REFORM IN THE CONSERVATORY. 



293 



conservatory of all formality is -well worthy of imitation 

 with us. Usually an attempt to create a picturesque scene 

 in some small spot with formal surroundings has a ridiculous 

 ending ; but in consequence of the luxuriant growth of many 

 plants that nourish in the temperate greenhouse, it is pos- 

 sible to sufficiently hide almost every trace of the building 



Fro. 129. 



Caladium. 



in a few years. With little lawns made of Lycopodium 

 denticulatum, tiny winding streamlets bordered with New 

 Zealand Flax and graceful Grasses, Ferns, and the like ; 

 groups of Tree-ferns, Camellias, and Palms, and a plant of 

 the noble Musa Ensete, I have seen some winter gardens 

 made really worthy of the name, and quite as charming 

 as veritable bits of nature in climes the most favourable to 



