MTTSA. 151 



tion and cutting for bouquets, and is very free. It continues 

 blooming for a long time in autumn. From Oaxaca. 



M. Hwmboldtianum. — A very compact-growing kind, pro- 

 ducing its rich reddish purple iiowers in great abundance 

 from October to December. Native of Caraccas. 



M. Lemomianum. — This variety is one of the best for 

 winter and early spring flowering, when its appearance is 

 quite charming, covered with deep rich violet rose-coloured 

 flowers. 



M. sericeiini multiflorum . — A garden variety, of dwarf com- 

 pact habit ; its flowers, which are rich mauve, being produced 

 in great profusion during the early spring months. 



M. tenellum. — A lovely little plant, resembling a small 

 Myrtle in general appearance. It is easily grown into a 

 handsome specimen, and is very ornamental when covered 

 with its dark purple flowers. Native of Guatemala. 



MUSA. 



A genus of nobl£ plants, typical of the Musacem, and whose 

 fruits form the bananas of the tropics. These fruits are most 

 delicious eating, as well as most nutritious. The plants are, 

 for the most part, of gigantic growth, with an inconspicuous 

 inflorescence, and are such as can only be accommodated in 

 the largest plant stoves. That which we mention below is, 

 however, in every respect deserving a place in every collec- 

 tion, being of moderate stature, and really ornamental. It 

 should be grown in a mixture of loam and well-decomposed 

 manure, in about equal parts, adding a little peat and sand. 

 The main stem dies after blooming, but suckers are produced, 

 which continue the species, and must be taken off the old 

 stem and potted in the before-named compost. 



M. coccinea, — This fine species grows about four feet high, 



