228 THE GARDENER. [May 



and tuberous plants from the Cape succeed as well as in their native 

 country, and when planted with some aim at arrangement they make 

 a grand autumn display. The natural moisture of the climate makes 

 it a very genial home for many kinds of ferns — from the great Tree- 

 fern down to the lowly Pellaia : the finer sorts of Adiantum have only 

 one representative — viz., Adiantum sethiopicum. Of fruits we have 

 a long list — such as Apples, Pears, Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, 

 Oranges, Lemons, Plums, Figs, Olives, Guavas, and Mulberries. To 

 go through the country when Peaches are in bloom is one of the sights 

 of the season. Apples grow to a large size, and the trees literally 

 groan under the weight of fruit; they have, however, to do battle 

 against attacks of American blight, for which no reliable remedy has 

 as yet been found : in many cases the tree at last succumbs to this 

 dreadful scourge. All the stone-fruit producing trees are short-lived, 

 especially those of the Peach type, which seldom live beyond fourteen 

 years. Apples, in like manner, decline at an early age : no doubt this 

 is caused by quick luxuriant growth and early and excessive bearing. 

 The Pears grow to perfection, while the fruit of Peaches, &c., &c., attain 

 a size and acquire a flavour almost unknown in the " old country." Vines 

 bear plentifully in sheltered situations, though somewhat wanting in 

 flavour. A German company have taken in a large tract of land, 

 which they propose forming into a vineyard. They say the climate is in 

 every way suited for the production of the finest wines. Grapes are 

 grown for market, by market-gardeners, in shed-like buildings with 

 glass roofs. By this means they bring them in early, without the ex- 

 pense of artificial heat, and readily dispose of them at one shilling per 

 pound, which leaves a fair profit. The Phylloxera has not yet made its 

 appearance amongst the vine plantations of the colony, though in the 

 neighbouring colony of Victoria it is in full force. It may be the 

 climate is against it. The cultivation of the Olive is likely to succeed ; 

 if so, it will be a great source of wealth to the colony. For vegetable 

 culture the spring months are very suitable. Cauliflower may some- 

 times be seen 2 feet in diameter. Asparagus does remarkably well. 

 Peas grow rapidly, but do not stand long. Turnips, Carrots, and other 

 root-crops may be had the year round by successive sowings. Leeks 

 and Onions grow to a size not often seen in British gardens. The 

 summer months, owing to their excessive dryness, do not favour 

 kitchen-garden operations, and during this period the housekeeper's 

 demands cannot always be supplied. 



In conclusion, we may safely say the climate is too independent of 

 artificial appliances to call forth any great amount of horticultural 

 skill ; and to the trained gardener I do not think it offers a very tempt- 

 ing field for operations. Undoubtedly at no very distant period it will 

 become a great fruit-producing country, but even here little skill will 

 be required saving in the raising of young stock. Such climates as 

 that of Britain, where the rigour of winter calls forth all the energies 



