352 



A'rbitff/s A/idrac/inc at Edinhuviih. 



the deciduous ones are sometimes struck by lightning; which 

 inclines me to believe that they are non-conductors. If correct 

 in this, the fact afFoixls another proof of the wise and admirable 

 dispensation of the Author of nature ; viz. that trees exclusively 

 alpine should thus be guarded so beautifully against so potent 

 an element as lightning. All the species of /4bic-tinse will grow 

 in the lowlands, but, assuredly, will not flourisli ; for it is only 

 in uplands, among rocks, and in soils not calcareous, that these 

 most graceful specimens are to found. 



The Pinus maritima is in its infant state with me ; and I have 

 curtailed its heavy head, which did not appear capable of keep- 

 ing erect : yet it is very hardy, and might probably be an ac- 

 quisition to those whose properties lie contiguous to the sea, as 

 I learn it grows near Bordeaux, and other places on the margin 

 of the Bay of Biscay. 



I annex a list of the rarer pines vvhich thrive here in a su- 

 perlative manner, presenting that wholesome colour and general 

 aspect, which at once indicate that they are in a soil and climate 

 perfectly congenial. 



Jinus Laricio. 

 Pallas/an». 

 caramanica. 

 pondcrosa. 

 puiiillio. 

 Banks/flHa. 



Art. V. Account of a Plant of h!rhuius Kndrdchne in the Edm- 

 burgh Botanic Garden, supposed to be the largest in Britain. By 

 William M'Nab, AX.S., Superintendent of the Garden. 



The accompanying sketch {fig. 113.) represents a splendid spe- 

 cimen of ^Vbutus y^ndrachne, now growing in the Royal Botanic 

 Garden at Edinburgh, 

 believed to be the finest 

 plant of the kind in Bri- 

 tain ; and it is said that 

 Ireland cannot produce 

 itsequal. The large plants 

 at Culzean Castle, in Ayr- 

 shire, said to be the An- 

 drachne, are of the A. 

 hybrida. The exact age 

 of the plant cannot be 

 ascertained; but it is sup- 

 posed that it cannot be 

 less than from 30 to 40 years old. It was brought from the old 

 Botanic Garden at Leith Walk, and planted in its present situ- 



113 



