612 



THE GARDENERS' 



CHRONICLE. 



^huTh flowers in June and July. It T.Thomson. 



A section of this country, similar to | untouched. 



also 



beaunrul ipW wn.cn ^» » «« the grow- that which accompanied Capt. Strachey's paper, was also 



£"J^ iW^^uSTrS. Its flowers , exhibited. It extended on a line nearly north and son h 



The blooms remain 



in* season ; and it requires 



remain long in perfection, if they are kept dry. 



Aerides roseum, flowers in June and July ■ ; 

 other Indian kinds, it requires plenty of ™at_ana 

 moisture while making growth 

 three weeks in beauty. . 



Aerides virens, flowers in June and July, and the 

 blossoms remain long in perfection. 



Vanda cristata.-This fine Indian Orchid flowers from 

 March to June. It must have plenty of heat during 

 the growing season ; afterwards it should be kept drier. 

 It will keep in flower for six weeks. 

 i Vanda suavis, comes from Java. It will succeed on 

 a block, but it does best in a basket. It likes plenty of 

 heat and moisture during the growing season. When 

 in bloom it is one of the most beautiful of the genus. 



Vanda tricolor, from the same country, is also a fine 

 species. It flowers from May to July, and requires 

 plenty of heat and moisture while growing. 



AH the above will thrive on blocks, but I am of 

 opinion that they grow best in baskets- filled with moss 

 and potsherds, and suspended from the roof. 



from the upper part of the Chenab river to the K£ra 

 and, like | Korum pass on the Konenlun chain of Humboldt. 



The chain to the south of the Chenab, rising to an eleva- 



tion of 15,000 feet, excludes a considerable quantity of 



They sit uneasily 

 perches, and cannot be won, even Z V?^ ^ .w 

 notice pf anybody. From this i t^^ 

 mysterious lump of fat in some - ' ^^ 



H 



life ; and it no doubt mater iallv^L^^ 

 which, whilst making long passages *- ** 



Such was alsn t\ 



pod Mends. I may add, that <£,£* .<** 



their usual £00^^^^^^ 



H 



is of little avail. 



fcJ^+ZXSlK 



humidity from the valley of that river, and the vegeta- 

 tion, though not altogether losing its truly Himalayan 



character, becomes much modified. Thus the Oaks, them what you will,- their restless sk* r^ 4 * 



Rhododendrons, and Andromeda, so common on the must continue until Nature's laws are . sJ**^ 



' vi ^ tiou over > your birds will aooa ,!J2f* fc 



southern mountains, are not found ; while fruit trees 

 become more abundant, and the Grape-vine ripens its 

 fruit admirably. Passing to the north the next ridge 

 that is crossed reaches a height of from 20,000 to 

 22,000 feet, the passes being usually upwards of 18,000 

 feet in elevation. To the north of this range the 



' the 



and 



BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCE- 



MENT OF SCIENCE. 

 Section D. Tuesday, July 8. (Continued from p. 596.) 

 —Xotes on the Botanical Geography of part of the Hima- 

 laya and Tibet; by Major E. Madden and Captain R. 

 Strachet.— This paper was illustrated by a sectional 

 drawing of the Himalaya mountains, from the plains of 

 India to Tibet, passing through the British province of 

 Kumaon, on which the names of the more striking 

 plants were inserted at the elevations where they were 

 found. The section commencing from the southern 

 face of the mountains first represented the band of 

 forest that skirts their foot, chiefly composed of the 

 trees of tropical India. Ascending, we find forms of 

 temperate climates gradually introduced above 3000 

 feet. Pinus, Rosa, Rubus, Oak, Berberis, Primula, &c. 

