412 HORTICULTURAL TOUll. 



trunk is short, but no less than five feet in circumference. 

 It divides into five upright branches, each of which might 

 form the stem of a sizeable orange-tree. These upright 

 branches are connected in different places by strong wires, 

 not visible except upon a near approach, and well calcula- 

 ted to make them afford mutual support to each other. 

 This precaution has been thought necessary on account of 

 the great age of the plant, now verging on its 400th year, 

 and the disproportionate weight of the head. The extreme 

 height approaches to thirty feet *. 



The winter repository for this vast collection of orange- 

 trees, is constructed partly under the arches which support 

 the western division of the Palace terrace, from which we had 

 at first looked down upon them, and partly under the great 

 staircase by which we descended. The space thus pro- 

 cured is most ample ; and the huge arched doors and win- 

 dows, are furnished with shutters so contrived, that some 



• This ancient orange-tree has lately been celebrated in stanzas, the 

 poetical merit of which perhaps atones for the quaintness of the wit. The 

 following may serve as a specimen. 



When France with civil wars was torn, 

 And heads as well as crowns were shorn 



From royal shoulders, 

 One Bourbon, in unaltered plight, 

 Hath still maintained its regal right, 

 And held its court, — a goodly sight 

 To all beholders; 

 Thou leafy Monarch, thou alone, 

 Hast sat uninjured on thy throne, 



Seeing the war range ; 

 And when the great Nassaus were sent 

 Crownlest away (a sad event !) 

 Thou didst uphold and represent 



The House of Orange. 



CumpbeWs Magazine. 



