38 ON THE CULTURE OF MUSA COCCINEA AND THUNBERGIA ALATA. 



room, but the same writing indicates they belong to one exhibitor. 

 The same objection applies where all the specimens of an individual 

 are shown under one number, or even under near successive numbers; 

 the more variable the numbers the better, and of course the less 

 likely to be known by the judges. We have been informed, on au- 

 thority we cannot doubt, of judges, where they have known the speci- 

 mens belonged to the same individual, though superior ^to those of 

 others, yet solely because the former had already had a number of 

 prizes awarded, they choose to give prizes to inferior specimens in 

 order to distribute more generally the awards. At the principal 

 Dahlia exhibitions, the writing of the names by the exhibitor is 

 highly objectionable ; the writing of all the principal Dahlia growers 

 is well known to purchasers, and of this class the judges are, and the 

 stand of flowers belonging to each is generally known as well as if 

 the names of the parties were affixed to them. Either parties ex- 

 hibiting should get printed names to attach to each, or the secretary 

 should have assistants to write out the names, each exhibitor giving a 

 list to the secretary of the names of his specimens. We have seen 

 some most unjust decisions solely guided a by the names attached being 

 wrote by the owner. 



We intend ere long to give some lengthened remarks on exhibiting, 

 &c. We hope that when the annual meetings of societies take place 

 to arrange the schedules for next year, the above suggestions may not 

 be lost sight of; if some regulation of the kind suggested be made it 

 will save a great deal of murmuring from unsuccessful exhibitors.— 

 Conductor.] 



ARTICLE IX. 



ON THE CULTURE OF MUSA COCCINEA AND THUNBERGIA 



ALATA. 



BY SPECTATOR, NORTON, NEAR STOCKTON-ON-TEES. 



This old and beautiful plant does not appear to be so generally culti- 

 vated as it deserves, either for its fine large foliage or its brilliant and 

 lasting flowers. Being a marsh stove-plant it requires a high and 

 moist atmosphere, and on account of its luxuriant foliage it requires a 

 good quantity of room ; nevertheless, any person having a greenhouse 

 or a vinery may grow and flower it splendidly ; for although it is a 



