244 CHIRITA SINENSIS. 
shaded from the rays of the sun, which otherwise are sure to scorch the leaves, and 
injure the growth. In such a situation, with a good supply of water to the roots, 
during the whole of the season of growth and flowering, numbers of robust flower 
stems will arise, and unfold themselves in succession during the whole of the summer. 
It might be well to mention here by way of caution in watering, that although 
this plant delights in a very humid atmosphere, it is impatient of having water 
poured over its leaves. If subjected to the usual process of syringing, it neither 
flowers so fine, nor do the leaves exhibit that rich healthy green, which is so desi- 
rable ; and not unfrequently some of the larger ones prematurely perish. 
When the growth and flowering are over, diminish the supply of water con- 
siderably ; and throughout the winter give no more than is requisite to keep the 
soil in the pots from becoming dry and parched. The plants should also stand in a 
cool dry part of the stove, or be removed to the greenhouse until the return of 
spring. 
The soil proper for it to be potted in, is a mixture of sandy peat, light loam, leaf 
mould, and sand, in equal proportions. The proper time for potting is in the com- 
mencement of the spring, when the plants show signs of growth after their winter's 
repose. Give a liberal watering previous to disturbing them, after which turn them 
out of the old pots, and without damaging the semi- torpid roots, remove a good 
portion of the old soil ; place a handful of crocks as drainage in the bottom of each 
pot in which the plant is intended to flower, spread out the roots over the new soil, 
and when finished, give a supply of water with a rose, replace in the stove, and 
when the leaves begin to unfold themselves, treat as recommended above for the 
season of growth. 
Propagation is effected by leaves cut off, laid on a pot of fine sand, and placed in 
a moist hot bed or other heat. 
The generic name is derived from the vernacular appellation of one of the 
species. 
