SUBTROPICMi PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 191 



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

 plant out about tbe middle of June. On tbe wliole^ 

 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 

 eflfectively 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 



