

«>r monvso thai it is n useful plant for Autumnal Kxlubilions, being, moreover, a capital tlowcr to cany, 

 requiring in packing only a small stick lu support each flower. 



Nalurally the plant grows on trees and rocks, and in damp shady places where the heat runs high, 

 during the growing season, ami in the resting period there is much drought; nevertheless at this juncture 

 the Hem, being heavy at night, keep the plants plump and firm, so that they arc prepared for starting into 

 growth when the wet season, which lasts for some time, sets in. This vet season is their season of growth 



and (lowering. 



The plant may be easily cultivated. The most difficult point in its management is lo keep the 

 foliage of a good healthy colour ; for it is often seen yellowish and unhealthy looking, although the plants may 

 appear vigorous- We had them so ourselves. The plant from which our illustration was taken was, however, 

 in perfect health, the foliage being as green and beautiful as it possibly could be. When thus grown it forms 

 a lovely object. Mr, Baker grows ,V, xpeclabiih and ite varieties equally well. Growers cannot do better, 

 therefore, than to follow his plan, for we never saw Mithmas with better coloured foliage or with so large 

 flowers as with him during the lost three years- The mode of treatment is as follows :— The plants arc kepi 

 in the East India house with Acrid*** Sttccohibittm* etc; they arc grown in broad-topped pans, suspended 

 from the roof, near the gloss but where there is little sun. There are trees at one end of this house, which 

 keep off the most powerful rays of the sun, though the blinds arc seldom used, and hence they obtain 

 abundance of light without too much sun-heat. This we believe to be the correct mode of growing them 

 with good foliage. Mr. Baker informs us that he plants them in Sphagnum-moss and peat, with good 

 drainage, and that he believes the grand secret to be the giving them plenty of water during their growing 

 season, which causes them to root freely— as, indeed, bis plants appear to do. The pans are |>crforutcd, 

 and the roots mu out in all directions round them, looking extremely healthy. When the plants are in 

 bloom they arc removed to a cooler house, where they remain until they have finished flowering; they arc 

 afterwards put back into the East India house, and started into growth. They generally commence growing 

 after the flowering is over, and this L* the best time to pot them. They must have perfect drainage, with moss 

 over the potsherds, a little rough fibrous peat being mixed with it, and the pit or pan filled up with the 

 material, so as to be able to place the plant on the top, a little above the rim. in which position the bulbs 

 must be firmly fastened to the soil with small wooden pegs. The plants having creeping rhizomes require 

 broad-topped pans or j>ots, in order to give room for their growth. 



The Miltomas require but little rest; they generally grow nearly all the year, taking their rest 

 when they arc in bloom. They should never he allowed to get dry ; indeed the bulbs, instead of being in this 

 way allowed to shrivel* must always be kept in a plump state. AVc have grown them in ilic same house 

 wilh the Gatllegu9 % and found them to do well and flower abundantly. As already described, water and 

 shade, and not so much a strong beat, are what they most require in order to keep the foliage of a good 

 colour, and to grow them to perfection. A slight syringing in warm weather will improve the health of 

 the plants. 



They arc propagated by separating the rhizome with pscudobiillis, leaving two or three old bulbs at the 

 back of the young growth. The best lime to divide them is just as they arc starting into growth. When 

 divided, they tdiould be put into separate pots and eet in a shady place, a good quantity of moisture being 

 applied at the roots. They arc not much subject to injury from insects. Sometimes the while scale will 

 attack them, and when this happens it mut*t be subdued by washing. 





