+ 
The flowering of some July and August blooming shrubs 
like Eucryphia and Oxydendron was much shortened by the 
dryness of the atmosphere, but on the other hand some sun-lovers 
like Vitex Agnus-Castus, Hibiscus syriacus and Clematis paniculata 
were never so good. The curious Ephedra campylopoda also 
produced its yellow flowers in abundance—a rare occurrence at 
Kew—and was very pretty. On the whole the effects of the 
intense heat and dryness were bad for the development and 
duration of flowers the summer through—some rhododendrons 
for instance never opened their flowers fully—but there is every 
likelihood of a splendid show of bloom next spring and summer 
-on those trees and shrubs that have passed through the ordeal 
safely. A curious effect of the summer has been the autumnal 
blooming of a good many shrubs whose normal time is spring. 
Hamamelis japonica was in fuli bloom at the end of October 
and earlier in the month several hybrid rhododendrons whose 
proper season is April and May were in flower. 
Lawns. 
It is not likely that the lawns at Kew have ever been so 
scorched since the Gardens became public. Those who have 
known the place for over forty years can remember no similar 
effects of drought and heat. It is too early yet to tell how many 
of the patches at present bare and lifeless looking will recover 
but it is certain a great change for the better will take place 
when the ground is once more thoroughly moistened. There 
are some places, however, like the south end of the Lake, the 
Berberis Dell, the Cedar Avenue and other routes where there is 
a concentration of traffic which are worn bare and cannot recover 
of themselves. It was hoped that a good amount of grass seed 
might have been sown during the autumn but the continuation 
of the drought through October, when less than half an inch of 
rain fell, debarred this method of renovation. Re-sowing with 
grass seed next spring is the only remedy, but the necessary 
roping-off until the young grass is strong enough to bear traffic 
again, restricts the free circulation of visitors on crowded days. 
Rock GARDEN. 
In the Rock Garden, although it was watered freely, Primulas, 
Ramondias, Gentians, and other plants of a similar nature suffered 
badly, many being killed outright. Generally speaking the plants 
were more stunted in growth than usual, and many kinds ripened 
off prematurely. Zauschnerias in common with other kinds 
from warmer countries enjoyed the heat and flowered more 
freely than they have done for many years. 
In the frame ground many of the higher Alpine subjects 
grown in pots and pans succumbed to the excessive heat. 
Herbaceous plants in the Natural Order beds were all more 
or less stunted in growth, Campanulas and other shade-loving 
