FROM THE SOCIETY'S GARDEN. 159 



that the moist and somewhat uncertain climate of this island is 

 XN ell suited to it, as it grows best in a moist climate, and under a 

 clouded sky, if there be sufficient temperature, and artificial 

 shade may be easily given under too much sunshine — and that as 

 the whole dui'ation of the plant is not more than six months from 

 the time of sowing to ripening the seeds, a few plants, by being 

 brought forward in March under protection, and afterwards 

 planted, would be in a condition to perfect their seeds in the open 

 air in September." 



This plant grows to the height of two feet. Its stems are 

 much branched, and both stems and branches are glabrous and 

 beautifully white ; leaves ovate ; flowers pale green. 



The seeds should be sown in rich light soil and raised in mo- 

 derate heat. They may be planted out in frames, or potted in 

 compost of rotten dung and light rich loam, and then grown in 

 a vinery or other forcing house. But there seems, at present, to 

 be no prospect of the' species succeeding as an esculent, in the 

 open air. After being cut over the plants will push again so as 

 to afford a second gathering. 



MEMORANDA. 



Manures. 



Phosphates. — To ascertain the effects of phosphates in different sorts of soil 

 on the Calluna vulgaris, nine plants were potted in Bagshot peat, nine in 

 Wimbledon peat, nine in Bromley peat, nine in Norwood loam, nine in Han- 

 well loam, and nine in common garden soil. Two plants in each sort of soil 

 received nothing but water when they required it; the others, a small quan- 

 tity of the following substances : phosphate of soda, phosphate of iron, phos- 

 phate of magnesia, and cow-dung. No perceivable change was caused by the 

 substances. The only difference appears to have arisen from the different 

 sorts of soil. Those in Bagshot peat and those in Norwood loam were the 

 best ; those in Hanwell loam next ; those in Bromley and Wimbledon peat 

 next ; and those in common garden soil the worst. 



Rhododendrons, treated with various salts. — Of 30 plants four were planted 

 in peat, three in loam with a mixture of cow-dung ; all the others in loam, 

 15 receiving the following substances: phosphate of iron, phosphate of soda, 

 ammonio-phosphate of magnesia, sulphate of iron, and oxide of iron. Each 

 of these substances was given to three plants in the proportions of 1 oz., | oz., 

 and ^ oz., one half in autumn, the other in spring. The other eight plants 

 received nothing but water when they required it. Those that received am- 

 monio-phosphate of magnesia were much darker in colour than the others, 

 in which little change took place. Eventually it was found that those plants 

 which received ammonio-phosphate of magnesia were decidedly the best, 

 especially the plant which had 1 oz. Those that received oxide of iron 

 and those in peat were much the same, and decidedly the worst. Those in a 

 mixture of loam and cow-dung and those treated with phosphate of iron, 

 phosphate of soda, sulphate of iron, and pure loam were much alike, and quite 

 intermediate between those that received ammonio-phosphate of magnesia 

 and oxide of iron. James Donald. 



