1844.] 



THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 



483 



a small tree, with a fruit the size of a nonpareil Apple. 



« The Mango, Mangifera indica y which was introduced 

 into this island, had become naturalised here, along with 

 several other fruit trees, such as the Apple-fruited Guava, 

 Psidium pomiferum, and the Jamrose, Jambusa vulgaris] 

 The Pine-apple, Bromelm Ananas, forms impassable 

 thickets : its fruit is sold for a few peace at the bazaars. 

 Gloriosasuperba,ot an allied species of this beautiful plant, 

 of the Lily tribe, was growing in an elevated wood, by the 

 side of a streamlet, on the borders of which Andromeda 

 saliwfoha formed a considerable tree. Numerous species 

 ot randanus, or Screw-pine, Ferns, climbers of the Con- 

 volvulus tribe, some of which were very beautiful, and 

 many other interesting plants, were also growing here. 

 Twice, in the course of my walk, my hat came in contact 

 w th the naked combs of a large ochre-coloured wasp, 

 which suspends if s nests in the bushes. As soon as the 



™ h ! en T r T mSe ? tS a ^ rised m * of the injury I had 

 S£« m V k 8 ^ throu S h amo »8 the bushes, 

 the 1« K ,n £ be , hlDd ' 8nU the return o "the twigs drove 



branch caught me by the sleeve, and detained me till one 



eat 



tale respecting whom was founded on some circum- 

 stances connected with a shipwreck on the ' He d'Ambre,' 

 near Mapou, which were embellished by the author of 

 the tale. On the borders of a shady part of the road 

 near Pamplemousses, the beautiful orange and white 

 varieties of Thunbergia alata were growing, much in the 

 manner that Ground-Ivy grows in England ; and by the 

 side of a brook, there was a species of Papyrus or Paper 

 Reed ; and a remarkable Palm from Madagascar, from 

 the fibres of which beautiful cloth, resembling stuff, is 

 manufactured. The country between Port Louis and 

 Pamplemousses is grassy, nearly flat, and but little cul- 

 tivated, up to the foot of the mountain ranges of the 

 Pouce, Moka, and Peter Bot. Beyond the village, the 

 country is more undulating. Much of it is covered with 

 fragments of vesicular basalt, among which the Sugar- 

 cane is cultivated. In many of the fields, the stdnes are 

 collected into ridges, about four feet apart, and in others, 

 into squares ; the canes are planted in the interstices 

 between these rude walls. Some of the stones are small 

 and others as large as a man's head, but the soil 

 among them is adapted for the growth of the Cane, 

 which thrives even in the fissures of the rocks, where the 

 stones preserve it from drought. In some places there 

 are also fields of Manioc, and plantations of Bananas, 

 &c. In others the wood has not been cleared, and 

 among it are many trees of Ebony, Diospyros Ebenum ,• 



also Custard-Apples, Guavas, &c. that have become 

 wild." 



Again, in speaking of the Botanic Garden of Port 

 Louis, the author says — 



" We accompanied our friends George and Jane Clark 

 in a ride to Pamplemousses, and spent a little time in 

 the Botanic Garden. This institution is not so well 

 kept up under the English Government as it was under 

 the French ; but it contains an extensive collection of 

 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants from various parts 

 of the world. The assemblage of stately Palms is very 

 fine, and there is an interesting group of trees and shrubs 

 producing spices, such as Cassia, Cinnamon, Cloves, and 

 Nutmegs. Tbe fruit of the last is something like a 

 Green Chissel Pear; when ripe, it splits open and ex- 

 poses the Nutmeg enveloped in a coating of bright-red 

 Mace. A specimen of the tree affording the poison used 

 in the Ordeal, in Madagascar, by which great numbers 

 of human beings are annually destroyed, is also preserved 

 in this garden." 



