Subtropical Gardening. 9 



upper surface of tlie taller plants, is below the eye — neutralizes con- 

 siderably the great lines of the leaves ; but place the plant in a ring 

 round a central object, or in some position where its great leaves 

 may contrast immediately with those of a different type of vegeta- 

 tion, and it is beautiful indeed. 



It may be used with good effect in association with many fine 

 foliage plants ; but Ferdinanda, Ricinus, and Wigandia usually grow 

 too strong for it, and if planted too close injure it. This may 





Fig, 3. — Caladium esculentum. 



have been noticed particularly in cases where it was used as bor- 

 dering to masses of the strong growing kinds above named. With 

 all kinds of stonework, vases, &c., it is peculiarly effective and 

 beautiful. C. esculentum, though a stove perennial, is very easily 

 kept over the winter in a dry spot under a stage or in boxes of 

 sand in places where hot-house room is scarce. It is readily propa- 

 gated by first starting the plants in heat, and when they have 



