8 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



lineata, Dracena ferrea and terminalis, Hoya variegata, a variegated leaved 

 Dioscorea, and many other new plants. Among ferns and lycopods, 

 Adiantum capillus veneris, Davillea bullata, Gymnogramma chrysophylla 

 and sulphurea, Selaginella coesia, coesia arborea, circinalis, densa, Wil- 

 denovii, lepidophylla, denticulata. There were no fine specimen plants in 

 this collection ; all were small, but in vigoi of growth and freshness of foli- 

 age, as well as in form and culture, they were not equalled by any collec- 

 tion displayed. 



The show made by Messrs. Evers and Comley was excellent, and very 

 creditable. They excelled chiefly in ferns and begonias, both of which 

 classes of plants were well grown and in good health. 



A description of some of the rare plants exhibited may not be amiss. 



In Mr. Merrifield's collection we notice, as before said, — 



Caladium Chantini. — A lovely plant, belonging to the Arum family, and 

 remarkable for the beauty of its leaves. The foliage is of the most vivid 

 green, beautifully blotched with red and white. No words can well describe 

 this beautiful plant. As yet it is rare in Europe, and is in the possession 

 of but feyv in this country. The shape of the leaves somewhat resembles 

 that of the common calla lily, though more rounding. It is a stove plant, 

 requiring a high temperature to develop the markings of the foliage. 



Caladium marmoratum. — In growth like the above. Foliage dark green, 

 marbled with white. A strong-growing and desirable variety. Like the 

 last, a stove plant. 



Caladium bicolor piduratum. — A very handsome variety. Foliage dark 

 green, spotted with white ; habit of plant very graceful. 



Caladium atro purpweum. — A strong-growing variety, with dark green 

 leaves and stalk, and leaf veins dark purple, making it a very showy plant 

 in a collection. 



The flowers of all the plants above mentioned are comparatively in- 

 significant, the plant being cultivated for the beauty of its foliage. As a 

 general rule, we find the flowers of variegated leaved plants are inferior. 



Hoya variegata. — All our readers know the common, but not less beautiful 

 wax plant; here we have a variety with variegated leaves, which is a 

 charming addition. 



Gymnogramma chrysophylla, or golden fern ; a beautiful species — the 

 young fronds being covered with golden powder. There is also G. Peru- 

 viana, of which the fronds are covered with silver powder; whence its 

 name. Silver fern, which has, we believe, never been exhibited. 



Lycopodium densum. — A lovely little plant, which a hasty observer would 

 fail to notice. Its little fronds are most delicate and beautiful. 



Dieffmbachia pida. — A tall-growing plant, with reedy foliage, richly 

 marked with white. Its native locality is the hot reeking swamps of the 

 Amazon, so the more water and heat we supply the better we succeed in 

 its culture. 



Maranta lineata alba. — A species of the plant producing the arrow root 

 of commerce. Leaves long and stiff, beautifully veined with lines of pure 



