184 
celatocaulis. This is an excellent example of variation in leaf- 
m in this family. The first or primary leaves are entire and 
lie flat against the object upon which the plant is climbing, in an 
imbricated manner, entirely concealing the stem. For thi 
reason it was given the specific name of celatocaulis, a means 
“concealed stem As the plant develops, the end of the stem 
manner of those of Monstera. Although the flowers are unknown, 
Dr. Engler, the great authority on this family, has placed the 
plant in that genus, calling it Monstera eae ca It is 
interesting to trace the development in leaf-form from the ovate 
entire leaves closely appressed to the sae to az large lobed 
ones on the dependent stems. One can hardly believe these 
different forms belong to the same 
Another interesting plant here is ne s tail-flower, Anthu- 
rium Veitchii, a native of the mountains of Colombia. This is 
one of the most striking species of the genus, and this specimen 
is one of the largest of this species in cultivation. A short 
time ago it became necessary to retub it, the process requiring 
about nine barrels of peat. This operation is necessary only 
every few years. For a time it checks its growth, but it is now 
rapidly recovering and will soon attain its former proportions 
and beauty. The larger of the leaves are about four feet long 
and a foot wide, and are pendulous from long petioles. They 
are curiously marked with transverse somewhat curved eleva- 
tions, producing a striking and decorative effect, much resembling 
some of the hammered-brass wo: 
Another imposing plant of an group is the giant philodendron, 
Philodendron giganieum, a native of tropical America. This 
large plant has been in the ee since 1901, when it was 
brought here from the island of St. Kitts by Dr. Britton. 
An examination of the plants in ae group in house no. 4 will 
make quite evident the gs variety in leaf-form to be found in 
this large family of aroid 
hile the larger ae are brought iene in house no. 4, 
many others will be found on the center bench and under all the 
benches in house no. 100f the same range. Here are placed those 
