HALL AND STAIRCASE DECORATION. 



261 



are required, a pair of these flanking the foot of the staircase, showing well above the 

 balustrade. By way of a change, Latania borbonica may be substituted for the 

 kentias ; tall specimens of Seaforthia elegans, Arecas lutescens and rubra, and the 

 clear-stemmed conservatory dracaenas are also highly effective in these positions. On 

 special occasions a group of ferns, flowering and fine-foliaged plants (Fig. 152), may be 

 arranged with advantage on each side of the staircase, still retaining the bolder plants 



Fig. 152. Hall and Staircase Decoration. 



already alluded to. In the larger halls there are usually one or two old-fashioned fire- 

 places, and if these are not in use, opportunities are afforded for arranging attractive 

 groups of plants, either in the fireplaces or in stands in front of them. If large 

 vases have to be filled with plants, single specimens of good form and colour are the 

 best for the purpose. Coleuses, crotons, dracsenas, caladiums, marantas, pandanuses, 

 adiantums, asplcniums, davallias, and other elegant kinds are recommended for vases, 



