20 STOA'E FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



T. mvperialis and T. maeroplnjlla form grand specimens for 

 exhibition. Natives of Brazil, they luxuriate in a strong moist 

 heat while making their growth, with a copious supply of 

 water at the root and overhead. When growth is well ripened, 

 they stand in an intermediate temperature a long time in fine 

 condition. They thrive well in a mixture of fibry loam and 

 peat, with a good sprinkling of half-inch bones and sand ; and 

 while the plant is growing and the roots active, frequent doses 

 of clear liquid manure encourage the development of the 

 largest-sized leaves. 



TILLANPSIA. 



An extensive' genus of beautiful stove plants, most of which 

 are epiphytal, although under proper treatment they thrive 

 well in pots and baskets. Among those cultivated as foliage 

 plants, most of which also produce lovely flowers, the best 

 known are T. musaica, T. splendens, and T. zelyrina. They 

 are an easily grown class ; but while they are making growth 

 they thrive best in a high moist temperature, with a copious 

 supply of water at the root and heavy syringing overhead 

 daily. The compost they delight in is a fibry loam and peat, 

 with a sprinkling of half-inch bones, and nodules of charcoal 

 and sandstone, in well-drained pots. They should be kept 

 rather dry while at rest during the dormant season. 



JUDGING. 



In this class above most others, large size is of small value, 

 unless accompanied by all-round excellence. Under-sized 

 foliage plants are also of little value, however well done they 

 may be. A useful medium size, according to the nature of the 

 j)lant, with every part fully developed, is always preferable. 



The properties of foliage plants are : (1.) Condition, habit, 

 symmetry, and size of the specimen; (2.) the foliage healthy, 

 clean, and peif ect ; and (3.) the colour and variegation of the 

 leaves should be clear, vivid, and in good contrast. 



