88 Stibtropical Gardening. 



other kinds. They were planted not more than 8 ins. or 

 10 ins. deep. When we remember that the Cannas are 

 amongst the most valuable plants we use for giving grace 

 and verdure to the flower-garden, this surely is a hint 

 worthy of being acted upon, as, of course, they will prove 

 equally hardy with us. Considering their diversity of 

 colour and size, their graceful pointed habit and facility 

 of propagation, we must concede them the first place ; 

 but their capability of being used by anybody who grows 

 ordinary bedding-plants, and the fact that they may be 

 preserved so very easily through the winter, enhance 

 their value still more. Cannas, protected by a coating of 

 litter, have been left out in Battersea Park through severe 

 winters, and during the unfavourable summer of 1867 

 attained a height of nearly 12 ft. Where it is desired to 

 change the arrangements as much as possible every year, 

 it may not be any advantage to leave them in the ground, 

 and in that case they may be taken up with the bedding- 

 plants, and stored as simply and easily as carrots. 

 Wherever they are grown as isolated tufts, in small groups, 

 or in small beds, it will be best not to take them up oftener 

 than every second or third year. These noble plants would, 

 also adorn the conservatory, which is often as devoid of 

 any dignified vegetation as the unhappy flower-gardens 

 which are seen all over the country. Few subjects 

 would be more effective, none more easily obtained. 



SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF CANNA. 



In the following list of the species and varieties of 

 Canna, the first thirteen kinds are considered species : 



