170 THE FLOBIST AND POMOLOGIST. [August, 



stances, lifts itself gradually, and develops into a blade 3 ft. 6 in. by 2 ft. 6 in. 

 Curious as is its manner of unfolding, it is rendered even still more curious by 

 the small threads that connect the outer segments of the leaf, giving it an entire 

 and perfect outline. These are soon broken by wind or movement. 



We have generally grown the Monstera planted out in small bricked-up 

 corners of cool houses, where we could, by an alteration of the plants, make the 

 most use of the sun heat in summer. It will succeed perfectly, I have no doubt, 

 in a common greenhouse where vines are grown, and where in the summer months 

 the application of a little extra heat would ripen the fruit sooner. With us, 

 it takes twelve months from the time of blooming. Of course, there is mostly a 

 succession of fruit. The report of the meeting alluded to states that this fruit is 

 very delicious. In my opinion, it is one of the most delicious fruits grown, and 

 if allowed to grow freely, instead of being hampered in a pot, the fruit loses the 

 little asperities or spiculse that cause a peculiar tickling sensation in the throat 

 in some cases. I considered, at one time, that there were two varieties, but I 

 am now convinced that the difference is simply due to the conditions of growth. 

 Some of our first fruits this year were from 14 in. to 18 in. long, with a good 

 depth of the eatable part. One ripe to-day is scenting the air some distance round 

 the house — more so than a house of Pine Apples would do. 



The habit of the plant is creeping, or, if it were consistent, we might say 

 stalking, as the rootlets come from the stem, at a foot or 18 in. from the ground, 

 and form fine strong spongelets as thick as one's finger. These on reaching the 

 soil either penetrate it or go along to the wall, where they spread out into 

 tufts of numerous rootlets. Any sort of soil appears to suit its growth. We 

 have always used good loam, and a bottom of brick rubbish. 



Cliveden. J. F. 



ZYGOPETALUM AROMATICUM. 



C/jJj HIS is an old acquaintance under a new name. Looking to its mode of 

 growth, it might, indeed, be properly referred to the Warscewiczellas ; 

 but the difficulty of separating the Huntleyas and Warscewiczellas from 

 Zygopetalum proper, has evidently induced Professor Reichenbach to adhere 

 to the older name. It is certainly a very attractive plant, and in good hands it 

 yields quantities of flowers. Accustomed as most people have been to grow it in 

 an intermediate temperature, they find it apt to go off, the leaves becoming spotted, 

 and then dying away altogether. A cool temperature seems better suited for its 

 wants. Mr. Pilcher, who is growing his batches of cool orchids to wonderful 

 perfection, manages these things in a cool shaded house better than any one I 

 have yet seen. The whole group is without blemish of any kind, and as green 

 as a Scotch leek. So grown, it is quite ornamental, the ligulate leaves coming 

 from the concealed crowns quite numerously, and the flowers proportionately so. 

 A too free production of flowers, however, induces spotting on the leaves. The 



