240 ORNAMENTAL FOLUGB PLANTS. 



are immensely laxge, and clotlied with, a similar fibre to- 

 that of Gooos nucifera, and contain one seed (rarely two) y 

 the nuts are deeply two-lobed, which has given rise tO' 

 the name of double cocoa-nut. The soil should be riob 

 loam and vegetable mould in equal parts ; the pots should 

 be well drained, as they require an abundant supply of 

 water, and a very strong heat. From the leaves of thi& 

 plant, the French residents in the Seychelles Islands con- 

 struct some of the most elegant and recherclie articles it 

 has ever been our pleasure to see, in the shape of basketSj 

 fans, hats, bonnets, artificial flowers, and other things, 

 which are of a delicate straw colour. 



L. Sechellarum, — This is an exceedingly rare plant in 

 cultivation, and wo have introduced it here chiefly with 

 the view of fixing the attention of any one who may 

 have an opportunity of procuring seeds for importation^ 

 The plant is rare in its native habitat, and we, therefore,, 

 are extremely anxious to see plants of it well established 

 in this country. The seeds are very large, and one of 

 the chief difficulties in establishing this plant is its peculiar- 

 manner of germination. The radicle grows down in the- 

 form of a stout tap root for three feet or more, and splitting- 

 open at the end allows the plumule to ascend, and if at this 

 stage the young plant can be potted, success is likely to- 

 ensue. We have several times had plants make a few 

 leaves, but have to record all our efforts unsuccessful to 

 thoroughly establish them. It is a native of the Islands of 

 Praslin and Gurieur, in the Seychelles group. 



LOMATIA. 



A small Proteaceous genus including several plants of 

 elegant growth, which should be extensively grown as 

 ornaments for the greenhouse or conservatory. In these- 



