154 
ON THE TROP^OLUM. 
method subjecting it to so many probable accidents from over- watering-, &c. This 
plant, to show its pendent and ear-drop -like blossoms to the greatest perfection, 
should be trained up a column five or six feet high, or conducted round three or 
four strong stakes made fast at the bottom ; or where a place so favourable 
as those mentioned is not at command, one must be chosen that will allow a free 
circulation of air on all sides, for without this it does not seem to do so well. It 
will propagate with tolerable ease, by cuttings made from the points of the young 
shoots, planted in a pot of sand, and placed in heat ; bearing in mind, not to over- 
water them during the time they are in the striking pot, as they are liable to damp 
off. They may also be increased by seeds, which ripen very freely. 
In Vol. 11. , page 123, will be found a figure of T. tricolorum, with a few hints 
for its management, &c. ; but, as they are too brief to convey every particular 
necessary to be observed in the growing of it, we shall now endeavour to lay down 
the result of our own experience for some time past in the cultivation of this 
desirable plant. This species is not so well calculated for planting in a border as 
pentaphyllum, because its growth is more delicate, consequently requires to be more 
gently dealt with. The best of all methods for growing it, is in pots ; at first, of a 
size just sufficient to retain the root ; after it has advanced a little in growth, and 
the shoots and roots begin to assume a healthy appearance, repot, and continue this 
operation as often as required ; judging from the strength of the plant, the height 
it is likely to grow, what size it will occupy when at its greatest strength ; if 
tolerably strong and branching, a pot ten inches across will suit it, if something 
weaker, one proportionably small must be chosen. As soon as the shoots begin to 
show themselves from the crown of the root, being previously placed in a gentle 
moist heat, let a little water be applied with caution, and the shoots will progress 
surely but gradually ; and in a short time it will require supporting, which should 
be done by tying it to a temporary stake, which will suffice until it is advanced 
three or four feet in length, when better stakes of a proper length and strength 
should be introduced to the soil, making them as fast as possible at the bottom; 
round these, the branches must be conducted in a manner that will best exhibit 
their pretty blossoms, and when its growth seems to have reached the highest pitch, 
place it in a situation where it is desired to have it bloom, bearing in mind to 
attend regularly to the tying up of the branches. Now, the best place to grow this 
plant to the state we have described, is a greenhouse kept rather close in this 
place while its energies are in action, syringe it now and then all over ; but in this, 
as in all cases, syringing should not be done unless the weather be fine, in order 
that the plant may not remain long in a wet state after the operation has been 
performed; if so, the very worst of consequences may accrue from it. During its 
growth, it is subject to the attacks of the green fly ; when these appear, fumigation 
with tobacco should be had recourse to. For soil and other particulars, we refer our 
readers to the page quoted at the commencement. What an addition does the 
interest of our greenhouses receive from these two plants ! In the autumn, when 
we naturally look for many other of our greenhouse plants to cease to be beautiful, 
these, in all the vigour of health and interest, stand forth in their greatest gaiety, 
