4 Subtropical Gardening. 



ful and useful from the great mass of plants known to science is 

 one of the most important of the horticulturist's duties, and in no 

 branch must he exercise it more thoroughly than in this one. 

 Some plants used in it are indispensable — the different kinds 

 of Ricinus, Cannas in great variety, Polymnia, Colocasia, Uhdea, 

 Wigandia, Ferdinanda, Palms, Yuccas, Dracaenas, and fine-leaved 

 plants of coriaceous texture generally. A few specimens of 

 these may be accommodated in many large gardens; they will 

 embellish the houses in winter, and, transferred to the open garden 

 in summer, will lend interest to it when we are tired of the houses. 

 Some Palms, like Seaforthia, may be used with the best effect for 

 the winter decoration of the conservatory, and be stood out with an 

 equal result, and without danger in summer. The many fine kinds 

 of Dracaenas, Yuccas, Agaves, &c., which have been seen to some 

 perfection at our shows of late, are eminently adapted for standing 

 out in summer, and are in fact benefited by it. Among the noblest 

 ornaments of a good conservatory are the Norfolk Island and other 

 tender Araucarias — these may be placed out for the summer much 

 to their advantage, because the rains viill thoroughly clean and 

 freshen them for winter storing. So with some Cycads and other 

 plants of distinct habit — the very things best fitted to add to the 

 present beauties of the flower garden. Thus we may enjoy all the 

 benefits of what is called subtropical gardening witliout creating 

 any special arrangements for them in all but the smallest gardens. 



But what of those who have no conservatory, no hothouses, no 

 means for preserving large tender plants in winter ? They too may 

 enjoy in effect the beauty which may have charmed them in a sub- 

 tropical garden. We have no doubt whatever that in many places 

 as good an effect as any yet seen in an English garden from tender 

 plants, may be obtained by planting hardy ones only ! There is 

 the Pampas Grass — when well grown unsurpassed by anything that 

 requires protection. Let us in planting it take the trouble to plant 

 and place it very well — and we can aftbrd to do that, since one 

 good planting is all that it requires of us, while tender things of 

 one-tenth the value may require daiiy attention. There are the 



