128 
ENKIANTHUS RETICULATUS. 
than in the size and shape of the leaves. In this respect it will be seen that the 
foliage of the plant here figured is unusually large ; and hence the gentlemen 
before alluded to received it as a variety of the original species, but this is now 
considered to be entirely owing to the favourable circumstances under which it has 
been cultivated. 
Although an old, and comparatively well-known plant, it is by no means 
common in the collections of this country ; and this is not easily to be accounted 
for, as few conservatory plants can vie with it either in the beauty of its foliage or 
its flowers. It succeeds best when planted out in the border of a greenhouse or 
conservatory, in a compost of heath-mould and loam, mixed with a due proportion 
of sand, and placed in an airy part of the house. In such a situation it will grow 
to much greater perfection than if kept in a pot, and when in flower, nothing can 
be more attractive than its appearance. 
It is considered rather difficult to propagate, but cuttings of the young wood 
will grow tolerably well if planted in a very sandy soil and carefully preserved 
from superfluous moisture. 
This species is a native of China, and produces its flowers in the greenhouses 
and conservatories of this country in the months of January and February. 
