FROM THE SOCIETY'S GARDEN. 27o 



better than plunging their pots in a very gentle bottom heat to 

 keep the roots moist and warm, and in an equal temperature, and 

 to give air from overhead, shading also during bright sunshine. 

 No method of giving air or putting the air in motion surpasses 

 that of opening the lights above the plants at top, for no sooner is 

 the light let down than the stream of heated air which rushes out 

 is forcibly met by the cold air endeavouring to enter, the result 

 of which is a proper medium of heat and moisture. It is very 

 injurious to such plants as the Cinchona Calisaya to admit direct 

 currents of cold air on a level with or below the plants. It is 

 sure to rob the atmosphere of its moisture first and the f)lant 

 afterwards, and by so doing causes the plant to flag ; no plant, 

 indeed, can thrive when acted upon in such a manner either by 

 cold or dry air. This is one of the principal things to be observed 

 in the management of the " Calisaya." A moderate degree of heat 

 and moisture are essential points, provided the moisture never 

 becomes stagnant or the air over dry by heat, especially when the 

 plants are making fresh growth and the leaves are young and 

 tender. At other times when the plants have completed their 

 growth a much drier and cooler atmosphere is desirable, provided 

 the plants are not exposed to extremes of either droughts or colds 

 for too great a length of time. In whatever state the plants may 

 be, always avoid dry-air draughts. 



In growing the " Calisaya " the most suitable climate would in 

 general be that of a house, treated in the same way as one for 

 Mexican and Guatemala Orchids, where it is easy to avoid too 

 much heat and moisture during the season of rest, and to give 

 a liberal supply of both, with ample shade, when making new 

 growth. 



The " Calisaya " is increased either by seeds treated as above 

 stated or by small lateral shoots as cuttings, when half ripened or 

 just before the young wood becomes of a brown colour. The 

 cutting should be taken off with a heel, close to the previous 

 growth, and placed in silver sand, with as many of the leaves 

 upon the cutting as possible. The pot containing the cuttings 

 must be plunged in a slight bottom heat, and be covered with a bell- 

 glass, and afterwards treated in the usual way. The seeds should 

 be sown whenever received, whether in mid-winter or at any 

 other time. 



This plant is too difficult to manage and requires too much 

 attention to become very common, especially as it is not very 

 showy when in bloom, although remarkably fragrant and singular 

 for its panicles of small hairy white flowers, slightly tinged with 

 blush on the outer side, in form much like those of the common 

 Lilac. 



It commences flowering about the end of August, and Mill con- 



u 2 



