencilled; within the blossom, or without.