Marvels of the Universe 



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young plants from Jamaica. " We are always most desirous to pay attention to information 

 as regards the native habitats of plants, but in cases like the present one, we have found that when 

 too strictly adhered to, successful cultivation does not always follow. In our experience we have 

 never found any plant thrive by retaining it in its native soil, or in soil too closely resembling it. 

 If we couldt lalso imitate all the various influences of climate that modify and control the growth 



NATURAL LACE OF THE LACE-BARK TREE. 



A reduced photograph of the lace around a branch about two inches thick, the layers being loosened to show their 



number and softness. 



of plants in their native localities, it might then be proper for us to cultivate the Lace-Bark tree 

 in marly soU, like hmestone ; but our plants afford evidence that such soil is not required when 

 they are grown in an artificially heated atmosphere. 



" We have used good yellow loam, mixed with a little leaf mould and sand. In this way they 

 have attained a height of eight feet, and continue in a perfectly healthy state. In their native place 

 the leaves are deciduous, falling off in the dry season. But the health of a general collection of 



