1885.] SPRING VEGETATION. 55 



SPRING VEGETATION. 



THE genial nature of the past winter has, in this district, caused 

 an early development of leafage, which is generally ahead of 

 what it was at the same period last year. Arboraceous vegetation 

 promises well, and if this early growth is but unchecked by nipping 

 frosts or the cold cutting winds to which unfortunately, even in 

 this favoured district, we are susceptible, we may augur well for not 

 only a good season of bloom but, in the woodlands, a leafy canopy 

 of the thickest and richest description. In favoured situations the 

 horse chestnut is already in leaf, soon to be followed by the sycamore, 

 maple, elm, and thorn. We cannot remember having seen such a 

 glorious display of early flowering shrubs as has been general during 

 the past few weeks. Long before the rough winds of March had 

 subsided, the bright, showy blossoms of the mezereon [Dajphnc 

 mczcrcon) adorned many of our woodlands ; indeed, the profusion of 

 bloom was something grand and unusual. 



The pale yellowish, drooping flowers of the spurge laurel {Ba'plinQ 

 laurcolci) hanging in clusters under its dark, glossy leaves are also 

 attractive, and afford a rich contrast to those of the latter plant. 

 The anemones (blue, pink, and white), the lovely little wood sorrel, 

 the gloryless or moschatel (Adoxa moscliatdlina) with its pretty 

 yellowish-green flowers, primroses, violets, vincas, and the marsh 

 marigold are all in their beauty, and quite enliven our open woods 

 at present. 



The Lent lily {Narcissus pscudo- Narcissus) and the common double 

 daffodil {N. Velomonius plenus) have been grand in the extreme, 

 and well merit the attention they at present receive. 



A. D. Webster. 



Penrhtn Castle, South "Wales. 



TRADE CATALOGUES. 



MESSES. JAMES DICKSON & SONS' Catalogue of Select Farm 

 Seeds, with Original Illustrations of the Grasses of the Field 

 (Chester, 1885), came too late to hand for notice last month, but 

 will be invaluable to those contemplating estate improvements ; as 

 also will be the Illustrated Catalogue of Patent Continuous Wrought- 

 Iron Fencing, Entrance and Field Gates, as well as other like 

 erections, just issued by G-. B. Smith & Co., Keppoch Hill, Glasgow. 



