14 ON PLANTS IN THE NATURAL ORDER GESNERIACE.E. 



The six genera all belong to the class 14, and order 2, of the 

 Linnsean classification, Didvnamia Angiospermia. It will not be 

 foreign to the purpose of spreading information, if I here give 

 the definition of these two terms. 



Didvnamia is derived from three Greek words, namely, dis, 

 lw i ce — dy 0> two — and iiema, a filiment ; signifying the power and 

 authority of two, which depends upon the presence of four stamens 

 in the corolla, one pair being longer than the other. This cir- 

 cumstance alone is sufficient to distinguish this class from the 4th 

 (Tetrandria), which has also four stamina, but all are of an equal 

 length. The Mowers of this class have also their particular struc- 

 ture, besides what its title expresses, their corolla being either 

 singent, or personate. 



Angiospermia is derived from aggeion, a vessel, and sperma, 

 seed ; signifying that several seeds are enclosed in an undivided 

 pericarpium. The structure of the flowers of this order are per- 

 sonate or masked. 



Cultivation. — As soon as the species have done flowering, de- 

 crease the quantity of water till the flower-scapes and foliage are 

 tpiite dead, after which not any must be given them till the fol- 

 lowing season. When all appearance of vegetation ceases, clear 

 the tops of the pots of all the decayed remains of the season, and 

 place the pots on their sides in a cool place, where no frost can 

 reach them. In the month of March, or as soon as nature begins 

 her operations, they must be taken out of the pots, and all the 

 dry soil shaken from the roots ; they must then be repotted in 

 pots 3 in. diameter and 3t in. deep, watered, and placed in a 

 warm cucumber-frame. They may remain here till they begin 

 to show flower, repotting them as often as the roots appear to be 

 crowded about the sides of the pots, and watering as often as this 

 necessary article may seem to be required, though it should be 

 but sparingly administered to this tribe of plants, as they are fur- 

 nished with succulent roots, and carnose or fleshy leaves and stems, 

 which will cause them to rot if too much water be given. When 

 the flower-stalks begin to appear, remove them from the frame to 

 a house with the temperature of from 70 to 80 deg. Fahr. They 

 must now be carefully examined, and kept free from dust, insects, 

 &c. ; also regularly watered, and (those that require it) tied up to 

 neat sticks. If treated in this manner, and a little extra care 



