22i> 



Observations upon the effects of Frost, 



to the ground ; and the common periwinkle was observed by Mr. 

 Dillwyn to lose its leaves at Sketty in South Wales. Even at the 

 latter place, where the climate is comparatively mild, Menziesia poli- 

 folia was destroyed ; Erica vagans, with its varieties was much injured 

 at Woburn ; and the common holly was extensively affected in se- 

 veral places in the middle and north of England ; this plant how- 

 ever offered very different powers of resisting cold, some of the 

 varieties proving much hardier than others, and, according to the 

 observations of Mr. M c Intosh, those which are variegated, more so 

 than the plain kinds. Of numerous exotic trees and shrubs from 

 the South of Europe, New Holland, the Himalaya mountains, 

 China, and the alpine regions of South America, many of which 

 had been growing for years unharmed, a large proportion perished. 

 Nearly all the rare specimens of this kind which had been collected, 

 with so much care and cost, in the Society's Garden were des- 

 troyed. All round London fine old evergreen oaks, and cork 

 trees had their leaves and young shoots turned brown, laurus- 

 tinuses, sweet bays, and the common Arbutus were generally cut off, 

 while in most gardens not a plant remained alive above ground of 

 all the beautiful varieties of the China rose and its kindred species. 



These and similar facts have induced me to investigate the ex- 

 tent of the mischief produced throughout the country in different 

 situations ; and by the kindness of those gentlemen to whom I 

 applied for such evidence as came within their knowledge, I have 

 been enabled to assemble a considerable amount of interesting in- 

 formation. My thanks are in particular due to 

 The Rev. Frederick Beadon, North Stoneham, Hampshire. 

 Mr. William Beattie Booth, Gardener to Sir Charles Lemon 



Bart. M. P., Carclew, near Penryn, Cornwall. 

 Philip Davies Cooke, Esq., Owston, near Doncaster, Yorkshire. 

 Lewis Weston Dillwyn, Esq., Sketty, near Swansea. 

 Mr. James Forbes, Gardener to His Grace the Duke of Bedford, 

 Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire. 



