THE PLANTS AND GARDENS OF THE CANARY ISLANDS. 79 
Humboldt found " the Australian Protea, the Guava, the Jambos, 
the Cherimoyer of Peru, the Sensitive Plant, and the Heliconia " 
growing at Durasno in the open air. In his ascent of the Peak 
he was accompanied ''by the English gardener at Durasno," 
showing that probably the new Botanic Garden was then under 
the charge of an Englishman. The influence of the garden in 
the introduction of new plants into the Canaries is perceptible 
everywhere. For a hundred years this garden has introduced 
and distributed throughout the archipelago some of the most 
cherished and beautiful objects of cultivation found in any part 
of the world. It has also supplied species of Eucalyptus and 
Acacia for planting along the roadsides, and sub-tropical fruit 
trees suitable for the climate. For the last thirty years the 
garden has been under the enthusiastic and devoted charge of 
Hermann Wildpret, who has maintained it in admirable condition. 
The amount allowed by the Spanish Government for the up-keep 
of the gardens has always been strictly limited, and the salary 
of the Curator was nominal. In spite of these drawbacks, Mr. 
Wildpret has been successful in introducing from time to time 
most of the new plants brought into notice by travellers, and in the 
splendid climate of Teneriffe they flourish with such luxuriance 
as to excite the wonder of all who behold them. This garden 
is within easy reach of the English colony at Orotava, and 
accessible also from the English hotel. It forms one of the 
most attractive places of resort in the island, and on this 
account alone, apart from its utility as the centre for the distri- 
bution of plants, it deserves to be maintained in a high state of 
efficiency.* 
The chief features in the Gardens are the fine trees of 
Araucarias, the majestic Palms, and the numerous umbrageous 
species of Fig trees. There are also many striking specimens 
of the Conifer^e. On the walls are masses of Bougainvillcea, 
many beautiful species of Fassiflora, Bignonia, Combretum, 
Ipoinosa, Aristolochia, Cohcea scandens, Ej^hedra altissima, and 
Solandra grandiflora. 
The large Fig on the lower terrace called the Imperial Fig 
is Ficus BoxhiLrgliii. It is an Indian species, producing large 
* Owing to lack of funds, I regret to hear that Mr. Wildpret has been 
compelled to resign the post he has held for so many years at this 
garden. He is now engaged in business as a nurseryman in Puerto 
Orotava. 
