Notes and Gleanings. 305 



Palms as Decorative Plants. — The employment of palms for tlie 

 decoration of large rooms, corridors, halls, and windows, is not by any means as 

 general as it ought to be in this country, considering how easy is the culture of 

 many of the species. Size need not form an obstacle, as there are many of com- 

 paratively small proportions ; nor is a high temperature necessary in all cases. 

 With a view of calling attention to their use as ornamental plants for the localities 

 indicated, we extract, from an article of M. Burel in the " Horticulteur Fran9ais," 

 the following list of suitable species : — 



1. Leaves Fan-shaped. — Chamcerops excelsa. — The habit is somewhat stiff 

 in youth. It is very hardy, bears cold without inconvenience, and may be grown 

 for a long time in rooms without injury. 



Cha7na'rops humilis. — This species does not bear the cold so well as the 

 preceding ; but it does well in ordinary temperatures ; and its habit is graceful, 

 especially when grown as a stove-plant. 



ChamcE7ops Martiana. — Not so common as, and more tender than, the 

 preceding. 



Chatncsfops stauracantha. — This species demands a constant high tempera- 

 ture and free exposure to light. It is impatient of cold. 



Rhapis JlahelUfortnis. — Very well adapted for culture in rooms if kept away 

 from chimneys and hot draughts, and placed close to the light. 



Rhapis /nanilis. — Rather scarce. The same remarks apply as to the fore- 

 going. 



Corypha Atistralis. — A fine palm when once it has got into growth. It 

 does well in rooms at the ordinary temperature if kept away from cold 

 draught. 



CorypJia rotundifolia, Jetikinsii, Matiritiana. — These rather rare species 

 require, in order to grow them well, a warmer temperature than does C.Australis, 

 and also free exposure to light. 



Latania borbonica. — A magnificent palm, generally grown, but which requires 

 considerable heat. Its leaves should be frequently syringed or washed, and the 

 plant should get as much light as possible. 



Latania rubra. — A beautiful species, but one that requires a situation where 

 the temperature is kept high. It is not much employed. 



Sabal umbraculifera. — Less elegant than the latanias, but hardier. 



Sabal palmetto. — An excellent species, which does well in apartments. 



Sabal Adansonii. — Will do well for a considerable time at the ordinary tem- 

 perature of apartments. 



Thrinax argentea. — A very elegant palm, which does well for culture in 

 rooms ; but it is rare. 



Thrinax elegatts. — A charming plant, with elegant and graceful habit. It is 

 much employed to decorate vases in saloons by reason of its small size. It pre- 

 fers a sustained high temperature. All the species of thrinax are excellent 

 palms, which may be grown for a long time with care and with the necessary 

 heat ; but they are not common in the trade. 



2. Leaves Pinnate. — Phcenix dactylifera, sylveslris, reclinata. — These 

 palms with elegant foliage are very hardy. They may be grown for a long time 



