304 HOW TO GROW SPECIMEN PLANTS. 



the habit of the plant ; it is useless to fight against 

 Nature. We may succeed in producing a monstrosity, 

 but depart far from perfection. To all growers we say, 

 study the habit of the plant, and be guided by Nature, 

 never attempting to be Nature's guide. 



Before closing our article, we wish to give a list of 

 plants, which, generally neglected, make fine specimens. 



And first, the Camellia, a plant naturally of most sym- 

 metrical growth, with but little pruning will make a 

 superb specimen. 



The Daphne Odorata, never seen in good condition, can, 

 by a free use of the knife, be made a beautiful plant. 



Azaleas will do well, and may be grown in almost 

 any form. 



Acacias are mostly trees, and seldom make fine plants 

 under pot culture. Planted out in the green-house bor- 

 der, they grow large and look well. We may, however, 

 except some of the shrubby species as Armata, Grandis, 

 and the newer kinds, which, being low growers, do well 

 in pots. 



Achsenia Malvaviscus : a favorite plant with us, and 

 a superb sight when in fruit and flower. It possesses 

 the advantage of being never out of bloom. The kin- 



