244 HORTICULTURAL TOUR. 



instances sickly. The fault consists principally in the nar- 

 rowness of the houses, and in the want of sufficient light 

 and air. 



There are here four large plants of the Dwarf-palm (Cha- . 

 maerops huniilis), a species which has already been men- 

 tioned when speaking of Leyden. One of these, M. Lich- 

 tervahl told us, has existed in the garden ever since the 

 foundation of the Academicum in 1630. It is now about 

 ten feet high, and two feet and a half in circumference 

 where thickest. It has repeatedly flowered in Mr Lich- 

 tervahrs time, and produced male blossoms. A female 

 plant was pointed out to us, which produced its flowers 

 and fruit two years ago : it is more than 150 years old, 

 and the root bears testimony to considerable age, the upper 

 part appearing for more than a foot above the ground. 

 Two specimens of the Banana-tree (Musa sapientum) were 

 rather in an interesting state : the one was coming in flow- 

 er, while the other presented the fruit of last year. 



Some of the larger and hardier inhabitants of the green*- 

 house, are likewise plants of reverend aspect, which must 

 have seen generations pass away ; particularly a Sweet- 

 bay (Laurus nobilis), an Andrachne (Arbutus Andrachne), 

 a Mastick-tree (Pistacia Lentiscus), and a double-flowering 

 Pomegranate (Punica Granatum, fl. pi.). These endure 

 the ordinary winters of England, and would probably with- 

 stand those of Utrecht ; but they are planted in strong 

 tubs, and housed during winter, having been originally 

 brought to the garden when such plants were scarce and 

 newly introduced into the north of Europe. 



The medical plants occupy a separate quarter of the 

 garden ; and the gramina are placed together: but we did 

 not obterve ;iny other attempts at arrangement. We look- 

 eel in vain for a Jussieuan or a Linnean collection 



