336 Obituary. 



beg to send a sample of this corn, but at the same time wish you to under- 

 stand that it is by no means new, or recently introduced. I have had it, under 

 the name of pearl corn, for more than ten years. I have also cultivated it with 

 the other varieties. Its growth is materially different ; inasmuch, as it throws 

 up many stems or offshoots; and is, I think, admirably adapted for culture in 

 a warm dry climate, as an article of forage for cattle, and would, I have no 

 doubt, yield, in its proper state of culture under the preceding circumstances 

 of climate, an abundant crop of grain, as it is extremely prolific ; and although 

 the grains are very small, yet they are very numerous on the cob : nor does 

 there appear to be so much waste, compared with the bulk, as in the larger 

 species. I have no doubt that it is a distinct species of the Zea, and ought to 

 be so stated in the catalogues. I will cultivate some this season, and send 

 specimens to the learned in these matters for determination. Some years 

 since M. Lagasca, the Spanish botanist, cultivated a large collection of cerealia 

 at Chelsea Botanic Garden, including many varieties of the Zea, but, as he had 

 not this variety or species amongst them, at that time Ihad not an opportunity 

 comparing them. I have only, in addition, to observe that I have never suc- 

 ceeded in getting it to produce seed in this climate, but have to import it every 

 year from the southern states of North America. — G. Charhvood. Covent 

 Garden, April 15. 1842. 



Art. V. Obituary. 



Died, at his residence, Flower Bank, on Sunday, 8th May last, aged 75 years, 

 Allan Fowlds, Esq., nurseryman, Kilmarnock, one of the primitive race of 

 nurserymen in Scotland, and (with the exception, perhaps, of the venerable 

 Mr. Smith of Monkwood Grove, near Ayr) the oldest then alive. The 

 nursery was established by his brother Alexander and himself nearly sixty 

 years ago, contemporary with that of the Messrs. Dickson at Edinburgh, 

 and the Messrs. Austin at Glasgow, and was "carried on under the firm of A. 

 & A. Fowlds till a few years after his brother's death, in 1810. A separation 

 took place between his brother's heirs and himself in 1817 ; subsequently he 

 carried on the nursery and seed business under the firm of Fowlds and Lym- 

 burn, and latterly under that of Allan Fowlds and Son. The deceased was 

 professionally educated at Mile End, Brentford, and Kew, which laid the 

 foundation of an intimate knowledge of his profession. He was accustomed to 

 boast of being the first that brought the rhododendron from London to Ayr- 

 shire. He was also the first to introduce the purple beech, the original of which 

 is now a magnificent tree at Caprington Castle, the seat of J. Smith Cunning- 

 ham, Esq. ; and the hydrangea, the original of which is still in the possession 

 of Mrs. Cochrane of Ladyland. From the suavity of his manners, with his 

 amiable and social disposition, he was universally esteemed among a large 

 circle of acquaintances, most of whom are now gone before him. For the 

 last ten years of his life he was mostly confined to the house, unless when 

 able to take an airing in the nursery grounds. Though the want of his usual 

 exercise must have drawn severely on the strength of his constitution, yet his 

 cheerful and happy disposition sustained him through his many infirmities, 

 till at last he died, almost without a struggle, and like one falling asleep. — R.L. 

 Died, on Wednesday, the 27th inst., after a long and distressing illness, 

 borne with Christian fortitude and resignation, Mr. William Rollison, nursery- 

 man, of Upper Tooting, Surrey, in the 77th year of his age, deeply lamented 

 by his family and friends. ( Times.) 



