270 SOLANUM HERBERTIANUM. 
Cultivators have hitherto treated it as a stove species, and it is found to thrive 
best in a humid atmosphere, and a partially shaded situation, but not one which is 
too much secluded from light. It should not be too closely surrounded by other 
plants, as this would have the effect of rendering its stems bare and unsightly, and 
it would not afterwards exhibit itself to advantage in a more exposed part of the 
house. A light loamy soil, with a slight admixture of heath-mould and sand, will 
produce a compost, which is undoubtedly the most favourable to the production of 
flowers ; but if the plant is desired to grow larger, or more rapidly and luxuriantly, 
a richer soil may be employed. If not too freely exposed to solar light, this species 
will flower much more profusely when only a small quantity of water is applied to 
the roots, its necessities being supplied in the form of atmospheric moisture, and 
occasionally by a slight syringing. 
Cuttings root with tolerable facility when planted and treated in the ordinary 
manner, and they will form flowering plants in little more than a year after 
striking, if the mode of treatment has been favourable. They require some care 
in. preserving them from injurious dampness, as the wood is naturally of a soft and 
juicy nature. 
It is very questionable whether this plant can be cultivated in the greenhouse, 
as a high temperature appears essential to the maturation of its shoots and the 
development of its flowers. These latter we have seen produced at almost all 
seasons, but the summer months would seem to be the usual period of its flowering. 
We are indebted for our drawing to Messrs. Young, of the Epsom Nursery, in 
whose collection it has existed for several years, and from whom plants of it can 
be procured. 
Of its native country we regret to be compelled to confess our entire ignorance. 
It has been cultivated in the Epsom nursery during the last five years, but it is 
not known from whence it was procured. The specific designation has been 
adopted as being the one by which it is generally known, but we are alike unin- 
formed as to its origin, or to whom it alludes. 
The generic name is explained at page 1 of the third volume of this Magazine. 
