84 TABLE PLANTS. 



liquid manure, combined with a free application of the syringe 

 and perfect cleanliness at all times, will grow them to per- 

 fection. 



The second section, or Flowering Plants, is the most attrac- 

 tive, including such subjects as Amaryllis, Amasonia punicea, 

 Anthuriwn, Azalea, Begonia, Cyclamen, Dielytra, Epipliyllum, 

 Eucharis, Fuchsia, Gesnei-a, Orchids, Pancratium, Primula, 

 Poinsettia, Rhododendron, Sjpirwa, Thyrsacanthus, and Val- 

 lota. As a rule, ilowering plants are much more diiEcult to 

 grow to perfection and exhibit in full beauty at a fixed date 

 than foliage plants, but their generally elegant habits and the 

 beauty of their flowers are worthy of special efforts being made 

 to obtain these plants in perfection. Their general culture is 

 described in other sections, and the special treatment required 

 to produce handsome, and well-flowered specimens is nearly 

 similar during their growing stage to that recommended for 

 foliage plants. Healthy yoking plants to start with, liberal 

 treatment, attention to watering and cleanliness, and a good 

 position near the light when nearing the flowering stage, to 

 form and develop the flowers, is about the surest road to 

 success. 



The third section, or Beri-ied Plants, are a very limited 

 class if confined to plants bearing what are popularly known 

 as "berries;" but if plants with showy fruits are admissible 

 when produced on specimens of a proper size, the range of sub- 

 jects is considerably widened. Among the best are Ardisia, 

 Aucuba, CalUcarpa, Capsicum, Dianella, Hardy Fruit Trees 

 and Bushes, Oranges, Rivina, SIcimmia, and Solanum. To 

 have the plants in this section in their best condition, much 

 care is necessary, and to succeed no trouble or watching must 

 be grudged. 



Of the fourth section, Ferns, there are numerous species 

 of a graceful habit suitable for competition as table plants. 

 Among the best are Adiantum, Asplenium, Athyrium, Blech- 

 nuni, Lastrea, Lomaria, Neottopteris, Neplirodium, Osmunda, 

 Pteris, and Todea. There are only certain species and varieties 

 of the genera mentioned that are suitable for table plants, 

 those with graceful fronds about one foot in length being most 