 At 5000 feet the arboreous vegetation of the plains is 

 altogether superseded by such trees as Oaks, Rhodo- 

 dendron, Andromeda, Cypress, and Pine. The first 

 ridge- crossed, ascends to a height of 8700 feet in a 

 distance of not more than 10 or 12 miles from the ter- 

 mination of the plains. The European character of the 

 vegetation is here thoroughly established, and although 

 specific identities are comparatively rare, the represen- 

 tative forms are most abundant. On a part of this ridge 

 is found a Palm that on some mountains, not far off, 

 attains a height of 50 feet at an elevation of more 

 than 8000 feet above the sea, where it is every 

 year covered with snow. Passing onwards we enter 

 zone of less elevation which is comparatively devoid 

 of wood, and is chiefly devoted to agriculture. The 

 climate is not very dissimilar to that of northern 

 India, but not nearly so hot, and many species 

 of tropical plants occur. Crossing another ridge, similar 

 in its vegetation to that first mentioned, we descend 

 into the valley of the Sarjie, one of the rivers that 

 penetrate at a very low level far into the interior, carry- 

 ing with them a tropical vegetation into the heart of the 

 mountains. This, however, is considerably modified by 

 the height and by the greater humidity. We thus find 

 Pines and Palms, Oaks and Maples, growing with the 

 ordinary trees of the plains, and a similar confusion of 

 the flora of the temperate and torrid zones holds with 

 the shrubs and herbs. From this valley we pass into 



climate and vegetation suddenly change, 

 Tibetan types are at once established. The general 

 character of the flora is Europeo-Siberian, but much 

 modified by the extreme aridity which almost excludes 

 trees and shrubs ; it hardly exceeds 500 or 600 species 

 in all. The chief groups are Boraginese, Chenopodiacese, 

 Crucifero, Astragalinse Leguminosae, and Artemisioid 

 Composite. The few trees consist of a Poplar, con. 

 fined to the more sheltered ravines, and an occasional 

 Juniper on the hill sides. The more common shrubs 

 are Lonicera, Tamarix, Myricaria, and Hippophae. 

 The high Alpine herbaceous flora is almost strictly 

 Siberian, and is a little more varied and copious than 

 in other parts of this region, from the additional mois- 

 ture derived from the melting of the snow. It extends 

 sometimes even to a height of 18,500 feet. — Dr. J. 

 Hooker observed that Captain Strachey and Dr. Thom- 

 son had done for the Himalaya what Humboldt had 

 done for the Andes. The district of the Himalaya in 

 which he had travelled was not unlike that just described 

 — it was, however, higher, reaching to 28,000 feet, 

 whilst that first described was only 25,000 feet. In the 

 Sikkim Himalaya the ascents were constantly modified 

 by descents, and there was more rain, and the line of 

 perpetual snow was lower, than in Kumaon. Pines 

 were alike abundant in both regions. The Larch was 

 abundant in Sikkim, but absent in Kumaon. Rhodo- 

 dendrons numbered 36 species in Sikkim, but only six 

 or eight in Kumaon. — Mr. Winterbottom, who had tra- 

 velled over the same districts with Captain Strachey and 

 Dr. Thomson, compared the flora of the Alps With that 

 of the Himalaya, and pointed out the comparative rich- 

 ness of the latter. Where Firs alone grew on the Alps, 

 a most varied and beautiful vegetation was observed in 

 the Himalaya, There was, however, a great difference 

 in different districts. Where the rains fell and the 

 atmosphere was moist, there the vegetation was most 

 prolific, but where there was a want of moisture the 

 land was sterile and truly disagreeable to behold. Many 

 of the plants were representative of European species. 



spirits. 



cour 



A few months since, I promised to ^ ■ 



very much depends upon ourselves in «* • - 

 properly and making them first-rate sonijj? > 



BRITISH SONG BIRDS. 



(Cage Bibds, No. 31.) 



No. XLVII. — We will now resume the thread of our 

 discourse, on the subject of migratory instinct. We 

 have spoken of the inherent power which birds of 

 passage possess to travel long distances ; and also of the 

 unerring instinct that directs their flight, and teaches 

 them where to go. This suggests a whole train of 

 thoughts. 



In the first place, we will consider what becomes of 





them immediately on their leaving our shores ; and 

 that of the Pindar, which we follow up from 7500 feet ( it will be reasonably asked, — how do these birds con- 

 to its source in a glacier at 12,000 feet. From 7500 to 

 11,000 feet, the region of Alpine forest, the trees moat 

 common are Oaks, Horse-chesnut, Elm, Maples, Pines, 

 Yew, Hazel growing to a large tree, and many others. 

