230 OENAMENTAIi POLUGE PLANTS. 



spreading, six to twelve feet in length ; pinnae twelve to 

 eighteen inches long, and about an inch wide, springing 

 in pairs fix)m nearly the same spot, and standing out in 

 different directions, full deep green ; the petioles very.- 

 thick at the base, where they are broad, and enclosed in a 

 dense mass of rough brown fibres which grow upon their 

 lower edges. As the plant attains maturity it is said to 

 develop a stout cylindrical trunk, and to form a majestic 

 tree, but we have not seen it in cultivation larger than we 

 have described. It is a native of Chili, where the boys use 

 its seeds in the same manner as do the boys of this country 

 their marbles. 



Kentia. 



A genus of greenhouse Palms, sometimes included in. 

 the genus Areca, from which, however, it has been 

 separated by our best authorities, one of its distinguish- 

 ing characters being a decumbent growth in its young 

 state, whilst Arecas are erect in growth from the earliest 

 stage. The Kentias are handsome robust plants, with 

 pinnate leaves, which, together with petioles and stem, 

 are quite destitute of spines. They are splendid objects, 

 for the decoration of the greenhouse or conservatory, and 

 succeed admirably during the summer months in the.- 

 sub-tropical garden, and in addition may be used with, 

 splendid effect as table decorators, when in a young state.. 

 Since the publication of the first edition of this book, there- 

 have been four new species introduced from Lord Howe's . 

 Island, all of which -vnU. form fine objects either for the 

 greenhouse or drawing-room. The soil best adapted for • 

 their cultivation is a mixture of loam and peat in about 

 equal proportions, adding a little silver or river sand to 

 keep it open and sweet. These plants require an abundant . 



