THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 167 
deaves and plume-like top; this came from New Caledonia. 
D. macrophylla, otherwise lanceolata (for it is known by both names), 
is a charming variety from Queen Charlotte’s Island. D. obtusa 
also is a very hardy kind, from New Hebrides. But all the kinds 
are worth having and moderate in price, and will grow and do well 
in most unfavourable places, where many plants will not. They do 
well in a free, open, sandy soil—say three parts turfy loam and peat 
in lumps to one of rough river sand. They like plenty of water at 
the roots when growing, and to be well syringed over the foliage 
every evening in the summer. 
Axprnia NuTaNS should be grown for variety’s sake; it has an 
upright tropical habit, with a dark green stem and long broad 
foliage, resembling a Maranta very strongly in its general appear- 
ance, but reaching the height of five feet or more, with, in large 
plants, quite as much through it. The stems spring from a tuber- 
like crown, resembling ginger, and it grows freely in any situation 
in the conservatory ; but if kept in a shady spot in the summer the 
foliage is nicely coloured, with a velvety green on a lighter green 
ground, giving the plant a very attractive and rich appearance. 
They grow and do well in soil similar to that recommended for 
Strelitzias, and they like plenty of water at all seasons. They are 
very easily propagated by divisions of the root, which, if taken off 
with a heel, and kept shaded for a short time after potting, will soon 
make the foundation for a good plant. 
VEGETABLES OF APRIL AND MAY. 
BY A KENTISH GARDENER. 
& HERE is usually such a scarcity of vegetables in middle- 
class gardens during April and May, that I feel tempted 
to ask those readers of the Ftorat Worup who de- 
peud more or less upon home supplies, whether during 
these months they have had a sufficiency. Those who 
can answer the question in the affirmative are in no need of advice, 
-so far as the production of spring vegetables is concerned ; but in all 
cases where a negative reply must be given, it may be assumed that 
ssometbing bas yet to be learned, and that some amount of attention 
may well be bestowed upon the few remarks that 1am about to make. 
i am well persuaded, that, after my long experience, I shall be able 
‘to say something useful to those who have not been able to supply 
the table with vegetables so well as they could wish. 
So far as my experience has gone, the period embraced by the 
months here mentioned is the most trying time of the whole year to 
the kitchen garden. Brussels sprouts are practically over by the end 
of March, and the kales run to seed so quickly after April is fairly 
in, that they cannot be depended upon tor supplying the table for 
any length of time after the beginning of the month. Broccolis 
form a crop of immense value for the spring supply, when the 
weather in the course of the winter is not severe enough to injure 
June, 
