• THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 3 



is perhaps to be preferred. A near relative of the last named is 

 Ar(je7iiea marrjinata, which has a broader margin and is less 

 glossy. Lastly, we name Anjentea variegata as good, though not 

 one of tlie best. 



MiscELLA;N'Eors Hollies comprise a few very pretty things. 

 The well-known Balearica, which has rather large, almost smooth, 

 leaves, a somewhat spare habit of growth, and produces plenty of 

 scarlet berrie:^, is one of the finest. Tarago is a grand Soutb American 

 species with large grass-green leaves. Ic is rather tender, but good 

 enough for a wall, and in general aspects resembles a Magnolia. 

 Crenata is the smallest leaved species we have, and an extremely 

 pretty miniature shrub. It ia a native of Japan, and as hardy as 

 other evergreens from the same country. Of this there is a varie- 

 gated variety called Crenata variegata, the tiny leaves of which are 

 slightly splashed with creamy variegation. 



In all the large nurseries there are good collections of hollies, 

 but I have not yet seen the equal of those in the nurseries of 

 Messrs. Yeitch & Son, of King's Iload, Chelsea ; the Coombe AVood 

 nursery of this firm is perhaps the prettiest nursery in the country, 

 and it is certainly remarkably ricli in hollies, ivies, cotoneasters, and 

 other of the most beautiful garden trees and shrubs. As hollies are 

 costly, and grow slowly, it is important to treat them with extra 

 care in tlie first instance. Therefore, Ave advise careful preparation 

 of the soil, and the filling in over the roots with clean sandy loam or 

 gritty le if mould (free from fungus and half rotten sticks), and that 

 all planting be finished by the middle of April at latest. The best 

 timi to plant hollies is from August to October, but careful spring 

 planting will answer nearly as well, unless the summer sets in 

 vinusuaily early and unusually hot and dry, 



S. H. 



SHOWY FLOWERS FOR WINTER DECORATION. 



EY JOHN BUULEY, T.E.H.S., 



Hereford Eoad Nurserj, Eayswater, W. 



flST a recent number of the Flokal World I had the 

 pleasure of contributing a few notes on the cultivation 

 of conservatory plants adapted for winter decoration, 

 and I now purpose making a few remarks on useful 

 winter flowering plants which require the temperature 

 of an intermediate house for their cultivation. The cultural hints 

 will necessarily be very brief, but it is hoped that they will be suffi- 

 cient to convey a clear idea of the requirements of each class of 

 plants mentioned. 



I will commence by observing that there are three charming 

 winter-flowering plants that have been for a long period great favour- 

 ites of mine. The first is JBurcheUia capensis, a bushy-growing plant 

 with dark green leaves and scarlet flowers ; the latter being freely 

 borne m trusses at the ends of the shoots. The next is Pentas carnea, 

 belonging to the same race. This has light green foliage and 



Jauuary. 



