286 



MY GARDEN. 



A plant called the Gloriosa (fig. 591), which has a fine flower, and 

 of which there are two varieties, is not often seen. I bought a bulb 

 at Williams's nursery ground, which I planted, but a small Achimenes 

 came up in its place. I naturally complained, when the worthy vendor 



FIG. 592. ^ischynanthu ;. 

 FIG 591. Gloriosa. 



replied that he could not tell the reason, but he would, with pleasure, 

 send me another bulb. To my astonishment, after a year's repose the 

 bulb started, and grew vigorously ; which is a curious physiological fact, 

 and proves how long a bulb may rest and yet retain its vital power. 



There is a pretty tribe of plants called sEscJiynantJius (fig. 592), 

 which are admirably suited for growing in baskets to hang down 



from the pillars and top of the 

 fernery. A species that has 

 scarlet flowers, like all other 

 plants that have flowers of that 

 colour, is best adapted for that 

 position. 



We grow one remarkable 



*&Bi&&*' 



FIG. 5J3. Aristoiochia gigas. plant in the fernery, the Aristo- 



locliia gigas (fig. 593), the flowers of which are so extraordinary as to 

 astonish our visitors. The flower is so large, and so unlike any 

 other, that it is impossible to describe it : its surface is covered with 



