ameter. About six weeks ago they seemed to have declined to their minimum size — being 

 then three feet eight inches. Now, as the light increases, the leaves exceed four feet. 

 When there is abundance of light the leaves turn up at the edges — in winter they lose this 

 peculiarity — they now seem to be resuming it. 



Our plant delights in a water temperature of 85*^ — below 80° or above 90°, an injurious 

 effect is, at this season, perceptible. 



I am informed that in England, they durst not keep the water temperature higher in 

 winter than 60° or Q5°. This must be owing to the short supply of light to an English 

 winter. So far, I think, we beat the English cultivators in Victoria growing, — however, 

 in the peaceful competition of horticulture, John Bull will be glad to learn that his broth- 

 er Jonathan has gone ahead a second time on the water. Our plant ripens its seed per- 

 fectly, even in the midst of winter. The seed germinate readily under the same treatment 

 as that given to the parent plant. Plants frequently come up in our tank from self sown 

 seed. One of these, not four months old, recently bloomed in a box six inches deep, eight 

 inches wide, and ten inches long— the box being plunged in the large tank. The leaves 

 were two feet in diameter, and the flower seven inches across. This plant was growing 

 near the water wheel, which may yet be found more useful than some are disposed to ad- 

 mit. 



Skillful treatment may overcome the difficulties apparent in out door summer cultiva- 

 tion. I do not consider a very high temperature essential, — but, whatever temperature 

 it will grow in, must be maintained with regularity. It will evidently flower and grow 

 in a small space; but to realize the full effect of its majestic beauty, good room must be 

 afforded. 



Is the plant an annual or a perennial.'* This has not yet been definitely settled. I 

 should not be surprised to learn that it is one of those plants which are annual in some 

 countries and climates, biennial in others, and yet still in others perennial — one of the 

 same class as the Ricinus communis for instance. In England they incline to set it down 

 as a perennial. Our light and climate may advance it more speedily to maturity. An 

 English winter, though it deprives the grower of flowers, may in consequence add to its 

 longevity, and, although it is being classed amongst perennials, only lengthen out for a 

 few months its biennial existence. But all these things have yet to be known. 



Mr. Cope has kindly permitted me to state that he will be happy to supply any one 

 forming a tank for the Victoria with a plant for it, — and I should be pleased to give any 

 desired information to those desiring it, as well as to record any future observations in the 

 pages of the Horticulturist, should the editor encourage them. 



Thomas S. Meehan. 



Holmesburgh, Pa., April <lth, 1852. 



