64 Botanic Gardens. 



given in the Orto Botanico at Rome, within but 

 little distance from the Vatican, in September, 1872, 

 and some of which graced a dr a wing-room of Mrs. 

 Guinness for several weeks last spring. The fruit 

 was so immature when gathered, that I feared it 

 would not vegetate ; however, I myself have one of 

 the plants, which I cherish with classic interest ; and 

 what amateur would not do so in like circumstances ? 

 Whip me the Stoic ! 



Many of these plants produce fruit out of doors in 

 our Islands, and one has done so more than once at 

 Glasnevin, but I have not seen any ripen. This Chi- 

 nese species has borne several severe winters in a cold 

 district close to York, and in the county of Donegal, 

 and elsewhere in Ireland. Above ten years ago, Mr. 

 Backhouse planted in his nursery garden, near York 

 city, two young specimens of this Chusan Palm, 

 which experienced visitors in a few years afterwards 

 expected to see succumb to the first severe spring ; 

 but they have continued to advance and grow to 

 vigorous bushes, nine feet high and upwards ; and I 

 believe others of the same kind have been planted 

 there with good hopes of success. Nearly forty years 

 the dwarf European ChamDerops has held its place in 

 a green sward facing the old range of glass at Edin- 

 burgh Botanic Gardens ; and a few years ago, Mr. 

 Mac Nab told me that he attributes an improved 

 appearance, which I noticed, to his having left it 

 unmatted the few previous winters. On the same 

 occasion a specimen of Fortune's Palm, or of C. ex- 



