TREE P^ONY GARDENS IN CHINA. 



or more properly postillion, being remarkable for bis gaudy livery and big boots, our sable 

 Jebu was persuaded to transfer bimself from a recumbent position inside the carriage, to 

 his saddle, and after some delay, off we started, our ponderous vehicle rolling under the 

 arches of the imperial dwelling, which spans the Rua Direta. Soon after leaving the 

 palace, the magnificent bay of Boto Fago suddenly burst upon our view, its large waves 

 rolling on the snow-white strand with a sudden roar. Then we drove through street after 

 street, every now and then catching a glimpse of small but beautiful bays, until we came 

 again to the beach, while the small sail boats at a distance, danced and bobbed like white 

 sea fowls. 



Corcovado Peak soon was seen rearing his sharp and lofty head to the clouds, and at 

 whose base lay the Botanical Gardens, surrounded by an impenetrable hedge, teeming 

 with small white flowers. On entering we came across large beds of the tea plant, and 

 beyond, were rows and groups of majestic trees both foreign and indigenous; bread fruit, 

 cocoa nut, clove, cinnamon, (I omit scientific names) and hundreds of others. Then on 

 each side of the white and smoothly rolled walks, stood rows of the stately palm, with 

 their rings showing each years growth, and between them, golden pine apples nestling in 

 the bosom of their long green leaves. After spending several hours in this beautiful place, 

 we were shown into an adjoining garden devoted to the culture of oranges, lemons, limes, 

 plantains and bananas. A more lovely spot than these gardens does not exist on this 

 continent, and after spending days of admiration and botanical delight in them, I feel tliat 

 I can never do them justice in any description. Groups of bambo, nodding in solemn and 

 oriental grandeur, greatly diversified the picture, with tlieir refreshing greenness. 



Delightful cool summer houses, pavillions, and rustic retreats, shaded with the richest 

 climbing evergreens, and covered with myriads of gorgeous flowers, of all the colors of the 

 rainbow; playful sparkling fountains, reflecting the golden lines of a tropical sun; mur- 

 muring rivulets, flowing peacefully over pebbles and shells, then leaping down in minature 

 cascades, and dashing off to be lost in a beautiful thicket of laurels, make up the ensem- 

 ble of this enchanting scene. 



Parts only of these lovely gardens are kept in good order, some portions being left in a 

 state of nature, and utter neglect. A more romantic spot I never saw, and my mind un- 

 consciously transferred me to those scenes so beautifully described by the ancient classical 

 authors, and good old Fenelon, and all that seemed to be wanting, were the nymphs, and 

 mermaids, the dryads and fauns, to give more animation to the groves and streams. 



Yours, &c. W. J. II. 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



TREE P^ONY GARDENS IN CHINA. 



BY R. FORTUNE. 



Leaving the south garden described in my last letter, I walked onwards to the Moutan 

 Nurseries. They are situated near the village of Fa-who, about five or six miles west of 

 Shanghae, and in the midst of an extensive cotton country. On the road I met a number 

 of Coolies, each carrying two baskets filled with Moutans in full flower, which were on 

 their way to the markets for sale. When I reached the gardens I found many of the 

 in full bloom, and certainly extremely handsome. The purple and lilac-col 

 were particularly striking. One, a very dwarf kind, and apparently a distinc 



