236 TEE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



hybrid, intermediate in form between A. metaUica and A. Lowi, 

 raised in Messrs. J. Veitch and Son's nursery at Clielsea. AntJmrium 

 cri/stallinum is a decided improvement on our old friend, A. mag- 

 nificum ; it lias the huge shield-shaped leaves characteristic of that 

 noble species, but the principal veins, which stand out well above 

 the surface, are of a silvery whiteness, presenting a most pleasing 

 contrast to the deep velvety surface of the leaf. Oiie Aphelandra 

 at least deserves notice ; and the one of most importance is A. 

 fascinator, a valuable introduction, inasmuch as, in addition to the 

 handsome leafage, it produces splendid spikes of bloom of the most 

 intense vermilion. Aralia Guilfoylei and A. Veitchi are two useful 

 additions. The former is moderately strong in growth, and has 

 large pinnate leaves margined with white ; and the latter is a 

 smaller grower, with digitate leaves, the leaflets very narrow, deep 

 green on the upper surface, purplish underneath. This is one of 

 the most elegant plants in existence, and admirably adapted for 

 dinner-table decoration. 



We pass several subjects of minor importance, and come to the 

 Crotons ; and from these tlie following may be selected with 

 advantage: Groton Johannis, an elegant form, with long, gracefully- 

 arching narrow leaves, richly variegated with yellow. G. Youngi is 

 similar in character to the preceding, the leaves averaging three- 

 quarters of an inch in width and two feet in length, and richly 

 variegated and blotched with creamy yellow and rosy red. G. 

 Wisemanni is another narrow-leaved form, diflTering from the first- 

 mentioned in the leaves spreading horizontally instead of being 

 pendulous ; the leaves, under good cultivation, are freely marked 

 with rich yellow, and specimens of all sizes are wonderfully effec- 

 tive. G. undidafum has upright leaves, about two inches in width 

 by five inches in length, which, when full-grown, are beautifully- 

 blotched with yellow and. bright crimson. G. Veitchi is totally 

 distinct from all others ; the leaves are, on an average, twelve inches 

 in length and three inches in width, and in the young state are 

 marked with creamy yellow, which, with age, changes to reddish 

 purple. 



The Dracaenas next claim our attention ; and the pick of these 

 are Draccena amahilis, a robust kind, with large leaves variegated 

 with creamy white and rosy pink ; very distinct and effective in 

 combination with the dark-leaved forms. D. Chelsoni is a robust 

 grower ; the leaves large, dark green, freely variegated with crimson. 

 _D. Dennisoni, a dwarf form, with medium-sized, bronzy leaves ; well 

 adapted for the dinner-table. D. imperialis, a strong-growing form, 

 with white variegation, which, as the leaves acquire age, change to rosy 

 I'ed. D. Fraseri differs from the preceding in having broad and rather 

 short leaves, richly variegated with bright rosy lake on a bronzy ground; 

 one of the very finest of the family. D. pulcJierriona, a very beautiful 

 and distinct form, witli rather narrow, gracefully-arching leaves, 

 variegated with red and white ; well adapted for the dinner-table. D. 

 Shepherdi is remarkable for its broad spreading leaves and majestic 

 habit ; one of the best for large houses or competitive groups. 

 These comprise only a very small proportion of the Dracaenas that are 



