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MELASTOMA SANGUINE A. 
The extreme humidity of the atmosphere in those islands which produce it, 
affords a valuable hint to the culturist in its management. A warm moist air and 
the same conditions preserved about the roots during the period of growth are 
amongst the most important particulars in the treatment of the genus. They will 
thrive in any peaty soil, but are much improved by the addition of a portion of 
leaf-mould. 
Propagation is easily effected by planting cuttings of the young wood in sand 
mixed with a little finely-sifted peat-soil, assisted by a gentle bottom-heat, and a 
bell-glass. Young plants a few inches high frequently produce flowers. 
Our artist was obligingly permitted to prepare the drawing from which the 
accompanying plate was executed, from a handsome specimen which flourished last 
September in the stove of R. G. Loraine, Esq., Wallington Lodge, Carshalton. 
The generic appellation, derived from the Greek melas, black, and stoma, a 
mouth, originated in the staining properties possessed by the berries of some of 
the earliest known species, which being frequently eaten by children, dye their 
mouths black. 
