PARIS. 155 



rity at the moment when it is wanted. The cxpence of 

 erecting low glazed houses or pine-apple pits, with flues, 

 and the difficulty of keeping up a regular fire-heat where 

 coal is little known, are circumstances which probably deter 

 many from attempting the cultivation of the ananas. But 

 Mr Muirhead, gardener to Colonel Belsches of Invermay, 

 and Mr Macnaughton, gardener to Colonel Wauchope of 

 Edmonstone, have shewn, by their practice, that fire-heat 

 is not indispensable : they form large hot-beds, composed 

 wholly of leaves gathered from the woods in the end of 

 autumn ; place on them common glazed frames, of the lar- 

 gest dimensions ; by means of adding exterior linings of 

 leaves, or of making openings into the mass, the tempera- 

 ture is increased or diminished as wished ; and in this way 

 the plants are not only kept over winter, but produce large 

 and ripe fruit, generally in the second year. 



In front of the principal hot-house, six fine orange-trees 

 are planted en pleine terre, and produce a pleasing effect. 

 During the winter season they are covered with glazed 

 frames, which are supported by the hot-house behind. 

 The borders contain many of the best hardy perennial 

 flowers. Most of these are accompanied by Sevre porce- 

 lain tallies, having the name of the plant painted on them ; 

 but though the tallies are neat, they unavoidably give a 

 formal appearance to the borders, and impress one with 

 the idea of a botanic school. 



Mr Boursault himself joined us in the garden, and point- 

 ed out whatever he reckoned curious or rare. Upon our 

 mentioning the object of our journey, he expressed his 

 readiness to forward the views of the Society in any ay 

 that might be in his power. 



We felt considerably gratified with the view of this villa 

 and garden. The plants of every kind seem to be managed 



