Farfugium Ferdinanda . 135 



colour in another. It flourishes best in free, substantial, 

 moist soil which contains a large proportion of vegetable 

 mould, and in a half-shady position. During the heats of 

 summer it will require frequent watering. At the ap- 

 proach of winter it should be removed to the conserva- 

 tory or cool greenhouse, except in the southern and 

 milder districts, where it survives an ordinary winter. 

 In the colder parts of the country it is scarcely worth 

 planting out, it grows so slowly; but where it thrives 

 it is very ornamental in borders, isolated, or near the 

 margin of beds. Multiplied by division in spring ; the 

 offsets to be potted and kept in the propagating-house 

 or in a frame until they are well rooted. 



Ferdinanda eminens. This is one of the tallest 

 and noblest subtropical plants, growing well in the 

 southern and midland counties when it is supplied with 

 rich soil and abundant moisture. It is also very much 

 the better for being sheltered. Where the soil is rich, 

 deep, and humid, and the position warm, it attains large 

 dimensions, sometimes growing over 12 ft. high, and sus- 

 pending pairs of immense opposite leaves. It will in all 

 cases form a capital companion to the Castor-oil plant, 

 and, though it may not be grown with ease in all parts, 

 it should be in every collection. It requires to be 

 planted out, in a young state, about the middle of May, 

 and grows freely from cuttings. Greenhouse treatment 

 will do in winter. It is better to keep a stock in pots 

 through the summer to afford cuttings, though the old 

 ones may be used for that purpose. 