We have the following graphic account of the 

 11 Ravenala," and some other plants. 



" The Travellers' tree, Urania speciosa, forms a strik- 

 ing feature in the prospect. Clumps of these trees, com- 

 posed of several stems, rising from the same root, are 

 scattered over the country, in all directions. The 

 trunks, or more properly root-stocks, which are about 

 three feet in circumference, sometimes attain to thirty 

 feet in height ; but whether of this elevation, or scarcely 

 emerging above ground, they support grand crests of 

 leaves, of about four feet long, and one foot wide, but 

 often torn into comb-like shreds. The head is of a fan- 

 like form, and the flowers, which are not striking for 

 their beauty, are white, and produced from large, hori- 

 zontal, green sheaths. The foot-stalks of the leaves, 

 which are somewhat shorter than the leaves themselves, 

 yield a copious supply of fresh water, very grateful to 

 the traveller, on having their margins cut away near to 

 the base, or forced from contact with those immediately 

 above them, especially those about the middle of the 

 series. The root-stock is of a soft cellular substance, 

 and the fruit, which resembles a small Banana, is dry, 

 and not edible. This remarkable vegetable production is 

 said to grow in the most arid countries, and thus to be 

 provided for the refreshment of man in a dry and thirsty 

 land. Probably the water may originate in the condens- 

 ation of dew, and be collected and retained by the 

 peculiar structure of the leaf; it has a slight taste of the 

 tree, but is not disagreeable. The Badamier, Terminate 

 Badamia, a handsome tree, with large, obovate leaves, 

 and fruit, the size of an Almond in its husk, abounds in 

 this direction. The spongy shell is so tough as to render 

 access difficult to its small kernel, which is like a young 

 Hazel-nut in flavour. A species of Cinnamon, Laurus 

 cupularis, forms a handsome bush in the borders of the 

 woods. I also noticed a species of Mimusops, forming 



S 



the larvae, or grubs, which they roast in the combs ; in 

 taking the nests, they drive off the wasps by means of a 

 burning rag fastened to the end of a stick. Tne combs 

 are sold in the bazaar at Port Louis. On the muddy 

 margins of a salt-water bay, thire are two arboreous 

 species of Erythrina, or Coral-tree, the pea-like flowers 

 of which are crimson-red ; Hibiscus tiliaceus, Thespesia 

 populnea, trees with leaves like the Lime-tree, and 

 yellow flowers, with crimson eyes, resembling those of 

 the Hollyhock ; Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera 

 gymnorhiza, Mangroves of Laurel-like figure, with 

 large seeds, emitting thick roots while hanging to the 

 tree. To the south of Mahe'bourg, in a similar associa- 

 tion, is the silvery-leaved Edwardsia denudata, with 

 yellow, pea-like flowers, possibly the same as that on 

 Moreton Island, New South Wales, where, also, several 

 other plants similar to those growing here are met with. 

 In a brook that discharges itself into the Riviere des 

 Creoles, a large, smooth, black Neritina was adherin 

 to the rocks." 



An account of the mountain vegetation of the Isle of 

 France must, for the present, conclude our extracts. 



11 We walked to the top of the Pouce, and enjoyed the 

 various beauties and curiosities of creation, presented in 

 the primeval forest of the upper part of the mountain ; 

 in which, however, many exotic trees and shrubs have now 

 become naturalised ; among these are the Lemon, Guava, 

 J am bos, Date, &c. The Bignrade or Seville Orange, 

 Citrus vulgaris, is considered native here. The top of 

 this mountain is 2G39 feet above the level of the sea. 

 The ascent is along the rocky and woody side of the 

 glen, at the lower end of which Port Louis is situated. 

 A footpath winding along the rocks, passes nearly over 

 the summit, to the vale of Moka, and saves more than 

 six miles of the distance, the high road winding round the 

 end of the mountain. This footpath is chiefly travelled 

 by Blacks, formerly slaves, now apprentices, who carry 

 great loads on their heads, to the bazaar of Tort Louis. 

