134 STOVE PLANTS. 



such as 1. Walkerce, with scarlet flowers, from Ceylon, 

 I. hicolor, the flowers of which are rich plum colour and 

 very large, from Western Africa, and several others, which 

 we hope to see introduced again. There are a very large 

 numher of these lovely plants yet to be introduced, which 

 will add new beauty to our stoves and conservatories. They 

 are of easy culture, thriving well in a mixture composed of 

 loam, leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure, in about 

 equal parts, with a little silver sand added. They require 

 the young shoots to be frequently stopped, to promote lateral 

 growth, and form a bushy plant ; they are free-flowering, and 

 will soon reward the cultivator with a profusion of their 

 handsome flowers, and no less curious seed-pots, which latter 

 have given rise to ihe generic name, as well as the Enghsh 

 one of Touch-me-not, the valves of the seed-pot being elastic, 

 so that if touched when ripe, they suddenly collapse, and 

 discharge the seeds with force. These plants can be increased 

 by cuttings, as well as by seeds ; in the former case place them 

 in a moist heat. The seeds should be sown in gentle bottom 

 heat, and the young plants transplanted as soon as they can 

 be conveniently handled. 



I. flaccida. — A low-growing plant, forming, if properly 

 managed, a neat compact bush, and producing quantities of its 

 bright-coloured flowers all through the season. The flowers 

 are rich purple, flat, and nearly two inches in diameter ; 

 the leaves about four inches long, and dark shining green. 

 Native of Ceylon. 



I. flaccida alba. — This is an exact counterpart of the pre- 

 ceding, saving the colour of its flowers, which are pure white, 

 thus forming an agreeable contrast. Moreover, in winter, 

 white flowers are particularly valuable. Native of Ceylon. 



I. Hoolieriana. — A fine robust-growing species, and one 

 that can be had in great beauty through the whole winter. 



