MAGNOLIA. 65 



• The shrubs of the new world have been 

 transplanted into our gardens, and the forest 

 trees of America rear their heads in our woods ; 

 whilst, in return, we have planted colonies on 

 the newly-discovered shores, who have reared 

 their national constitution and laws with such 

 care, that it may probably be found thriving 

 there in its purity when time and corruption 

 shall have destroyed the parent trunk. 



The magnolia grandiflora, or laurel-leaved 

 magnolia, is a native of that part of America 

 which has been named Florida, from the 

 beautiful plants with which it abounds ; and 

 when growing in its native soil, the magnolia 

 is esteemed the most beautiful tree known ; 

 it reaches from 90 to 100 feet in height, and 

 is clothed with an evergreen leaf of the most 

 lucid colour on the upper surface, and of a 

 russet tint beneath. The shape is nearly that 

 of the common laurel leaf, but much larger ; 

 and being agreeably waved on the edge, it has 

 not the heavy and stiff appearance of the 

 laurel leaf, although the consistency is the 

 same. It is sessile, and placed without order 

 on every side of the branches. The flowers 

 appear from June to September, during which 

 time they perfume the air for a considerable 

 distance round with the most agreeable 

 odour, which at one moment reminds us of 



VOL. II. F 