 Tiie heartless cruelty of systematic oppress ton, the 

 offspring of slavery, does not allow them to wear shoes 

 to defend their feet, though they generally require sticks 

 to steady their steps among the rocks. The vegetation 

 of the upper part of the mountain resembles that of the 

 mountain tract about Cure Pipe. Similar tree Ferns and 

 species of Pandanus are here, and epiphytes, of the 

 Orchis, Fern, and Pepper tribes, grow on the trunks of 

 the larger trees. In the shady parts of the forest, there 

 are several species of Club-moss, Lycopodium, some of 

 which are of the section of the genus to which L. helve- 

 ticum belongs. The apex of the mountain is almost too 

 narrow to stand upon, and the sides and front are nearly 

 perpendicular. At this point we found the pretry 

 little blue Lobelia serpens, and a plant of the] Heath 

 tribe, Salaxis arborescens, the last of which cheered us, 

 by bringing to recollection its British allies, not having 

 seen anything so like an English Heath for nearly seven 

 years, lihipsalis mauriliana, and Sarcostemma mauri- 

 liana, leafless, filiform plants, with green stems, the 

 thickness of a quill, were growing upon the rocks mid- 

 way down the mountain : the former is allied to the 

 Cactuses of America, and the latter has congeners in 

 Africa and New South Wales. Hereare also great num- 

 bers of large snails, with obloDg shells, mottled with 

 brown and white. These snails are eaten by the Blacks, 

 and the shells are sent to England, to decorate the 

 mantle-shelves of the curious." 



The lovers of Natural History will find a large field of 

 interesting facts in the remainder of this volume, from 

 which we purpose to borrow from time to time. 







New Facts 

 Paint and Oil. 



Miscellaneous. 



respecting Trees killed by the Effect of 

 -In the Number of last March, page 572, 

 we mentioned the loss of a great many fruit trees from 

 the effect of paint. A gardei.er of Cha 'on-sar-S»6ne 

 declared, at a meeting of the Horticultural Society of this 

 town, that, having nailed up some Peach and Apricot- 

 trees upon a trellis freshly painted with verdegris, 

 towards the end of June, in a short time they all died[ 

 except one Apricot-tree, which only lost the branches 

 which were attached to that part of the trellis that had 

 been painted. Another gardener reported aUo that, 

 having rested some bars of wood painted with vordegrts 

 upon some Pear-trees, he observea that deep cancer sud- 

 denly formed wherever the paint had left any marks. A 

 gardener from the department of Haute-Marne, M. De- 

 lisle, wrote to us, saying he had seen trees die faun oil 

 which had been spread upon the branches to destroy the 

 caterpillars. The use of soft soap, of which oil is the 

 base, says this gardener, has caused the branches of trees 

 which have been rubbed with U to die.— Revue Horticole. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS 



For the ensuing Week. 



I.-HOTEIOUSE. CONSERVATORIES, &c. 



Before advancing farther, let us ascertain if those stovc- 

 Plants which we have lost, or found difficult to manage in 

 former winters, are now in a state likely to give less trouble 

 during next winter ; examine their pets, and if the soil or drain- 

 age is not in a proper condition, shake the mould awar from 

 the roots, and repot them in light soil. Sanrfv-Niam is better 

 for wintering delicate stove-plants in than coo/posts co.tainine 

 either peat or leaf-mouhl ; peat is verv liable to pet soddened In 

 a clo e stove m winter, but in frames' a..d greenhouse* nothing 

 Miits better, in the beginning . f the growing- season all kin. 

 of stimulants were In requisition to insure a rapid growth, 

 but, from this time, all safe modes of retaminp vegetation should 

 be resorted to, in order that this season'! growth may I 

 ripened as much as our means can effect. These general rules 

 may be of more on than minute details. 



Conservatory.— Host, when m ny w 11 begin to cut down their 



• remes : formerly we use I to cue our plants to mere stumps, 

 and now some cut ihem by tar too long, for the take of making 

 large specimens next year: and with care this may be effected* 

 but the safest way for beginner, is to cut the lower- side shoots 

 of this season's growti. to 3 or 4 eyes, and if the pants are tall 

 to cut in the centre shoot to 1 or 2 eyes. Tnree ye.rs old 

 plants make the finesc specimens for ordinary use, providing 

 the roots are healthy. Very old plants of Pelargoniums, that 

 are to be discarded, ha-i better be planted in tue open ground 

 ami they will furnish good cuttings in September, which may 

 be kept in stove- pots through the winter, and they will come in. 

 use ul for succession next summer. 



