38 
BOTANICAL INDEX. 
But I think that the sweetest plant 1 saw was Todea superba, under a glass in the 
fernery. In addition to the permanent exhibition rooms, there has been added, this 
last summer, a large tent, the frame work being of iron, which is a fixture ; this frame 
work is covered with sail-cloth. This tent was devoted entirely to plants in bloom, 
all of which were specimens, and viewed from the foot of the tent it looked like a 
vast amphitheatre filled with bloom — the pelargoniums and tri-color geraniums being 
the most conspicuous. These were perfect; their height was about 12 or 15 inches, 
diameter about 30 inches, and literally covered with bloom — that is, the Lady Wash- 
ington class. Another little feature 1 noticed was the way in which some of the 
varieties of the variegated Hedera were trained, on pyramidal wire frames; these they 
covered till they were invisible, being 3 to 4 feet high. 
I had nearly forgotten to name the Aquatic department. It rather put one in 
mind of entereing some Paradisaical cavern — the house being sunk in the ground, and 
the light admitted from above. What between steps, rock and angles, one had to look 
out for his shin bones. However, here is a water-tank, and in it flourish many 
tropical beauties. 
In front of this horticultural plenty is the Grand Promenade, decorated with 
evergreens in tubs, and beyond this a large area of grass, with its music gallery. 
The gardens are well worth a run through them. I. B. 
Manchester, Eng., February 13, 1879. 
L. B. Case. — Dear Sir * * * Cold weather seems to be a general institution 
this winter. We have had thirteen weeks of steady frost and snow — so unusual to 
England, as the winters are generally pretty mild. This is the hardest winter since 
1853. Of course, the cold is not so intense as with you, the lowest being 17 degrees 
below zero. I. B. 
The Lily Nursery, 1 
Ghent, Belgium, March 1, 1879. j 
L. B. Case, Esq. — Dear Sir: * * * * * This past winter has been the 
most severe since 1870. Early in December we had our first snow storm, which 
lasted for a week, and snow fell to the depth of about 4 inches, while an exceedingly 
cold northern wind prevailed, accompanied by a very low temperature during the 
following few weeks. The bed of snow on the ground very fortunately protected 
the hardy herbaceous plants, roots and bulbs from injury. A little later the weather 
changed, a southerly wind accompanied by rain set in, lasting three or four days, the 
snow disappeared quickly and the ground was nearly inundated. Then during the 
night the wind again changed to the north-east, with falling temperature, transform- 
ing the water into a field of ice. This exceedingly cold weather has continued for 
about six weeks; and I say with regret that trees and shrubs have suffered consider- 
ably, while roses and many choice shrubs are killed. The blossoms of fruit trees 
generally are not much injured. Besides the cold winter, we are having high water 
in our rivers, and the low adjoining fields are inundated, while from the same cause 
trade suffers very much, as steam ships, etc., cannot leave our parts regularly. For 
the past three weeks the temperature has moderated every day, occasionally inter- 
rupted by north-east or westerly winds, (both always cold,) and accompanied by hail 
and snow storms. From the 21st to the 26th of February we had another northerly 
snow storm, which was extremely severe. 
Notwithstanding the lack of sunshine, my nice and most complete collection of 
Hepaticas come in full bloom. It is my favorite little winter flower, of which I mail 
you a beautiful colored plate, and would be pleased to mail them to every one on 
receipt of 12 cents in stamps.* 
Hoping the weather will change soon, and that the mild spring will replace our 
severe winter, I remain. Yours, verv truly, 
j. VAN DER SWAELMEN. 
[*As United States Postage stamps would be of no value in Belgium, we will receive the subscription in stamps 
and forward the orders with our commercial transactions. — L. B. Case.] 
Begonias Shedding their Flowers. — Many Begonias have a vicious habit of 
shedding their male flowers unexpanded. I observe this to occur in plants of differ- 
ent species in different greenhouses, and in some plants out of a number potted and 
treated alike. Can any of your correspondents assign a reason and suggest a remedy 
for a habit which detracts so seriously from the successful cultivation of this beau- 
tiful family ®f plants? — P. [Begonias shed their male flowers when not sufficiently 
watered, or when their roots are destroyed by too much moisture. Some varieties, 
however, always drop their male blossoms, and such sorts should be thrown away; 
others drop their male blooms when planted out-of-doors, but retain them when cul- 
tivated under glass. — L.] 