 They often grow to a very large size, and the forest is 

 usually far finer than in the lower mountains. At about 

 1 1,500 feet the forest ends ; Picea Webbiana and Betula 

 Bhojpatra being usually the last trees. Shrubs, how- 

 ever, continue in abundance for about 1000 feet more, 

 about 12,000 feet the vegetation becoming almost en- 

 tirely herbaceous. On this southern face of the moun- 

 tains the snow line is probably at about an elevation of 

 15,500 feet. The constant condensation of vapour on 

 this face causing a very humid climate, the vegetation is 

 very luxuriant, and the great riches of the Himalayan 

 flora are found in this region. As we pass to the 

 north of the great snowy peaks, we leave behind 

 us this wet climate and enter a country that 

 very soon becomes equally remarkable for its ex- 

 treme aridity. In the valley of the Gori, into which 

 we next pass at an elevation of 11,500 feet, we find 

 that several Tibetan plants have appeared, the flora, 

 however, having become very poor. The gorges that 

 lead to the great passes into Tibet are almost devoid of 

 vegetation. The highest dicotyledonous plant noticed 

 on this route was at about 17,500 feet, probably a species 

 of Echinospermum ; an Urtica also is common at these 

 heights. The snow line here recedes to 1 8,500 or 1 9,000 

 feet. In Tibet itself, the vegetation is scanty in the 

 extreme, consisting chiefly of Caragana, Artemisia, 

 Astragali, a few Grarainese, Potentillae, &c. The plain 

 to the north of the Himalaya is almost a desert, not 

 more than one-twentieth of the surface being clothed 

 with vegetation, and that of the most miserable sort, the 

 bushes seldom rising above a foot in height. The culti- 

 vation of Barley extends to a height of 14,000 feet. 

 \egetat.on ends at about 17,500 feet, the highest plants 

 being Corydahs, Cruciferse, Nepeta, Sedum, and some 

 few others. 



On the botanical Geography of Western Tibet, by Dr 



trive to live so long as they do, on certain occasions, 

 without food ? This has, 'ere now, puzzled me, too, not 

 a little. I resolved the matter by a close observation of 

 the various migratory birds which I kept in confinement, 

 which leads me to a curious part of my subject. These 

 little creatures, when I commenced keeping them, 

 exhibited at certain seasons of the year, and all on a 

 sudden, a very ragged appearance. I observed that 

 some of them had damaged tails ; others, ruffled wings; 

 and not a few of them presented a most haggard 

 appearance I was at that time unable to account for 

 this phenomenon ; but knowing two gentlemen who were 

 well versed in Natural History, and both of them devoted 

 amateurs in the matter of the nightingale, I applied to 

 them on the subject, and they at once cleared up the 

 mystery. 



It appeared that my birds (like their own, which 

 I saw) were suffering from the " agitation," to which I 

 have before had occasion so often to allude. This 

 "agitation," or intense desire to quit the country, is 

 felt by - all migratory birds, free or otherwise ; 

 and if in confinement, they will dash about their 

 cages nearly the whole night through ; sometimes 

 throughout the day also. The fever commences in 

 September, and lasts some weeks. This quite upsets 

 the doctrine of those who affirm that young birds are 

 guided in their movements and preparations for migration 

 by the old birds. True to the instinct of his nature, 

 every bird, however ignorant, would not be at all 

 puzzled, if set free, to join his companions abroad. I may 

 remark, that this « agitation," in a milder form, is again 

 felt by cage birds in the spring,— the season for the 

 return of our feathered friends. But we were goin<* to 

 speak of their being able to live so long without food. 



When the season of « agitation " or migration arrives, 

 immediately behind the lower extremity of each bird 

 there is formed a lump of fat. This I have found to 

 continue, more or less, for a month. Whilst this 

 remains, you will find your birds altogether destitute of 

 appetite. Their food, however fresh, remains almost 



promised to notice other peculiarities cm 

 their instinctive habits. It has been JZ^ 

 within the last few days, that no betteS^^ 

 the fulfilment of my promise than the preset 



I have on a number of occasions remarked lL t% 

 few there are amongst us that have not s2 ul! 

