ORNAMENTAL STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



371 



by no other race of plants. Their utility in a small state is well 

 known, particularly so in the case of the lighter and more eleganu 

 kinds ; but there is room for extended use for those between 

 plants of small size and the specimens. They vary so much in 

 character of growth, thus affording abundant choice for all pur- 

 poses. The most important additions of late years to the Palms 

 are the Kentias, which, if not consisting of many varieties, em- 

 brace within the few those which are of well-known durability 

 and usefulness. Omission should not be made of the Cycads. 

 Probably, through being of slower growth, these are not seen in 

 such numbers. Many kinds will, however, when well cared for, 

 develop into useful plants in no unreasonable time. As conser- 

 vatory plants, or for plunging out of doors in sheltered spots 

 during the summer time, they rival the Palms, and are well suited 

 to a dry atmosphere. To these should also be added the Dasylirions, 

 which, when arrived at maturity, are fine objects. The Green- 

 house Yuccas can be utilised from a small state upwards, and, 

 although they grow slowly into specimen plants, when that point 

 has been reached they are fine ornaments and very distinct. 

 The varieties of the Khopala are distinctly ornamental plants, 

 being of an enduring character also. They look best, I think, if 

 upon single stems, and are seen to better advantage when stand- 

 ing by themselves. The Lomatias and Grevilleas are also worthy 

 of more attention ; so also is Erythrina marmorata. GyanophyU 

 lum magnificum is now seldom seen in collections. It can, how- 

 ever, be used whilst in a small state as a table-plant, and as it 

 increases in size is equally useful for vases, its massive foliage 

 being so distinct from plants usually employed for that purpose. 



The merits of the Acalypha are now being better recognised, 

 and most deservedly so ; they are plants which look well under 

 artificial light. Another useful class of plants is the Phyllanthus ; 

 these are well suited to grouping. Eurya latifolia variegata is 

 very useful for rough-and-ready work. The semi-hardy Phormiums 

 and Cordylines should be cultivated more extensively, both for 

 sub-tropical purposes during the summer months and also for 

 cool houses at all seasons. All plants with silvery variegated 

 foliage, as Pandanus Veitchii, Eulalia japonica variegata, 

 Anthericum argenteo-lineare^ndiCyperus altemifolius variegata, 

 are exceedingly useful as vase plants or for grouping. Tree Ferns 

 do not seem of late years to have met with that favour which 



