122 THE FLORIST. 



the species in the group to which Hartweg's Pine belongs are remark- 

 able for the length of their leaves ; and this, added to these, there 

 being five in a sheath, gives them a peculiar and striking appearance, 

 and as such they are much prized by collectors. Unfortunately the 

 winter of 1853-4 and the following one proved fatal to many of the 

 handsomest kinds, and they may be pronounced too tender for our 

 climate. Of this section we lost from our collection leiophylla, Win- 

 cesteriana, Gordoniana, filifolia, Russelliana, Devoniana, Grenvilleaj, 

 and even palustris (australis) ; while Hartwegi, Montezumse, and 

 apulcensis of the long-leaved species survived. And we find pretty 

 nearly the same results happened in other Pinetums. This greatly 

 enhances the value ,of those which have turned out to be hardy — 

 among them Hartwegi — which is now the finest of the long-leaved 

 species, capable of enduring our winters, excepting, perhaps, P. micro- 

 phylla, which our readers will find engraved in our last year's volume. 



No collection of Coniferse can be called complete except it contains 

 our present subject, which, even in a young state, has something grand 

 and striking in its appearance. Although the soil should be naturally 

 dry or well drained for growing it, it prefers a good rich loam, rather 

 heavy than otherw^ise. 



In composition this section should be grouped together, as they do 

 not harmonise well with the short-leaved kinds. Planted in this way, 

 and in appropriate situations, they will form a striking mass, very dis- 

 tinct from anything else. 



Our engraving was taken from a fine specimen in the Pinetum at 

 Nuneham Park, near Oxford, alluded to by us in our last number. 



BEDDING PLANTS. 



We now daily see increasing evidence around us that nature is already 

 breaking from the chilling thraldom of cold winter. The Aconite, 

 despite wind and frost, has long since put forth its blossom, to gladden 

 the heart of man. Snowdrops, too, are already beautiful ; and buds 

 of all kinds are full of promise for the future. Nor are the indications 

 of the coming season confined alone to the vegetable kingdom : animated 

 nature, too, has long since given unmistakable signs of returning spring 

 — the feathered race daily pour forth their cheerful melody. All this 

 reminds the gardener, and all who delight in gardens, that a busy time 

 is at hand, calling for more exertion and labour, but at the same time 

 affording greater pleasure. 



The pleasures we take in a garden are the most innocent delights of 

 human life. Kings and nobles have in all ages busied themselves in 

 garden pursuits. A garden was the habitation of our first parents 

 before their fall. It is naturally apt to fill the mind with calmness and 

 tranquillity, and to lay all its turbulent passions at rest. It gives us a 

 great insight into the contrivance, goodness, and wisdom of Providence, 

 and suggests innumerable subjects for meditation. The very com- 

 placency and satisfaction which a man takes in these works of nature is 



