OCTOBER. 479 



« 



with an edging of the intensely violet Meconopsis simplicifolia, 

 and he will form a pictnre which, for brilliancy of coloring 

 and magnificent breadth of effect, has never yet been realized. 

 Decaisnia insignis inhabits wooded valleys in the central 

 regions of the Himalaya. Dr. Hooker first gathered it in the 

 liachen and Lachoong valleys, at elevations of 7000 to 8000 

 feet, and afterwards at Chola, where it ascends to nearly 

 10,000 feet. Its green flowers appear in May, and are scarcely 

 visible amongst the leaves ; the fruit, on the other hand, 

 which ripens in October, is very conspicuous and handsome, 

 of a pale yellow color, and full of a white juicy pulp, that is 

 very sweet and pleasant ; its fruit is eagerly sought after by 

 the Lepchas, who call the plant " Nomorchi," and it is the 

 " Loodooma " of the natives of Bhotan. It would appear to 

 be a plant of very uncommon aspect, resembling a young and 

 very slender fast grown ash tree, among the featherly leaves 

 of which hang clusters of great yellow fruit, somewhat re- 

 sembling a ram's horns. Its learned discoverer regards it as 

 v/ell worthy of cultivation in England for its fruit alone. " It 

 would require protection from spring frosts, but will, no 

 doubt, prove otherwise hardy.'' 



STUDIES IN THE FIELD AND FOREST. 



BY WILSOX FLAGG. 



OCTOBER. 



O'er hill and grove new beauty has awaked, 

 With all bright hues the morning can collect 

 From Orient beams ; and ere the sun is set, 

 He seems to leave the landscape with regret : 

 For all the western village windows blaze 

 With golden splendor where his light delays. 

 The slurdy trees are tinged by Autumn's breath ; 

 They bear upon their heads a glowing wreath. 

 Their leafy tops are like the showery bow, 

 When the declining sun is bright and low. 

 The neighboring mountains gleam like hills of fire, 

 And solitary poplars lift their spire 



