Decorations for the Home , 
obtrusive and therefore objectionable features. Here is a good prac¬ 
tical lesson, the angle of vision must determine the primary features 
of the arrangements, or suggest the devices necessary to obviate the 
results of inconvenient positions. Now, let us find another lesson. We 
may see in an exhibition of the grandest character features scarcely less 
objectionable, though perhaps unavoidable in the association of many plants 
in large groups, the result being a monotony of glaring colours. The con¬ 
tinental exhibitions far surpass our own in this respect; artistic grouping is 
usually attempted, and not without a pleasing degree of success. Suppose 
we gather up a lot of pelargoniums all aglow with flowers, and put them all 
together as a group. They will scarcely please a true artist, however filled 
with delight the florist may be by their perfections. We will therefore 
separate them and mix them up with ferns, palms, eulalias, the elegant 
Cyperus alternifolius^ and the very characteristic Yucca aloifolia variegata. 
The difference is so great, that if decorating is to be a matter of principle at 
all, we have it plainly proved that elegance of form is of as much importance 
in the selection of plants, possibly of more importance than richness of 
colour. Of necessity we must have both, and the most lumpy subjects that 
afford abundant flowers will prove of the utmost value if relieved judiciously 
by means of plants that have bold, distinctive, and elegant outlines. There¬ 
fore those who grow plants for home use, should be careful to have a 
sufficiency of subjects adapted to give the relief desired—flowers are rarely 
wanting, and too often are too profusely employed; but it is of great utility to 
understand the general principles on which they should be used. We will 
therefore now pay a visit to the home of a lover of flowers, and describe, in a 
few words, the summer plants which decorate it. 
On reaching the entrance, guarded by high pillars (wreathed with Wistaria 
sinensis , and the creamy stars of Clematis montana ), we meet with a group of 
white hydrangea (Thomas Hogg), backed by the broad bronze leaves of Ricinus 
Gibsonii , in front of which, and grouped with them, most brilliant blossoms of 
pure scarlet pelargoniums give a mass of warm colour. These are all old 
plants, saved from the borders of last season, and carefully potted on to 
become the specimens they are. In front of these, and hiding their pots, 
stand alternate plants of pale blue lobelias, Harrison’s musk, the delicate 
green-leaved Selaginella Kraussiana , and the elegant rush-leaved Isolepis 
gracilis. These will impart a finished look to the group, and altogether make 
an effective display. 
