EEFORM IN THE CONSERVATORY. 



293 



conservatory of all formality is well worthy of imitation 

 witL. Tis, Usually an attempt to create a picturesque scene 

 in some small spot with formal surroundings has a ridiculous 

 ending ; but in consequence of the luxuriant growth of many 

 plants that flourish in the temperate greenhouse^ it is pos- 

 sible to sufficiently hide almost every trace of the building 



Fig. 129. 



Caladium. 



in a few years. "With little lawns made of Lycopodium 

 denticulatum^ tiny winding streamlets bordered with New 

 Zealand Flax and graceful Grasses^ Ferns^ and the like j 

 groups of Tree-ferns^ Camellias, and Palms, and a plant of 

 the noble Musa Ensete, I have seen some winter gardens 

 made really worthy of the name, and quite as charming 

 as veritable bits of nature in climes the most favourable to 



