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COMPANION 



TO THE 



BOTANICAL MAGAZINE, 



(NEW SERIES). 



NOTICE RESPECTING THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS 

 OF KEW. 



" So sits enthron'd, in vegetable pride, 

 Imperial Kkw, by Thames's glittering side; 

 Obedient sails from realms unfurrowed bring 

 For her the unnam'd progeny of spring." 

 " Delighted Thames through tropic umbrage glides, 

 And, flowers antarctic bending o'er his tides, 

 Drinks the new tints, the sweets unknown inhales, 

 And calls the sons of Science to his vales. 

 In one bright point admiring Nature eyes 

 The fruits and foliage of discordant skies, 

 Twines the gay floret with the fragrant bough, 

 And binds the wreath round George's royal brow.' 

 " Sometimes retiring from the public weal, 

 One tranquil hour the Royal Partners steal; 

 Through glades exotic pass with step sublime ; 

 Or mark the growth of Britain's happier clime." 



The renewal of the Miscellaneous Information, under the 

 title of " Companion to the Botanical Magazine," which, 

 commencing in 1835, was carried on to the extent of two 

 closely printed volumes, affords an opportunity of laying 

 before our readers some particulars, which cannot fail to 

 interest all lovers of Plants and of Horticulture, respecting 

 the present condition and future prospects of the Royal 

 Botanic Gardens of Kew. 



It is generally known that considerable changes in this 

 establishment were contemplated upwards of four years ago 

 when, from a private garden, belonging to the Koyal 

 Family, and maintained by funds from the Board ot Green 

 Cloth it was liberally ceded by Her present Majesty Queen 

 Victoria, and placed in the hands of H. M. Commissioners of 

 Woods and Forests, with the view of its being made available 



