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