Gunnera Gymnocladus. 1 45 



as to admit of its absorbing a thorough dose of water now 

 and then, while in winter it was protected with dry leaves 

 and a piece of tarpaulin. Similar protection, plenty of 

 water in summer, and a warm and sheltered position, are 

 all that are necessary for success with this very striking 

 subject. It is not difficult to obtain, and may be raised 

 from seed, though that is a slow way. It should be 

 planted in some isolated spot, and not as a rule in the 

 " flower-garden proper," as it must not be disturbed after 

 being well planted, and would associate badly with the 

 ordinary occupants of the parterre. The plant cannot 

 have too much sun or warmth, but makes little progress 

 if its huge leaves are torn by storms. In places with any 

 diversity of surface it will be easy to select a spot well 

 open to the sun and yet sheltered by surrounding objects 

 (shrubs, clumps, etc.). The figure shows more the habit of 

 the plant than the character of its huge compound fleshy 

 spike, on which the small seeds are thickly scattered. 



* Gymnocladus canadensis (Kentucky Coffee-tree). 

 A remarkable hardy forest tree, which, kept in a young 

 state, will furnish a fine head of foliage. It has twice- 

 divided leaves, the leaflets of which stand vertically. On 

 young trees the leaves are more than 3 ft. long, and on 

 subjects confined to a single stem and cut down every 

 year they would prove even larger than that. It grows 

 wild in Canada, but more abundantly and larger in Ken- 

 tucky and Tennessee, where it used to be employed as a 

 substitute for coffee hence the common name. It loves 

 a rich deep soil, and is propagated by seeds and cuttings 

 of the roots. It will prove very suitable for planting in 

 similar positions to those recommended for the Ailantus. 



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