On the Cultivation of the Passiflora Quadrangularis. 



In autumn the shoots are pruned back to within two or three 

 eyes of the old wood, and in March following, or just before 

 the plant begins to break, it is taken up, and the roots are 

 cut away, so as to reduce the ball to about a foot in diameter 

 every way. It is then replanted, the box being filled with 

 fresh compost. The cutting the roots gives a temporary 

 check, but the plant acquires subsequent strength from the 

 operation. 



When in bloom, and also when the fruit is swelling, an 

 ample or rather a copious supply of water is given. I have 

 found this supply of water at the flowering season so beneficial 

 to the plant, as to enable it to set its fruit without artificial 

 impregnation, though in dull weather, and when little air is 

 admitted to the house, it is certainly the safest method to 

 assist the setting by that means ; but, I have never observed 

 any inconvenience to arise from the decay of the rays or 

 other parts of the flower at the base of the column, which 

 supports the germen after the impregnation has been pro- 

 perly effected. 



When a plant has been established one or more years, it 

 will generally begin to ripen its fruit in the end of June, or 

 beginning of July, and will continue to bear in regular suc- 

 cession till near Christmas. A strong plant will produce as 

 many as forty fruits, and I have gathered that number in a 

 season; but to have them large and fine I prefer taking 

 a less number, considering from fifteen to twenty a sufficient 

 crop. 



VOL. VI. 



