858 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



and shrubs of Japan, which flower in from ten to fifteen years after plant- 

 ing in this country, and attain in twenty considerable dimensions, as may 

 be seen by reference to the photographs. 



A warm corner or a gentle slope (preferably sheltered from the east), 

 ample space, and reasonable care in planting are all that is required, and 

 though severe frosts of May and June may in those seasons in which they 

 unhappily occur cripple the flower or check the growth of a few of the 

 trees, the danger is not sufficient to deter planters. 



Amongst the Maples the forms of Acer palmatum and Acer 

 japonicum are in general cultivation and hardly require mentioning ; but 

 such distinct species as Acer carpinifolium, Acer distylum, Acer nikoense, 

 Acer Miyabei (recently found, and only named by Maximo wicz in 1888) 

 are hardly ever met with, nor are either, as much as they should be, Acer 

 diabolicum (pulchrum), Acer pictum, Acer cratcegifohum, Acer rufinerve, 

 and Acer capillipes, common species in Japan, and long introduced to 

 Europe. 



Acer carpinifolium is evidently extremely rare in Japan, as is Acer 

 distylum ; of the first-named, during a stay of several months, I only saw 

 three trees. 



Acer nikoense is more common and is widely distributed, and though 

 bearing the name of the beautiful district in which it was first found, is, I 

 think, undoubtedly of Chinese origin. The peculiar thick ternate leaves — 

 silvery beneath, and in autumn of a vinous red on the upper surface 

 (unlike those of many trees, coloured on both sides) — coupled with its 

 vigorous habit, render it a remarkable tree. 



Acer carpinifolium (the Hornbeam-leaved Maple), first discovered by 

 Siebold, is a most striking and interesting species peculiar in the form and 

 veining of its leaves, and, unless seen in fruit or flower, closely resembling 

 a Hornbeam at first sight. 



Acer distylum is in this country a noble and handsome tree, pro- 

 ducing foliage of great size, in colour rich and glossy. Like the two last 

 named, it was introduced to gardens by Maries, has proved hardy and 

 vigorous and superior to some species and varieties in common cultivation. 



Acer Miyabei, resembling our Acer platanoides, has been known to 

 science but a few years. It has successfully withstood the last five winters 

 in this country, and promises well. Coming from the north island, it is 

 accustomed to cold more severe than any experienced here, and at the same 

 time to warmer and brighter summers. A rare tree in Japan, it may be in a 

 few years' time, by its vigour and health, more plentiful in Europe than in 

 its native home (fig. 192). 



The only known Japanese Horse-Chestnut, .Ksculus turbinata, 

 though it has fruited in France and flowered in England, is hardly known 

 as much as a tree so noble deserves to be. In general aspect it closely 

 resembles our well-known species, but is remarkable for its fruits, which 

 are about two inches in diameter, and lack the prickles distinguishing the 

 true Horse-Chestnuts. It has been confused with JEsculus chinensis, but 

 the true ybjsculus chinensis is probably not to be found in cultivation 

 in European countries. I have a vivid recollection of several isolated 

 specimens on Mount Hakkoda : stately trees with stems three to four 

 feet in diameter, and 80 to 90 feet high ; usually at an elevation of 1,500 



