290 Observations upon the effects of Frost, 



upon the hybrid Rhododendra have been already sufficiently 

 detailed (page 266), and need not be repeated. 



The plants of the South of Europe and adjacent countries have 

 been for the most part so long in cultivation here, that much 

 novelty in the results of the winter cannot be expected with regard 

 to them ; nevertheless, some facts prove new, others confirm 

 opinions which were not previously established to the satisfaction 

 of every one, and a few are inexplicable upon any principle with 

 which I am acquainted. That Aristolochia sempervirens, a native 

 of Candia ; and Peg-mum Harmala, a common Syrian plant ; Ilex 

 balearica and Buxus balearica, evergreens inhabiting the islands of 

 Majorca and Minorca; Juniperus oxycedrus, quite a southern 

 bush ; Pistacia terebinthus, which is not found wild north of the 

 coast of the Mediterranean, should all have been found hardy, 

 where such plants as the Tamarisk, Arbutus Unedo, and the Cypress 

 perished, are results which could hardly have been anticipated. 

 They are, however, of the first importance, because it will induce 

 the more general cultivation of those among them which are beau- 

 tiful. It is interesting to know that Arbutus Andrachne is more 

 hardy than A. Unedo, a fact which may perhaps be connected with 

 their very different localities when wild ; the former being exposed to 

 the severe cold of south eastern Europe, while the latter, although wild 

 in Ireland, is more peculiar to the west of Europe. Connected with 

 this is the important fact, that A. Andrachne inarched upon A. Unedo, 

 in which condition it is usually sold in the nurseries, is unfit for plant- 

 ing, because of the tenderness of its stock. By taking care that 

 plants of A. Andrachne, and also A. hybrida, are on their own roots, 

 two fine evergreens may be considered secured to the gardens of 

 the greater part of England. That there should be a variety of 

 the Olive hardy enough to bear — 4^° without the slightest injury, 

 may be a fact of value to the Olive grower in many parts of Europe, 

 and renders it probable that this useful tree may be profitably 



