Gardening in Egypt. 



month ; and it is certain that in Alexandria, Ramleh, 

 and other places on the coast, the salt-laden wind from 

 the Mediterranean is undoubtedly the worst enemy to 

 the gardens. 



It will therefore behove the judicious horticulturist 

 with an exposed garden in these localities, to see that 

 young trees and tall plants are securely staked, that 

 tender plants are protected, and that all large fan-leaved 

 palms, such as Latania borbonica, Sabal umbracu- 

 lifera^ and Washingtonia filifera, have their leaves 

 securely tied up. The same rule applies to choice 

 tender plants that have stood out in isolated positions 

 during the summer, like Crotons and others, which 

 should be taken in at the beginning or middle of 

 November. 



During the next three months the thermometer will 

 sometimes fall to 35deg. Fahr. in Alexandria, and 

 4odeg. Fahr. in Cairo ; therefore, when there are glass- 

 houses, all available space should be utilised in storing 

 tender plants from the low temperature experienced 

 outside. 



The south winds from the desert, known as " Kham- 

 seens," which occur in the spring usually in March 

 and April are in some cases detrimental to young 

 plants, but the damage done is not nearly so great as 

 that caused to fruit-blossom and tender shoots by the salt 

 winds from the sea. These winds make the plants appear 

 as if they had been burnt, and often strip entire hedges 

 and trees of their foliage. It will be found, however, 

 that where the wind is uninterrupted in its passage, the 

 injury to plants is not so great as if its course is 

 obstructed. 



The climate of Cairo, with reference to plant life, 

 varies considerably from that of Alexandria, insomuch 

 that many plants which thrive in one town will not flower, 

 or only partially exist in the other, and then only under 

 the most favourable circumstances. The following 

 instances of this may be quoted : Grevillea robusta 

 (Australian Silky Oak), Caryota urens (Toddy 

 Palm), and Bauhinia purpurea, which all do well in 



