108 



RECORD OF HORTICULTURE. 



remarkably fine foliage. They require considerable moist- 

 ure and warm weather to insure a fine growth. The old 

 C. esculentum (fig. 18) is one of the most hardy and A'igor- 

 ons, and produces leaves of enormous size. Some of them 

 may with care be kept through the winter in the cellar, 

 but the green-house is the most suitable place. 



S^K^^i^^ 



Fiff. 18. 



Coleus Verschaffeltii. — This is one of the most beauti- 

 ful plants that has been introduced for many years. The 

 leaves are a deep violet purple, with a soft velvety sur- 

 face. It grows three or four feet high if not checked ; but 

 to produce handsome stocky plants, the leading shoots 

 shouhl be checked Avhen about a foot high ; very tender ; 

 ]jro])agated from cuttings. There are also several other 

 varieties Avhich are very beautiful. C. atropurpureus has 



