SUB-TEOPICAIi GARDENING. , 47 



■using the ornamental-leaved plants in company with flow- 

 ering plants or in isolated groups, is distinctness of out- 

 line and character in each, for we do not want groups of 

 plants so similar in appearance that it requires close 

 inspection to distinguish the differences. Keeping this 

 guiding principle always in Tiew, and having a proper 

 selection of plants — by this we mean with respect to native 

 locality, for it is not feasible to suppose a plant from the 

 hot moist plains and swamps of the islands in the Indian 

 Archipelago, would be as suitable as one from the moun- 

 feins — the amateur or gardener cannot err, providing the 

 surroundings are prepared as we shall afterwards explain. 

 To prevent disappointment to those who may not have 

 the convenience of a greenhouse, we may add that ample 

 materials exist amongst hardy plants to form a very beau- 

 tiftil effect, and that where choice plants are used these 

 hardy ones should be judiciously combined, for the orna- 

 mental character of a plant does not depend upon its 

 being hardy, or requiring the temperature of the stove 

 to te^p it during winter ; and although the hardy plants 

 are without the province of these pages, we shall append 

 to this chapter the names of a few of the most beautiful, 

 as we feel, without in some way recognizing them, we 

 shall leave the subject incomplete. 



The next question which arises, is, how to use the plants, 

 and here lies the chief art in sub-tropical gardening, 

 for some stand exposure to the full rays of the 

 sun far better than others — indeed, some plants that 

 grow beautifully in the open air dviring summer, must 

 have complete shade. The texture of the leaves, and the 

 constitution of the plant, added to practice, will soon 

 teach the operator these matters. It must be borne in 

 mind, also, that a preparation of ground is equally as 



