A ' U THE F10KIST AND POMOLOGIST. 



might take it to be a model of Eddistone lighthouse rather than a vegetable form. And 

 again, what need be more singular than the various specimens of Opuntia ? indeed there is a 

 singularity attaching to the whole family of these curious plants, and perhaps nowhere in the 

 world are these singularities brought together and tended as at Kew. The splendid speci- 

 mens of Agave, Cereus, Cacti, Euphorbias, Yuccas, and a host of others, bespeak but too 

 plainly that it is no ordinary care that produces them in the perfection in which they 

 here revel ; and it is not to the Cacti alone that the house owes its interest, for facing the 

 entrance is placed a fine specimen of Arundo conspicua, or Water Reed, which has a strange 

 contrast with its neighbours. Then such liliaceous plants as the Agapanthus are placed 

 among the Agaves, Yuccas, &c. ; while the arched rafters are decorated with such climbing 

 plants as Passiflora, Iponusa, Dolichos, &c. The best Passion- Flower here is Imperatrice 

 Eugenie. Another unnamed variety is remarkable for its large yellow fruit, which, inde- 

 pendent of the bloom, is highly ornamental. Altogether this house possesses a very large 

 share of interest. 



No. 8 is a new brick structure, rendered highly ornamental by the use of coloured 

 bricks in the construction of its walls. It is occupied'by some magnificent specimens of tree 

 Ferns. 



No 9 is private. It is seemingly a nursery for a very extensive collection of Ferns, among 

 which may be seen the various variegated forms. 



No. 10 is a spacious greenhouse, which this year has undergone thorough repair ; and 

 is so far completed that one wing is filled with summer-blooming plants in the way of 

 Fuchsias, Celosias, Statice, &c. 



Nos. 11 and 12 combine a spacious span-roofed stove, containing another extensive 

 collection of Ferns and other ornamental-foliaged plants, one that is especially remarkable 

 being a splendid example of Cyanophyllum magnificum. Then trained to the pillars sup- 

 porting the roof are plants of Cissus discolor, and other almost equally meritorious members 

 of the same family. 



Nos. 13 and 14 combine a large greenhouse occupied by an extensive collection of 

 Fuchsias, ornamental-foliaged plants, some good specimens of Campanula pyramidalis, and a 

 remarkably showy Lobelia of the tall scarlet kind called Mars, together with numbers too 

 great to mention. 



I here understood I had some dozen other houses, together with the Palm-house, the 

 new aquarium, the museums, and a host of other attractions to see, and also understood that 

 the hoiises closed at six o'clock : therefore, leaving little time and little choice but to miss 

 the majority in favour of the Palm-house and new aquarium. 



Entering the Palm-house you are paralysed for awhile at the characteristic beauty of the 

 tropical forest before you. In the centre of the building the specimens of Caryota urens, 

 and Coco3 plumosa, have quite reached the top of the lofty structure ; a fine specimen of 

 Bambusa arundinacea also touches the glass ; and with these are a host of Dions, Livingstonias, 

 Musas, Seaforthias, and Sabals ; while the undergrowth consists of such plants as Ficuses, 

 Coffeas, some varieties of Anana, with Dracamas, tree Ferns, and numerous other flowering 

 and ornamental-foliaged plants. One of which, by-the-by, I had almost overlooked from its 

 being poked away by the circular stairs leading to the galleries— it is Colons Verschaffelti, 

 the specimens of which must surely exhibit the utmost capabilities of this truly handsome 

 plant. 



And now entering the aquarium, which the queen of Water Lilies claims as her own, 

 you are gratified (if so fortunate as I was), to find her majesty decked in court robes this 

 season. The Lily occupies the centre of the tank (which is level with the floor), and is in a 

 remarkably good state of health, having bloomed abundantly ; while the interest is enhanced 

 by its being surrounded with Nymphea alba, N. rubra, N. ccerulea, &c. Then at regular 

 distances round the margin of the tank are placed specimens of the magnificent Cissus discolor. 

 The pots in which the plants grow are slightly immersed in the water ; while the plants 

 mount in columns to the roof. Then connecting each column is a festoon of the same hand- 

 some plant, which can never be sufficiently appreciated unless seen in the magnificent profu- 

 sion in which it is here displayed. In small tanks level with the floor, and occupying the 

 corners of the house, are specimens of the sacred Bean Nelumbium speciosum, Papyrus anti- 

 quorum, and other less notable aquatics. Pound the sides of the house are placed collec- 

 tions of fine-foliaged plants, including Alocasia macrorhiza variegata (a large and beautiful 

 plant, together with Caladiums, and Musas, of which violacea was finely in bloom, and the 

 plants of glauca, zebrina, and discolor exhibiting the finest health. This house appears to 

 be a general favourite and centre of attraction. 



And now it is closing time. The aquarium, however, is kept open an hour later to give 

 visitors an additional opportunity to see the Victoria bloom. 



The visitor may still find abundant attraction out of doors. Wandering along the fine 

 grass walk (or vista) leading to the pagoda, you fall upon the new conservatory or winter 

 garden, which is fast approaching a state of completion. The roof is on, and the heating 



