30 
GESNERIA DOUGLASII; var. VERTICILLATA. 
The cultivation of the species of Gesneria is pretty generally known to be com- 
prised in two particulars, — a season of excitement, and a period of renovation or 
rest. Both these are absolutely essential, and the circumstances necessary to occa- 
sion either of them must be continued throughout their entire duration, slightly 
modified, however, at the commencement or conclusion of these eras, according to 
the capabilities of the plant. Thus, when a specimen of any kind of Gesneria is 
beginning to grow, the supply of moisture must be very limited, and be increased 
as the growth advances ; and, on the other hand, when it evinces signs of decay, a 
similarly gradual but retrogressive course should be pursued. 
A dry and cold house is far preferable to a stove for preserving the dormant 
tubers of these plants, because, in such a situation, they are prevented from shri- 
velling, and require no water ; two objects which cannot possibly be conjointly 
attained in a hothouse, and without which complete torpidity is not ensured. As 
profound dormancy is necessary during a certain period, so also is vigorous stimu- 
lation alike useful in the contrary state. Hence, a moist bottom heat, caused by 
fermentation, is more appropriate than increased temperature created by combus- 
tion, because accompanied by the requisite humidity ; this being also furnished in a 
manner most congenial to the plant. 
Gesnerias may be incited to grow at various periods, as their flowers may be 
desired ; but it is better to allow them to take the natural course, and to repot and 
place them in a humid heat when they exhibit a tendency to shoot. The soil used 
should be a compound of light loam, heath-mould, and rotten manure, of which 
the first-named should constitute a moiety of the whole. There appears no reason 
why they should not be susceptible of hybridization, and it is probable that an 
hybrid between the present plant and G. Cooperi, or other similar species, would 
be both novel and interesting. 
They may be propagated by cuttings, which succeed best when taken off at an 
early period of their growth from the base of the plant, with a small portion of the 
tuber attached. Where a number of plants is desired, the specimen should not be 
allowed to flower, and the young shoots must be kept cut down within half an inch 
of their base. They root rapidly in sandy loam, under judicious treatment. 
Messrs. Eollison, of Tooting, obligingly furnished us with an opportunity of 
obtaining a drawing of this plant in May, 1838. Its usual time of flowering is 
the months of May and June. 
The derivation of the generic name is given in vol. v. p. 54. 
