NOTES ON NEW OB RARE PLANTS. 51 



which I desire to increase, I do it readily by the following simple 

 processes. By scooping out the leaf with its bud at the base from 

 the parent stem or trunk, and inserting such in white sand, or 

 sandy peat, at the side of a pot, pegging the same securely with a 

 hook-peg as is used in layering, they quickly root and soon make fine 

 plants. None ever fail by this process, and I prefer it to any other ; 

 but when I cannot obtain a bud with the leaf, as in the case of a 

 present or two I had of a particular kind where no bud could be had, 

 I have pursued the following method : — 'A pot was filled up with 

 sandy peat to about an inch from the rim, over it was laid half an inch 

 of white sand, which being settled with watering, I took the leaf, 

 severed through the strong ribs thereof in a few places, and then 

 spread it flat over the face of the sand, the rib side to the sand, and 

 secured it by a few pebbles of gravel and one hooked peg to fasten 

 the stalk. This I placed in the hot-bed frame, covered it with a 

 glass, and from the sides of the cuts made tubers were soon formed 

 and plants obtained. This method succeeds too, but it is not so certain 

 as the other method, and much longer in its results. 



" I treat my blooming stock as follows : — Early in February I take 

 one-fourth of my roots, pot them in a compost of equal parts of light 

 loam, sand}' peat, leaf mould, and one year old rotten cow-dung. 

 This compost I use in a rough state, adding a free drainage of broken 

 pot and chopped turf. I then place them in a moist stove, near the 

 glass, duly attending to future culture. At the end of each of the three 

 following months I pot an equal portion, treat them as the others, and 

 by this means extend the blooming to autumn. 



" When the plants have ceased to 'bloom I gradually withhold water, 

 so that the tubers may have the proper period of rest, I have the 

 four portions numbered, so that No. 1, planted early in February, is 

 potted first the following season, and the plants become habituated to 

 the time of potting and period of blooming. 



" By pursuing the plan above stated, in connection with Mr. Chitty's, 

 one of the most lovely and profuse blooming tribe of plants will most 

 amply repay for the attention given." 



We may add, the mode of culture detailed by our correspondents 

 applies uniformly to G. Fyfana and all other kinds, unless we except 

 G. maculata, and its closely allied species, G. pallidijlora, which, 

 usually flowering at a late period, it is desirable to vary the treatment 

 in order to prolong their bloom. To accomplish this they must be 

 somewhat earlier excited into growth, and as they root rapidly they 

 require repotting twice or more. If placed and retained in a higher 

 temperature, too, than other kinds, they flourish with such increased 

 vigour as amply to reward for any particular attention bestowed. 



NOTES ON NEW OR RARE PLANTS. 



Begonia fdchsioides — Fuchsia-like Begonia. 



Begoniacem. — Moncecia Polyandria. 



Mr. Purdie discovered this singular and beautiful Begonia on the 

 Ocasia Mountains of New Grenada, and forwarded it to the Royal 



e2 



