226 
GLORIOSA SUPERBA. 
up the roots is but a fruitless waste of their strength: in this 
respect the previous comparison with the ash-leaf potato is most 
apt, for like it the Gloriosa refuses to break, except from the 
primary eyes collected at the end, and though indentations may 
be visible in other parts they are usually abortive, and are never 
to be depended on. The soil in which the tubers are to be 
planted should be a mixture of light rich loam, and if it can be 
obtained fresh from a pasture or common of this character, it 
will be better than having to ameliorate it with dung, and as the 
loam forms the principal part of the compost, it will be well to 
give it the most attention: two parts of this earth, one part 
fibrous peat, a similar quantity of thoroughly decomposed leaf* 
mould, and another of sharp, clean, silver sand, will form a mass 
in which the roots will luxuriate. A twelve-inch pot will hold 
one large tuber or two or three smaller ones, and will be more 
convenient to start them in than larger ones. When the tubers 
are potted, they should be plunged into a brisk bottom heat of 
85° or 90°, and there continued if possible throughout their 
growth ; when about half grown, the plants should be shifted 
into larger pots, and by continuing the bottom heat with the 
ordinary stove temperature for the foliage and regular attention 
to watering, both to the upper and lower portions, it will be 
found the stems will advance rapidly; syringing is essential to 
keep the leaves clean, and should not be omitted a single morning 
or evening throughout the time they are growing, or red-spider 
will speedily destroy all promise, either of healthy plants or 
handsome flowers. It is preferable to allow the stems to ascend 
perpendicularly or in a natural manner, till they have attained 
their greatest height, and then to train them on a trellis in the 
manner most likely to exhibit the flowers to advantage, rather 
than cramp their development by introducing the frame at an 
earlier period, and in training avoid a stiff regularity which 
destroys the otherwise easy elegance natural to the plant. While 
in bloom the specimens may stand in a cool and shaded position, 
which will prolong their beauty, but begin to reduce their water 
as soon as the flowers are all expanded. 
S. Brownlow. 
