ON PITCHER AND INSECTIVOROUS PLANTS. 



629 



maintained; or they may be inserted in pots of living sphagnum, 

 where they often root more successfully than in heated cases or 

 under bell-glasses. Young plants may also be raised from seed 

 when it can be procured. This may be sown in pans pre- 

 pared with finely-chopped portions of peat and sphagnum, placing 

 them in a heated case, and keeping in a moist condition. The 

 seeds usually germinate in about a month after sowing. The 

 seedlings may be pricked off as soon as sufficiently large to 

 handle, and grown on in 

 the usual way. 



Sarracenia. — This in- 

 teresting and pretty section 

 of Pitcher-Plants is worthy 

 of the consideration of 

 all amateur gardeners and 

 those in possession of a 

 greenhouse where a winter 

 temperature of from 45deg. 

 to 5odeg. can be main- 

 tained. Unlike the Eastern 

 section of Pitcher- Plants, 

 these gems produce in early 

 spring most attractive and 

 highly - perfumed flowers 

 which are always appre- 

 ciated and useful for 

 cutting purposes, as they 

 last a considerable time 

 in perfection. As soon as 

 the flowering season is 

 over, the plants commence 

 to make their new growths 

 and quickly develop their 

 attractive pitchers. 



Considerable variety is 

 observable amongst the 

 species, as the accompany- 

 ing illustrations indicate. 

 The handiwork of the 

 hybridist also has still 



further added to the varied characteristics of the plants. 

 - further list of varieties may be seen in the " Appendix." 



The potting compost required for Sarracenias is good fibrous 

 peat and living sphagnum in about equal proportions ; the peat 

 should be of such a character that it does not readily turn sour. 

 A liberal sprinkUng of rough sand or clean, finely broken crocks 

 should also be added to keep the compost in an open condition. 

 The pots must be carefully drained in such a manner as to avoid 



Fig. 405. — Sarracenia Drummondi. 



A 



