Subtropical Gardening. 9 



upper surface of the taller plants, is below the eye neutralizes con- 

 siderably the great lines of the leaves j but place the plant in a ring 

 round a central object, or in some position where its great leaves 

 may contrast immediately with those of a different type of vegeta- 

 tion, and it is beautiful indeed. 



It may be used with good effect in association with many fine 

 foliage plants -, but Ferdinanda, Ricinus, and Wigandia usually grow 

 too strong for it, and if planted too close injure it. This may 



FIG. 3. Caladium esculentum. 



have been noticed particularly in cases where it was used as bor- 

 dering to masses of the strong growing kinds above named. With 

 all kinds of stonework, vases, &c., it is peculiarly effective and 

 beautiful. C. esculentum, though a stove perennial, is very easily 

 kept over the winter in a dry spot under a stage or in boxes of 

 sand in places where hot-house room is scarce. It is readily propa- 

 gated by first starting the plants in heat, and when they have 



