236 GAKDEiVS AND OKANGE GROUNDS OF ST. MICHAEL'S. 



is to say, a three inch opening was left only along tlic back, and 

 perforated zinc in front ; and this season a tile paving was intro- 

 duced under the trellis, as above stated. These modifications 

 have reconciled tlie discrepancy. 



It is necessary to remark, that in case of frosty nights when 

 the trees are in blossom, the glass of these frames must be 

 covered, for it has been proved in course of the experiment, tliat 

 the blossoms are more liable to be cut off under the glass than 

 they are against a wall. When frost is apprehended, the opening 

 at the back of the frame could be easily closed ; and straw 

 screens could be made for rolling over the glass at little 

 expense. 



With regard to economy, the first cost of the protecting frame 

 and that of a wall are nearly equal for the same extent of surface. 

 The protecting frame costs about 8c?. per square foot, or 9/. 1*. 6d. 

 per rod. A wall of the standard thickness, 14 inches, may be 

 built for 10/. per rod ; and a 9-inch brick wall for nearly one- 

 third less, or, say for 71. per rod, allowing for piers ; and if we 

 allow another 1/. per rod for foundations, still this substantial 

 wall is upwards of 1/. per rod cheaper than an equal surface of 

 glazed frame. The latter occupies much ground — it requires 

 a breadth of at least 8 feet ; the wall stands on 14 inches. 



On the other hand, since it has been proved that Peaches can 

 be grown in these glazed frames with ordinary care, they may 

 be reconmiended where walls cannot be conveniently bvult. In 

 parts of the country, also, where the Peach does not ripen well 

 on the open wall, the protecting frame may be employed with 

 decided advantage, provided additional attention can be be- 

 stowed in covering up in cold nights, and in giving more or less 

 air according to circumstances. 



XXVI. — 77*6 Gardens and Orange-grounds of St. MicliaeVs in 

 the Azores — its Climate and Peculiarities. By P. Wallace, 

 Chiswick House. 



(Communicated Sept. 16, 1852.) 



The position of the group of islands termed Azores, or 

 Western Islands, lying nearly half way between England and 

 America, and near the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, is 

 no doubt well known to most people. St. Michael's forms one of 

 the principal features of those fertile little specks of the ocean. 

 It may be thought that such an atom of the earth could contain 

 none or few objects of sufficient worth to interest cultivators in 



