284 THE FLORIST. 



SIKKIM RHODODENDRONS. 

 Two specimens of the Sikkim Rhododendron Thomsoni blossomed 

 baautifully this spring in the Stamvell Nurseries, Edinburgh ; one of 

 these had ten trusses on it, with from seven to 12 florets in each. The 

 blooms are of a brilliant crimson colour with a few dark spots in the 

 throat, and have a remarkably stiff and waxy appearance, resembling 

 in form those of R. Dalhousieanum ; that is, tubular or trumpet- 

 shaped, gradually widening out to the edge, which is neatly reflexed. 



This plant is a standard, five feet high, with a fine bushy top, grafted 

 on a common ponticum stock, and when in flower had a most striking 

 appearance, more than realising all that has been expected of it from 

 Dr. Hooker's drawing, and from the single truss which the same plant 

 produced two years ago, the florets being much larger, and more of them 

 in the truss. Indeed, it can hardly be surpassed as an effective spring- 

 flowering conservatory plant, and needs but to be seen, covered with its 

 beautiful flowers, to ensure for it a prominent position in every collection. 

 A plant of the Bhotan R. Windsori also produced two trusses of flowers 

 in this nursery. It proves to be a decided acquisition, and possesses the 

 very desirable quality of flowering in a very small state, the plant in 

 question being only about 18 inches high. 



SEA-SIDE PLANTATION. 

 Situation. — West coast of Guernsey, but sheltered from the south- 

 west by a hill. Soil. — Sandy peat mixed with vegetable mould, on a 

 granite formation. 



About sixteen years ago we commenced the first attempt to raise a 

 plantation. The following trees and shrubs had been recommended for 

 it, viz : — Arbutus, Holly, common Laurel, Laurestinus, Portugal Laurel, 

 Scotch Fir. Repeated failures of these so-called hardy plants had nearly 

 led to despair of ever raising a stick with a green leaf on it. Whatever 

 shoots these plants made during summer were literally cut off by the 

 winter storms, and the leaves of the shrubs became shrivelled and 

 bronzed after every gale, as if a blast of lightning had passed over them. 

 After four years' repeated trials there remained not a tenth part of the 

 above plants alive, and all were sickly and withering. 



Then commenced a fresh struggle for a little green shade, which was 

 at last attended with success. First of all tried was the Tamarisk. 

 This plant grew rapidly, and soon raised sufficient shelter for further 

 hopes. The next shrub was the Pittosporum. This shrub thrived 

 admirably. The more violent the gale of wind, the brighter the green 

 leaves appear after. Then were planted with success the following : — 

 The Ilex, the Turkey Oak, the Euonymus japonica, the New Zealand 

 Flax, the Pampas Grass, the Camellia japonica, and lastly, the Arau- 

 caria imbricata. There now exists a respectable shrubbery, covering 

 the bare land. The Tamarisk and Pittosporum have attained the 

 height of upwards of twelve feet, and the Araucaria seems to court the 

 breeze. 



