134 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



adduced as have thoroughly convinced those of the " old 

 school" that by a different treatment, better and more 

 gorgeous flowers are now produced than when treated as 

 a stove plant. 



The Gloxinia was named after a botanical writer by 

 the name of Gloxia, and was deservedly bestowed in 

 honor of his deep researches into the nature of plants, so 

 much so that he was considered the most enlightened 

 'person on that subject. The great secret (if such it may 

 be called) in its culture, is placing it in a state of rest, 

 which we find applicable to all tropical plants. The shape 

 of the flower is somewhat between the Bignonia and the 

 Canterbury Bell, but it hangs down like the Foxglove, and 

 the ribs or stripes impart a richness not easily described. 

 I think that by impregnation the field of improvement 

 in raising new varieties must be great, more particularly 

 as this genus of flowering plants continue to produce 

 magnificent and unsurpassed flowers during the whole 

 summer, making it one of the most desirable bulbs in 

 cultivation, and to those acquainted with their culture, one 

 of the easiest. 



In order to obtain this plant on the cheapest scale, it will 

 be necessary to sow the seeds in March, in a light, rich 

 soil, and if forwarded in a hot bed, they will frequently 

 flower the first summer. When your plants are of suffi- 

 cient size, that is, when your plants have formed about the 

 fourth leaf, transplant them into four inch pots, and keep 

 them in a moderately shaded situation, and sufficiently 

 watered to keep them in a growing state. In September 

 begin to give less water; in November cease altogether, 

 and place them in a pit or dry cellar, free from frost, and 



