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CULTIVATION AND ANALYSIS OF PLANTS. h 
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SHLAGINEHLIA., 
scientific title of the family to which this genus Selaginella belongs. 
The family is commonly called Club Moss, and this genus West- 
\ India Moss, the finest specimens having been imported into Europe 
~~ from those regions. Though scientifically ranked with the Mosses, 
they are in reality a sort of intervening group or connecting link between 
the Mosses and the Ferns. Many of the species rise to no inconsiderable 
an inch to two feet. The S. densa, which is among the low-growing species, 
forms a dense mass of minute Fern-like foliage resembling a thickly-wooded 
forest in miniature. There are at least twenty species in common indoor culti- 
vation, and easy to be procured from the florists. The chief use made of the 
Selaginellas is in Wardian cases, or as forming a pleasant topping for hanging-baskets, 
boxes and the like. They delight in abundant moisture and a high temperature, and will 
grow well in a common sitting-room in some shady nook, where the atmosphere is gen- 
ally still and moist. They are propagated by cuttings or divisions, but more easily by the 
latter method.. One part chopped moss, one peat-earth, and one sandy loam, with a few 
pieces of charcoal, will form an excellent compost for their growth. They are easily kept 
green all the year round by a little extra attention in the matter of watering. 
SMILAX. 
ARELY has any climbing vine. taken such hold of the popular heart 
for decorative purposes as has this delicate, twining, bright-leaved 
beauty. Thousands of yards are used every year for decorations on 
all occasions, both joyous and sad. It is a native of the Cape of 
Good Hope, and constitutes an independent order of plants nearly 
! allied to the Lilies. The root is formed by numerous tubers united 
in a crown, from which the vines spring. A fertile sandy soil is the best 
adapted for its culture, and while in an active or growing state it should have 
a copious supply of water, which might be occasionally interchanged with 
liquid manure. The vine itself resembles a fine cord following a zig-zag course 
like a shallow herring-bone stitch, at each angle or joint of which there is 
a glossy leaf of oval shape, with veins running lengthwise, the effect of which is 
to give it a rather unique appearance. After it has started, small twine must be 
supplied for a support, except it be left to fall as it pleases. The flowers, which in this 
plant are a secondary consideration, are a greenish-white, and fragrant. The vines are 
used in making floral arches in the house, or in the garden in a sheltered nook, for forming 
festoons and wreathing around baskets. They are propagated by division of the roots 
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