Subtropical Gardening. 49 



I have grown it in this way to a much more presentable condition 

 than it ever assumes indoors, where it is usually drawn too much. 

 I used to protect the roots in winter by placing leaves over them, 

 and then covering all with a handlight, but have seen the plant sur- 

 vive without this protection. It is, however, best to make quite 

 sure by using protection, except where the soil and climate are par- 

 ticularly favourable. 



MoLoposPEEMUM cicuTAKiuM. — There is a deep-green and fern- 

 like beauty displayed profiisely by some of the umbeUiferous family, 

 but I have rarely met with one so remarkably attractive as this 

 species. Many of the class, while very elegant perish quickly, get 

 shabby indeed by the end of June, and are therefore out of place 

 in the tasteful flower garden ; but this is firm in character, of a dark 

 rich green, stout yet spreading in habit, growing more than a yard 

 high, and making altogether a most pleasing bush. It is perfectly 

 hardy, a native of Carniola, easily increased by seed or division, but 

 very rare just now. I doubt if it is even in our botanic gardens, 

 but hope to see it in cultivation ere long. 



NicoTiANA MACKOPHYLLA (Fig. 17). — This is simply a garden 

 name for a fine large variety of the common tobacco. As it is 

 so readily raised from seed, and grows luxuriantly in rich soil, I 

 need not say it is a very desirable subject for association with tnc 

 castor-oil plant and the like, and especially suited for the many 

 who desire plants of noble habit, but who cannot preserve the 

 tender ones through the winter under glass. The flowers are very 

 ornamental. It should be raised on a hotbed, and put out in May. 



Panicum bulbosum is a tall and strong grass, with a free and 

 beautiful inflorescence. It grows about five feet high, and the 

 flowers are very gracefully spread forth. It forms an elegant plant 

 for the flower garden, in wliich grace and variety are sought ; for 

 dotting about here and there, near the margins of shrubberies, &c. ; 

 and indeed for the sake of its flowers alone. P. virgatum is also 



