ON PALMS, CYCADS, AND BAMBOOS. 84 1 



seeds, but this is an extremely slow process. Many of the 

 nurserymen used at one time to grow them from seed, but 

 now prefer to import the plants from Southern countries, such 

 as places along the Riviera,, where they are grown in the open 

 in enormous quantities to supply all the Northern towns. When 

 raised from seeds the ' young plants require a rather light com- 

 post, but in the case of imported or old-established specimens 



Fig. 562. — Phcenix reclinata. 



loam and sand will be sufficient. A liberal supply of water is 

 necessary. 



P. acaulis is a valuable species for decorative purposes, of 

 rather compact habit, having a small thick stem, surmounted by 

 a fine crown of pinnate and spreading leaves, varying from ift. 

 to 3ft. ; the pinnae are narrow and stout at the base, the lower 

 ones being transformed into stout spines. P. canariensis {P. tenuis 

 and P. Jubae) is extensively grown in the nurseries in the 

 Mediterranean regions, and is decidedly the most useful species for 



