96 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



The myrtle is not so tender a plant as is 

 generally supposed, and there are not many 

 gardens but what afford some situation where 

 this elegant evergreen will grow, particularly 

 if it be slightly covered from the frost in the 

 winter; and it is much less likely to be killed 

 by the cold when planted in the ground, than 

 when plantedin pots or tubs. Unfortunately, 

 this plant is just too tender to endure exposed 

 situations in the interior of this country, with- 

 out some shelter or protection, but its beauty 

 entitles it to a greater portion of our care, 

 than it receives at present. It might even 

 be preserved on the lawn by placing a light 

 iron cage over it in the winter, that might 

 be covered with moss or pannels of some 

 ornamental design. It has always been ob- 

 served that the myrtle thrives best in the sea 

 air, on which account some suppose it to have 

 been dedicated to Venus ; and it is found just 

 hardy enough to prosper in the southern and 

 western coasts of England without cover. We 

 have noticed very fine trees of the broad- 

 leaved or Roman myrtle, growing in Devon- 

 shire, and in the Isle of Wight, where it stands 

 detached from any buildings, and is so com- 

 mon, that we have observed it in cottage gar- 

 dens covered with linen hung out to dry. It 



