1870.] GARDEN RECORDS. 33 



was a red-stalked form of the Castor-oil plant, somewhat dwarf in growth ; then 

 the golden-leaved Japanese Honeysuckle ; the whole edged with Echeveria 

 Becunda glauca. This was indeed a foliaged bed, a masterpiece of skilful arrange- 

 ment and fiDe effect. Then came a large circular bed, having in the centre five 

 large plants of Musa Ensete, raised from seed last March twelvemonths. At the 

 feet of this, " the noblest of all sub-tropical plants," was a carpet of Coleus Ver- 

 scbaffeltii aureus marginatus, a magnificent mass of bright claret and gold : round 

 this was Coleus Marshalli, a somewhat tender variety, yet forming a good mass; 

 the whole edged with Fuchsia Tom Thumb of nice compact growth, and bloom- 

 ing freely. This also was a grand bed. Mr Gibson stated that the Musa lasts 

 four or five years ; then they fruit, and are done with. Next was a long narrow 

 bed of Canna nigricans, one of the best dark-leaved kinds, if not the best for 

 foliage, though not the best for blooming. This was broadly edged with Mrs 

 Pollock, and an outer edging of the variegated Veronica argentea, looking like 

 Alyssum saxatile variegatura, and which produces pale-blue flowers in the spring. 

 Here, too, were growing on a low damp spot, and flourishing admirably, two 

 varieties of the Pampas Grass — one the old silvery form of the original species, 

 and one with quite a red tint, which is very handsome in the autumn. Mr 

 Gibson states that Gunnera scabra appears to be, with him, much more robust 

 and stronger than the Bulrush of the Nile, though both require some covering 

 up during winter ; the former was certainly doing well here. A huge raised bed 

 of Cannas here came in view — a grand object ; at the back of the bed was C. 

 Premices du Nice, having bright pale glaucous green leaves — one of the new 

 yellow-flowering varieties, and one that throws up suckers from the roots 

 with remarkable freedom. In front of this was C. nigricans, making a capital 

 contrast, and edged with Fuchsia Golden Fleece, to bring out the dark 

 metallic hue of the leaves of the Canna. Near this was a bed of Erythrina 

 cristi-galli, in variety, and in fine bloom. These Coral trees were a grand object, 

 and it is found that E. Hendersoni is one of the earliest to bloom, and E. 

 laurifolia one of the latest. A circular raised bed close by had a centre of Coleus 

 Saundersi, perhaps about the only one of the first batch of the Ptoyal Horticul- 

 tural Society's new varieties worth keeping ; round this was a belt of Centaurea 

 ragu>ina compacta, and an edging of Echeveria secunda glauca. This was a 

 splendid bed, of perfect arrangement, and remarkably effective. Then about here 

 were dotted some plants of the single scarlet Pomegranate, plunged in pots, and 

 nicely covered with brilliant coloured flowers, something like those of a Correa in 

 shape. Some plunged specimens of Yucca aloifolia variegata were about and 

 around them. The two, being so diverse in character, formed a nice contrast. 

 Here, too, was a large bed of Fuukia Sieboldi, that Mr Gibson said had been very 

 fine when in full bloom, and by no means to be despised as a foliage bed. Then 

 came quite a unique bed, of a raised kidney-shape. In the centre was a line of 

 Sorchus laciniatus, with very handsome leaf foliage, dense, yet transparent, and 

 can be clearly seen through. This also makes a capital plant for table decoration. 

 On either side of the Sorchus was a line of Geranium anemonsefolia, with large 

 anemone-like leaves, and pinkish-lilac flowers; the centre of the bed carpeted 

 with a mixture of Koniga variegata, and Velvet-Cushion Verbena ; next, a line of 

 Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, then Golden-Chain Pelargonium, and an outer 

 margin of Sempervivum montanum. This was also an excellent bed, and 

 especially when looked at from a distance, the arrangement came out very nice 

 indeed. A smaller bed of the same shape had a broad central band of Lantana 

 ne plus ultra, the flowers of which open of a maroon-crimson hue, and change to 

 orange, of upright rigid growth, very free blooming, and dwarf habit. Round this 



C 



