CULTURE OF THE GLOXINIA. 37 



slightly covering' the crou'n. The usual time for potting them is from 

 January to April, or as soon as they show signs of returning growth. Place 

 them in a warm corner of the greenhouse ; a stove or heated grapery would 

 be still better, and give water sparingly at the root, syringing them morn- 

 ings and evenings, in fine weather, until they emit fresh roots, when they 

 may be supplied more liberally. When fully established, after potting, 

 they may be placed on a shelf, near the glass, shading them fiom the 

 bright rays of the sun. A temperature of from 65° to 75° will soon hasten 

 their growth and fill the pots with roots, the leaves, as they spread and 

 extend over the pots being, in the early stage of their growth, particularly 

 rich and attractive. In ventilating, be careful to protect them from cold 

 winds, which soon check their growth and predispose them to the attacks of 

 insects, more especially a small species of thrip, which, if not stopped, soon 

 disfigures them. Sulphur, soot, and sometimes Scotch snuff, are used for 

 this purpose, but a preventive is much easier and better than a cure. Keep 

 them steadily growing, in a warm moist atmosphere, and little trouble need 

 be given about insects. As soon as the pots are filled with roots another 

 shift will be desirable ; this will be found in ordinary culture all they 

 require. Some of them will be showing flower buds, and the tall branch- 

 ing kinds will require neat sticks for support, though most of them, being 

 of strong dwarf habit, will not require any. As the flowers begin to open 

 they will bear with advantage a rather cooler and drier temperature, still 

 guarding them from cutting winds, and continuing to shade them from the 

 mid-day sun. The flowers will be finer and clearer in color, besides 

 remaining much longer in bloom. 



Plants thus treated will continue a mass of bloom for a long time, giving 

 the greenhouse, at a time when choice flowers are scarce, a brilliant and 

 charming appearance. After blooming they require very little water; once 

 a week or so will be found sufficient, until the leaves drop off, when it may 

 be altogether discontinued, when they may be placed under the stage, 

 guarding them from drip. If this cannot be conveniently done the pota 

 may be placed on their sides, wiiich will be all the care they need for 

 several months, except an occasional inspection, as some of them may 

 start prematurely into growth ; or, if the root begins to shrivel, a little 

 water might be given, for the plumper the bulb can be kept the greater will 

 be its vigor in spring. 



Annexed are two lists; the first, selected from fine established kinds; 

 the second are all new, few of them being yet in this country. They are 

 mostly erect, flowering varieties, this class of flowers being more popular 

 at present, being rather scarce, and offering most room for improvements. 

 They are sure to be extensively cultivated, and, as a natural consequence, 

 must be procurable at a rate much reduced from their present prices : — 



Gloxinia alba sanguikea — white, with rich carmine throat; of excel- 

 lent habit, and blooms profusely. 



G. ALBA GRANDiFLORA — a fiuc and distifict variety; pure white through- 

 out tube and lips. 



