AUGUST. 225 



MEYENIA ERECTA. 



(Plate 103.) 



This beautiful Indian shrub, of ^vhich our plate furnishes a 

 faithful representation, has been exhibited two or three times this 

 season by the Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting ; and wherever it has 

 been shown it has been universally admired. It is a very free 

 flowerer, and, owing to the size and colour of its blossoms, very 

 showy. In short, such is its beauty, that, when better known, 

 we feel certain no collection, however small, will be considered 

 complete without it. 



As reorards cultivation, we have reason to believe that the 

 treatment usually given to Francisceas would suit the Meyenia 

 exactly. When young plants are received, well rooted and other- 

 wise healthy, and in a growing condition, say in spring, give a 

 moderate shift into well-drained pots, one or (in the case of strong 

 plants) two sizes larger than those they are in. After potting 

 remove them to a close warm pit or frame, where a moderate 

 bottom-heat is maintained, and keep a moist atmosphere about 

 them, giving gentle waterings as required, and a slight shading 

 during bright sunny days. When growth has commenced freely, 

 the young shoots should be regulated, so as to form a handsome 

 specimen ; and when good progress has been made, a second shift 

 should be given into larger pots, proportioned to the strength of 

 the plants, and they should be again placed in heat. They should 

 now receive every encouragement to make vigorous growth, so as 

 to get their wood w^ll ripened by the end of September, after 

 which a drier and cooler atmosphere is requisite to insure a period 

 of rest. A temperature of from 50° to bo^ will answer perfectly 

 during winter. Next spring, if fair sized specimens are wished 

 for, the plants should be pruned in a little, say in February or 

 March, and then placed in heat as before, to start them into 

 growth ; the buds will soon be found to break kindly, and the 

 plants may then receive a shift into the pots in which they are 

 destined to bloom, and which should be well drained. If all has 

 gone on well, they will be pretty little plants this year, and will, 

 if desired, yield flowers ; the full display of the latter, however, 

 may be reserved for next season, when the plants will be strong 

 enough to produce them in abundance. 



The kind of soil best adapted tor it is perhaps two-thirds fibrous 

 peat and one-third good turfy loam, with a liberal addition of 

 silver sand. 



NEW SERIES, VOL. V., NO. LVI. 



