126 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
the genus affords, but to invite especial attention to a few of the choicer 
gems which our gardens have recently acquired from it. These are Maranta 
Yeitchiana, M. illustris, and M. roseo-picta. 
Maranta Yeitchiana, referred by Dr. Hooker to Calatliea, and of which, 
by the courtesy of Messrs. Veitch, we are enabled to give the annexed illus¬ 
tration, was the first known of the foregoing, and occupies the first position 
also in respect to its ornamental properties. It is a stout, free-growing herb, 
attaining the height of 2 feet or upwards, its stalked leaves being more than 
a foot in length. These are ovate elliptic, with a dark glossy green ground, 
in strong contrast with which occurs a series of large obcuneate patches of 
pale yellowish or greyish green close to the midrib, and these being closely 
placed form an irregularly-defined pale centre. Exterior to these, and 
about midway to the margin, occurs another series of bold connected mark¬ 
ings of a lunate or scolloped outline, and of a transparent yellowish grey, 
giving the leaf a remarkably pictorial effect, either when seen from above or 
beneath, for the paler portions, as seen against the light, show themselves 
to be quite transparent. The under side is of a rich vinous purple, paler 
where the spotting occurs. The effect of this colouring is very rich, so that 
the plant is one of remarkable attractiveness, especially when it acquires 
mature size, and has thrown out a spreading head of its exceedingly beau¬ 
tiful leaves. 
Maranta illustris is of a somewhat different type, being of dwarfer 
habit, and having Comparatively broader leaves with shorter petioles. The 
leaves are roundish oblong, deep reddish purple beneath, and with a red 
footstalk, the base of the costa being also red; along the centre on each 
side the costa is a band of yellowish green, and thence directed outwards 
occur alternate zebra-like bands of pale and deep green; next occurs a 
scolloped belt of pale greyish green, almost white, and finally a shaded 
dark green margin. The contrasts presented by these tints, which here and 
there, except in the case of the white belt, blend softly into each other, is 
very charming, and the plant is one of the most beautiful of its race. 
Maranta roseo-picta is of the same character as the last, but is appa¬ 
rently of smaller growth. It has roundish oblong leaves of a shaded dark 
green colour throughout, except that a wavy or scolloped belt of clear deep 
rose colour extends from the base to the apex, a little within the margin, and 
that the costa is conspicuously deep rose-coloured throughout. The petiole 
and back of the leaf are in this case also, of a deep reddish purple or wine colour. 
This trio of Marantas all come from tropical South America. The 
exact habitat of M. Yeitchiana is not stated, but that of the others is the 
country bordering the Upper Amazon. Those who may desire to see well- 
executed and trustworthy coloured figures of the plants, may find them in 
the works quoted below—namely, M. Yeitchiana in the “ Botanical Maga¬ 
zine,” at t. 5535; M. illustris in “Flores des Serres,” at t. 1691-2; and 
M. roseo-picta in the latter work at t. 1675-6. 
M. 
FRUIT CROPS IN THE NORTH. 
We have now arrived at a sufficiently advanced period of the year to be 
able to form a tolerably accurate estimate of the Fruit crop of the coming 
season. Notwithstanding the long continuance of dull wet weather last 
autumn, which was very unfavourable for ripening wood, and notwithstand¬ 
ing the severe cold weather of January and March, the prospect is very 
