CHAP. V. ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ETC. 377 



2. P. argyraea. A small plant with beautiful silvery leaves; 

 exhibited occasionally at the Calcutta flower-shows. 



3. P. (syn. Scindapsus) gigantea. An immense climbing epi- 

 phytal plant, with foliage much like that of Beaumontia, but 

 with the leaves much larger and of a dark polished green. It 

 is sometimes seen attached to large Banian trees, hanging upon 

 them like a splendid curtain, and has then a truly magnificent 

 appearance. 



Anthurium. 



Epiphytal plants cultivated only for their ornamental foliage. 



1. A. cordifolium, and 2. A. leuconeurum, are met with in the 

 Botanical Gardens, but are of little beauty ; as well as 3. A. 

 lancifolium. Of A. scherzerianum Messrs. Carter speak as 



" One of the most striking and beautiful dwarf-flowering plants, 

 producing beautiful brilliant scarlet flowers, each of which remains 

 from two to three months in bloom. Of easy culture, and a most 

 abundant bloomer." 



Of late cultivated in the Betel-house are : A. magnificum ; pedato- 

 radiatum; tetragonum; Wildenovi; longifolium. 



LILIACE.E. 

 T u 1 i p a. 



TULIP. 



I have never heard of a single instance of the Tulip having 

 been cultivated with success in this country. Both when 

 residing at Ferozepore and at Howrah I procured bulbs from 

 England, but on each occasion with the most unsatisfactory 

 result. Some never started at all, and those which did merely 

 put forth a miserable leaf or two. 



Fritillaria. 



Comprises the different kinds of Fritillaries, as well as the 

 old familiar Crown Imperial ; all quite unadapted, I believe, to 

 the climate of this country. When at Ferozepore I procured a 

 selection from England. The Crown Imperials had pushed 

 forth long roots by the time of their arrival ; but the Fritillaries 

 were stilll dormant. On being potted they remained in the 



