90 
CURSORY REMARKS.— PALMS. 
advert to tbe direct communication of warmth to the earth. A higher temp 
rature is undoubtedly indirectly engendered by the diminution of moisture ; hut 
the situation here described, another source is provided by its communication wi| 
the walls of the heated building. This will be still further modified by t; 
sheltered nooks which the irregularities of the rock-work afford. It might ■ 
inferred that such a combination of auspicious influences would constitute a sta 
well calculated to accomplish the result in view ; and we find this supposition to ' 
practically supported to the full, except in those cases where local disadvantag 
(chiefly atmospheric) interfere with its utility. Autumn-sown annuals, and sprin 
flowering bulbs would render it gay at an early time of the year ; a well chosiij 
collection of plants might continue the charm to a late season ; and a parti; 
intermixture of hardy trailing and low-growing evergreens, either permanently 
temporarily planted, would in some degree atone for the deficiency of other thin 
in winter; and surely this is to be preferred to the glare and stiffness of a brii 
wall. 
It can hardly be thought out of place to say a few words in conclusion on t| 
introduction of a small rockery to the petty garden plots which front so mail 
suburban residences — we mean against the division walls. In these placl 
however, very tender plants should be avoided, as they seldom bear the vitiat! 
atmosphere. Such plants as ivy, periwinkles, and similar hardy spreading thing 
should be most prominent; and flowering plants, like the Honeysuckle ai, 
Ayrshire roses, with other smaller things of a more flowery nature, might 
suffered to ramble amongst them. The country cottager might also have 
rockery, and be thus enabled to cultivate many things with ease, that he fin| 
difficult to manage without it. 
CUE,SORY REMAEKS.-PALMS. 
The Palmaceous tribe is one in which almost every one feels himself interested, furnishiji 
as it does the principal feature in the vegetation of a vast tract of the globe, and many of 1| 
species ministering largely to the wants and conveniences of mankind ; and, what comes m(j 
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 C 
avail himself of the opportunity there afforded of viewing such kinds as have been introduced! 
this country ; and especially at the present time, that some of them are displaying th ' 
florescence and fructification. The latter are certainly principally those of less gigantic growl; 
and there is nothing in the floral parts in anywise showy or gaudy-coloured, such as we find, 
plants of humbler dimensions ; the fruit also in some is obviously very imperfect. NevertheH 
the interest which necessarily attaches to the tribe, renders the circumstance worthy li 
attention. ;! 
Both male and female specimens of the ChamcBdorea elatior — tall reed-like trees, with a t| 
of fronds having broadish pinnate leaflets at the summit of the stem — have developed florescenti; 
and near to them a plant of C. Schiedidna, another species, with a slender knotty stem, eight' 
nine feet high, is bearing a branched chandelier-like amber-coloured spike, adorned with sm 
black fruit, to appearance much like the berries of the Fuchsia rnicrophylla. 
