133 



THE GLOXINIA. 



It is to be regretted that so beautiful a plant as this is should not 

 command more general attention than it has hitherto done. It is but 

 seldom that examples of it are to be met with, other than in nurseries ; 

 and yet what can be more charming than a collection of well-grown 

 specimens of Gloxinias ? It has occurred to me, that the probable 

 cause of their not being more generally cultivated arises from the 

 fact, that few societies, as far as I am aware, have hitherto admitted 

 them into their schedules ; there are some local societies' exhibitions 

 where the flower is invited, and the result has not unfrequently been 

 some eight or ten collections, producing a highly pleasing effect, and 

 forming certainly not the least interesting feature of a July exhibi- 

 tion. Many claims may be urged in favour of the Gloxinia, the ease 

 with which it may be grown, the length of time over which the 

 blooming period may be made to extend, variety of colour, dwarf 

 habit, adapting itself either to the stove or cucumber-pit, are not 

 among the least. To produce fine specimens, provide yourself with 

 11-inch pots, plenty of drainage, rich loam and peat in proportions of 

 one of the latter to two of the former, with plenty of silver-sand ; ac- 

 commodate them with the required temperature, which is that of a 

 moist stove, and success is certain. To extend the blooming season, 

 cuttings may be taken from those first started, and place them in a 

 3-inch pot; when struck, shift them into 11-inch pots, stop them, 

 and they will make a good display in autumn. The following is a 

 list of eighteen of the best varieties. 



Carminata splendens . 



Passinghami 



Marie van Houtte 



Wortleyana 



Godefroi de Bouillon . 



Grandis 



Teuchleri . 



Victoria Regia . 



Fyfiana 



Marginata . 



Napoleon . 



Caulescens 



Handleyana 



Cartoni 



Pressleyi . 



Albo-sanguinea . 



Alba grandiflora 



best crimson. 



very fine bright blue. 



white deep carmine throat, fine. 



light blue throat, spotted white. 



blue-spotted throat, fine. 



blush-carmine throat. 



blue and red striped. 



white deep purple throat. 



light blue, distinct. 



white deep purple throat. 



carmine. 



fine blue. 



white carmine throat. 



pink, abundant bloomer. 



blue. 



white, deep carmine throat. 



white. 



Hackney. 



Wm. Holmes. 



