104 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
this should be done about the middle of March, and the pots 
plunged in a bark-bed or forcing-frame with a gentle bottom 
heat; the bulbs soon begin to grow, when plenty of water should 
be given, and by the end of April, when the sun usually attains 
great power, it will be advisable to shade them slightly, which 
should be continued through the summer. 
If they are grown in a stove, a back shelf, rather shaded, will 
be the best situation for them during the hot weather, though 
I greatly prefer either a pit or a frame, as the plant then assumes 
a more robust habit; and this naturally induces an abundant 
bloom, though on this head little danger can be incurred from 
either method, as the plant is by nature so exceedingly prolific 
of flowers; still, by the management in frames, the quantity 
and closeness of the foliage is increased, and therefore I think 
it most desirable. With the simple attention to watering, the 
plant will begin to flower in September, and continue to do so 
for the following three months ; after which it should be allowed 
to become dry, lessening the supply of water gradually, that the 
full development of its imbrication may not be checked. While 
the plant is blooming, the lightest and warmest part of the 
house should be allotted it, and at this dull season of the year 
it is worthy of the best situation that can be found. I may ob¬ 
serve that though this plant, and, indeed, nearly the whole of 
the genus, are natives of the margins of woods, yet they require, 
when under artificial treatment, a free and full supply of air or 
they become attenuated. 
Another matter of some moment is to observe in watering to 
avoid wetting the foliage, if it is ever necessary to give it them 
while the sun is shining, for the water will accumulate upon the 
leaves, and then acting as a focus to the rays of the sun will be 
the means of burning the foliage. 
By attention to these simple directions, the happiest results 
will occur, and one of the finest of stove plants will be produced. 
Most of the bulbous-rooted species of Gesneria thrive exceed¬ 
ingly with this treatment, only that in forming the compost for 
them a smaller portion of loam should be given, and the propor¬ 
tion of peat increased. 
J. Saunders. 
