66 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



the jasmine or lily of the valley, and the next, 

 of the violet mixed with the apricot. 



During the last summer we saw a fine tree 

 of this description in the exotic gardens of 

 M. Bourseau, Rue Mont Blanc, in Paris, which 

 scented the whole of that elegant plantation. 



We have also seen a most noble magnolia 

 in the grounds of the Priory, near Ryde, in 

 the Isle of Wight ; and which, we were then 

 told, often wafted its delightful fragrance to 

 more than half a mile in distance. The 

 flowers are produced at the ends of the 

 branches, and are so large as to measure from 

 seven to eight inches in diameter, and are 

 composed of eight or ten petals, narrow at 

 their base, but broad, rounded, and a little 

 waved. They spread open like a tulip, and 

 have the appearance of white kid leather 

 more than of a vegetable substance. In its 

 native country this tree begins to flower in 

 May, and gives out a succession during the 

 whole summer, so that the woods are con- 

 stantly perfumed with its odour. The pencil 

 can give but a faint idea of the splendour of 

 this beautiful tree, which defies the pen alto- 

 gether to describe its charms ; its leaves are 

 more glossy than those of the laurel, and from 

 nine to ten inches in length, and about three 

 inches in breadth, with a softness on the under- 

 side, that gives great variety to the foliage. 



