38 Subtropical Gardening. 



hardy plants from which we may select, this type 

 is not worthy of encouragement in gardens gener- 

 ally, with the exception of a few fine things, such as 

 Polymnia grandis. They may, for the sake of con- 

 venience, be considered in two sections : those, like 

 the Polymnia, that should be put out in a young 

 state, and which make a fresh and handsome growth 

 during the summer months ; and those which, like 

 the Monstera and Anthurium acaule, make no 

 growth whatever during that season. It need not 

 be said that the first section is by far the most 

 important : it comprises the Wigandia, and some 

 of the noblest things used in this way. Plants of 

 the other section can, in the nature of things, be 

 tried in but few places in this country ; they are 

 too expensive, and they are not the most effective : 

 but some persons no doubt may take a pleasure in 

 showing what will endure the open air, even if use- 

 less for any other purpose. One general rule may 

 be applied to these last-named subjects they 

 should be allowed to make a strong growth in the 

 hothouse in spring or early summer, and to mature, 

 and, so to speak, harden off that growth before 

 being placed in the open air early in June, or even 

 later if the season be unfavourable. 



Speaking generally of all the tender subjects 



