152 Baron Hilgel's Garden and Collection of Plants. 



Salisb.), Dacrydium datum Wall. (Juniperus Roxb.), and many others of the 

 most beautiful kinds of Confferae ; while different species of Callitris and Ca- 

 suarina stand in the centre of the group on a small stage of ornamental iron- 

 work, down the sides of which small varieties of plants are seen gracefully 

 bending. The charm of the whole picture is enhanced by the splendour of 

 Catalpa syringcsfdYm Si?ns (Bignoma Catdlpa L.) in full flower, and by the 

 delightful perfume of the blossoms of the shady lime tree, which lends its 

 peculiar charm to the atmosphere. 



A complete collection of Indian varieties of rhododendrons is situated on 

 the further side of this group, and the whole is remarkable for beauty and 

 luxuriance. ■ More to the right are seen the most beautiful erythrinas, near 

 which are groups of Azalea pontica and Psebnia Moutan Sw. (many species) 

 in splendid flower. 



The more the beholder advances, the more he fancies himself transported to 

 Japan, as a forest of camellias in which gigantic specimens stand that once 

 ornamented the gardens of Saxony, and the largest of which is 22 ft. high, 

 affords abundant shade. The many hundred lofty stems of camellias, mixed 

 with those of a lower growth, astonish the connoisseur, and especially when 

 he is informed that this collection consists of more than 1000 varieties. 



On the lawn on the right stand beautiful exotic trees and shrubs, which 

 have attained a tolerable height ; and of these I need only mention Diospy- 

 ros idtus, Virgilia liitea; Magnoha acuminata, tripetala, Soulangeawa; Aralia 

 spinosa, i?etula laciniata var. pendula, i^agus sylvatica var. purpurea, Aucuba 

 japonica, and several species of Mahonia. A group of Clerodendrum flor. rub. 

 simpl., in the parterre, is worthy also of particular consideration. 



You now enter the houses, and come first to the division filled with Cacti. 

 The collection is rich, and part of it was purchased some years ago at 

 Dresden by the baron, where it was under the care of the court gardener, 

 M. Terseheck, and was universally admired. The next compartment contains 

 hothouse plants remarkable for their outward habit, their size, and beauty, such 

 as Panddnus humilis, Dracaena Draco, iaiirus Cinnamomum, and some species 

 of Tillandsi«, &c. The other division of this house is separated into two beds, 

 in which the specimens are planted ; these are mostly of the families of Mimosa 

 and Papilionaceae. I must not omit to mention the beautiful specimens of 

 Acacia Cunninghamia Hook., Juawdra, decora, homomalla, polymorpha, 

 obovata, pentadenia, pubescens, and vestita, which are in the middle part of 

 the house, and form an avenue of overhanging trees ; also, Gompholobium 

 polymorphum elatum, Oxylobium ellipticum, Indigofera australis, CorraeVs 

 speciosa, Polygala attenuata, Eriostemon cuspidatus and iuxifolius, Lis- 

 santhe sapida, Conostylis jmncea, &c, which stand in a bed like a thick 

 forest ; among which are seen Kennedya rubicunda and longeraeemosa, beau- 

 tifully winding round the supports of the house. The second bed is prin- 

 cipally filled with the rarest camellias, in the most luxuriant condition. There 

 are also other plants among them, particularly many Vrotedcece ; and a plant of 

 Grevillea robiista is 18 ft. high, which, unfortunately, must be taken out, as it 

 has already reached the height of the house. All lovers of plants must wish 

 that this somewhat dangerous operation may be carefully performed. In the 

 front part of the first bed in this division, close by the lights, are two Pro- 

 tedcece planted in the ground, and in front of the other bed there are small 

 plants in the open ground. The whole house is divided by a passage up the 

 middle, the supports of which are decorated with twining plants, and the two 

 side passages have wire arches over them, covered with kennedyas and climb- 

 ing plants. 



From this house you enter a small, but, as may be expected, tastefully deco- 

 rated saloon. The floor, like the former, is of mosaic ; the painting on the 

 ceiling and walls in the Indian style, and the looking-glasses, drapery, and 

 furniture are of the very newest taste. 



Adjoining to this saloon is a conservatory, in which are camellias of 

 all the varieties planted in the soil. Behind thein are Camelh'a japonica fl. 





