NOTES ON THE CULTURE OF GUSTAVIA AUGUSTA. 
83 
very imperfect description of a plan that we believe to be perfectly novel in its 
chief feature, may yet be rendered available to many who have been mortified by 
repeated disappointments ; and also that others, who hesitate to incur certain heavy 
expenses at a very serious risk, may be encouraged to try what can be done by the 
application of principles which combine all that is by possibility good in the system 
termed the Polmaise, without any of the inconveniences which are attached to every 
one of the modes of adaptation hitherto described by its numerous advocates. 
CULTURE OF DILLENIA SPECIOSA. 
This splendid plant is a native of the East Indies, and bears large, showy, yellow 
flowers. In its native country it grows to a good-sized timber tree ; but in our 
stoves it is found as a small shrub, often with its leaves brown, and, apparently, 
scorched, as if for want of water. 
Strong heat and shelter from direct sunshine are requisites for its health. If the 
temperature sinks below 60 degrees the leaves will show it, and probably fall off; 
or if exposed to the direct rays of the sun the leaves curl up and die at the edges. 
The best way is to allow it to stand at the warm end of the stove during the growing 
season, where it will be well shaded with other plants. 
Care must be taken, when the houses are fumigated with tobacco for the destruction 
of aphis, that this plant be not subjected to the smoke, or the leaves will be sure to 
wither and drop off. 
The soil most suitable for it is composed of two parts light rich loam, one 
part heath mould, and one part very rotten leaf mould ; break and mix the whole 
together, but neither sift nor make it fine, but rather leave it in lumps with plenty of 
fibre, and always take care there is a good drainage. 
Give a liberal supply of water at the roots when the plant is in full growth, and 
also give repeated syringings ; but during the dark weather of winter, keep rather 
dry than otherwise. 
Propagation may be effected by ripened cuttings, planted in a pot of sand, and 
plunged in heat under a handglass ; but by no means cut off or shorten the leaves, 
or success will be very precarious. 
NOTES ON THE CULTURE OF GUSTAVIA AUGUSTA. 
This fine plant, although introduced nearly half a century ago, is at present 
found in very few collections, although from its beauty it deserves universal attention. 
It is a myrtaceous plant, and bears white flowers. 
The culture is, upon the whole, simple and easy ; but a strong and very moist 
