SUBTROPICAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 191 



should be potted and grown on in heat^ so as to be fit to 

 plant out about the middle of June. On tbe whole, 

 although so fine and distinct_, it is not suitable for any but 

 mild and warm parts of the southern half of these islands. 

 The nearly allied Colocasia odorata is sometimes employed, and 

 eflPectively especially in the case of old specimens with stems. 



Fig. 65. 



Colocasia odorata. 



The Cannas. — If there were no plants of handsome habit 

 and graceful leaf available for the improvement of our 

 flower gardens but these we need not despair, for they 

 possess almost every quality the most fastidious could desire, 

 and present a useful and charming variety. The larger 

 kinds make grand masses, while all may be associated 

 intimately with flowering plants — an advantage that does 

 not belong to some free-growing things like the Castor-oil 

 plant. The Canna ascends as boldly, and spreads forth as 

 fine a mass of leaves as any ; but may be closely grouped 

 with much smaller subjects. The general tendency of most 



