SUGGESTIONS ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE GLOXINIA. 



more elevated and exposed situations : the genus under consideration belonprs to 

 that section whicli thrive, in all their native luxuriance, in the deep shaded valleys 

 of Pernambuco. 



To cultivate it with success, the following conditions demand especial atten- 

 tion : that the roots be allowed abundant means of spreading in a horizonital 

 direction ; in order to effect this, I have used large garden pans, or feeders, in 

 lieu of pots, for the last shift, with the best success. If large specimens for ex- 

 hibition, or otherwise, were desired, I use them of the size of twelve inches over, 

 and five deep, allowing one inch for effectual drainage, which must be strictly 

 attended to throughout their entire growth, from the seed, or cutting, as the case 

 may be, to the final shift into the flowering pans. 



The first process of raising the plants is by cuttings (leaves, with the entire 

 petiole attached) ; this can be done at any time after the leaves have attained 

 their full development, which, under ordinary circumstances, will be from June to 

 August — the earlier in the season the better, in order that the young bulbs may 

 become sufficiently strong to put forth their lovely blossoms in abundance during 

 the ensuing season. 



Fill the cutting pots, to within three inches of the top, with broken crocks ; 

 upon these a layer of sphagnum (bog moss) ; then fill to the rim with clean sand, 

 and saturate with water ; afterwards, insert the cuttings (leaves), removing them 

 to a gentle hotbed, being careful to shade during the warmest part of the day ; in 

 this situation they may remain until they have attained a sufficient size to trans- 

 plant, which should be done into two-inch pots, using a compost of decayed vege- 

 table mould, with about one-third sandy loam, which should have the additional 

 care of being well and effectually drained. When potted, they are again placed 

 in a gentle hotbed, until sufficiently established to be placed in the greenhouse, 

 where they may remain until the leaves die down ; after which, they may be placed 

 under the stage of the greenhouse, being careful to place the pots upon their sides, 

 in order to prevent any moisture coming near the bulbs, and not too near the 

 flue, as this would cause the buds to shrivel up ; in this situation they may remain 

 until the following March or April, when they may be repotted, being careful to 

 shake all the mould from their roots ; to the above-named soil, add one-third of 

 partially decayed wood, with a few uneven pieces of charcoal, which, while they 

 have the effect of retaining moisture about the roots, will also be the means of 

 facilitating the escape of any which might be superfluous. 



When repotted, place them in a shady part of the stove, or propagating-house, 

 in a close and moderately warm atmosphere, paying attention to repotting as often 

 as the plants require it, until finally removed into the flowering pans. 



During their growth throughout the spring, and, indeed, until the flowering is 

 over, keep them in a position where they can enjoy a partial shade, with a tem- 

 perature of from 60° to 80°. As the season advances, the shady part of a green- 

 house will be all the protection they will require ; indeed, protected, in a cold 

 frame, during the warmest part of the day, from the sun's rays — in such a 



