during the Summer of 1837. 101 



that would grow rapidly during the rainy season, to procure, at 

 least, some shelter for trees of a better quality. He did so, 

 and, as far as I could observe, he will derive advantage from 

 it. The poplar grows with astonishing rapidity, notwithstand- 

 ing the great drought. Pinus Pinea and P. maritima, which 

 grow everywhere on these shores, would also be ornaments 

 to these gardens, as their forms are agreeable ; and the other 

 species of Coniferae, cultivated in our plantations, do not thrive 

 so well here as these two species. 



An Italian landed proprietor has also formed a garden in the 

 neighbourhood of Athens. I observed with pleasure the rapid 

 growth of a great number of fruit trees, chiefly apple and pear 

 trees, which he had planted ; many of them were loaded with 

 fruit. It is also worthy of remark, that date stones, sown in 

 the open air, have come up and grown admirably, in this gentle- 

 man's garden, as well as in the king's garden. 



Before my departure, M. Lang of Darmstadt, a very able 

 architect, was commissioned to make a plan of a private garden, 

 which was to be formed near the new royal palace, the building 

 of which was proceeding rapidly. A public garden, in the Eng- 

 lish taste, was to be joined to the former, to surround it, and be 

 a place of resort for the population of Athens. 



The new palace will be magnificent and very large. The 

 beautiful marble of Pentelicus is almost the only material used in 

 its construction. 



M. Lang decided immediately on the Italian style for the 

 king's private flower-garden, marking on the plan the place for a 

 good number of palm trees, and groups of orange, lemon, and 

 oleander trees. The whole to be divided into compartments by 

 low walls, ornamented with statues, vases, &c, of marble, which 

 they expected to find in the ruins of the ancient monuments. I 

 have no doubt that, when the whole is finished, I shall be put in 

 possession of the plans and elevations, and I shall then have 

 much pleasure in transmitting them to you. 



I think Greecu is a country in which a garden well planted and 

 executed would have a magical effect. AH sorts of trees might 

 be used in the arrangement. I even think a great number of 

 South American trees would thrive. What could we not effect 

 by uniting the passifloras, kennedyas, and the superb and light 

 acacias of New Holland, with groups of oleander, myrtle, and 

 jLaurus nobilis, crowned by magnificent date trees, evergreen oaks, 

 Acacia Julibrissin, Cupressus pyramidalis and horizontals, and 

 orange and lemon trees ! All these would thrive ; and the Greeks 

 would be happy in being able to enjoy their gardens all the year 

 round, while we are obliged to witness five or six changes an- 

 nually, every one more disagreeable than the other. 



Add to this the magnificent and imposing views of the sea, of 



h 3 



