PREFACE. m. 



From tte South American flora Jacaranda mimosaefoUa Don., 

 Myroxyllon peruiferuni Knth., Brugmansia, Begonias, and Tecomas. 



Only some of the African palms prosper with us in the open ground, 

 viz., the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, Linn., recUnata Jacq., 

 Chamaerops humilis Linn., Palmetto Michx. From tropical Australia, 

 Corypha australis R. Br., and from other tropics Sahal Blackhurnia 

 Ohhr., Chamaerops Fortunii. 



The South Australian climate suits all the succulent plants which 

 develope out of doors to great perfection, especially Yuccas, Aloes,- 

 Agaves, Fourcroyas. Aide americana, mexicana, and Fourcroya flower 

 generally in their twelfth year after planting, their flower-spikes reaching 

 the size and height (30 to 40 feet) as I have met -them during my 

 travels in South America. Of the Cacteae the same may be said, as 

 only the smaller kinds want protection in summer from the scorching 

 sun's rays, and in winter from the heavj' rains. 



The growth and well-doing of the perennials, more particularly those 

 of cooler cli;pies, are very problematical. Only such as root deeply in 

 the ground will withstand our dry summer. We do not succeed witli 

 the perennial Phloxes (although the annual Phloxes do remarkably well, 

 even throughout the summer months). Delphiniums, Campanulas,, and 

 Accmitums; in fact, most of our handsome European perennials succumb 

 to our summer. 



The annuals in general grow most luxuriantly during the winter and 

 part of the spring months, and arrive at great perfection, especially the 

 stocks, which reach so extraordinary a size as at home would be con- 

 sidei'ed an exaggeration if described. But our climate is fatal to the 

 handsome and favorite autumn flower the China Aster, which, even in a 

 very favorable season, will only produce small insignificant flowers ; 

 and, strange to say, all its endless varieties, viz., quiUe'd, Victoria, 

 paeony-flowered, chrysanthemum asters go back to the original type. 



Also the handsome Dahlias Vvrill not prosper on the plains, their 

 flowers being only small, and suffering from the slightest hot wind ; but 

 in the hills they attain perfection. 



Indeed the aspect of our gardens during the summer months would be 

 a very dreary one if it was not for the Petunias, Verbenas, Zinnias, 

 Zonale Pelargoniums, Tagetes, Amaranths, and Oomphrenas. These 

 annuals develop their flowers, with a little help of water, to perfection 

 unknown at home. Of the splendour of the oleanders, which bloom 

 during the summer months, no northern gardener can have any con- 

 ception. The masses, size, colour, and fragrance of their flowers surpass 

 those produced in their native country ; and these lovely plants are in 

 bloom during all our summer months. 



