Introduction, etc. 



beautiful and useful from the great mass of plants 

 known to science is one of the most important of 

 the horticulturist's duties, and in no branch must 

 he exercise it more thoroughly than in this. Some 

 of the plants used are indispensable — the different 

 kinds of Ricinus, Cannas in great variety, Polymnia, 

 Colocasia, Uhdea, Wigandia, Ferdinanda, Palms, 

 Yuccas, Dracaenas, and fine-leaved plants of cori- 

 aceous texture generally. A few specimens of 

 these may be accommodated in many gardens ; 

 they will embellish the houses in winter, and, 

 transferred to the open garden in summer, will 

 lend interest to it when we are tired of the houses. 

 Some Palms, like Seaforthia, may be used with 

 the best effect for the winter decoration of the 

 conservatory, and be placed out with a good 

 result, and without danger, in summer. Many 

 fine kinds of Dracaenas, Yuccas, Agaves, etc., which 

 have been seen to some perfection at our shows of 

 late, are eminently adapted for standing out in 

 summer, and are in fact benefited by it. Among 

 the noblest ornaments of a good conservatory are 

 the Norfolk Island and other tender Araucarias ; 

 and these may be placed out for the summer, 

 much to their advantage, because the rains will 

 thoroughly clean and freshen them for winter 



