Shrubs. 41 



for growing in clumps ; but they require considerable 

 room to spread, a good rich soil, and plenty of water. 



For multiplying, large pieces of the roots, which 

 contain eyes, should be sawn, or chopped off, in 

 March or April, and planted in well-manured soil. 

 Give a mulching of manure after planting, and water 

 should be applied twice weekly. The first year the 

 growth will be rather thin, but by the second year the 

 plants will become established, and throw up stout 

 canes, which grow very rapidly. 



Care must be taken that the canes in bending over 

 with the wind do not touch a wall, or great damage 

 will be the result. Several dwarf varieties, as Bjaponica y 

 B. nana, and B. nigra^ are grown for shrubberies, but 

 only one species, namely B. abyssinica, is known to be 

 indigenous in the whole of Africa. 



Biota orientalis Afs. A dwarf Cupressus-like 

 evergreen, growing in any kind of soil, and forming 

 a compact, handsome shrub. It can be raised from 

 seed, and nice plants obtained in three years, but 

 some will be found to be of a less compact habit 

 than others. They can be utilised either as dwarf 

 hedges, isolated specimens, or pot plants. 



Croton. An exceedingly handsome genus of orna- 

 mental foliage plants, popular with all on account of 

 the rich and beautiful markings of their leaves. A 

 large number of named varieties are at present in 

 cultivation in Europe, and new ones are constantly 

 appearing ; but only a few of the stronger kinds 

 succeed in the open ground in Egypt, and then only 

 in sheltered gardens, while the majority require the 

 protection of a glasshouse or a warm sheltered spot 

 in the winter. 



C. aucubsefolius-superbus. This is one of the best 

 and hardiest varieties, growing into a large handsome 

 bush in the open ground in a half-shady position. It 

 has small green leaves covered with bright yellow 

 spots, and is an excellent plant either for verandah or 

 house decoration. 



