500 Notes on Arboretums : — 



contains upwards of thirty-five select sorts of Cratae^gus; a 

 genus which deserves particular attention, because it is better 

 adapted than perhaps any other for planting in small suburban 

 gardens ; which, as our correspondent Mr. Rutger has shown, 

 in Arts. II. and III., are too often disfigured by trees out of all 

 proportion to them in point of size. 



At Twickenham, we observed a large medlar tree, some large 

 walnuts, elms, and cedars ; and, in the horsechestnut avenue at 

 Bushvj a great many very distinct varieties of that tree. At 

 Shepperton we missed a large and beautiful catalpa, which used 

 to hang over the road, and be profusely covered with bloom at 

 this season. It had, we suppose, been taken down to widen the 

 road. Near Sunbury are some very large narrow-leaved elms, 

 and some good white, English black, and black Italian poplars. 

 In the very moist soil in which they are growing, the English 

 black poplar (Populus nigra) is so luxuriant in its foliage as 

 almost to appear like the black Italian (P. monilifera). May 

 they not be varieties, as we are persuaded half the reputed 

 species of poplars, willows, birches, alders, ashes, elms, and 

 other forest trees, are? Not far from Chertsey are some fine 

 Chinese crab trees (P. spectabilis), and a magnificent Ptelea 

 trifoliata, at least 30 ft. high, with branches covering a space 

 nearly as much in diameter. Through the whole distance be- 

 tween London and Chertsey, the difference between the trees 

 growing close to the Thames, and those on the high gravelly 

 banks on the north side of the road, was most striking. How- 

 ever frequently we have made the remark before, we cannot 

 help repeating that the most splendid herbaceous plant we saw 

 by the road side was the wild endive : the drier the season, the 

 more splendid are its large blue flowers. This is owing to its 

 taproots running deep into the soil ; and it affords a hint to 

 gardeners to introduce a judicious proportion of taprooted 

 plants into flower-gardens and flower-beds ; or, rather, we 

 should say, that not only are the colours of flowers, the times of 

 their flowering, &c., to be taken into consideration in making a 

 choice, but their susceptibility of displaying their beauty in dif- 

 ferent characters of seasons; such as in a wet season, a dry 

 season, a windy one, one more than usually cold, &c. All blue 

 flowers are increased in their intensity by light and heat, and all 

 red ones the contrary. 



In the garden of the principal inn at Chertsey there is a com- 

 mon hazel growing out of the brick wall, with its foliage much 

 less injured by the dry weather than that of those growing in the 

 common soil : doubtless from its being inured to live with little 

 moisture. The church being situated in the town among other 

 buidings, its exterior would be much improved by a few creepers; 

 and the churchyard is much in want of a few trees and shrubs. 



