114 WINDOW AND PARLOR GARDENING 
mended. Careful watering, rather liberal in the summer-time 
and restricted during winter, is essential. 
Dracena is a large genus of very ornamental plants, with 
long, arching, strap-shaped or lanceolate leaves on slender 
stems. Some kinds are very highly colored, having dark 
bronzy leaves striped with various shades of white and red 
and yellow, spotted, mottled, or variegated. Numerous hy- 
brids have been raised in European gardens, which, when 
well grown, are extremely fine. Draczenas are generally of a 
neat, compact habit, useful for table and other decorations. 
They are increased by means of cuttings taken from old stems 
laid down in sand, but they cannot be easily propagated in a 
dwelling-house. ‘The soil should be composed of equal parts 
of fibrous loam, leaf mould, and well-decayed manure, with a 
liberal addition of sharp sand. Plenty of water and frequent 
spraying, or washing, of the foliage is beneficial. In a house 
where spraying is impracticable washing is the best, and a good 
sponging of the leaves at regular intervals will be necessary to 
prevent insects and diseases. The position shouid be a half- 
shady one in a double window or a warm room. 
Some of the best varieties are: D. indivisa, with long, arch- 
ing, strap-shaped leaves. ‘This is a useful plant for vases and 
window-boxes ; it is hardier than the rest and will do well in a 
cool place. 
D. imperialis has broad, slightly recurved leaves, which are 
striped with crimson, white, and pink. D. Baptistii is a 
brightly colored variety, with the leaves striped yellow and 
dull red. PD. magnifica has very broad leaves of a bronzy- 
green color, slightly striped with white and pale green. D. 
Regina is one of the finest and best, with broad, deep-green 
leaves bordered with pure white. D, terminalis is a species 
