74 SYLVA FLOR1FERA. 



its indented margin excludes more air than 

 is requisite, and its pendent position throws 

 off the dews and keeps the anthers dry, that 

 they may discharge their impregnating dust 

 even in the rainy season of November. 

 But lest we should dwell too long on the 

 anatomy of plants for those who make it 

 their trade to dissect poor authors whilst 

 living, we will return to the natural history 

 of the arbutus, which takes a whole year 

 to mature its fruit, so that the red branch, 

 from which the ruby balls are suspended, is 

 garnished with the snowy corollas of the suc- 

 ceeding crop, and thus 



" with blossoms and with pendants shine, 



And vernal honours to their autumn join; 

 Exceed their promise in the ripen'd store. 

 Yet in the rising blossom promise more." 



POPE. 



The arbutus tree succeeds best in a moist 

 soil, for when planted in dry ground it seldom 

 produces much fruit ; it is therefore recom- 

 mended to place it in warm situations ; and 

 if the earth is not naturally moist, there should 

 be plenty of loam and rotten neat's dung laid 

 about its roots, and in dry springs it should 

 be plentifully watered. 



Miller says, " these plants are tolerably 

 hardy, and are seldom hurt, except in extreme 



