ANAUASSA. 93 



decoration in summer time, and very hardy ; this fact we 

 wish to thoroughly impress upon amateurs, as when used 



,for vases upon terraces, or in similar situations, it pro- 



, duces a beautiful effect, totally different from that yielded 

 by any other plant. The fruits of these varieties are 

 small, high flavoured, but very rough, and consequently 



, inferior to the kinds grown for dessert fruit. Like them 

 they are increased from suckers, and from the crown 

 which is produced upon the summit of the fruits ; after 

 taking off the suckers or crowns, lay them to dry for 

 a day or so, then put them into strong heat, when they 

 wUl soon push out roots and form handsome successions. 

 A. Forteana. — This variety has a somewhat erect habit 

 of growth. The leaves are armed on the margins with 

 sharp spines ; they are deep olive green in colour, with 

 a broad band of pale yellow extending down the centre, 



, from base to apex. We have not seen this plant used 

 in the open air, but it is probable that it may succeed 

 as well as the following variety, and if so, it will form 

 a beautiful contrast to that plant. Native of the Philippine 

 Islands. 



A. sativa variegata. — This beautiful plant produces leaves 

 some two or three feet long, sheathing at the base, taper- 

 ing to a sharp point, and having the edges thickly set 

 with recurved spines. The leaves are arranged in a 

 rosulate manner, and are beautifully arched ; the centre 

 of the leaf is rich bright green, with occasionally a few 

 lines of white, and broadly margined with rich creamy 

 yellow, tinged with red towards the margins, especially 

 when well exposed to the light. A most lovely vase- 

 like plant, unequalled for decorative purposes, either in 

 the plant house or the open air ; the origin of this 

 variety is unknown. 



