110 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



arid pointing in a downward direction ; leaves pinnate, 

 dark green above, silvery wHte below. Native of the 

 banks of streams, and in swampy forest ground on the 

 Upper Amazon. 



A. rostratum. — This species grows some twenty or thirty 

 feet in height, but as it forms its stem somewhat slowly, it 

 is many years before it becomes too large for an ordinary 

 stove. The stem is slender, densely clothed with long 

 black spines. Leaves irregularly pinnate, from three to 

 eight feet in length ; petioles broadly sheathing at the 

 base, and densely armed with black spines, some of which 

 are two inches in length ; pianse twelve to eighteen inches 

 in length, terminal lobe much larger and bifid ; dark green 

 above, silvery white below. The white flowers are pro- 

 duced in its prickly boat-like spathe, in quite a smaU state. 

 Native of Brazil. 



Attalea. 



This is a superb genus of Palms, all natives of America, 

 some species being found at considerable altitudes. They 

 are mostly tall-growing plants, and require the heat of 

 the stove in m.ost instances to develope their beauties. 

 This fact should not, however, deter amateurs from culti- 

 vating Palms, because even the tallest kinds are a very 

 long time in forming their stems, and consequently many 

 years will elaps6 before they outgrow the accommodation 

 of an ordinary stove or greenhouse. The leaves are pin- 

 nate, and the entire plants are destitute of spines. The 

 finiits are produced in large clusters, and employed iu the 

 manufacture of numerous fancy toys, &c. Peat and loam 

 in equal parts suits them well, and they enjoy a copious 

 supply of water. 



A. GoJmne. — This beautiful species is highly ornamental, 



