Jane 19. 1890. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
509 
kind. Both 10-inch and 12-inch pots, firmly filled with rich loamy soil, 
were used, the seed being sown early in January. At the outset the 
pots were set in an early Peach house, but as soon as the plants were 
well up all were transferred to a cool house. They were duly lightly 
staked, and the rest consisted of attending well to the watering, applica¬ 
tions of liquid manure varying the usual routine.— I. 
drained, a light position, and plenty of water during summer. Beyond 
these hints much depends upon the cultivator's personal attention and 
careful management. 
The illustration (lent by Mr. W. Bull, 536, King’s Road, Chelsea), 
represents some new varieties which are described by the introducer 
under the name of Sonerila orientalis, guttulata picta, and punctata as 
Fig. 77.—new SONERILAS. 
NEW SONERILAS. 
Beautiful foliage distinguishes a large number of the Melastima- j 
■ceous plants, and amongst these the Sonerilas may be placed, sharing j 
the neglect which renders so many of the family comparatively scarce 
in gardens. Because they require close attention to grow them well 
and preserve their beauty should be no argument against their culture. 
Some manage them successfully with little difficulty, and there is no 
reason why others should not make an effort to secure similar results. 
They require a stove temperature, shallow pans of peat and moss well 
follows “ The flowers, which are of a bright rose or purple colour, are 
produced in the utmost profusion from tho top of every growth, the 
mass of bloom thus thrown just above the foliage having a most 
pleasing effect, considerably enhanced by the prominent horn-like 
bright golden anthers. The foliage is also very ornamental, one variety 
having a very striking blotch or bar of creamy white in the centre of 
the leaf, another has crimson maroon leaves covered with scarlet hairs > 
while the foliage of the other two kinds are decorated with a multitude 
of white dots or spots on light and dark green grounds respectively. 
They were discovereil on the Arracan Hills at an elevation of 4000 feet.’’ 
