190 SUBTROPICAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



been noticed in considerable masses during the past year 

 in the London parks, where it served to illustrate to some 

 extent the disadvantages of that mode of planting. When 

 seen in wide masses the effect is by no means so fine as 

 when in a compact group or circle. The dead level line 

 presented by the tops — which line, unlike that of the upper 

 surface of the taller plants, is below the eye— neutralizes 

 considerably the great lines of the leaves ; but place the 

 plant in a ring round a central object, or in some posi- 

 tion where its 

 Fra. 64. fine leaves 



may contrast 

 immediately 

 with those of a 

 different type 

 of vegetation, 

 and it is beau- 

 tiful indeed. It 

 may be used 

 with great ef- 

 fect in associa- 

 tion with many 

 fine foliage 

 plants; butFer- 

 dinanda, Rici- 

 nus, and Wi- 

 gandia usually 

 grow too strong 

 for it, and if 

 planted too close injure it. This may have been noticed par- 

 ticularly in cases where it was used as bordering to masses 

 of the strong growing kinds above-named. With all kinds of 

 stonework, vases, &c, it is peculiarly effective and beautiful. 

 C. esculentum, though a stove perennial, is very easily kept 

 over the winter in a dry spot under a stage or in boxes of 

 sand in places where hothouse room is scarce. It is readily 

 propagated by first starting the plants in heat, and when 

 they have pushed forth eyes near the base, cutting them in 

 pieces, an eye or bud in each. In spring the older plants 



Caladium esculentum. 



