2 9 



termination for i ft. or so bearing numerous pleasing white 

 flowers, each about i in. in diameter. It is fairly hardy, and 

 will grow in quite dry ground. 



(5.) Arundo conspicua (Toetoe). 



A huge tussock-grass after the manner of the pampas- 

 grass, but with more graceful plumes. It is hardy ; and 

 although it grows best in fairly wet but well-drained ground, 

 it will thrive in quite dry soil. 



(6.) The Species of Astelia. 



These plants of the lily family are of the tussock-form, 

 with long sword-like leaves. The extremely hardy A. montana 

 has a rather silvery leaf with a coloured midrib. A. nervosa, 

 A. Cunninghamii, A. trinervia, and A. Solandri are more 

 massive species, but not quite so hardy. All make orna- 

 mental plants for pot culture. 



(7.) The Species of Celmisia. 



This is the most important genus in New Zealand, so far 

 as the herbs and semi-woody plants are concerned. It 

 contains at least fifty species. The genus is related to Aster. 

 The flower-heads, raised on stiff stems, have abundant white 

 ray-florets, and in some species are more than 5 in. across. 

 The leaves, in depressed or erect rosettes, are often of a 

 beautiful silvery colour. Some species form silvery mats, 

 others dense silvery cushions. Generally speaking, all require 

 rock-garden conditions. The following would be a good 

 selection : C. holosericea ; C. coriacea (silvery lanceolate leaves, 

 heads of the largest size) ; C. Traversii (leaves with an edging 

 of rust-coloured hairs, which contrast agreeably with the green 

 upper surface) ; C. rigida (similar to the last, but far more 

 easy to cultivate) ; C. Armstrongii and C. lanceolata (leaves 

 with a yellow or orange midrib) ; C. Hookeri, syn. C. ver- 

 basci folia of gardens (one of the easiest to grow, flower-heads 

 of great size) ; C. Lindsayi, C. discolor, C. Walkeri, C. incana 

 (form circular mats, the last-named covered more or less with 

 a white woolly mat of hairs) ; C. sessili flora and C. argentea 

 (forming silvery cushions). Fine hybrids have been made by 

 crossing C. Hookeri, C. coriacea, and C. Traversii. 



