16 



bread); and Wistaria frutescens, D. C. (wisteria.) These, 

 however, are only in private grounds and are exceptional. 



, This order, Leguminosae, is one of the largest and most use- 

 ful, and is easily distinguished by its pea-like flower and seed- 

 pods. 



Natural Order, Rosaceae. 



Geum Radiatum. Mich. (geum. ) A plant four to six 

 inches high, not at all unlike goat-weed, with which it is apt 

 to be confounded, the main distinction being that the flowers 

 of the latter are white, whereas those of the geum are yellow. 

 As the white petals of goat weed fall off leaving a yellow 

 centre, they often present the appearance of a yellow blossom. 

 Not common. Flower half to three-quarter inch long. An- 

 nual. April and May. 



Prunus Domestica. Ivinn. (common plum) does not thrive, 

 neither does Prunus armeniaca (apricot). 



Amygdalus persica. L/inn. (peach-tree) and A. nectariana, 

 W. (nectarine) were formerly plentiful here, the fruit attain- 

 ing great size and being of a superior flavour. Their cultiva- 

 tion, however, like that of other fruits, has been greatly neg- 

 lected, the cultivation of the onion and potato requiring less 

 care and attention. The trees, through the ravages of an in- 

 sect, are comparatively useless. Spraying would to a great 

 extent obviate this, and the use of the knife amongst diseased 

 branches would stay these ravages. Every Spring the peach- 

 trees here may be seen straggling with blossoms and fruit 

 setting, which subsequently falls pierced by the parasitic insect 

 that infests the trees. Moreover, peach culture seems not to 

 be understood in Bermuda as it is on the American Continent 

 where seven or eight years is considered the fruit-bearing life 

 of the tree, and a succession of rows is kept ready to supply 

 the orchard growth. In this way the trees are strong, vigour- 

 ous and healthy, and better able to resist insect ravages. Old- 

 peach-trees around an American peach orchard are looked 

 upon as a sign of carelessness and slovenly oversight. 



Pyrus Malus. I^inn. (the apple,) P. communis, Linn 

 (pear-tree,) and Cydonia vulgaris, Pers, (quince) grow well 



