PROCEEDINGS OF THE HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION 699 



I am no botanist, and therefore unable to refute this exclusiveness so boTdiy 

 claimed for it. I am not even sufficiently skillful to give it its scientiiic posi- 

 tion in the vegetable kingdom. I only know, from the assertions of the irftel- 

 ligent, that it is confined to a portion of Table mountain, untouched by frosts, 

 and from observation, that it dwindles as it reaches its highest range, and no 

 where seems to attain a height of over eighteen feet. It is usually seen spring- 

 ing up like pines, in clusters, and of all stages of growth, from one inch in 

 height to twelve feet. 



It is coniferous, bearing the finest specimen of winged seed I have ever 

 seen. This seed is enclosed in an exceedingly hard casing, and requires to 

 be soaked two weeks in water before it is fit for planting. The beautiful 

 pointed leaves of this tree are thick, like cotton, of extreme toughness of 

 fiber, very distinctly veined, and covered both upper and under sides* with soft 

 thick hairs, like down, that shine, even after drying, with a most silvery lus- 

 ter in the bright sunlight. With a light wind it is truly magnificent. The 

 cones, too, are covered with this same silvery down, somewhat shorter. 

 They, as well as the leaves, when young have an extremely delicate green 

 appearance . 



The stems of this rare tree generally branch at each intersection, in threes. 

 The bark is smooth, reddish and silvery. We have not yet found a trunk to 

 exceed eight inches in diameter. 



I think the Silver tree highly ornamental, and that it would be found as 

 useful an addition to our conservatories at home as many of the brilliant hand 

 shrubs of north Africa and the East Indies. 



Many ornaments are made here from the leaves of this tree that are so 

 tough as to dry well and retain nearly all of their original brilliancy. 

 Baskets are curiously plaited of these leaves, and besides being tastefully 

 introduced into the bouquets of immortals, so common to every house in this 

 settlement, they are made use of in embroidery, in ornamenting table covers, 

 and in various other ways, with great nicety and ingenuity. 



On motion of Mr. Carpenter the thanks of this Association were tendered 

 to Mrs. F. V. Mangum for the interesting description and exhibition of the 

 Silver tree of Cape Town. 



Mr. Mead read the report of the Committee on Horticulture, to be made to 

 the American Institute. 



Adjourned. John W. Chambers, Secretary. 



FehYuary 21, 1865. 



Mr. Isaac M. Ward, Vice-President, in the chair. 



Mr. William S. Carpenter, from the committee on large fruits, made the 

 following report, which was adopted: 



The committee held a meeting on Friday evening, February 11, to consider 

 whether the award of the Greeley premiums should be made at once, or left 

 open for another season. 



At the request of all the members. Dr. John A. Warder, of Ohio, and Dr. 

 E. Ware Sylvester, of western New York, were added to the commit«je. 



The meeting was organized by appointing Dr. J. A. Warder, of Ohio, 

 Chairman, and Mr. P. T. Quinn, of New Jersey, Secretary. 



