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camphor trees (Laurus camphora). This is an East Indian 

 tree, resenibhng much our native red-l^ay, and hke it, a very 

 beautiful evergreen. It has been freely naturalized in Florida, 

 and will grow as far up as Columbia in this state. Most of these 

 camphors have done well since last spring, some of them having 

 grown with unexpected rapidity, although all are as yet small. 

 If they continue to prosper, they will soon become very beauti- 

 ful shrubs. 



Quite recently, another step was taken in the same direction, 

 in procuring a number of young tea-plants {Camellia thea) from 

 the celebrated plantation of Dr. C. U. Shcpard, atSummervillc. 

 A full exhibit of this very interesting industry of South Carolina 

 tea-culture is now being installed in a case in the Museum ; and 

 it will add to its value to have the plants growing in the grounds 

 outside. Dr. Shepard, with his usual courtesy, responded most 

 heartily to a request for these ])lants, and sent a liberal supply. 

 Part of them have been set out to make a hedge, and others to 

 grow alone. As is generally known, the tea-plant is a pretty 

 evergreen, closely resembling in foliage its near relative, the 

 Camellia Japonica. 



Some additions to the evergreen planting have been made since 

 these last were set out. Several young trees of the loquat, or Japan 

 plum {Eriohotrya), and of the Japan privet {Ligusirum Japoni- 

 cum), together with bamboo and some other plants, have been 

 presented by Miss McBee, of Ashley Hall. These are familiar 

 in Charleston gardens, and are highly desirable accessions. 



Dr. Martin has prepared a list of some twenty species of ever- 

 green trees and shrubs suitable for the Museum grounds, in- 

 cluding those already obtained. By gradually procuring these, 

 and placing them judiciously around and in front of the build- 

 ing, there will be in a few years a beautiful winter garden as the 

 environment of the Charleston Museum. 



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