CULTURE OF THE GENUS STYLID1UM. 
163 
position, but it is some time before it again regains its sensitiveness. This curious 
property is supposed to be intended to protect the parts from insects : whether this 
be the reason or not, there is no doubt some important end is answered by so 
singular a provision. For the successful culture of these pretty plants, their natural 
habitats will furnish a pretty tolerable guide. 
The best soil for all the stronger growing kinds is sandy heath-mould, with a 
small portion of light loam, but for all the more delicate species heath-mould alone 
should be used. It is advisable to place them in pots rather small than otherwise, 
for in winter, when there is a large quantity of soil, too much moisture is apt to 
be retained, which is certain death. 
Good drainage is indispensable ; perhaps more plants are lost for the want of this 
than by any other cause. Lay abundance of broken crocks at the bottom of each 
pot, and also mix some with the soil, which latter should neither be passed 
through a sieve nor broken too fine, but be rough and porous, that the water may 
percolate freely. 
The proper situation is near the glass, in a cool, airy, greenhouse. In summer, 
during the growing season, if sufficiently drained, they can scarcely have too much 
water ; but it is better not to adopt the common practice of placing them in saucers 
of water, for very often, by so doing, the lower roots perish, and although the plants 
may look pretty well during summer, on the approach of winter they usually perish. 
When the growth and flowering seasons are over, gradually diminish the quantity 
of water, and thus prepare the plants for their winter rest, which will continue from 
the end of October until the end of March, during which period the soil in the pots 
should be kept partially dry, and the plants should stand in as cool and airy a 
situation as possible, to be free from frost. 
The annual species, as 8. proliferum, &c, and biennials, as 8. adnatwn, fascicu- 
latum, &c, require to be raised from seeds (which are produced pretty freely) sown 
in pots filled with fine sandy heath-mould, after the manner of other tender annuals. 
The profusion of bloom they bear, and the length of time they continue in perfection, 
are two qualifications, which, if taken in connection with their interesting habits, 
fully compensate for their want of splendour. 
The perennial species, as S. graminifolium, Brunonianum, &c, are many of 
them highly ornamental ; the whole deserve cultivation : they are increased both by 
seeds, cuttings, and division. The first are sown, and treated as annuals. Cuttings 
of the half-ripened wood are planted in well-drained pots of sand, or sandy heath- 
mould, and are placed under a glass, either in a propagating house, or any other 
situation where they will not receive too much heat and moisture. Division is 
effected immediately after the season of rest. The shrubby species, as S.fruticosum, 
laricifolium, &c, are increased by cuttings, as above, and also by seeds. 
