90 
A FEW REMARKS ON THE VARIOUS SPECIES OF MUSA. 
In Mag. Bot. vol. 3, page 51, is a plate of Musa Cavendishii, and also a detailed 
account of several of the known species, as M. Cavendishii, M. paradisiaca, M. 
sapientum, M. rosacea, and M. coccinea. Their history and botanical differences 
were gone through and illustrated, and the methods of culture given ; we are not 
about to repeat what has there been said, but purpose directing attention to a few 
points in their management, which ought not to be overlooked. 
It may be objected by some that Musas are unworthy of much attention, because 
to grow them requires considerable extent of accommodation, and as ornamental 
objects they are coarse, and by no means showy ; neither of these objections are so 
heavy as they at first sight appear. The first being only applicable to very small 
establishments, and the last only to those very few instances where plants which 
alone are remarkable for beauty in flowering are esteemed. If no advance as to 
style and dimensions had taken place in our glass erections within the last ten or 
fifteen years, Musas and other plants of similar habits would have continued to exist 
as mere botanical wonders, or curiosities ; but progress has been made, and that so 
great and extensive, that now, in very many instances, sufficient space and suitable 
accommodation is afforded both for Musas and many others of our finest tropical 
fruits. 
Musas when they flourish are amongst the most splendid objects in a tropical 
house. To induce them to thrive well the following particulars may be of some 
service : — all the species are very gross feeders, and soon exhaust the richest soil ; 
therefore, however they may be grown, whether planted in a prepared border, or 
grown in large pots, or tubs, it is indispensable that the best and very richest earth 
should be used which it is possible to procure. Rich and well rotted manure is also 
a very important ingredient, but too much of it must not be added to the soil, 
otherwise the plant may receive injury whilst it is young, and its growth be, in 
consequence, retarded for some time. Liquid manure, not too strong, may be con- 
tinually supplied during their progress of growth, with much advantage. 
In the growing season strong heat is indispensable to render the developments 
as speedy and perfect as possible. The air, too, can scarcely be loaded with too much 
humidity at this time, and by often carefully syringing, so as not to break the tender 
leaves, the plants.. are kept clean and free from insects; watering at the roots is 
another very important point, this the plants require to be administered freely, but it 
must always be regulated by the situations and conditions of the various plants. If 
exposed to a strong heat and powerful light, or their roots are confined in tubs or 
pots, they can scarcely, in the time of growth, receive too much ; but, where there is 
considerable space for the roots to grow, or where they are planted in a large and 
spacious bed of earth, the supply of water need not be so great, — Liquid manure 
may be regulated by the. same rules. 
