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CURSORY REMARKS. — PALMS. 
advert to the direct communication of warmth to the earth. A higher tempe- 
rature is undoubtedly indirectly engendered by the diminution of moisture ; but in 
the situation here described, another source is provided by its communication with 
the walls of the heated building. This will be still further modified by the 
sheltered nooks which the irregularities of the rock-work afford. It might be 
inferred that such a combination of auspicious influences would constitute a state 
well calculated to accomplish the result in view ; and we find this supposition to be 
practically supported to the full, except in those cases where local disadvantages 
(chiefly atmospheric) interfere with its utility. Autumn-sown annuals, and spring- 
flowering bulbs would render it gay at an early time of the year ; a well chosen 
collection of plants might continue the charm to a late season ; and a partial 
intermixture of hardy trailing and low-growing evergreens, either permanently or 
temporarily planted, would in some degree atone for the deficiency of other things 
in winter ; and surely this is to be preferred to the glare and stiffness of a brick 
wall. 
It can hardly be thought out of place to say a few words in conclusion on the 
introduction of a small rockery to the petty garden plots which front so many 
suburban residences — we mean against the division walls. In these places? 
however, very tender plants should be avoided, as they seldom bear the vitiated 
atmosphere. Such plants as ivy, periwinkles, and similar hardy spreading things, 
should be most prominent; and flowering plants, like the Honeysuckle and 
Ayrshire roses, with other smaller things of a more flowery nature, might be 
suffered to ramble amongst them. The country cottager might also have his 
rockery, and be thus enabled to cultivate many things with ease, that he finds 
difficult to manage without it. 
CURSORY REMARKS. -PALMS. 
The Palmaceous tribe is one in which almost every one feels himself interested, furnishing 
as it does the principal feature in the vegetation of a vast tract of the globe, and many of the 
species ministeriDg largely to the wants and conveniences of mankind ; and, what comes more 
within our immediate sphere, possessing characters at once beautiful and magnificent. 
A visit to the noble collection at Messrs. Loddiges' will amply remunerate any one who can 
avail himself of the opportunity there afforded of viewing such kinds as have been introduced to 
this country ; and especially at the present time, that some of them are displaying their 
florescence and fructification. The latter are certainly principally those of less gigantic growth ; 
and there is nothing in the floral parts in anywise showy or gaudy-coloured, such as we find in 
plants of humbler dimensions ; the fruit also in some is obviously very imperfect. Nevertheless, 
the interest which necessarily attaches to the tribe, renders the circumstance worthy of 
attention. 
Both male and female specimens of the Chamcedbrea elatior — tall reed-like trees, with a tuft 
of fronds having broadish pinnate leaflets at the summit of the stem— have developed florescence ; 
and near to them a plant of C. Schiediana, another species, with a slender knotty stem, eight or 
nine feet high, is bearing a branched chandelier-like amber-coloured spike, adorned with small 
black fruit, to appearance much like the berries of the Fuchsia mkrophylla. 
