184 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



are easily grown if attention be duly paid to their wants, 

 bat they soon lose their beauty and fade away if neglected. 

 To grow them well and vigorously, pot in a compost con- 

 sisting of peat, loam, and leaf mould, in about equal parts, 

 adding a portion of silver sand ; a liberal supply of water, 

 with ordinary stove heat, will be necessary during the 

 growing season, and shading from the direct rays of the 

 sun. In fact, at any season of the year dryness must be 

 avoided, and also cold draughts. They may be increased 

 by division, by cuttings, and also by seed. 



D. mosaica. — This is a fine species of dwarf habit. The 

 leaves are ovate-oblong in shape, the ground colour of a 

 beautiftd metallic dark green, profusely pencilled and 

 veined with zigzag transverse lines of pure white, which 

 produce a peculiar and beautifiil effect ; the under side is 

 a deep rich purple. The flowers are also very handsome, 

 being a bright azure blue, produced in a terminal spike 

 or truss, during autumn ; but as a variegated-leaved plant 

 it is worthy a place in every collection. Native of Peru. 



D. vmdata. — A very distinct species from the preceding, 

 yet resembling it in its habit of growth. The leaves are 

 broadly ovate, the ground colour dark green ; the mid-rib 

 and parallel veins are light green, and, in addition, are 

 numerous transverse bars of white, as well as transverse 

 undulations, which give them a pretty, though peculiar 

 appearance ; the jmder surface is a uniform purple. 

 Native of Peru. 



DiEFFBNBACHIA. 



This is a genus of Arads of noble growth, although they 

 do not attain any great height. They are erect-growing 

 plants, requiring only strong heat and a liberal supply of 

 water, both from the syringe and watering-can, during the 



