THE GARDEN. 



increasing beauty a year or two hence. This 

 basin, originally intended for the cultivation of 

 aquatic plants, a purpose which it very imper- 

 fectly answers, receives its water by filtration 

 from the Seine. It would be desirable to fill it 

 up, or to open an easier communication with 

 the river, as the stagnant water often becomes 

 offensive in the summer (i). 



We next cross an alley bordered on one side 

 only by the mespilus linearis, and the koelreu- 

 teria (2), placed alternately and offering a strik- 

 ing contrast in their foliage, flowers, and general 

 form — the one extending its branches horizon- 

 tally, and the other collecting them into round 

 masses. The next square is the nursery, which 

 is also surrounded by an iron railing. 



Here are raised the trees and shrubs for dif- 

 ferent parts of the garden ; and by means of slips, 

 layers, and grafts, interesting species newly in- 

 troduced, and not yet exposed to sale, are pro- 

 pagated and diffused among the cultivators who 

 correspond with the Museum. 



(1) When new hot houses are constructed, they will probably form a 

 continuation of the present, and by diminishing the botanic garden on 

 the west, necessitate its prolongation towards the south. The great 

 basin will then be filled up for the reception of the school of fruit-trees 

 or of agriculture. 



(2) An elegant tree brought from the north of Asia in 1789, and natu- 

 ralized in the Museum, whence it has spread, 



10 



