Sub -Tropical Gardening. 195 



The CANNAS hardly require any additional commendation. There are 

 an immense number of kinds. From the two or three kinds known a few 

 years since, skilful cultivators have produced nearly a hundred sorts, — 

 many of them remarkably beautiful both in foliage and flowers. All are 

 good. A few, however, represent the class, and are sufficient, except in 

 extensive grounds. They grow from three to eight feet high, and form 

 superb groups. 



The COLOCASIAS and caladiums are another fine group and fine-foliaged 

 plants ; the latter remarkable for the gay spotting and coloring of their 

 leaves. These, especially the caladiums, are fitted for outer lines of beds. 



The DRACAENAS, unique in the green, bronze, or crimson leaf-tints, are 

 highly picturesque and showy plants, affording more contrast, perhaps, 

 than any other group. 



Tritomas are remarkable for their glorious flower-heads, which, appear- 

 ing through a mass of long, recurved, narrow leaves, form an imposing mass 

 throughout the whole autumn months until frost. To these as principals 

 we may add the ricinus (castor-oil bean), the daturas, solanums, Japanese 

 maize, wigandias, achyranthes, coleus, centaureas, pampas-grass, (Sec. ; and, 

 on grounds of moderate extent, they will give a good variety. 



In larger places, as isolated specimens, the palms, New-Zealand flax 

 (phormium), the bananas, agaves, &c., form conspicuous objects. They 

 may also be grouped with kinds above named. 



In this brief notice, the object of which is to invite more attention to 

 sub-tropical gardening, it is only necessary to indicate some of the objects, 

 leaving the details to the amateur planter. 



We should not close this article without stating that it is of the utmost 

 importance that the ground should be prepared with great care to secure 

 the best results. Not only should the soil be deep, but it should be well 

 drained. It should be made rich, not with fresh manure, but with that 

 which is old and thoroughly decayed, or well-rotted leaf-soil ; a loose rich 

 bed in which the roots can extend rapidly and deeply. The surface 

 should be slightly raised to receive the warmth of the sun ; and excess of 

 moisture should be obviated. Let the plants be vigorous and in good con- 

 dition when turned into the soil ; and in dry, hot weather, water liberally. 

 All extra care will bring with it a rich reward in ample growth, rich foliage, 

 and luxuriant aspect. 



