TABLE PLA>;TS. «o 



SECTIOX YII. 



TABLE PLANTS. 



This is generally a well filled and keenly contested class at 

 horticultural exliibitions, and attracts a considerable share of 

 attention from the public. The exhibits are usually confined 

 to small well-gro^vn specimens of fine-foliaged plants, because 

 they are the most popular and useful section for table decora- 

 tion, their easy culture, durability, and graceful appearance 

 rendering them peculiarly suitable for the purpose. The other 

 sections which are occasionally exhibited at flower-shows 

 are flowering plants, berried plants, conifers, and ferns, all, 

 however, being eligible for exhibition in the one class for 

 " Table Plants,'' unless specially divided in the schedule. Of 

 foliage plants there is plenty of choice, but the numbers of 

 suitable species in the other sections are rather limited, and 

 not more than six of them, if confined to distinct species, should 

 be required in competition. As a rule, it is better to stipulate 

 for distinct varieties only, and if the merits of the collections 

 are equal, then the number of species will settle the point, 

 the greatest number receiving the highest award. 



Among the best of the first or Foliage section of Table Plants, 

 the following genera, with a single species or variety charac- 

 teristic of the most suitable type, may be selected : — Aealypha 

 musaica, Aralia Veitchii gracHIima, Croton Clielsoni, UraccBna 

 Sidneyi, Eulcdia japonica variegata, Grevillea elecjans, Lomatia 

 elegantissima, Maranta Veitchii; of Palms, Cocos Weddelliana 

 and Phoenix rupicola are two of the best representatives of the 

 class ; Pavetta horhonica, Phrynium variegatum, Rhopala ele- 

 gantissima, and Terminalia elegam. The culture of this section 

 is of the easiest, and the proper soil and general treatment is 

 the same as that already described for specimen foliage plants. 

 Vigorous }'oung plants must be secured, and they must be 

 grown as quickly as possible to maintain them in robust health 

 to the desired size. Rich soil, good drainage, firm potting in 

 small pots, and a liberal but judicious use of artificial and 



