CULTURE OF GLORIOSA SUPERB A. 183 
not be much above 40°; and if so applied a sudden reduction 
of the temperature of the soil takes place to the mean of two, 
and the plant feels a check, which must be injurious; and yet 
how frequently we see it used in such a state. Water intended 
for plants should always be allowed to stand at least one entire 
day in an open tank, and should never be applied but when the 
heat of it and the earth in which the plants stand assimilates, 
which is either early in the morning or towards the close of the 
day. On the whole the evening is the best time for watering 
during summer, as the earth is then cooled to about or rather 
below the temperature of the water; and if the latter is the 
warmest of the two it is the more beneficial, as in that case a 
corresponding rise takes place, and the plant exerts its func¬ 
tions with renewed vigour. It is impossible to lay down regu¬ 
lations for the supply, as that must vary with the subject—some 
plants requiring a larger share than others, and these again 
alter, of course, with the atmosphere: experience and a correct 
knowledge of the geographical character of the plant can alone 
supply the requisite information. 
I intended offering a few remarks on the application of liquid 
manures, but must defer it till another opportunity. The pre¬ 
sent subject I send you at once, as during the warm weather 
likely to occur through the next two months it is of consequence 
that amateurs and, indeed, all who delight in or have anything 
to do with a garden be on their guard, or what they intend as 
kindness may prove the death of their favorites. 
•1 . 1 ^. 
THE CULTURE OF GLORIOSA SUPERBA. 
Sir, — I t is with much regret I remark that that beautiful plant, 
the gloriosa superba, is not so generally grown as it deserves. 
Imagining this to occur in consequence of the supposed diffi¬ 
culty of growing it, I forward you my mode of treatment, in the 
hope it may have a tendency to remove that difficulty, and 
ensure a place in every collection for this highly ornamental 
plant. 
It is a native of the East Indies; and, like other intertropical 
plants, requires a strongly-marked seasonal treatment. As 
these remarks will be too late to assist or apply to the growth 
