546 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



sun aiid the silvery variegation is scarcely seen at all, while the indi-i 

 vidual leaflets are curled and out of shape. It has been said that there 

 is a good, as well as an inferior variety, of this plant. In my opiDion, 

 however, it is only a question of position, and nothing else. 



Gunnera rnanicata. — For imposing effect in the garden this Gunnera 

 has not, I think, an equal. It has its likes and dislikes as regards 

 position and surroundings. Both spring frosts and wind have to be 

 reckoned with, and even then it is caught by the spring frosts. It has 

 also a great partiality for water, is at the same time a gross feeder, and 

 requires quite a different treatment from that accorded to Bamboos and 

 Palms. There is no enduring growth to build up here, but it Deeds 

 food such as can be rapidly assimilated. The best plant that we have' 

 is growing close to the waterside, but it does not receive any supply 

 from higher ground behind it, as I should like it to obtain. The effect 

 by the waterside is quite in keeping with the Water Lilies and Acorus 

 Calamus. 



Trachy carpus excelsus.~l shall only deal with this one Palm, as no 

 others can be considered hardy except in the most favoured spots | 

 in the United Kingdom. The case of Tr achy carpus excelsus is different, 

 and I quite think that it might be planted far more extensively than 

 is at present the case. The chief factor in successful growth is| 

 shelter from keen, cutting winds. Given this it will withstand very 

 severe frosts indeed; in fact, anything down to zero. "We have several 

 plants doing well, but all are in some degree sheltered from our worst 

 winds — north, north-east, and east. No protection is given them in 

 the winter by temporary screens or otherwise, yet we do not get the 

 foliage lacerated by the winds. Some plants stand singly, others in 

 groups. These have been planted nearly ten years, and not one has 

 succumbed. It is a pretty sight to see them in the winter with a 

 covering of snow resting upon the leaves. Water is freely applied. 

 I w^ould not even in the winter have them suffer from drought. We 

 treat them like the Bamboos with respect to artificial feeding. 



Iris xipliioides (the Enghsh Iris). — This species of Iris is well 

 worthy of extended culture. It is a few weeks later, it is true, than 

 Iris xiphium, the Spanish Iris. It is, however, finer in every respect, 

 and it lasts even longer in flower, I think. It has done well with me 

 in the flower-bed and also beside the lake, w^here I find it is quite 

 appropriate and in keeping with the Water Lilies. The grass by the 

 lake side is not cut, so the foliage of the Iris is not disturbed. These 

 Iris should, like the Daffodil, be planted early in the autumn, and will 

 last in good condition without being disturbed for three or four years. 



Richardia africana. — This plant is, to all intents and purposes, 

 hardy so long as its tubers are not frozen. I have had it now for at 

 least eight seasons in the lake without disturbing it. True, it does not 

 increase to any extent, but it grows and flowers w^ell. It is planted 

 upon the sunny side, where most warmth and light can be had. It is in 

 congenial surroundings, wdth Typlia latifolia as a background and 

 Water Ijilies in the foreground (fig. 162). 



