THE CANNA. 243 



ing the cuttings in sand under a bell-glass, with strong hot- 

 torn-heat. Seed is also occasionally produced, and vegetates 

 freely. Within the last few years, the French florists have 

 raised some fine hybrid varieties, with very brilliant flowers ; 

 but they are not yet in general cultivation. 



The principal species are L. laurifolia^ crista galli, Jierbacea^ 

 speciosa, and macrophylla. 



THE CANNA. 



These plants, commonly known as Indian shot, are very 

 conspicuous in the garden as foliaged plants, and some of 

 the flowers possess no inconsiderable degree of beauty. 

 Raised from seed, which should be sown in pots, with 

 gentle bottom-heat, the plants make but little show the first 

 year ; but when the roots are large, and the plants become 

 strong, there is no more effective plant in the garden. 



The object should be to encourage the growth of the seed- 

 ling-plants by pricking them out in rich deep soil in order 

 that the roots may become large. After the frost has killed 

 the tops, the roots should be carefully lifted, and, with what 

 little soil adheres to them, placed in flat boxes, and kept in a 

 dry, frost-proof cellar until spring. In April, place the 



