THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
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7 
CULTIVATION OF THE AMARANTHUS. 
(With Coloured Illustration of Amaranthus Princess of Wales.) 
== HH species and varieties of Amaranthus now in general 
# cultivation differ much in character and style of colour- 
ing, although they are all valued for the attractiveness 
of their foliage. Some are of dwarf stature, and more 
or less rigid in growth; whilst others attain a consider- 
able height, assume a handsome pyramidal form, and have long, 
narrow, pendent, and richly-coloured foliage. To the latter class 
belongs the very beautiful Amaranthus Princess of Wales, which 
has been selected for figuring in the ‘Loran Wor tp for the present 
month. This splendid hybrid was raised in 1874 by Messrs. Hender 
and Son, Bedford Nurseries, Plymouth ; and during last year it was 
subjected to a thorough trial, and found to possess qualities of the 
highest class for decorative purposes, and to surpass in some respects 
Amaranthus Henderi, distributed by the same firm in the early part 
of 1875. The illustration very faithfully represents the character of 
the plant, and the colouring of the leafage ; but it is impossible to 
obtain an adequate idea of its immense attractiveness without see- 
ing a nicely-grown specimen. Under ordinarily good cultivation, 
the plants attain a height ranging from two to four feet, branch 
freely, and form elegant pyramids of the most richly-coloured foliage. 
The leafage is so light, and the outlines so elegant, that the plants 
may be likened to a miniature fountain. The leaves vary in length 
from four to ten inches, and the centre of the leaf is brilliant car- 
mine, the tip olive green, and the remainder bright yellowish orange, 
veined with pink ; and as the carmine and orange tints are more or 
less transparent, the plants produce a most brilliant effect when 
under the influence of artificial light, and are of the highest value 
for the decoration of the dinner-table. Indeed, for those who re- 
quire plants that can be easily multiplied, it is, perhaps, one of the 
most useful table plants that could be mentioned, for a stock can be 
most readily raised from seed. Amaranthus Henderi, also raised 
and sent out by the Messrs. Hender, has leaves of greater breadth, 
and is intermediate in character between A. elegantissimus and 
_A. salicifolius, and may be said to possess the brilliantly coloured 
foliage of the former with the elegant pyramidal habit and flowing 
outlines of the latter. 
The cultivation of the two Amaranthuses mentioned above for 
the conservatory and the dinner-table is not difficult, and amateurs 
may, by following the few directions that will be given, produce a 
stock of first-class specimens. The first week in March may be 
mentioned as a most suitable time for sowing the seed, but it is a 
matter of no great importance whether it is sown a few days earlier 
or a week or two later; but those who have not the convenience of 
_ a propagating pit, or cucumber frame at work, should not sow before 
March ; for to insure well-developed specimens a vigorous growth 
from the first is necessary. Sow the seed in pans filled with a mix- 
February, : 
