246 Gardens and Gardening in Louisiana. 



but, now having a leisure hour, I shall occupy the time in 

 making a few Remarks on Gardening and Gardening Pro- 

 ductions in the state of Louisiana. 



Gardening, in this section of the Union, differs widely, in 

 many respects, from the system practised in the North and 

 Middle States ; this semi-tropical climate affording numerous 

 advantages unattainable in a more northern clime. During 

 the month of February, I visited a vast number of gardens in 

 New Orleans — its vicinity, and for 130 miles up the Missis- 

 sippi. Even at that unfavorable season, from the mildness 

 of the winter, I found a tolerable display of Flora's beauties, 

 the gardens, as it were, conjuring up a spring-like appear- 

 ance in the gloomy season of winter. The various plants, 

 &c. in bloom were, to me, equally astonishing as gratifying. 

 Many varieties of the rose were displaying their gaudy flow- 

 ers, and exhaling their fragrance in profusion. Many ex- 

 otics, planted in the open ground, were then blooming freely, 

 and most of them had been so during the previous season 

 from the months of April and May. My attention was par- 

 ticularly arrested by a magnificent Crinum amabile. I had 

 never seen this rich gem, imder the most fostering care, pre- 

 sent such a splendid appearance. Most of the following were 

 blooming vigorously : — Heliotrope, Plumbago, Petunia, Rus- 

 sellia, Cestrum, Achknia, Justicia, Terbena, Manettia, Brug- 

 minsia, iJibiscus, (Chinese sp.,) Strelitzia, <56c. &c. In many 

 garden.'} the camellia was flowering to admiration, and, in 

 favorable situations, several Chinese azaleas were truly mag- 

 nificent. Many other species might be mentioned, did time 

 and space permit ; but the above will convey some idea of a 

 Louisiana wi?iier^s vegetation. 



Vegetables are also most abundant during the winter. 

 Here there are two regular seasons for sowing general crops, 

 fall and spring ; and, during winter, turnips, carrots, pars- 

 nips, beets, celery, spinage, lettuces, radishes, &c. &c. are in 

 the greatest profusion. 



You are well aware the ornamental department of garden- 

 ing is my more particular province, and here I find a rich 

 and varied field. 'Tis most astonishing to witness with what 

 luxuriance every variety of the rose grows, and, in many in- 

 stances, without the least attention or care. Here the Noi- 



