PALM-CULTURE 



might bruise some of the tender roots on the 

 outside of the ball of earth. Settle it com- 

 pactly by watering, 



''What soil is best for the Palm?" 



Garden loam, into which some coarse sand 

 is mixed. I would advise mixing some bone- 

 meal with it — say a teacupful to a half bushel 

 of soil. After three months it may be advisable 

 to add a spoonful occasionally, working it well 

 into the soil about the plant. 



"What kind of Palm would you advise for 

 amateur culture.^" 



The best kind for the amateur, all things 

 considered, I believe to be Kentia Belmoreana, 

 Almost as good is Kentia Fosteriana. These 

 are of strong and dignified growth, with a wide 

 spread of foliage, and develop into fine speci- 

 men plants, in two or three years. 



If a plant of spreading habit, but compara- 

 tively low growth, is preferred, Latania Bor- 

 bonica, — the "Fan Palm" — is an excellent 

 variety. 



Phoenix reclinata has a somewhat spreading 

 habit, with leaves something like those of the 

 Kentias, but its thorny characteristics make 

 it rather unpleasant to handle. 



Chamaerops excelsa is a very strong and 



199 



