PART V 
THE HARDY PLANT COLLECTIONS 
CHAPTER I 
THE ARBORETUM 
Diverse 
Attractions 
The lover of trees and shrubs is attracted to Kew in two ways. The 
fine specimens scattered over its lawns and in its woods appeal to 
him by their beauty and size, and by their effectiveness 
in the landscape. But to the tree-lover who is con- 
noisseur or student as well, the chief interest is in the 
botanical collections. In these collections all species that are hardy 
at Kew, and all really distinct varieties, are brought together, so 
that all the representatives of any genus can be found in a defined 
area. Thus the species and varieties of oak are all growing between 
the western end of the Sion Vista and the river ; the elms near 
Brentford Gate ; the limes near the Flagstaff, and so on. As far 
as possible, too, allied genera and natural orders are brought to- 
gether. The oaks, sweet chestnuts, beeches, hornbeams, and birches 
— all members of the Cupuliferse — are contiguous ; all the members 
of the rose family are congregated round the Temperate House. 
The most attractive of the flowering shrubs, whilst they are all to 
be found in their proper place in the botanical collections, are also 
planted largely about the grounds in masses and groups. Such 
groups add much to the beauty of the gardens, especially in spring 
and summer, and they enable visitors who are interested to decide 
for themselves which are most suitable for their own gardens. 
Every tree in the collections is labelled with its botanical name, 
its native country, and (when one exists) its popular title. The 
type of label now in general use at Kew is of lead. Smooth 
sheet lead is cut up into suitable sizes, and the name, etc., is 
then stamped on it by steel dies. Finally, the letters so made have 
white paint rubbed into them. The cheap and efficient labelling 
of trees has always been a difficult problem. This label, however, 
is cheap, quickly made, and is practically everlasting. The system 
174 
Labels. 
