108 PRACTICAL HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF 
D. splendens, we have little doubt but that it comes from some of the more tem- 
perate parts of Brazil, and as it came to this country from the Continent under the 
name of Echites carassa, it was in all probability introduced through the hands of 
the collectors to some of the continental nurserymen. In point of beauty it is 
scarcely inferior to D. splendens, being deeper in the colour of flower, more profuse 
as a pot plant, of smaller and neater habit, and more easy management. 
Some cultivators profess to grow it in a cold pit or greenhouse, where it is said 
to luxuriate with great freedom, and we have heard of its growing freely as a green- 
house climber. So far, however, as our own experience extends, the cool end of the 
stove, or an intermediate house, appears the most appropriate position, and where it 
grows with the greatest freedom. It is, constitutionally, a delicate plant, and is very 
impatient of sudden changes. The slightest check at the roots, such as too much 
bottom-heat, or water, or a want of the latter element, will make it cast its leaves 
almost immediately, and onoe got into an unhealthy state, it will be found anything 
but an easy matter to reinstate its health. It is, therefore, a plant which requires 
to be grown steadily to do well, and consequently, both severe forcing and untimely 
checking must be avoided. 
The plant first flowered in this country in the collection of G. W. Norman, Esq., 
of Bromley, but was figured for the Botanical periodicals in the following summer, 
by the permission of R. G. Loraine, Esq., from whose garden at Carshalton in 
Surrey, it was first exhibited. 
Its management is much the same as D. splendens, except that it delights in a 
little more loam in the soil, and a rather lower temperature throughout the whole 
period of its growth. The best time to commence its cultivation is early after 
Christmas, when strong, well-rooted plants should be taken and potted into six or 
eight-sized pots, using a compost consisting of two parts turfy sandy loam, one part 
turfy sandy peat, one part semi-decomposed leaf-mould with plenty of sand, and 
two or three handfuls of charcoal lumps of various sizes. After potting, place the 
plants in a cool part of the stove, where they will get a gentle bottom-heat, 
and start them gradually ; but so soon as they are fairly started, and the days begin 
to increase in length, endeavour to increase their growth by gradually raising the 
temperature until the minimum is 60°, and the maximum by fire-heat 70°. This 
plant delights in a moist atmosphere, and not too much sunshine ; during the time it 
is in free growth, therefore, a thin shade of canvas or woollen netting must be laid 
over the glass, and if it is continued there until the plant begins to show bloom, it 
will be as well. 
In training avoid overdoing the thing, and let the plant run rather wild than 
otherwise ; indeed, if too closely trained, like many other plants, it will not bloom at 
all, A shield or flat trellis may, if preferred, be used for this plant ; but for our 
own part we are rather prejudiced in favour of cylindrical trellises, being very 
simple and inexpensive, and withal very neat. 
D. crassinoda, under good management, will bloom from June until October, or 
