226 The Magiioliace(2. 



'i3' 



of the papaw-bush {Asimina) were observed. Not expecting to meet with 

 either so far north, they became subjects of attention and remark among 

 my companions. The leaves having fallen, the bushy habit of the former, 

 caused probably by climate, gave it the appearance rather of the tripetala 

 than the stately acuminata of Ohio. This appearance doubtless involved 

 Michaux in error. 



7. M. Macrophylla {Large-leaved Magnolia). — The flora of the North 

 can furnish no rival to this magnificent species. Its leaves and flowers are 

 larger than those of any other magnolia ; which, with its habit of growth, 

 give it a tropical appearance. On its own roots it makes a rapid growth for 

 a few years, and until it attains to the size of a small tree ; but three or four 

 years are previously required for seedlings to develop the roots. During 

 that period, it is expedient to protect the young plants against cold and 

 rabbits. It is as hardy when well established as the acuminata, provided 

 it receive the requisite attention, but soon dwindles and dies under neg- 

 lect. Old trees require as good cultivation as young plants, and thereby 

 their existence can be preserved for a long time. 



It produces a limited supply of seed in this vicinity, and seedlings can 

 be reared by a due share of skill and patience. Loudon observes that 

 " neither this species nor the tripetala can be readily ingrafted or inarched 

 on each other, or on any other species, so far as experience has gone in 

 Great Britain." Such authority is not to be disregarded ; but it is equally 

 true that half a dozen buds of this species, inserted into acuminata stocks 

 in my garden early in the month,* took without one failure, and now look 

 plump and promising. What the ultimate result will be, another season 

 will determine. This experiment demonstrated that a rapid adhesion will 

 form between the bark and wood of an inoculate cut from the macro- 

 phylla and the sap-wood of the acuminata stock. Whether the chit or 

 centre of the bud will survive the operation, is the only undecided point. 

 Perhaps British cultivators have not discovered the necessit)^ of forcing an 

 extra-luxuriant growth of the stock, by means of high cultivation, before 

 attempting the budding and ingrafting of the magnolias. 



8. M. AURICULATA {Ear-leaved Magnolia). — From some unexplained 

 cause, this is, perhaps, the least cultivated and most rare of all the species. 

 If plates and .descriptions are reliable, it is entitled to more attention. It 



» July. 



