CULTURE OF THE GENUS STYLIDIUM. 
163 
Jrition, but it is some time before it again regains its sensitiveness. This curious 
iperty is supposed to be intended to protect the parts from insects : whether this 
| the reason or not, there is no doubt some important end is answered by so 
I gular a provision. For the successful culture of these pretty plants, their natural 
I bitats will furnish a pretty tolerable guide. 
The best soil for all the stronger growing kinds is sandy heath-mould, with a 
, ia ll portion of light loam, but for all the more delicate species heath-mould alone 
,i 3U ld be used. It is advisable to place them in pots rather small than otherwise, 
■ in winter, when there is a large quantity of soil, too much moisture is apt to 
retained, which is certain death. 
Good drainage is indispensable ; perhaps more plants are lost for the want of this 
1 m by any other cause. Lay abundance of broken crocks at the bottom of each 
t, and also mix some with the soil, which latter should neither be passed 
rough a sieve nor broken too fine, but be rough and porous, that the water may 
■ rcolate freely. 
The proper situation is near the glass, in a cool, airy, greenhouse. In summer, 
iring the growing season, if sufficiently drained, they can scarcely have too much 
iter ; but it is better not to adopt the common practice of placing them in saucers 
water, for very often, by so doing, the lower roots perish, and although the plants 
lay 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 
water, and thus prepare the plants for their winter rest, which will continue from 
e end of October until the end of March, during which period the soil in the pots 
.ould be kept partially dry, and the plants should stand in as cool and airy a 
tuation as possible, to be free from frost. 
The annual species, as S. proliferum, &c., and biennials, as S. adnatum, fascicu- 
tum, &c., require to be raised from seeds (which are produced pretty freely) sown 
. pots filled with fine sandy heath-mould, after the manner of other tender annuals, 
he profusion of bloom they bear, and the length of time they continue in perfection, 
*e two qualifications, which, if taken in connection with their interesting habits, 
illy compensate for their want of splendour. 
The perennial species, as S. graminifolium, Brunonianum, &c., are many of 
lem highly ornamental ; the whole deserve cultivation : they are increased both by 
:eds, cuttings, and division. The first are sown, and treated as annuals. Cuttings 
■ the half-ripened wood are planted in well-drained pots of sand, or sandy heath- 
lould, and are placed under a glass, either in a propagating house, or any other 
tuation where they will not receive too much heat and moisture. Division is 
! Sected immediately after the season of rest. The shrubby species, as 8. fruticosum, 
tricifolium, &c., are increased by cuttings, as above, and also by seeds. 
