46 A SPRIXG TOUR IX PORTUGAL. 



plants, the glorious creepers, and the gorgeous flowers, 

 which exceeded anythiug of the kind I had ever seen 

 before. Doubtless the connection which Portugal has 

 lono- had with the Azores and the Brazils will account 

 in great measure for the profusion of tropical and South- 

 American plants and shrubs with which the gardens are 

 filled. Then these exotics are carefully tended and duly 

 supplied with water, and the almost continual sunshine 

 which prevails does the rest. The result is, that many a 

 species which we cherish in a hot-house thrives here in the 

 open air, and attains a size and perfection of which we 

 had little idea. Amongst these the graceful palm-trees, 

 of man}' varieties, are coUvSpicuous ; araucarias of several 

 species become useful for the deep shade they afford ; 

 and the orange-tree, though one of the commonest, yet 

 at the same time one of the most charming, is ever an 

 ornament which pleases the eye, while its delicate blossom 

 scents the air ; and the lemon and citron diversify the 

 groves or avenues in which these most valuable trees 

 usually figure. Among the many creeping plants where- 

 with tlie walls of the houses as well as gardens are often 

 covered, is one which at once attracts the notice of stran- 

 gers, from the huge masses of brilliant colour which 

 almost dazzle the eye, as it hangs in a rich mass, and 

 completely conceals its support. This is the Bougain- 

 ville, a plant not unknown in England, but only recog- 

 nised as a diminutive exotic, which feebly exists under 

 glass. Here it flourishes in the utmost luxuriance, and a 

 single root will produce an infinity of shoots, which climb 

 over the wall to an incredible distance, and completely 

 occupy its face. There are three varieties — the maroon- 

 coloured or purple, the dark red, and the light red ; per- 

 haps the second is the most attractive, but all are gay and 

 pleasing, and to the very end of our stay at Lisbon we 

 found ourselves continually stopping to admire anew some 



