262 



MY GARDEN. 



only to the lovely A nactochilus argenteus. Another plant with beautiful 

 foliage is the Variegated Pine (fig. 536). It is beautiful in leaf, but is 

 still more lovely when in fruit : for the adornment of the dinner-table 

 nothing can surpass it. This plant requires heat, but grows well in 

 the cucumber-house. 



Fig. 536. — Variegated Pine. 



Fig. S37. — Begonia. 



Fig. 537rt.^Fittoma argyrea. 



At different times we have had many species of Begonias. 

 They have mostly been found larger than we could accommodate; 

 nevertheless, the one figured (fig. 537) flowers well in the fernery, and 

 is peculiarly adapted to that situation, as its red flower is ornamental. 



Some of the Begonias have exquisite foliage. 

 I have figured Begonia rex (fig. 538). At variou!! 

 times I have had many of these plants ; and one 



particularly, the Climbing Be- 

 gonia, is a very interesting 



addition to the garden. 



The different species of 



Marantas afford very fine 



foliage. The Maranta zebriiia 



(fig. 539) is the most beautiful. 



In order to reach the highest 



perfection, it should be 



F.G.538.-Begomarex. pkutcd OUt in peat SOil aud F'=- 539 -Maran.a zebrina. 



grown freely, when its leaves attain their largest size and their finest 

 colour. The Maranta Warsawiczii, M. regulis, M. fasciata, M. micans, 

 M. vittata, and other species, have also beautiful leaves. 



