752 THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



in loam, leaf-soil, and sand. Sturdier plants are obtained by- 

 growing in small pots and feeding. Sorts : C. indivisa and 



C. australis. 



Cyperus alternifolius and variegatus are highly ornamental 

 semi-aquatic grasses. Propagate by division in spring and by , 

 cuttings in summer, rooted either in sand or in warm water, in 

 the warm pit. Being semi-aquatic, they must be well supplied 

 with moisture during the summer, and may very well be stood 

 in saucers filled with water, which, however, should be frequently 

 changed and not allowed to become stagnant. Rest in autumn, 

 and gradually withhold water. In mid-winter cut down and only 

 keep just moist in the cool pit. Start again in February in the 

 warm pit. Height 2-^ft. 



Dracaenas take their place in the front rank amongst foliage 

 plants, but unfortunately most of them require a stove temperature. 

 However, those mentioned here will be found very suitable for 

 greenhouse cultivation. Propagate in the same manner as Cordy- 

 lines (to which these plants are allied), but towards the middle 

 of winter remove to the warm pit and grow there till early spring. 

 Soil : Fibrous loam, leaf-soil, rotten dung, and sand. Sorts : 



D. Brauantii, D. congesta {Cordyline) violacea, D. gracilis, and 

 D. rubra. 



Eucalyptus (Australian Gum-Tree). — Many of these are very 

 ornamental, and some should have a place in the greenhouse, 

 either as small or large specimen plants. Propagate by cuttings 

 of the young, half-ripened side-shoots in summer in the cool pit, 

 or from seeds sown in spring in gentle heat. Grow in loam, 

 peat, and sand in the cool pit. Towards autumn they are better 

 placed outside in the open to ripen, and should be kept 

 rather dry during winter. Sorts : E. globulus and E. citriodora ; 

 the latter has lemon-scented- leaves. 



Eulalia japonica is a very ornamental grass. Propagate by 

 division or by seed sown in early spring in the warm pit. Grow 

 in the cool pit, using stiff loam, leaf-soil, and sand. Keep rather 

 dry in winter. Varieties of E. japonica {Miscanthus sinensis) 

 are albo-lineata, foliis-striatis, and zebrina. 



Ficus elastica (India-rubber Plant) is well known and very 

 ornamental. Propagate by cuttings of the top or side-shoots in 

 January or February in strong bottom -heat. Grow in loam, 

 sand, and a little peat, and in February remove to the warm 

 pit to make growth for about three months, giving plenty of 

 moisture. F. repens is a pretty little creeper, useful for 

 hanging-baskets or for pots on the edges of the shelves. Raise 

 from cuttings in the warm pit. 



Grevillea robusta (Fig. 498) is a very ornamental shrub. 

 Propagate by cuttings of the young firm shoots in summer, 

 placed first in the cool pit, and when they have begun to 



