[21 ] 



VII. On the proper Treatment of the Gloriosa superba. By 

 Mr. John Sweet, Corresponding Member of the Horti- 

 cultural Society. 



Read November 4, 1817. 



Th e Gloriosa superba is a native of the East Indies, whence 

 it was introduced into our gardens, above 120 years ago. It 

 has been figured in Andrews's Botanist's Repository, plate 

 129, in the Botanical Register, plate 77, as well as by Re- 

 doute' in his Liliacece, plate 26 ; but it is called in this last 

 work, as well as by others of the French botanists, Metho- 

 nica superba. 



I have been many years acquainted with this elegant plant, 

 and regret that it is but seldom seen in perfection, and its 

 proper state of grandeur, in our stoves. Its failure, I appre- 

 hend, arises chiefly from the defective method in which its 

 roots are preserved during their inaction, and from the want 

 of proper treatment, when they first vegetate, in the spring. 

 Injured at these periods, the plants generally continue, 

 through the summer, weak and unpromising, throwing up 

 only a few small stems, which do not flower in sufficient 

 strength and beauty. 



Under the course of management, which I am about to 

 describe, I have constantly succeeded well with them : it is 

 somewhat similar to that recommended in Millers Garden- 

 ers Dictionary; but as I am able to add some details which, 

 to insure success, are requisite to be attended to, I hope the 



