0» PALMS. 



South America is one of the most graceful palms grown, and 

 is always admired, whether exhibited as a table plant or as a 

 specimen. It thrives well in one-half lumpy fibrous loam, and 

 the other half peat, leaf-mould, and broken pieces of sand- 

 stone. It enjoys strong heat and a moist atmosphere to grow 

 in, and must be kept free from insects. 



CORYPHA. 



A small genus, which in the form and size of its foliage is a 

 striking contrast to the Cocos. Some of the species have the 

 most magnificent fan-shaped leaves of any in the noble class 

 to which they belong. C australis, a greenhouse, and C. 

 umhraculifera, a stove species, are the best for exhibition. 

 They require good drainage and abundance of water, and 

 grow well in a compost of half-fibry loam, the other half peat 

 and sand. 



ELAEIS. 



A small genus of useful palms, one species of which produces 

 that valuable commodity the palm-oil of commerce. Two 

 of the best for exhibition are E. guineensis and E. melanococa. 

 They are most useful decorative plants while small or half 

 specimen size. They should be grown in rich loam with a 

 few pieces of sandstone or charcoal to keep it open, and 

 luxuriate in heat and moisture while they are growing. 



GEONOMA. 



This genus shares pre-eminence with Cocos for beauty and 

 gracefulness. Most of the species are dwarf and slender in 

 the stem, which gives them a light and elegant appearance. 

 Among the best for exhibition are tr. gracilis, G. Martiana 

 and G. procumhens. They require to be potted in light spongy 

 peat, fibry loam, and leaf-mould, with a little sand and nodules 

 of charcoal. They are almost aquatics, and much more water 

 should be given them than is generally supplied to palms. To 

 maintain the dark-green colour, they should be closely shaded 

 when growing, and a slight shade afterwards. 



