THE PASSIFLORA. 
113 
we know a successful attempt was made with a similar cross in 
the case of the Rhododendron; there after several trials with 
crosses from Arborea and hardy species, none would stand the 
winter till those hybrids were again impregnated with hardy 
kinds, it seeming to require two removes from the tender parent 
before the robust constitution required could be obtained. Such 
we imagine to be the case with passion flowers; but independent 
of this increase of outdoor varieties, the which we consider 
though to be the most desirable point, from their peculiar adap¬ 
tation for the covering of arbours and other ornamental spots, and 
from the great addition that would then be made to the enjoy¬ 
ment of their beauty and fragrance; but independent even of 
this, much might be done among those which are and would still 
continue to be tender ; there is room for the introduction of im¬ 
provement, either as seedlings or in an improved mode of culture. 
We should certainly think no collection complete that did not 
contain two or three species at ieast, though we would never ad¬ 
vise to have more than one of a sort in every greenhouse; there 
is always some spot that may be found to which they will lend a 
great share of beauty. 
As we have mentioned the raising them from seed, it will be 
expected that we state the mode of doing so ; it is this : when 
the fruit is ripe the seeds should be taken from the pulp and dried 
in a piece of soft paper; if there is a stove in the establishment 
they may be sown directly, but if no place of the kind is at 
hand to keep them in through the winter, it will be better to 
defer the sowing till the following March; then sow in deep 
pans, using a light though rich loam to sow in, place the pans in 
a pit or frame with a medium heat, say about 65°, give them a 
gentle watering when first placed there, and repeat it when ne¬ 
cessary ; but they will not require any till they appear above 
ground; air must be given to prevent them drawing up weakly, 
and when about two .inches high remove them to a warm shelf, 
near the glass in the greenhouse; let them remain here till June, 
when they may be placed in the open air; let them remain out 
till the plants are housed for the winter, observing to keep them 
moist; when taken into the house again they should be potted 
off if they seem to require it, but if they are not too thick they 
, had better remain undisturbed till the spring, when they may be 
potted into large pots or turned into the borders of the house. 
vol. m. 
o 
