INTRODUCTION. 



From the situation of the Isle of Wight on the southern 

 boundary line of the Agricultural Zone of Watson, we every- 

 where recognize the appropriate features of the latter in the 

 general aspect of vegetation, whether native or introduced. 

 We find the cultivation of wheat predominating over that of all 

 other grain, and producing as plentiful returns on the exposed 

 crests of the loftiest cliffs, or within a few yards of the sea- 

 beach, as in the sheltered valleys of the interior. The Vine 

 and the Fig are common even in the cottager's garden, the lat- 

 ter always, as a standard, bearing abundant and luscious fruit ; 

 whilst, in addition to the more ordinary orchard-trees, the 

 Quince, Walnut and Mulberry ripen perfectly, and produce 

 plentiful crops. Both the narrow- and broad-leaved varieties 

 of the Myrtle [Myotus communis, L.) form stout bushes in the 

 open air, and mature their fruit in many places, even on the 

 North side of the island and in the cold soil of Ryde, suffering 

 in very severe winters only, and are then seldom more than 

 partially killed back in exposed situations, as many very old 

 and vigorous trunks attest in various places. The Sweet Bay 

 [Laurus nobilis, L.) attains the dimensions of a tree, and ripens 

 its berries in abundance, resisting our severest frosts, as does 

 the Laurustinus (Viburnum Tinus, L.), which gives to our gar- 

 dens and shrubberies at mid-winter the verdure and bloom of 

 summer, though its fruit is more sparingly perfected. The 