 « pet- in their families. All such mulw J*5 

 when entering the shops where song birds i»!!S 

 sold, the hideous noises uttered on °e very gife F* 

 rots, macaws, and the like monstrosities ; these '* 

 would again remark, are in many instances ioC? 

 the smaller birds ; and in all instances ther4r 

 parable injury to good birds. This is why I [1± 

 so unceasing in giving my advice as to what *Z 

 should not deal ; and once more I emphatiallT * 

 let all intending purchasers beware! Ifrft 

 repeated cautions, anybody should be "taken ■» 2 

 fault will certainly never be chargeable upon *. 



So remarkably tenacious is the memoir ad « 

 remarkable acute are the ears of some nestlLsiU 

 only a day or two old, that instances are on tmi 4 

 the note of the parent bird having been heariiid* 

 tender age, and never afterwards forgotten ivfraS* 

 offspring. Knowing this, we have the key ton* 

 important secret. It is many years since I wuety. 

 ened on the point ; and I have had of trepeatol m- \ 

 tunities of witnessing extraordinary results from ie»| 

 ful study of the subject. 



At Birmingham, in particular, is one branch tffc 

 secret extensively known ; for we there find alaii 

 linnets educated under the wood-lark, and sugagti 

 celestial notes of that bird of birds with perfect freeem 

 So " true," too, are they in their song, that yoc M 

 not distinguish by the ear one from the other. Hai 

 effected, entirely, by taking the linnets when only a if; 

 or two old, and feeding them in a room tenanted It 

 wood-larks only. The titlark, I may remark. » t 

 equally good tutor, but not so recherche in his mm 



On the same principle, if an Englishman and ta m 

 were residing in France, and had children bom then- 

 the latter would, naturally, speak tie French tagi 

 as glibly as the natives/if allowed to mix with to 

 from their early infancy. They would, indeed, sj* 

 French and English— the one as well » *[■* 

 There is nothing wonderful in this ; but it kfliij 

 to an argument, and enables us to reason • Wfc|W 

 can do this, good-temperedly, we carry all Wow m 



J will merely add to the foregoing, that these » 

 facts, and many others, are not only very co«SM* 

 they demand our best attention. It is quite eviiw*! 

 Nature herself we must seek her laws ; it »<■? . 

 we deviate from them that we encounter du^cw 

 my researches after truth, I have employed u* j 

 strength of my reason, "and though/ t0 ^^ 



of the good St. Pierre, « my means have tew~r 

 tively feeble, yet I can conscientiously asserting 

 passed a single day without collecting sotfJT^ 

 observation. When I commenced ^ j£jfr 



imagined I had amassed sufficient maten* g 

 tory of Nature ; but alas ! I was like the cm ^ 

 a shell, dug a hole in the sand to receive 

 of the ocean ! " William Kidd. 



FRUIT ROOMS. ^ 



The following description and P* an %£s^ 



belonging to Josiah Moorman ^ ^ J>(* 



with rome remarks by Mr. Robert Thjf^j^ 



lished in a recent number of the/ Joum* 



cultural Society." . jjjojt #P 



« The supply of fruit in autumn * ^ A* 

 abundant in favourable seasons, alio in ^* 

 is then an ample choice. Many of tnese ^k« 

 naturally of so short duration, that tnej ^ w 

 kept well under any eircumstanc^. ^i^ 



adopted for preventing their dec w P* |e ^IJ 

 flavour is frequently deteriorated or £ £ 

 In general, those kinds that ™W^aM* 

 and a large proportion of the Wi* g #* 

 sive growers is of this description, W» ^ 

 better to take such at once to mar** ^ W 

 consequent on the keeping of later itJ t* 

 we find that towards Christmas the ^&* 

 of Pears more especially is ^^tivelj^J 

 that the choice is reduced to comjj^, ^ 

 Such favourites as the Mane i^ou ^^gt^ 

 are not to be had under °rdmary ^ \r 



January the scarcity **^"JZ imp** V 

 Chaumontelg make their appearai , lmir eL 



high price of, not nnfrequcntty f JM^-^iJ| 



all " birds of passage " is in » '* r ^ * ^ 

 really ought to suggest the quefO» 1 

 keeping them pent up in cagei r 



