CHAPTER XI.
THE ERICA AND THE EPACRIS.
If we could take a census of failures in plant growing, we should probably find the greatest proportion of the whole number associated with the Erica and the Epacris. It must be confessed that to be thoroughly successful with these beauties a somewhat broader exercise of judgment and patience is required than with many other classes of plants that are equally popular and perhaps, in their way, not less beautiful. But above all things steadfastness is essential to success, for a few small errors, omissions, or eccentricities of management, may destroy in a wonderfully short space of time the results of the best cultivation ever seen or heard of. The greenhouse heaths require no subtlety of superintendance, and in respect of their cultivation there is really not a single solemn secret to be divulged. All that needs be told about them may be comprised in one short chapter, and whoever will carry out our instructions faithfully, may, by the practice of patience and an observant habit, rise to the highest excellence in this fascinating and most remunerative branch of practical horticulture.
To begin with the multiplication, it must be first of all remarked that as a rule it is far better to buy than to make stock of ericas. But we are bound to suppose the amateur anxious to propagate his choicest varieties, and the best course, perhaps, for him to follow will be to put the ugliest old plant of each sort required into a temperature of 50° in the month of January. The reason for selecting the ugliest plants is that subjecting the plants to heat is bad practice, and handsome specimens deserve better care than to be forced for making cuttings. When the young shoots are three quarters of an inch in length, slip them off with the thumb, and then remove the lower leaves and they will be ready for potting.
