258 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ November, 
THE SOLANUMS AS FOLIAGE PLANTS. 
^EW genera of ornamental-leaved plants furnish more useful or so 
wonderfully varied material for summer gardening than that of the 
Solanums. When in a young and free-growing state many of them 
have a very imposing appearance. Of these a good example is pre¬ 
sented by the Solanum robustum, of which the above is a figure. 
Of a genus so varied and so extensive, there will be found in large col¬ 
lections many species of comparatively little interest, but some few are 
indispensable for those who would attempt to carry out the fashionable and 
inserted, and the earth pressed down upon them. I then byway of a catch 
crop planted a row of Cauliflowers down the middle, and one on each side 
of the bed ; these did very well. 
The bed was planted on the 15th of April and in the first week of this 
month (October), within six months of the time of planting I have roots 
equal in size, and superior in quality to any that I get from the beds of the 
third year under the old method. I feel sure that I need not enlarge upon 
the economy of this method of cultivation, the facts speak for themselves ; 
and as I have myself proved it practically, I cordially recommend it through 
the medium of the Florist and Pomologist. 
Heclleaf . John Cox. 
