350 HORTICULTURAL TOUK. 



Jardin des Planks. 

 Being anxious to take the earliest opportunity of seeing the 

 celebrated Garden of Plants, we went thither this forenoon. 

 We had Utters of introduction to Professors Desfontaines, 

 Thouin, Cuvier, and Lucas fils, and also to Mr Royer of 

 the Administration du Jardin. At this time we found on- 

 ly the two last-mentioned gentlemen : They were most 

 }>olite and attentive ; and such is the liberality here shown 

 to foreigners, that we experienced not the least difficulty in 

 getting access to every place which we expressed a wish to 

 view. On a first visit we could take only a very general 

 survey of the grounds ; and, Mr Royer, after accompanying 

 us for some time through the garden, having made us ac- 

 quainted with M. Riche, who is practical manager of the 

 serres-chaudes, we thought itbest, at this time, to confine our 

 attention chiefly to the tender exotic plants. Riche has had 

 long and great experience in this branch of horticulture ; 

 and many of the plants, by their size and heathful luxu- 

 riance, bore testimony to his being a very successful culti- 

 vator. Although considerably advanced in years, he is 

 full of zeal and activity, and he seemed to take much plea- 

 sure in pointing out the botanical rarities under his charge. 

 The principal stove is of large dimensions. But at pre- 

 sent it was in a great measure untenanted ; most of the 

 plants, during summer and the early part of autumn, be- 

 ing placed in the open air on a terrace in front of it. On- 

 ly a very few of the plants can here be noticed. Cordia 

 macrophylla, from the West Indies, was of large size, and 

 displayed its broad foliage very beautifully. Several plants 

 of* Pandanusodoratissimus, or green-spincd screw-pine, from 

 the East Indies, were in admirable condition, and six or 

 seven feet high. A large specimen of Bonapartea juncea 



