302 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



a fact which cultivators would do well to bear in mind. 

 The leaves of Sarracenias, like those of Nepenthes, seem 

 to be endowed with the power of secreting a fluid which is 

 very attractive to insects of all kinds, and as the inside 

 of their pitcher-like leaves is clothed with bristles pointing 

 in a downward direction, it becomes an impossibility for 

 the victim once enclosed to escape. The soil best adapted 

 for these plants is peat and living sphagnum moss, in about 

 equal parts, and when growing they enjoy a top-dressing of 

 rich rotten manure. The pots should be thoroughly drained. 

 After potting many cultivators place the pots in pans of 

 water ; others strongly object to this practice, and strange 

 as it may appear, we have seen them thriving magnificently 

 tinder these extremes of treatment. We have usually 

 grown them with some moss between the pots, to assist in 

 keeping the roots cool and moist, and occasionally treating 

 -them to a ligjit sprinkling of water from the syringe. 

 During summer an abundant supply of water should be 

 fidministered by the watering-can, but in winter very little 

 will suflSce, although they must by no means be allowed to 

 ibecome dry or to feel the want of water. Sarracenias are 

 increased by divisions of the old plants, but the chief means 

 •of maintaining the supply is by importations direct from 

 their native country. The best cultivator of this genus 

 •whom we know is Mr. Baines, gardener to — MichoUs, 

 Esq., Southgate, who grows them in a cool Fernhouse, and 

 .as his success with these plants has been so great, we 

 cannot do better than advise our reader to follow his 

 .example. 



S. BruTn/mondii. — This is one of the tallest and finest 

 kinds yet brought into cultivation. The crown of the 

 plant is bright red. The hollow pitchers attain a height 

 of from two to three feet, and are slender at the base, 



