On the Culture of the Pasaiflora. 4.53 
choke?, as a food for these birds: they all agree, that the birds are 
without doubt very fond of them, and they appear to be unanimous as 
to the practicability of planting them for this purpose, — and some have 
within these few years, been the means of their introduction into the 
woods and plantations of several gentlemen. I conceive that scarcely 
any root will be found more congenial to the constitution of the phea- 
sant, as it contains a considerable portion of saccharine matter. And 
I also think, that on trial it would be found to be an excellent food 
for poultry generally, — equal, if not superior, to grain. 
I remain, Gentlemen, 
Yours, respectfully, 
George Stafford. 
IVillersley, February, 1832. 
Article XII. — On the Culture of tlte Passijlora. By P.D. 
of Chelsea. 
Gentlemen, 
Youu correspondent, T. H., (at page 230 of your Register) is 
desirous of a paper on the Culture of the Passiflora ; and as I am ac- 
quainted with the cultivation of that genus of plants, I will endeavour to 
answer that enquiry, as far as I am able. 
This genus is pretty extensive, there being upwards of 70 true species, 
besides a many hybrids, some of which I have little or no knowledge of. 
Most of the species require stove-heat. The P. quadranguldris, in par- 
ticular, will thrive best if placed in a corner of the bark-bed : — form a 
little partition with bricks, a foot square, and 2 or 3 feet deep, in which 
place the plant ; and every succeeding autumn if the roots be reduced 
and new soil added, and the plant cut down in a similar way to that of 
cutting the vine, it will grow vigorously and fruit abundantly. All the 
species grown in stoves, appear to require plenty of room for their roots, 
as well as branches. Some of them, as the P. vespertilidnis, &c. do well 
in large pots ; — others, thrive best when planted out in the pit, and 
trained against the back-wall or end lights, where there is plenty of 
room. They will grow very well under the path-way, if good soil be 
placed under the stone, and a hole cut sufficient to allow the stem room 
to strengthen without injury. I should recommend cutting them in, 
every autumn; as I have found by experience that they grow with 
renewed vigour, and look much better than long naked stems, seven 
or eight years old. 
