idered more attractive than the above.

_Araucaria_--The several araucarias should be much more widely known
than they are. Their beauty has made them popular as Christmas gifts,
but most of the fine specimens which leave the florists during the
holiday season find their end, after a few weeks in a gas-tainted,
superheated atmosphere, with probably several times the amount of water
required given at the roots, in the ash barrel. They are, when one knows
something of their habits of growth, very easily cared for. Little water
in winter, and a cool even temperature, are its simple requirements.

The araucaria is, I think, the most beautiful of all formal decorative
plants. Its dignity, simplicity and beautiful plumelike foliage place it
in a class of its own. The branches leave the main stem at regular
intervals, in whorls of five, and the foliage is a clean soft green,
lighter at the tips. Propagated by cuttings from leading shoots, not
side shoots.

The two varieties ordinarily used are _A. excelsa glauca_ and _A. e.
robusta_. Some time ago I saw a specimen of a new variety, not yet put
on the market, and the name of which I have forgotten. (I think it was
_stellata_) The outer half of each branch was almost white, giving the
whole plant a wonderful star-like effect.

_Aspidistra_--The aspidistra is the toughest of all foliage plants--if
not of all house plants. It has proved hardy out-of-doors as far north
as Philadelphia. The long flat leaves grow to a height of eighteen to
twenty-four inches, springing directly from the ground. Its chief
requirement is plenty of water during the growing season. New plants are
readily obtained by dividing the old roots in February or August.

There are several varieties and those familiar only with the common
green sort (_A. elatior_) will be surprised and pleased with the
striking effectiveness of the variegated, (_A. e. varigata_) and with
the spotted leaved _A. punctata_.

_Caladium_--This is another popular plant for which I have never cared
greatly myself. It seems to have no personality. Well grown plants,
however, give most gorgeous color effects. Buy bulbs of the fancy-leaved
section, and start in February or March, giving very little water at
first. Take in before the first sign of frosts. When growth stops, dry
off gradually and store in warm cellar; or better, take out of pots and
pack in sand. Do not let them dry out enough to shrivel.

_Coleus_--The best of all the