84 
ON MANETTIA BICOLOR AND CORDIFOLIA. 
cease to be a subject of much anxiety. We shall be much disappointed if grapes 
continue subject to shanking, or flowers be rendered unsightly when grown in a 
house warmed by an available tank and channels, and protected by coverings 
which will leave the entire regulation of solar light at the control of an intelligent 
gardener. 
ON MANETTIA BICOLOR AND CORDIFOLIA. 
Among the numerous fine things introduced by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, 
of Exeter, the pretty Manettia bicolor is one of peculiar interest on account of the 
profusion of its blossoms, their pleasing colours, and the lengthened period of their 
development. And, when well managed, the old M. cordifolia is equally beautiful, 
if not more so : its larger flowers, at least, render it a more conspicuous object. 
Both the species are rapid-growing plants, and, under proper appliances, soon 
produce flowers. We do not generalty, however, see them flowering with that 
freedom of which they are capable, nor so much attention bestowed on their 
winter condition, and the production of flowers at that period, as seems desirable. 
The fact is, they will both grow and flower like many other plants, without much 
special care ; but to show what they really are — to draw out that ornate aspect 
for which many have so justly praised them — some additional care, and what is 
more important, a proper guidance of it, must be lavished on them. We will 
therefore embody, with our own observations on their treatment, the remarks of 
some of our most successful friends. 
The reason why the advantage of their blossoms is so frequently lost to the 
greenhouse for the greater part of the summer, seems to be mainly owing to the 
desire to obtain large specimens ; and, perhaps, a little mismanagement, or oftener 
rather the want of suitable convenience for keeping them through the winter. 
For instance, supposing a plant is reared from a cutting in February — or, in the 
case of M. cordifolia, during the previous autumn — as soon as it has filled a small 
pot with roots, it is removed to one many times larger, and kept growing rapidly 
with the aid of stimulants, till the latter part of summer. During this period it 
does not of course form many flowers, and they are only beginning to be disclosed 
plentifully as the winter approaches. If left in the greenhouse, it soon becomes 
sickly and unsightly ; and it is only a few places that can afford room for many 
extra large plants in the stove through the winter. 
Where there is ample room, however, we would by no means discourage the 
practice of growing specimens to a large size. If the flowering of the plants be 
delayed till the autumn by keeping them in rapid growth, and they are then 
removed to the stove, stationing them in an airy part, they will be in the most 
favourable spot and condition for blossoming through the winter ; and by a little 
management in spring, in pruning and partially renewing the soil, to induce them 
