REMARKS ON SOME GENERA OF THE ORDER ERICEA. 
91 
3. Directions where to place the chests to the greatest advantage^ depend on the 
size and accommodations of the ship, and can only be given in a general manner by- 
observing, that they should be sheltered from strong winds and burning sunshine, 
as far above the reach of the sea, as is compatible with the care and vigilance which 
they require ; and that day-light, as well as a free circulation of air, are indis- 
pensably necessary for the preservation of the plants. The poop, above or near the 
entrance to the cabin, answers generally best. The importance of preventing salt 
water from reaching the plants, has been repeatedly hinted at above ; indeed, too 
much precaution cannot be taken with respect to it, as the least accident from that 
source generally proves fatal, unless recourse is directly had to washing the leaves 
or branches which have suffered, with a wet sponge, or a soft piece of linen. 
When the seamen are cleaning the decks the danger is greatest, for it is 
difficult to prevent them from dashing the sea water against the chests, when some 
part of it, in all probability, will reach the plants. As an additional guard against 
this danger, a tarpaulin might be thrown over them while shut up, which would 
also be of use in stormy and bad weather. Raising the chests to some height above 
the surface of the decks might also be of great use. 
4. Chests of roots, and parcels or boxes of seeds, should be put in a dry and 
cool place in the ship, where the air is constantly circulating and renewed : the 
latter may advantageously be hung up under the roof of a cabin, or put in a trunk 
among books or clothes ; and it would materially contribute to their preservation^ if 
they were put out, occasionally, in the open air, especially if the least sign of 
dampness should be visible on them. Placing such packages of roots or seeds in 
the ship's hold^ or shutting them up in chests, or places likely to become hot, 
damp, or wet, would infallibly prove ^destructive to their vegetative principle, and 
. kill them in a very short time. 
A FEW REMARKS ON SOME GENERA OF THE 
ORDER ERICEA. 
These beautiful plants grow in great abundance at the Cape of Good Hope, 
where they cover immense tracts of land. They are also common in North and 
South America and in some parts of Europe. In Northern Asia, and India, they 
are not common, and in Australasia they are scarely known, but their place is 
supplied the plant of the Epacris Tribe. (Epacridece^) 
As to their properties some have medicinal properties of no inferior quality. 
The berries of the succulent fruited kinds are usually grateful, and are sometimes 
taken as food, such as the Gaiiltheria shallon and procumbens, Brosscea coccinea, 
Vaccinium myrtillus, &c. &c. In the Island of Corsica an agreeable wine is said 
to be made from the berries of Arbutus unedo. The fruit, however, taken in too 
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