THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
3G1 
iu appearance. In the case of coloured leaved plants, of which the 
Crotons and Dracaenas are good examples, the only safe course is to 
select those having leaves distinctly marked, or very highly coloured. 
Happily there are a considerable number of really good things which 
may be had in perfection during the winter season, and a consider- 
able number of these are within the reach of all who have a green- 
house or conservatory. 
In winter decorations the results are not always so satisfactory 
as could be desired, because sufficient attention is not usually paid 
by private persons to the appearance presented by the plants when 
seen under the influence of artificial light. Hence it not unfrequently 
happens that it is a most difficult matter to dress up an epergne and 
sideboard satisfactorily during the winter, even when the conserva- 
tory is quite gay with flowers. 
It would take up too much space to do more than deal with 
generalities, but even in doing so it is quite possible to convey a few 
lessons which cannot prove otherwise than useful to those having an 
imperfect knowledge of the subject. 
First of all it must be distinctly understood that purple and its 
various shades have a very dull and ineffective appearance under the 
influence of gaslight. Yellow flowers especially, if of a light shade, 
such as sulphur yellow, are most ineffective, and usually have a dull 
white appearance. On the other hand, plants having leaves marked 
with yellow are most ornamental, provided the colouring is rich and 
well developed. The yellow leaved Crotons, for example, are re- 
markably rich when well coloured. Scarlet, red, crimson, and bright 
magenta are the most effective colours. White flowers are of course 
of great value for associating with the high coloured flowers, and 
should be freely employed. 
Iu the case of berry-bearing plants, those with orange or ver- 
milion are the most showy when under the influence of artiflcial 
light, and those of a deep crimson the least effective. The most 
useful of the berry-bearing subjects are unquestionably the dwarf- 
growing Solanums, which are now met with in quantities in all 
good gardens. 
In all cases it is desirable to provide a rich green ground for the 
proper display of the flowers or plants, and for this purpose there is 
nothing better than the well-known Selaginella denticulata, which 
may be grown in large quantities without difficulty. Bright green 
moss, obtained from woods, is also exceedingly good, and in some 
instances, preferable to the Selaginella. The dried moss, which may 
be procured in packets from the seed shops, can also be used when 
nothing better is obtainable, but it is not desirable. The Selaginella 
may be grown for furnishing in shallow boxes, but it will be found 
more readily available when in five-inch pots, as the clumps can 
then be turned out of the pots and the soil removed without its being 
disturbed. It is also a very good plan to grow it in shallow tin 
saucers or pans made to fit the epergne, ora large glass dish suitable 
for placing upon the dinner- table or sideboard. It can then be 
placed in the epergne or dish when required, and a few bright flowers 
inserted at equal distances apart are a most effective decoration, pro- 
December. 
