APRIL. 



125 



form and outline. The foliage is evergreen, of an Ilex or Viburnum 

 character, and of the most charming kind ; a particularly handsome 

 specimen, which I have now in my eye, and which is growing in 

 common garden soil, on an exposed situation in one of the western 

 counties, at an elevation of 600 ieet above the level of the sea, has 

 been an obj ect of much attraction for several weeks past, being some- 

 what densely clothed with long massive tails of yellowish catkins, 

 which, hanging from its irregular branches, produce an effect of the 

 most singular and pleasing kind ; and its beauty is much enhanced by 

 being seen in contrast with other handsome forms of trees and shrubs 

 on a well-kept lawn. 



It is also a charming subject with which to enrich bouquets or 

 flowers in glasses or other works of art ; the pendulous form and 

 delicate colour of the catkins produce an unusual and excellent effect, 

 contrasted with flowers of gayer hues, and which, under ordinary con- 

 ditions, are plentiful enough at this period of the year. 



A sheltered and northern exposure is the most appropriate for its 

 growth, as the foliage and flowers are alike more perfect in such an 

 aspect. 



The female of this plant was also introduced from northern Cali- 

 fornia, under the auspices of the Horticultural Society some years since, 

 by their no less eminent collector, Hartweg, and flowered for the first 

 time in Europe in March, 1850. In foliage it is like the male plant, 

 but the flowers are as destitute of beauty as the male is conspicuous for 

 its attractions. The catkins are short, green, and at a little distance 

 are scarcely to be observed. It is, however, stated that in North West 

 America the plant is loaded with long clusters of ornamental purple 

 berries. 



March 15. L. N. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Azaleas and Camellias. — Any of these latter out of bloom, and 

 wanting more pot room, should be shifted at once, using a compost of 

 sandy loam and peat, in about equal proportions, with a little silver 

 sand where the loam is heavy, and very rotten cowdung for large 

 specimens. Keep them close after potting, and syringe frequently, to 

 induce the plants to break freely. 



Auriculas. — These, like many other things this spring, are unusually 

 forward, many now being in bloom. Shade during bright sun, if 

 the plants are facing the south, or perhaps it would be best to place 

 them in a cool north situation, to prolong their bloom. Always 

 popular with a class, the Auricula is now becoming generally so, and 

 is now patronised by the Royal Botanic Society at their spring meetings. 



Carnations and Picotees. — No time should be lost in completing the 

 potting of these for bloom, or planting them in beds or borders. We 

 never remember a finer spring for these plants ; their health and 

 strength is remarkable ; a fine but an early bloom is more than probable.. 



Cinerarias. — Little can be said more of these. The instructions 

 given last month may be continued. Many of the plants will now 



