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MELASTOMA SANGUINEA, 
The extreme humidity of the atmosphere in those islands which produce it, 
affords a valuable hint to the culturist in its management. A warm moist air and 
the same conditions preserved about the roots during the period of growth are 
amongst the most important particulars in the treatment of the genus. They will ' 
thrive in any peaty soil, but are much improved by the addition of a portion of ; 
leaf-mould. 
Propagation is easily effected by planting cuttings of the young wood in sand 
mixed with a little finely-sifted peat-soil, assisted by a gentle bottom-heat, and a 
bell-glass. Young plants a few inches high frequently produce flowers. 
Our artist was obligingly permitted to prepare the drawing from which the 
accompanying plate was executed, from a handsome specimen which flourished last 
September in the stove of R. G. Loraine, Esq., Wallington Lodge, Carshalton. 
The generic appellation, derived from the Greek melas^ black, and stoma^ a | 
mouth, originated in the staining properties possessed by the berries of some of 
the earliest known species, which being frequently eaten by children, dye their , 
mouths black. % 
