A. Ghiesbreghtii. A very distinct species. Leaves bright green, bordered with red, and armed with red spines.

A. Schedigera. A handsome plant, resembling A. filifera, but much more beautiful. The edges of the leaves are white, and from these hang long woolly filaments.

A. univittata. Leaves dark green, with central stripe of greenish yellow. A. Verschaffeltii. A showy species. Foliage milky green, with large brown spines.

A. Xalapensis. A beautiful plant. Leaves dark clear green, the edges thickly set with rich brown spines.

A. xylacantha. Leaves glaucous green, with broad white margin.

There are scores of other species and varieties, all handsome and well worth growing, all evergreen except A. virginiana, which is deciduous.

GERANIUMS, OR PELARGONIUMS.

The past few years have witnessed a rapid advance in these plants. Great improvements have been made in both foliage and flower in the former, by more vivid and better defined markings; in the latter, in size, shape, substance, and color. Some of the new varieties have foliage which equals in color a brilliant flower, and in some the permanency of the markings is most remarkable.

Of thousands of varieties we select the following as the best for parlor culture, both as regards foliage and profu sion of bloom:

These varieties are not very free-blooming in the parlor, and are better adapted for the green-house. However, after the turn of the year, they often produce good flowers, and are then very showy, the blossoms remaining long in perfection. They need a rich soil and plenty of water, as they are generally strong growers, although plants bloom when very young.

It is said a double white variety has been produced in

France; but if so, it is not yet for sale in this country.

IVY-LEAVED GERANIUMS.

The old ivy-leaved geranium (P. peltatum) is a wellknown window' plant, of easy culture. The leaf is ornamental, and the flower, though not very showy, is pretty. This species has been wonderfully improved during the past few years.

A variety with leaves beautifully marked with silver has been raised, which proves a capital window plant, and requires no more care than the old kind. There is also a variety with golden-edged leaves.

There has also been great improvement in the flower. The first advance in this direction was P. peltatum elegans, in which the flowers were bright pink, and of better form. Next we had Princess Thyra, flowers deep flesh color, marked with pink; and Grand Duchess Maria, violet pink, with deep violet marks. But the latest and by far the finest varieties are those with bright rosy-pink or scarlet blossoms, which are so beautiful that, when they become common, they must be favorite window plants. They are hybrids between the zonale and ivy-leaved sections, but retain the ivy leaf while gaining the brilliancy of flower of the zonale varieties. Willsii has deep scarlet blos

soms; and in Willsii rosea they are delicate salmon rose. Lady Edith and Gem of the Season are two of the newest varieties, which are superior to all others in color and form of flower.

PALMS FOR HOUSE CULTURE.

Many of the palms are very ornamental grown in the parlor. Their stiff foliage is well adapted to endure the impure air of apartments, and is not injured by gas. They also thrive with very little sun, and are easily kept clean by dusting or washing. It is, however, only the more hardy species which can be so used, and the best of all is fortunately the most common.

Livistona bourbonica, commonly known as Latania bourbonica, is a showy plant, with broad fan-shaped leaves, which grows freely, and is very useful for interior decoration. All the species of Chamaerops are very hardy, and are very easily grown. The most common are C. humilis, Fortunei, and Palmetto.

Corypha australis is a noble plant, and of easy culture. All the Cycas are hardy enough to do well in the parlor. But by far the most beautiful is Seaforthia elegans, a very graceful plant.

Where plants are needed for effect, and little attention can be given, palms and agaves are eminently useful. All winter they need little care, and, provided they are well grown in summer, will only from November to April require an occasional watering; in fact, the care to give is, to see they are not over-watered. Of course we cannot give full descriptions of all; but, as a general rule, any green-house palm will thrive in the parlor, and well repay the little care it needs.