Greenhouse.— Many of the greenhouse plants might be im- 

 proved Dy being turned out imo the open ground now for »ix 

 weeks or two mon'hs; others might be plunged, with their 

 pots, an inch or two below tne surface, when many of their 

 roots turn up to the surface, ad thus occupy the whole of the 

 ball instead of being crowded at the bottom of the pot, as is 

 usually the case.— D. B. 



II.-FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERIES. 



Omi ifpur Department. 

 The work in the fl )wer.par«ien at the present time is in a 

 great measure routine. Attend to the regulating of all planta 

 and beds, and keep everything as clean and neat as possible. 

 Ply the broom, scythe, hoe, rake, and roller diligently, and at 

 all times. Remove dead flowers and keep a sharp eye to in- 

 sects and mildew, which is making its appearance on the Roses 

 since the rain. 



Reserve Garden.— Some of rhe biennials wili now be fit to thin 

 out a little, and the young plant* may, if required, be pricked 

 out in nursery beds lor transplanting. Hoe the ground among 

 the plants frequently, not only to destroy weeds, but also to 

 promote the growth ot the plants. — IF. P. A. 



. ... >winir error in the 

 read 



[The reader will please to correct the following error in 

 ast Calendar: — Reserve Garden, last line— for "earthic 



"cuttings."] 



III.— FLORISTS" FLOWERS. 



earthings 



Carnations.— Tue green rty, which congregates on the buds, 

 and the minute black Insect which, beneath the calyx, eats 

 away the coloured parts, both in Carnations and Picotees, are 

 more numerous and mischievous than usual, 1 he attacks of 

 the former are more easi.y prevented (being an op-n foe), 

 whilst the insidious depredations of the other can with difficulty 

 be repressed. We have found dusting the calyx with Szotctt 

 snuff, previous to its opening, the best preventive (amongst 

 many) which we have tried. Continue to tie the buds as tney 

 advance; waxed threan, wound round the top part about 

 thrice, twisting the ends together with the finger and thumb, 

 will be found the most safe, easy, and expeditious method. An 

 old florist in the north need to get some Windsor Beans, and 

 cut them transversely, in sections of about the eighth of an 

 inch; when the inside was removed, the skin formed a small 

 hoop or ring; he would tit these lightiy on his buds, according 

 to their size: tue exposure to the air caused tnem to shrink, 

 thus fitting the Calyx closely, and certainh this was a very neat 

 as well as effectual means of attaining the end proposed. We 

 have yet a novel and simple plan iu operaiion, to prevent the 

 bursting of the caiyx, tne successful adaptation of which to 

 our own stock will induce us to communicate it shortly for the 

 benefit of our readers. Continue to put down layers ; pegs of 

 fern or wood are made u-eof: we give the preference, how- 

 ever, to those made of lead. Shade tne expanding Uiwers from 

 sun and rain; and amid the multifarious manipulations re- 

 quired just now of the Carnation grower, the best means of 

 raising good seed mutt not be forgotten, and manual impregna- 

 tion by all means should be resorted to. Pinks.— Continue to 

 plant out rooted pipings. Look well to pods of seed, extract 

 the decayed petals, and shr the calyx down to prevent tue ex- 

 tension of wet, which will inevraby cane decay and the loss 

 ot the seed. DahJtat— Must be regularlv tied up to their stake-, 

 as they are now waking vigorous growth; occasional water- 

 ings with liquid manure will f.e of service. T*(tp*—An we 

 presume they are all safely stored, an occasional glance, to see 

 that all is going on ngli , it all that is now requisite.— J. F. W. 



IV -PINERIES, VINERIES, fcc. 

