520 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



leaves for the ornamentation of the dinner-table. They are, however, 

 most useful in winter, when a number are rooted singly in small 

 thumb-pots, or when three or four are propagate* 1 together in a 3-ineh 

 pot, to be turned out of those pots and united with small ferns where 

 plants have to be massed together in baskets or very large vases. 



Many new and improved varieties have recently been introduced 

 to our notice. Some of them are grotesque looking and very beauti- 

 ful, presenting nearly every shade of colour in their leaves, arranged 

 in the most fantastic forms. The leaves of the Shah, Lady Burrell, 

 and Pine -Apple Beauty are very much alike, one-half being yellow 

 and the other of dark colours. In our estimation it matters but little 

 which of the three varieties is grown, as the difference is imperceptible 

 except in the lower part of the leaf, which in Lady Burrell is dark 

 maroon, while in the Pine-Apple Beauty it is more of a scarlet shade. 

 Golden Gem is much after the style and appearance of Princess 

 Royal and Queen Victoria, but is much more fringed at the edge of 

 the leaf, and much richer in colour than either of the other two 

 varieties. Beauty of Widmore, Eldorado, and M. J. Linden should 

 be grown in every collection. Of the four, Exquisite, George Bun- 

 yard, Royalty, and Gurnet, the two former are considerably the best 

 and most worthy of cultivation, while the latter two are distinct, and 

 an improvement on the older kinds. Fascination is really a first-class 

 variety, and commends itself to all growers of this ornamental class 

 of plants. This is not by any means a plant of vigorous growth and 

 hardy constitution, yet is very distinct from all others. It is a valu- 

 able plant in small pots, and makes a handsome pyramidal specimen 

 on account of its free-branching habit ; and in our estimation it is a 

 great acquisition. Kentish Fire and Lord Falmouth are much the 

 same ; and where one is grown the other can well be dispensed with. 

 The ground colour of the latter is creamy-yellow, suffused with pink ; 

 while that of the former variety is nearly black, the centre being deep 

 crimson, and is most worthy the notice of all growers. Novelty, 

 which is somewhat after the style of Fascination, is a most lovely 

 Coleus, quite distinct, and of a most delicate nature, both as regards 

 its appearance generally and its growth. It resembles Fascination 

 only in the formation and construction of its foliage, while it differs 

 widely from that species in colour, presenting a vast variety of tints 

 of the most delicate shade and brilliancy. 



We have the latest introductions from the South Pacific Islands 

 before us, and consider Distinction and Surprise by far the best. 

 They are both distinct, and will undoubtedly be generally grown 

 when they become better known. Distinction is novel and effective, 

 with its deeply crenated leaves, of a bronze-green colour, and beauti- 



