REMARKS OK BOMARIA. 
121 
BOMARIA. 
WITH AN ENGRAVING OF B. ACUTIFOLIA. 
It is not altogether surprising, when we consider the immense 
number of new and beautiful objects which annually protrude 
themselves on the cultivator’s attention, that some of the older 
recipients of his care should fall out of notice, and suffer neglect 
for a time, though, in some cases, the change may have nothing 
but novelty to offer in extenuation; for there are not a few of 
these supplanted species that would be gladly hailed as acquisi¬ 
tions, even now that their rivals have established themselves, 
could they be procured. But by a long course of inattention 
some are reduced to a few widely separated specimens, and others, 
perhaps, totally lost. An eminent nurseryman remarked to us, 
but a short time since, that he would gladly give a comparative 
high price for an old variety of the Calceolaria, called the Harle¬ 
quin, but it could not be found; and the same may be said of 
many other even finer subjects. The plant which forms our 
figure is, indeed, an exemplification of the case. It was intro¬ 
duced from South America, in 1828, and was cultivated for some 
time, till the influx of novelty at a subsequent period drove it 
from its position. When first known, it was regarded as an 
Alstroemeria, but has since, with some other species, been removed 
by the Hon. and Rev. W. Herbert, in his excellent monograph 
of the order, to the genus in which it now stands. It is a twining 
plant, with tuberous roots, deciduous stems, extending several 
feet in a season, amply clothed with bright green shining foliage ; 
and, when properly treated, produces its lovely flowers with great 
freedom. Like its allies, the Alstrcemerias, it delights in light, 
rich earth, with a sunny position, and to have plenty of water 
through the hot months of summer. It is quite hardy; and we 
scarcely know a more desirable plant for covering dwarf walls, 
trellis, or similar appurtenances to the flower garden. In this 
position it flowers from August to October; but when treated 
with a pot and a place in the greenhouse, its beauty is continued 
for a month longer. During the winter the roots should be kept 
dry and dormant. We are indebted to our respected friend, Mr. 
E. A. Hamp of South Lambeth, for the opportunity of obtaining 
a drawing of this really beautiful and valuable plant. 
