17G 



THE FLOKAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 



and somewhat pointed, generally rather 

 downy. The flowers are produced at the 

 base of the leaves, upon the smaller spur- 

 like twigs, and owe all their brilliancy to 

 the three large bracts which enclose the 

 flowers, and to which they are attached*. 

 These bracts are, as our sketch will show, 

 large, leafy, and veined like the leaves ; 



attached to them a tubular flower, about 

 an inch in length, and of a pale greenish 

 colour. 



And now comes the great practical 

 question, " Shall we ever be able to manage 

 this plant so as to insure a periodical dis- 

 play of its beauty ?" Ho many things are 

 now accomplished — facts which were only 



in different varieties, these are found of 

 all shades of colour, from pale salmon or 

 rosy pink to deep crimson or even purple. 

 Two out of the three of these usually bear 

 * This is a similar case to that of the Poin- 

 scttia pulcherrima, the glory ot our hothouses in 

 winter. In both cases, the flowers themselves 

 are inconspicuous, while the bracts enclosing 

 them are large and brightly coloured. 



a short time ago believed to be impossible 

 — that it makes one chary of prophesying. 

 It may be that the lime will come when 

 this plant will be the glory of our hot- 

 houses, and if so, it can only be brought 

 about by cheekingits too luxuriant growth. 

 This must be done by cramping the roots, 

 and thoroughly ripening the wood by 



