190 Subtropical Gardening. 



in the rosette stage throughout the first year. It is 

 somewhat tenderer than S. marianum. Algeria. 



The Solanums. This family, so wonderfully varied, 

 affords numerous species that look graceful and imposing 

 in leaf when in a young and free-growing state. In 

 selecting examples from this great genus we must be 

 careful, as our climate is a shade too cold for some of the 

 kinds grown on the continent, and many of them are of 

 too ragged an aspect to be tolerated in a tasteful garden. 

 Half a dozen species or so are indispensable, but there is 

 quite a crowd of narrow-leaved and ignoble ones which 

 may well be passed over. 



Most of these plants may be raised from seed, while 

 they are also freely grown from cuttings, which struck in 

 February will make good plants by May. All the kinds 

 named are suitable for association with the larger-leaved 

 plants, though they do not as a rule attain such height 

 and vigorous development as those of the first rank, like 

 the Ricinus. As a rule, temperate-house treatment in 

 winter is required, and they should be planted out about 

 the middle or end of May, in rich light soil, a warm 

 position, and perfect shelter. S. marginatum, planted 

 in a very dwarf and young state, furnishes a most distinct 

 and charming effect : it should be planted rather thinly, 

 so that the leaves of one plant may not brush against 

 those of another. If some very dwarf plants are used 

 as a groundwork, so much the better ; but the downy and 

 silvery leaves of this plant are sure to please without 

 this aid. It is very much better when thus grown than 

 when permitted to assume the bush form. 



Solanum betaceum. A small tree from South 



