316 EFFECTS OF WINTER OF 1852-3 



by the roots, to compensate the loss, is comparatively feeble, the 

 effects upon the health of the plant must be in the highest 

 degree injurious. This was the case in the past season. Vege- 

 tation was active, very active, for winter ; a sudden fall in the 

 temperature arrested the circulation of the sap ; scorching winds 

 succeeded; and the tissues, at least all the succulent part, became 

 dried up, and of course killed. To this may, with justice, be 

 attributed the death of the leading shoots and points of the 

 branches of many hardy plants, as well as the total death of 

 some, and the injury sustained by vegetation in general. 



We subjoin a list of plants, most of which are new, with notes 

 illustrative of the manner in which they have passed the winter. 

 We must, however, premise that any doubt that may arise as to 

 their hardiness must be given in favour of the plants; first, 

 because they have not occupied their present situation long enough 

 to be established, having only been planted out late in the previous 

 summer ; secondly, most of them are very young ; and thirdly, 

 the situation is decidedly unfavourable. They are placed at regular 

 distances, like a bed of cabbages, without any reference to advan- 

 tage of situation, and we made our notes on all, at the same time. 

 — May 10th. Abies Jezoensis, two small plants a few yards from 

 each other, one about fifteen inches high, the other nine, are thus 

 affected ; the smaller one has lost about an inch of its top ; the 

 other has a few leaves slightly browned, and is now pushing a 

 strong leading shoot and otherwise breaking well. Some older 

 plants are not affected in the least. Though we hear that several 

 persons have lost their young plants, it may be relied on as 

 perfectly hardy. Azalea amcena is coming into bloom, it has not 

 lost a leaf from the effects of frost, and looks in luxuriant health. 

 A. vittata and its varieties are also quite hardy, and showing 

 colour. Cephalotaxus Fortuni, both male aud female, have 

 retained their rich appearance. These plants are very hardy. 

 Symplocos japonica, which in its young state seems a half ever- 

 green, is breaking well from every branch. Quercus sclerophylla 

 lost some of its leaves from the effect of a very high wind, but is 

 quite hardy, as is also Q. inversa. Larix, a new species with very 

 long leaves, is also untouched, and Ilex macrocarpa, furcata, and 

 cornuta are all that could be desired as hardy evergreens. A 

 new Walnut from Taintung is also quite hardy Juniperus 

 sphamca is untouched by wind and frost, and Viburnum plicatum 

 is in full leaf and loaded with heads of flowers. The two species 

 of Buxus, viz.. round and long-leaved, are also looking well, as is 



