184 SUBTROPICAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



tropical/' should be tabooed at once, as tending to make 

 much work, and to return — a lot of weeds ; for " weedi- 

 ness " is all that I can write of many Solanums and stove 

 plants of no real merit which have been employed under 

 this name. Selection of the most beautiful and useful 

 from the great mass of plants known to science is one 

 of the most important of the horticulturist's duties, and 

 in no branch must he exercise it more thoroughly than 

 in this. Some plants used in it are indispensable — the 

 different kinds of Eicinus, Cannas in great variety, Polym- 

 nia, Colocasia, Uhdea, Wigandia, Ferdinanda, Palms, Yuccas, 

 Dracaenas, and fine-leaved plants of coriaceous texture 

 generally. A few specimens of these may be accommo- 

 dated in many large gardens ; they will embellish the houses 

 in winter, and, transferred to the open garden in summer, 

 will lend interest to it when we are tired of the houses. 

 Some Palms, like Seaforthia, may be used with the best 

 effect for the winter decoration of the conservatory, and be 

 placed out with an equal result, and without danger in 

 summer. The many fine kinds of Dracaenas, Yuccas, 

 Agaves, &c, which have been seen to some perfection at 

 our shows of late, are eminently adapted for standing out 

 in summer, and are in fact benefited by it. Among the 

 noblest ornaments of a good conservatory are the Norfolk 

 Island and other tender Araucarias — these may be placed 

 out for the summer much to their advantage, because the 

 rains will thoroughly clean and freshen them for winter 

 storing. So with some Cycads and other plants of distinct 

 habit — the very things best fitted* to add to the attrac- 

 tions of the flower garden. Thus we may enjoy all the 

 benefits of what is called subtropical gardening without 

 creating any special arrangements for them in all but the 

 smallest gardens. 



But what of those who have no conservatory, no hothouses, 

 no means for preserving large tender plants in winter ? They 

 too may enjoy in effect the beauty which may have charmed 

 them in a subtropical garden. I have no doubt what- 

 ever that in many places as good an effect as any yet seen 

 in an English garden from tender plants, may be obtained by 



