81 



beautiful net of milky veins. It is a native of the East In- 

 dies, &c. 



Culture. The four first species are capable of being easily pro- 

 pagated, by dividing their creeping roots either in the early spring 

 months, before they protrude their stems, or in the autumn. The 

 soil most proper for them is that of the light dry kind, as, where 

 there is much moislure, they are apt to be destroyed in the winter 

 season by their roots becoming rotten. In the second species the 

 roots sometimes spread in a troublesome manner. 



The fourth species requires a very dry, warm exposure; as it is 

 less hardy than the former. It is best to remove it when necessary 

 in the early spring, when it is about to send forth its stems. 



The two last species are best propagated by layers or cuttings 

 from their young shoots, which should be made during the summer 

 season, being dried in the stove some days before they are planted 

 out. They are likewise capable of being raised by seed, when it can 

 be procured, as they seldom afford any in this climate. In either 

 metho|j, pots of light sandy earth should be employed. In the for- 

 mer, the layers or cuttings, after being planted out in them, should 

 be placed in a mild hot-bed; and in the latter, after the seeds are 

 sdwn, the pots should be plunged into a tan-bed. When the plants 

 are up they must be watered sparingly, and kept constantly in the 

 tan, being changed into larger pots as they advance in growth, great 

 care being taken not to over-pot them, as they thrive best where their 

 roots are a little confined. Under, good management, they mostly 

 flower in the second year. 



The first kinds are sufficiently hardy to bear the exposure of the 

 open air; but the latter sorts require the constant protection of the 

 stove. The former are well adapted for producing variety in the 

 clumps and borders of walks in pleasure-grounds; and the latter for 

 ornament in the stove, where, from their beautiful ever-green leaves, 

 they have a fine appearance. 



M 