 Pineries.— From now to the end of Octooer is the season 

 most favourable to the growth ot Pines : an . it is necessary to 

 make the most or it, »«y pa ; ing due attention to the wants of the 

 plants iu their vari u^ stages Tne more st engta and compact- 

 ness we can ^et i„to tbe plants, the greater will he tne proba- 

 bility of fine fruit; and to obtain the gre . test degree of strength, 

 it is requisite that th • plants have plenty of room, with as' 

 much air as tne weatner will permit; and that the> be kept in 

 a brisk bottom heat ot tioui 85° to Qi>°. Too much water at the 

 roots should he carefully avoided, as there is always a greater 

 number of fibres made when the soil is moderatelv dry, parti- 

 cularly if it be put in the pot iu a rough or lumpv state. Plants 

 with plenty oi healthy fibre, and broae, strong, but short leaves, 

 cannot fail to produce fine fruit, otner circumstances being 

 favourable. Continue to Byrinpe iu the afternoon, and it you 

 have no other means of keeping tne atmoxpmre of your houses 

 and pits moist, tne tan and pahs may be sprmk.ed once or 

 twice a day. 



Vineries.— Let the V nes now ripening their crop have air 

 early in the morning, and increase it as the day advances. 

 Shut up earl- With a dry atmosphere. If the wea'her snnu'd 

 become damp make s light fires. TIHm, by causing the fumes of 

 the sulphur on the pi^es or fines to ascviid, wul assis- in the 

 destruction of the red *pd. r. Keep the houses irom which the 

 crops have been p*t iered in tt.e neatest i rdef. Tne Vines in 

 these hou-es will require the ligh s to be open night and nay. 

 Young Vines of this year's plan'ing should b • encouraged co 

 make all the wood po.ssiole. I allow al; the laterals to grow on 

 these; as it give eaiiy, and w>th proper ;«>ter management, 

 permanent srength and vigour to the plants. 



Peach-houses, -should wet Weather occur, make slight fires 

 to dry the atmosphere of tne houses where fruit is now ripen- 

 ing. This with plenty or air wili help to give flavour to the fruit. 

 If red spider make us appear mce, dress tne pipes or flues with 

 sulphur and quick lime, and make alight fires to render the 

 application more eff. ctua:. 



Figs.— Leave a lutic air on all night, and give a great deal 

 during the day. Let tne plants be well supplied with water, 

 and syringe daily except where fruit is nearly ripe. 



Struubei-ries — Where the crop is gathered f, urn the British 

 Quern, and other kinds suitable for forcing (whicti in most 

 place* is n«w the ease,), the strongest runners maj he carefully 

 put into .-mall p Its, w th w.iat roots they have made the pots 

 having been pr. u^ty plunged at a proper dktance'from the 

 parent plant, to prevent the runners being shaded b» it* foliage 

 It will be necessaiytolay small stones on the rmm rs that have 

 not rm»de roots, to kee k , them in contact with the soil in the 

 pots till they have tune to establish themselves. Snou e 



weather prove dry, wutenng w 11 he beneficial. 



Melons — Pay Constant attention to thinning and cuttinpout 

 decaying leaves. Do not le- plants swelling the r fruit suffer 

 for want of water, but withhold it by deg'ees as tbe iruit 

 approaches maturity. — o. F. 



_ JJ V '~ ,iARDY FKU,r AND KITCHEN-GARDEN. 



Budding — ihe fine mi hi showery weather we novr have pre^ 

 sents a lavoiraole ««, p utunity ior budd ng the htocks ne 



fruit-trees, and for iusening hues of ea eetned k a thc 



branches ol established trees, tin? sorts of w eh arc not 

 appioved.it. Propagation by to . th generally con- 



fined to stone fruits, mav a -. be r rt«i to with auvautsge 

 with scarce varieties of Apples and Pear* Any statements 

 respecting the mode of oprrat would be fu lie. after the 

 plain and lucid direction* given iu the current year's Chronicle. 



Pelargoniums, let me guard the inexperienced apainst two ex- | I lecollect a Striking inasanee of taccess tent resulted Irom 



