MARK El PL A NTS.— SMIL A X— -PALMS. 



moist heat. When about 3 inches high the seedlings should be placed singly into 2^-inch 

 pots, and be kept in a temperature of 55° to 65°. By the middle of June, the earliest- 

 raised plants ought to be ready for their final quarters. They may be placed somewhat 

 thickly in large pots, but succeed best planted in a bed or border of loam, leaf soil, a 

 little decayed manure and sand. In this dispose them 6 inches apart, in rows 1 foot 

 asunder, with 2-feet spaces between beds of four rows. Over each bed stretch two 

 widths of No. 14 galvanised wire netting, the first 1 foot and the second 8 or more feet 

 above it, for training purposes. For every growth a length of green twine or the green 

 binding-wire used by florists should be strained from the lower to the upper line of 

 galvanised netting, and all that is further necessary is to train the young shoots round 

 these whenever necessary. "When the growths are sufficiently matured for marketing, 

 they may be cut and the supporting threads or wires with them, and sold as they are. 



A temperature of 55° to 65° during the growing period is sufficient, and if the plants 

 are shaded from strong sun, well attended to as regards syringing, watering and feeding 

 at the roots, the first crop of "trails" may be cut in the autumn, and two more during 

 the next six months or so. Young plants produce the best trails, and a fresh stock 

 may well be raised every season. If the old plants are retained for a second year, water 

 should be withheld after cutting the third crop, and the plants rested for about two 

 months. Before starting the plants into active growth, remove the surface soil down to 

 the principal roots, and top-dress with rich loamy compost. These old plants ought to 

 have more liquid manure than was necessary during the first season. Smilax is very 

 liable to attacks of green fly and thrips, both of which can be prevented by occasionally 

 generating nicotine fumes in the house. 



PALMS. 



Extraordinarily large numbers of palms are annually distributed in this country, 

 principally home-grown ; and there is little likelihood of the demand for them falling 

 off. On the contrary, their value for decorative purposes, whether the plants are small 

 or large, is becoming more fully appreciated every day, no other class of plants comparing 

 with them for either durability or effect. The more elegant species in a small state are 

 largely employed for table decoration, quite a large trade being done with Cocos 

 Weddclliana in 2-inch up to 5-inch pots (Fig. 185). Nearly as elegant, while much 

 more durable, Kentias Belmoreana (Fig. 186) and Fosteriana in the same-sized pots are 

 deservedly more popular. These Kentias are also extensively sold in 6-inch and larger- 



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