MISCELLAXEOrS EXHIBITION PLANTS. 121 



plants of a dwarfer habit, and finishing off with nice plants 

 of i'VdMS repent, Fittonia, variegated Panicum, and Selagi- 

 nellas, interspersed with drooping Fuchsias, Lobelias, Tliun- 

 henjia dlata, and the like, all set at regular distances, and 

 drooping tastefully over the edge. The table should be well 

 balanced withovit being too formal. The prominent plants 

 should be in perfect condition, and so thinly set that the eye 

 can clearly trace their outlines. Crowding should be strictly 

 avoided, as a free open airy arrangement is in better taste, and 

 most highly appreciated. The chief conditions to be taken into 

 consideration are the cultural merits and high qualitv of the 

 specimens, and the harmonious combination of the whole group. 

 The judging of tables for " effective arrangement " is not 

 easily- described in a satisfactory manner, because it is chiefly 

 a matter of taste, which varies with the individual. Some 

 appreciate bold contrasts, others prefer mellow tones ; but 

 what is graceful and handsome is approved by all. A minia- 

 ture of a tropical forest with the feathery palm and slender 

 grasses shooting out from an undulating surface of moss and 

 fern, is a good basis to work upon, with clumps of bright- 

 coloured foliage and flowering plants tastefully scattered about, 

 and orchids peeping from among the branches or suspended 

 in as natural a way as possible on the taller plants, making 

 a very pleasing and attractive scene, and, when done with 

 skill and good taste, goes a long way to seci^re high honours. 

 Whatever idea or design is employed for such a display of 

 taste, the plants used should always be appropriate, and 

 perfect in leaf and flower, each occupying its proper space, 

 without the foi'mality of one exactly the same being placed 

 in a corresponding position. The arrangement should be 

 rounded off and subdued in such a manner that the eye 

 may not be particularly attracted to anj' one part, but that 

 it mav wander with delight and satisfaction over the whole. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 

 In concluding our remarks on exhibition plants, a few useful 

 hints may be given on the cleaning, training, packing, and 

 other points, of which the beginner often feels the need of 



