66 Subtropical Gardening. 



its leaves, which are, however, of a dark bluish-green 

 colour, handsomely spotted with white, and marked with 

 yellow veinings. Although it is a very hardy plant, and 

 will thrive almost anywhere in moist soil and a shady 

 position, it will be better to place it in sheltered positions 

 along the sunny fronts of shrubberies, amidst low-spread- 

 ing evergreens, and in cosy spots about the flanks of 

 rock work and ferneries, to prevent its handsome foliage 

 from being disfigured by cold wintry winds. One great 

 merit of this is that it may be used to ornament positions in 

 which few other plants will thrive, as, for instance, under 

 trees, groups of shrubs, etc. Easily multiplied by division 

 in the end of summer and in autumn. S. of Europe. 



*Arundo conspicua. A companion for the Pampas 

 grass, though by no means equal to it, as has been stated 

 by some writers. In some very fine deep and free sandy 

 loams it attains a height of nearly 12 ft, but this is rare. 

 As a conservatory subject it is fine in flower, and it will 

 be often seen in large conservatories after a few years. 

 A large pot or tub will be necessary if it is grown indoors. 

 The drooping foliage will always prove graceful, and it 

 sends up long silvery plumes, drooping also, and strik- 

 ingly beautiful. Judging by its different appearance 

 when freely grown in a tub indoors, and when planted 

 out even in favourable spots, my impression is that it 

 by no means takes so kindly to our northern climate as 

 the Pampas grass. However, it is well worth growing, 

 even in districts where it does not attain a great develop- 

 ment. It comes into flower before the Pampas grass, 

 and may be considered as a sort of forerunner of that 

 magnificent herb. New Zealand. 



