544 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



that of the two fine sorts above named. They have other recommen- 

 dations, also, than novelty and grace, and fitness of form and colour. 

 Not a few are slower growers, and do not therefore outgrow the 

 dimensions generally requisite in table-plants. They also more quickly 

 come to colour — many, in fact, exhibiting charming colouring when 

 only a few inches high. In not a few instances, too, a greater persist- 

 ency of the leaves is notable, which is a valuable feature, the want of 

 which in D. Cooperii is its chief objection. 



In presenting the following selection, I may remark that some old 

 and apparently comparatively inferior sorts are included, especially 

 amongst the green-leaved varieties. My apology for so doing is, that 

 some of these green -leaved varieties being hardier than the more 

 showy ones, are better adapted to the requirements of a very large 

 class of people — especially about towns — who have only, perhaps, a 

 small greenhouse in which to cultivate the few table or room plants 

 they want. The two varieties congesta and rubra are handsome plants 

 also in their way, and the latter particularly will endure the wear and 

 tear of room-life better than any other; and, being plentiful, it is 

 cheap, which is no small consideration with the many. 



GREEN-LEAVED SPECIES. 



D. congesta. — A well-known sort, of common aspect, with very narrow, green, 

 somewhat arching leaves of very leathery texture. The young leaves, when 

 well exposed to light, assume a deep bronze tint. This is sometimes apparently 

 confounded with the following species, which is, however, quite distinct. 



D. rubra. — This has considerably broader leaves than the last, and alto- 

 gether a fuller and better habit. The leaves are a light olive-green, narrowly 

 margined with a band of bronze. 



D. gracilis is the most graceful of all the green forms, or perhaps of any 

 form of Dracaena. The leaves rarely exceed half an inch in width : they are a 

 fine lively olive-green, with a broad brown margin running the entire length 

 from base to point. The sort called D. marginata and this are identical — that 

 is, they are or may be obtained from the same stock. The top-cuttings form 

 marginata true, while the successive breaks from the same stem form gracilis 

 true. 



D. tesscllata. — Why this particular form is so called does not appear in any 

 feature exhibited in the plant. It is a very plain green sort, capable of hard 

 wear, but not particularly ornamental. 



D. Haageana is one of the most distinct of the green-leaved sorts, having 

 longish ovate, bright-green leathery leaves, which stand the dry atmosphere of 

 rooms well. The habit of the plant is compact and pleasing. 



WHITE AND LIGHT COLOURED SPECIES. 



D. Guilfoylei. — This is a very handsome species when well coloured. As in 

 all those remarkable for colour, the tops of medium-sized plants make the finest 

 and most effective table-plants. The long lanceolate leaves have more than 

 average substance in them, which enables them to stand the trying atmosphere 

 of rooms better than most of the coloured species. 



Mrs Wills. — A very dwarf form, of sturdy close habit. The leaves are ovate- 



